By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

HAYS - Hays High capped a five game homestand by hosting Garden City on Friday night. The Indians got the sweep. The state-ranked HHS girls' won 63-29 and the boys cruised to a 57-33 victory.

GIRLS:&nbsp;#4 Hays 63, Garden City 29 There wasn't much that went wrong for Hays High on Friday night. The Indians used a 10-0 first quarter run and a season high nine three point field goals to win 63-29 over Garden City.

The Indians and Buffaloes each hit a pair of free throws in the first ninety seconds for the only tie in the game. Hays scored the next ten points of the game, six from the free throw line, to lead 12-2. Garden City was only within single digits twice more, the last at 16-8 with 1:15 left in the first quarter.

Hays led 18-8 after one quarter. The Indians pushed their advantage to twenty two different times in the second frame. A 7-2 run and 9-0 run in put Hays up 20 for the first time at 34-14. Hays led 36-19 heading into halftime.

Hays was never threatened in the second half. Garden City went to a zone defense in the third quarter. The Indians responded by making five of a season high nine threes against that defense.&nbsp;

Hays took a 55-28 lead into the fourth quarter. A three pointer ten seconds into the quarter started the continuous clock fourth quarter at 58-28. The Indians' final points came two minutes later. It was a momentous three points.

Molly Martin hit a left wing three to hit 1,000 career points on the nose. It was a fitting moment on her 131st career made three, a category she also is at the top of the career mark.

Jenna Schmeidler led the was with 21, her third straight games scoring more than 20. The Indians hit all twelve of their free throws.

The victory guarantees Hays(18-0, 6-0) a minimum share of the Western Athletic Conference title. It is the first time since 2002 and 2003 the Indians have won back-to-back crowns. Garden City(11-8, 4-3) falls out of contention for the WAC crown.

Jenna Schmeidler 21; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 10; Molly Martin 16; Kenlee Winter 5; Morgan Armbruster 3; Jaysa Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 2; Molly Buckles 2; Zoe Winter 4; Liz Cunningham 0; Rylen Harrington 0; Haley LaBarge 0.

BOYS:&nbsp;Hays 57, Garden City 33 Hays used two first half runs to build a double-digit first half lead on their way to a 57-33 victory over Garden City.

The Indians scored the first seven points of the game and never trailed. Hays was up 11-2 and had chances to take a their first double-digit lead but didn't convert. Garden City scored the game's next seven points to pull within two at 11-9. It was the closest the Buffaloes got all night.

Hays hit a three late in the first quarter for 14-9 lead heading to the second. It was a six point ball game at 20-14 when the Indians went on their best run of the game. A 15-0 run fueled by Garden City turnovers ballooned the Hays lead to 35-14. The Buffaloes went 4:40 without any points and finally found the net at 35-16 with forty seconds left before halftime.

Neither team could get into a groove in the second half. Hays outscored Garden City 11-8 in the third and 11-9 in the fourth for the 57-33 victory. The Indians did lead at one point in the fourth quarter by 30 points at 57-27.

Hays(11-7, 5-1) shot over 50% in the game and for the fifth time this season. Garden City(4-15, 2-5) could not pickup back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

Hays keeps pace, one game back of Great Bend in the Western Athletic Conference. They also remain in the hunt for a top eight seed in 5A West postseason.

Hays travels to Dodge City on Tuesday for their final road game of the regular season.

Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 11; Trace Jacobs 2; Cooper Lindenmeyer 2; Brogan Albers 0; Trey Oakley 7; Tiger Johnson 11; Brody Harmoney 5; Izzac Fox 13; Noah Smalley 0; Brecken Otte 0; Dawson Ruder 6; Alex Loving 0; Dalton Schmidtberger 0.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostHAYS - Hays High capped a five game homestand by hosting Garden City on Friday night. The Indians got the sweep. The state-ranked HHS girls' won 63-29 and the boys cruised to a 57-33 victory.GIRLS:&nbsp;#4 Hays 63, Garden City 29 There wasn't much that went wrong for Hays High on Friday night. The Indians used a 10-0 first quarter run and a season high nine three point field goals to win 63-29 over Garden City.The Indians and Buffaloes each hit a pair of free throws in the first ninety seconds for the only tie in the game. Hays scored the next ten points of the game, six from the free throw line, to lead 12-2. Garden City was only within single digits twice more, the last at 16-8 with 1:15 left in the first quarter.Hays led 18-8 after one quarter. The Indians pushed their advantage to twenty two different times in the second frame. A 7-2 run and 9-0 run in put Hays up 20 for the first time at 34-14. Hays led 36-19 heading into halftime.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2039781528&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-wbkb-highlights-v-garden" title="HHS WBKB Highlights v Garden City Feb 21, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS WBKB Highlights v Garden City Feb 21, 2025</a></div></div>Hays was never threatened in the second half. Garden City went to a zone defense in the third quarter. The Indians responded by making five of a season high nine threes against that defense.&nbsp;Hays took a 55-28 lead into the fourth quarter. A three pointer ten seconds into the quarter started the continuous clock fourth quarter at 58-28. The Indians' final points came two minutes later. It was a momentous three points.Molly Martin hit a left wing three to hit 1,000 career points on the nose. It was a fitting moment on her 131st career made three, a category she also is at the top of the career mark.Jenna Schmeidler led the was with 21, her third straight games scoring more than 20. The Indians hit all twelve of their free throws.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2039781644&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-wbkb-coach-post-v-garden" title="HHS WBKB Coach Post v Garden City Feb 21, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS WBKB Coach Post v Garden City Feb 21, 2025</a></div></div>The victory guarantees Hays(18-0, 6-0) a minimum share of the Western Athletic Conference title. It is the first time since 2002 and 2003 the Indians have won back-to-back crowns. Garden City(11-8, 4-3) falls out of contention for the WAC crown.Jenna Schmeidler 21; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 10; Molly Martin 16; Kenlee Winter 5; Morgan Armbruster 3; Jaysa Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 2; Molly Buckles 2; Zoe Winter 4; Liz Cunningham 0; Rylen Harrington 0; Haley LaBarge 0.BOYS:&nbsp;Hays 57, Garden City 33 Hays used two first half runs to build a double-digit first half lead on their way to a 57-33 victory over Garden City.The Indians scored the first seven points of the game and never trailed. Hays was up 11-2 and had chances to take a their first double-digit lead but didn't convert. Garden City scored the game's next seven points to pull within two at 11-9. It was the closest the Buffaloes got all night.Hays hit a three late in the first quarter for 14-9 lead heading to the second. It was a six point ball game at 20-14 when the Indians went on their best run of the game. A 15-0 run fueled by Garden City turnovers ballooned the Hays lead to 35-14. The Buffaloes went 4:40 without any points and finally found the net at 35-16 with forty seconds left before halftime.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2039781765&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-mbkb-highlights-v-garden" title="HHS MBKB Highlights v Garden City Feb 21, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS MBKB Highlights v Garden City Feb 21, 2025</a></div></div>Neither team could get into a groove in the second half. Hays outscored Garden City 11-8 in the third and 11-9 in the fourth for the 57-33 victory. The Indians did lead at one point in the fourth quarter by 30 points at 57-27.Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2039781852&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-mbkb-coach-post-v-garden" title="HHS MBKB Coach Post v Garden City Feb 21, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS MBKB Coach Post v Garden City Feb 21, 2025</a></div></div>Hays(11-7, 5-1) shot over 50% in the game and for the fifth time this season. Garden City(4-15, 2-5) could not pickup back-to-back victories for the first time this season.Hays keeps pace, one game back of Great Bend in the Western Athletic Conference. They also remain in the hunt for a top eight seed in 5A West postseason.Hays travels to Dodge City on Tuesday for their final road game of the regular season.Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 11; Trace Jacobs 2; Cooper Lindenmeyer 2; Brogan Albers 0; Trey Oakley 7; Tiger Johnson 11; Brody Harmoney 5; Izzac Fox 13; Noah Smalley 0; Brecken Otte 0; Dawson Ruder 6; Alex Loving 0; Dalton Schmidtberger 0.

🏀 Hays takes care of Garden City; girls claims share of WAC title

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Commissioners from the city of Hays and Ellis County are working together on a couple of long-anticipated road improvement projects.

Toby Dougherty, city manager, presented the plans to city commissioners during their Thursday work session.

The projects were discussed earlier by the governing bodies during a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2584b551-eb90-4e5b-abbf-fd3ef6cab0bc">joint meeting in August</a>.

The county will oversee the projects, Dougherty said, which include mill and overlay of 48th Street between Hall Street and Roth Avenue.&nbsp;

"Ellis County will maintain ownership of the road for two to three years after the improvements to determine their effectiveness," he said.&nbsp;

According to the bid from Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction, Stratton, Colorado, the total project cost is $415,151. The city's share would be $200,000.

Hays will also pay for the city's portion of Vineyard Road and 270th Avenue improvements. It's an unpaved road that is among the most highly traveled in the county.

Again, the county will oversee the overlay project, and the city will take over the maintenance of its right-of-way upon completion.&nbsp;

The city's share of the $856,633 project by Bettis would be $177,000.&nbsp;

The total $377,000 for both projects would come from the commission's capital reserve. Commissioners agreed to move the recommendations forward to a future meeting.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1679b428-ab2c-47b1-a36c-e34ed6170655">Ellis County Commission</a>&nbsp;is expected to take action on the proposals at its next meeting with a signed letter of consent from the city.&nbsp;Construction would begin in August.

"I appreciate the county finding solutions for 48th and Vineyard Road paving," said Alaina Cunningham, city commissioner, "and that the city can contribute to it."

"Really exciting. Great solutions," said Sandy Jacobs, mayor.&nbsp;

In other business, Public Works Director Jesse Rohr presented the recommended bid awards for the 2025 street maintenance program.&nbsp;

The projects include seal coat, polypatch, curb and brick repair, major rehab (street and concrete alley), asphalt mill and overlay, and pavement markings from six contractors.

 The biggest project for this year is mill and overlay of East 17th Street.

No bid for the pavement marking project was received. Rohr will advertise it again and bring it back for city commission approval at a later date.&nbsp;

Commissioners are expected to approve the recommendations at their Feb. 27 meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698160100766.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostCommissioners from the city of Hays and Ellis County are working together on a couple of long-anticipated road improvement projects.Toby Dougherty, city manager, presented the plans to city commissioners during their Thursday work session.The projects were discussed earlier by the governing bodies during a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2584b551-eb90-4e5b-abbf-fd3ef6cab0bc">joint meeting in August</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740095738881.jpeg" alt="48th Street, Hall Street to Roth Avenue. Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>48th Street, Hall Street to Roth Avenue. Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>The county will oversee the projects, Dougherty said, which include mill and overlay of 48th Street between Hall Street and Roth Avenue.&nbsp;"Ellis County will maintain ownership of the road for two to three years after the improvements to determine their effectiveness," he said.&nbsp;According to the bid from Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction, Stratton, Colorado, the total project cost is $415,151. The city's share would be $200,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740095919618.jpeg" alt="270th Ave. and Vineyard Road. Ellis County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>270th Ave. and Vineyard Road. Ellis County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays will also pay for the city's portion of Vineyard Road and 270th Avenue improvements. It's an unpaved road that is among the most highly traveled in the county.Again, the county will oversee the overlay project, and the city will take over the maintenance of its right-of-way upon completion.&nbsp;The city's share of the $856,633 project by Bettis would be $177,000.&nbsp;The total $377,000 for both projects would come from the commission's capital reserve. Commissioners agreed to move the recommendations forward to a future meeting.The&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1679b428-ab2c-47b1-a36c-e34ed6170655">Ellis County Commission</a>&nbsp;is expected to take action on the proposals at its next meeting with a signed letter of consent from the city.&nbsp;Construction would begin in August."I appreciate the county finding solutions for 48th and Vineyard Road paving," said Alaina Cunningham, city commissioner, "and that the city can contribute to it.""Really exciting. Great solutions," said Sandy Jacobs, mayor.&nbsp;In other business, Public Works Director Jesse Rohr presented the recommended bid awards for the 2025 street maintenance program.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740095089597.png" alt="Proposed 2025 street maintenance for the city of Hays. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Proposed 2025 street maintenance for the city of Hays. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740095291225.png" alt="Areas of proposed 2025 street maintenance. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Areas of proposed 2025 street maintenance. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The projects include seal coat, polypatch, curb and brick repair, major rehab (street and concrete alley), asphalt mill and overlay, and pavement markings from six contractors. The biggest project for this year is mill and overlay of East 17th Street.No bid for the pavement marking project was received. Rohr will advertise it again and bring it back for city commission approval at a later date.&nbsp;Commissioners are expected to approve the recommendations at their Feb. 27 meeting.

Hays hears county proposal for joint road paving projects 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays hit a new record low overnight with a low of -11, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

Hays is forecast to see a dramatic warming trend starting Saturday into next week.

The forecast for today is partly sunny with a slight chance of snow between noon and 1 p.m. The high is forecast to be 26 with the windchill as low as -9.

The overnight low is forecast to be 7, with windchills as low -1.

On Saturday, the warmth returns with a high forecast to be 51. The high for Sunday is forecast to be 66, 70 on Monday and 66 on Tuesday, with sunny skies through mid-week.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays hit a new record low overnight with a low of -11, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.The high for Thursday was 10.Hays is forecast to see a dramatic warming trend starting Saturday into next week.The forecast for today is partly sunny with a slight chance of snow between noon and 1 p.m. The high is forecast to be 26 with the windchill as low as -9.The overnight low is forecast to be 7, with windchills as low -1.On Saturday, the warmth returns with a high forecast to be 51. The high for Sunday is forecast to be 66, 70 on Monday and 66 on Tuesday, with sunny skies through mid-week.

Hays set record low overnight, but dramatic warm-up coming Saturday on

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators pushed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-budget-trump-republicans-tax-cuts-programs-096be7e3ed20e3dfb4640192b1018479">$340 billion budget framework</a>&nbsp;to passage early Friday, chugging through an all-night session and Democratic opposition in a step toward unleashing money the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/trump-presidency-updates-2-20-2025#00000195-2386-d271-ad97-a3e774a50000">Trump administration</a>&nbsp;says it needs for&nbsp;<a href="http://apnews.com/article/costa-rica-panama-mass-deportations-trump-migration-detention-85e70a0e4e053ea01b77b0e4d55c8fea">mass deportations and border security</a>&nbsp;that top their agenda.

The hours-long “vote-a-rama” rambled along in a dreaded but crucial part of the budget process, as senators considered one amendment after another,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-trump-elon-musk-doge-protest-91281e059b7e0d807a3dbb07ff638ebb">largely from Democrats</a>&nbsp;trying to halt it. But Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-republicans-congress-spending-immigration-e4aebdcc9955f5d663208aec08778442">used their majority power</a>&nbsp;to muscle the package to approval on a largely party-line vote, 52-48, with all Democrats and one GOP senator opposing it. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

“What we're doing today is jumpstarting a process that will allow the Republican Party to meet President Trump's immigration agenda,” Senate Budget Committee chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said while opening the debate.

Graham said President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homan-ice-border-czar-7dea915b5ea43896390b8020d254f887">top immigration czar</a>, Tom Homan, told senators that the administration's deportation operations are “out of money” and need more funding from Congress to detain and deport immigrants.

With little power in the minority to stop the onslaught, Democrats instead used the all-night debate to force GOP senators into potentially embarrassing votes — including the first one, on blocking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-cuts-jobs-act-trump-treasury-agenda-f4031196e0d69d0a1630e3b06b6d3cd7">tax breaks to billionaires</a>. It was turned back on procedural grounds. So were many others.

“This is going to be a long, drawn-out fight,” Senate Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/schumer-democrats-election-trump-7ee99496ac9f2a73493f1aa89a02a33d">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;of New York warned. Hours later, Schumer said it “was only the beginning” of what could become a months-long debate.

The package is what Republicans view as a down payment on Trump’s agenda, part of a broader effort that will eventually include legislation to extend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-budget-blueprint-trump-tax-cuts-ff2bddf31f4e7cb0928139072392a091">some $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and other priorities</a>. That's being assembled by House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;in a separate budget package that also seeks up to $2 trillion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-work-requirements-congress-republicans-90ec1119f1d95de067c76f79eec7fa87">reductions to health care</a>&nbsp;and other programs.

Trump has preferred what he calls one&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-congress-tax-cuts-border-reconciliation-budget-24a43b92aafac265592525acddaf5fc5">“big, beautiful bill,”</a>&nbsp;but the White House is open to the Senate’s strategy of working on the border package first, then turning to tax cuts later this year.

As voting began, the president signaled his go-ahead, posting a thank you to Senate Majority Leader John Thune “and the Republican Senate, for working so hard on funding the Trump Border Agenda.”

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky cast the lone GOP vote against the framework.

The Republican Senate package would allow up to $175 billion to be spent on border security, including money for mass deportation operations and building the U.S.-Mexico border wall, in addition to a $150 billion boost to the Pentagon and about $20 billion for the Coast Guard.

But there won't be any money flowing just yet, as the process has several steps ahead. The budget resolution is simply a framework that sends instructions to the various Senate committees — Homeland Security, Armed Services, Judiciary — to hammer out the details. Everything will eventually be assembled in another package, with another vote-a-rama down the road.

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the No. 2-ranking Senate Republican, said GOP lawmakers are acting quickly to get the administration the resources they have requested and need to curb illegal border crossings.

“The budget will allow us to finish the wall. It also takes the steps we need toward more border agents,” Barrasso said. “It means more detention beds. ... It means more deportation flights.”

Republicans insist the whole thing will be paid for, rather than piled onto debt, with potential spending cuts and new revenues.

The committees are expected to consider rolling back the Biden administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/methane-fee-epa-climate-biden-oil-gas-5020fdf48c51918d42176e0a4f6093dd">methane emissions fee</a>, which was approved by Democrats as part of climate change strategies in the Inflation Reduction Act, and hoping to draw new revenue from energy leases as they aim to spur domestic energy production.

One amendment that was accepted after several hours of debate was actually a Republican effort to fend off criticism that the package would be paid for by cutting safety net programs. The amendment from Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said Medicaid and Medicare would be strengthened during the budget process.

First up from Democrats was a vote to prevent tax breaks for billionaires — an amendment that was repeated in various forms throughout the night.

Democrats argue that the GOP tax cuts approved in 2017 flowed to the wealthiest Americans, and extending them as Trump wants Congress to do later this year would prolong the giveaway. Even though the billionaire amendments failed, they picked up some Republican support. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine voted for several of them, and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri voted for another.

Schumer launched a strategy earlier this week to use the budget debate to focus on both the implications of the tax policy and the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, which is slashing across the federal government.

It's a better approach for Democrats than arguing against tougher border security and deportations, which divides the party.

All told, senators processed almost three dozen amendments on reversing DOGE cuts, protecting federal workers from being fired, ensuring U.S. support for Ukraine as it battles Russia and others.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the single biggest driver of the national debt since 2001 has been a series of Republican-led tax cuts.

“And you’ll never guess what our Republican colleagues on the other side of the aisle are focused on right now, nothing to lower the cost of eggs, it’s actually more Republican tax cuts,” Murray said.

She called the budget plan a “roadmap for painful cuts to programs families count on each and every day, all so they can give billionaires more tax cuts.”

The budget resolution is setting up what's called the reconciliation process, which used to be rare, but is now the tool often used to pass big bills on party-line votes when one party has control of the White House and Congress, as Republicans do now.

But Republicans are arguing with themselves over how to proceed. The House is marching ahead on its “big, beautiful bill,” believing they have one chance to get it right. The Senate views its two-bill strategy as more practical, delivering on border security first, then turning to taxes later.

Budget rules allow for passage by a simple majority vote, which is key in the Senate, where it typically takes 60 votes to break a filibuster on big items. During Trump’s first term, Republicans used the reconciliation process to pass GOP tax cuts in 2017. Democrats used reconciliation during Joe Biden's presidency to approve COVID-19 relief and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Trump appears to be stirring the fight, pitting Republicans in the House and Senate against each other to see which one delivers fastest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740135974641.png" alt="Counting votes in the U.S. Senate at 3:30a.m. CST Friday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Counting votes in the U.S. Senate at 3:30a.m. CST Friday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators pushed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-budget-trump-republicans-tax-cuts-programs-096be7e3ed20e3dfb4640192b1018479">$340 billion budget framework</a>&nbsp;to passage early Friday, chugging through an all-night session and Democratic opposition in a step toward unleashing money the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/trump-presidency-updates-2-20-2025#00000195-2386-d271-ad97-a3e774a50000">Trump administration</a>&nbsp;says it needs for&nbsp;<a href="http://apnews.com/article/costa-rica-panama-mass-deportations-trump-migration-detention-85e70a0e4e053ea01b77b0e4d55c8fea">mass deportations and border security</a>&nbsp;that top their agenda.The hours-long “vote-a-rama” rambled along in a dreaded but crucial part of the budget process, as senators considered one amendment after another,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-trump-elon-musk-doge-protest-91281e059b7e0d807a3dbb07ff638ebb">largely from Democrats</a>&nbsp;trying to halt it. But Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-republicans-congress-spending-immigration-e4aebdcc9955f5d663208aec08778442">used their majority power</a>&nbsp;to muscle the package to approval on a largely party-line vote, 52-48, with all Democrats and one GOP senator opposing it. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Glad to report my <a href="https://twitter.com/SenateGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenateGOP</a> colleagues and I passed a budget resolution to secure $175 billion and deliver on President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>’s promise to secure our border. This resolution gives us the tools to: ➡️ Build the wall ➡️ Hire more ICE agents ➡️ Equip ICE with…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1892965496640692499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“What we're doing today is jumpstarting a process that will allow the Republican Party to meet President Trump's immigration agenda,” Senate Budget Committee chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said while opening the debate.Graham said President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homan-ice-border-czar-7dea915b5ea43896390b8020d254f887">top immigration czar</a>, Tom Homan, told senators that the administration's deportation operations are “out of money” and need more funding from Congress to detain and deport immigrants.With little power in the minority to stop the onslaught, Democrats instead used the all-night debate to force GOP senators into potentially embarrassing votes — including the first one, on blocking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-cuts-jobs-act-trump-treasury-agenda-f4031196e0d69d0a1630e3b06b6d3cd7">tax breaks to billionaires</a>. It was turned back on procedural grounds. So were many others.“This is going to be a long, drawn-out fight,” Senate Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/schumer-democrats-election-trump-7ee99496ac9f2a73493f1aa89a02a33d">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;of New York warned. Hours later, Schumer said it “was only the beginning” of what could become a months-long debate.The package is what Republicans view as a down payment on Trump’s agenda, part of a broader effort that will eventually include legislation to extend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-budget-blueprint-trump-tax-cuts-ff2bddf31f4e7cb0928139072392a091">some $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and other priorities</a>. That's being assembled by House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;in a separate budget package that also seeks up to $2 trillion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-work-requirements-congress-republicans-90ec1119f1d95de067c76f79eec7fa87">reductions to health care</a>&nbsp;and other programs.Trump has preferred what he calls one&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-congress-tax-cuts-border-reconciliation-budget-24a43b92aafac265592525acddaf5fc5">“big, beautiful bill,”</a>&nbsp;but the White House is open to the Senate’s strategy of working on the border package first, then turning to tax cuts later this year.As voting began, the president signaled his go-ahead, posting a thank you to Senate Majority Leader John Thune “and the Republican Senate, for working so hard on funding the Trump Border Agenda.”Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky cast the lone GOP vote against the framework.<h2>What’s in the Senate GOP package</h2>The Republican Senate package would allow up to $175 billion to be spent on border security, including money for mass deportation operations and building the U.S.-Mexico border wall, in addition to a $150 billion boost to the Pentagon and about $20 billion for the Coast Guard.But there won't be any money flowing just yet, as the process has several steps ahead. The budget resolution is simply a framework that sends instructions to the various Senate committees — Homeland Security, Armed Services, Judiciary — to hammer out the details. Everything will eventually be assembled in another package, with another vote-a-rama down the road.Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the No. 2-ranking Senate Republican, said GOP lawmakers are acting quickly to get the administration the resources they have requested and need to curb illegal border crossings.“The budget will allow us to finish the wall. It also takes the steps we need toward more border agents,” Barrasso said. “It means more detention beds. ... It means more deportation flights.”Republicans insist the whole thing will be paid for, rather than piled onto debt, with potential spending cuts and new revenues.The committees are expected to consider rolling back the Biden administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/methane-fee-epa-climate-biden-oil-gas-5020fdf48c51918d42176e0a4f6093dd">methane emissions fee</a>, which was approved by Democrats as part of climate change strategies in the Inflation Reduction Act, and hoping to draw new revenue from energy leases as they aim to spur domestic energy production.One amendment that was accepted after several hours of debate was actually a Republican effort to fend off criticism that the package would be paid for by cutting safety net programs. The amendment from Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said Medicaid and Medicare would be strengthened during the budget process.<h2>Democrats brought a slew of amendments</h2>First up from Democrats was a vote to prevent tax breaks for billionaires — an amendment that was repeated in various forms throughout the night.Democrats argue that the GOP tax cuts approved in 2017 flowed to the wealthiest Americans, and extending them as Trump wants Congress to do later this year would prolong the giveaway. Even though the billionaire amendments failed, they picked up some Republican support. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine voted for several of them, and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri voted for another.Schumer launched a strategy earlier this week to use the budget debate to focus on both the implications of the tax policy and the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, which is slashing across the federal government.It's a better approach for Democrats than arguing against tougher border security and deportations, which divides the party.All told, senators processed almost three dozen amendments on reversing DOGE cuts, protecting federal workers from being fired, ensuring U.S. support for Ukraine as it battles Russia and others.Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the single biggest driver of the national debt since 2001 has been a series of Republican-led tax cuts.“And you’ll never guess what our Republican colleagues on the other side of the aisle are focused on right now, nothing to lower the cost of eggs, it’s actually more Republican tax cuts,” Murray said.She called the budget plan a “roadmap for painful cuts to programs families count on each and every day, all so they can give billionaires more tax cuts.”<h2>Congress is racing itself</h2>The budget resolution is setting up what's called the reconciliation process, which used to be rare, but is now the tool often used to pass big bills on party-line votes when one party has control of the White House and Congress, as Republicans do now.But Republicans are arguing with themselves over how to proceed. The House is marching ahead on its “big, beautiful bill,” believing they have one chance to get it right. The Senate views its two-bill strategy as more practical, delivering on border security first, then turning to taxes later.Budget rules allow for passage by a simple majority vote, which is key in the Senate, where it typically takes 60 votes to break a filibuster on big items. During Trump’s first term, Republicans used the reconciliation process to pass GOP tax cuts in 2017. Democrats used reconciliation during Joe Biden's presidency to approve COVID-19 relief and the Inflation Reduction Act.Trump appears to be stirring the fight, pitting Republicans in the House and Senate against each other to see which one delivers fastest.___

Moran, Marshall pull all-nighter to help pass $340 billion budget

BOSTON (AP) — When they played “O Canada” for the second time, there were no American fans left in the arena to boo.

Instead, the Canadian team stood at the blue line, arm in arm, player and coach, wearing their championship hats while the maple leaf flag was lowered behind the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy and the national anthem reverberated across the Americans' home ice. The fans who remained, many of them in their red Team Canada jerseys, sang along.

Connor McDavid scored at 8:18 of overtime to give Canada a 3-2 victory over the United States on Thursday night as the North American rivals turned what had been a tune-up for the 2026 Olympics into a geopolitical brawl over anthems and annexation as much as international hockey supremacy.

Or, to put it another way: It was the 51st U.S. state 3, Canada’s 11th province 2.

“You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X in a cross-border callback to President Donald Trump's chatter about turning one of the United States' closest allies into the 51st state.

”A lot of stuff going on with Canada and the USA right now, and us playing against each other was kind of a perfect storm for our sport," said Nathan MacKinnon, who was selected the MVP of the new tournament with four goals in four games. “It was much more popular than even we would have imagined. It was getting so much attention from our whole continent.”

Jordan Binnington stopped 31 shots — including the last 20 in a row — on the same ice where he helped the St. Louis Blues win the Stanley Cup as a rookie five years ago. MacKinnon and Sam Bennett also scored for Canada, which made it 2-2 in the second period and then played a scoreless third.

After a flurry of saves by Binnington early in the overtime, Canada gained a faceoff in the U.S. zone and Mitch Marner got the puck along the boards before popping it into the center to McDavid for the winner. The Canadians poured over the boards to celebrate, shook hands with the vanquished Americans, and then took turns skating with the never-before-awarded trophy.

“Just to see the reaction. Just to know what it means to us. I know it’s just a quick tournament, and it’s not an Olympic gold medal or anything like that, but it means the world to our group, as you can see,” McDavid said.

“I hope (the new fans) love it,” he said. “It’s a great game, it’s a great sport and I hope we put on a good show these last couple days and gained some fans, ultimately. You can’t ask for a better show than that.”

Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson scored for the Americans, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 shots in regulation and three more in OT. The U.S. has lost all but one game against Canada in best-on-best international play dating to the preliminaries of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics; the lone victory was in the 4 Nations round-robin, a game so good it turned Thursday's sequel into one of the most anticipated international hockey events in decades.

“I think guys that are at home watching this, I’m hoping they’re wanting a piece of it," U.S. forward Dylan Larkin said. "This grew the game really well, but I hope it pushes guys to want a piece of this and then the next generation that got to watch this, they’re going to watch the Olympics next year and hopefully there’s a different outcome.”

The already ripe rivalry between the two North American hockey powers took on an added intensity during the tournament following Trump’s tariff threats and talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state. Trump called the American team Thursday morning to wish it well, then turned to Truth Social to take a poke at “Governor Trudeau.”

The political backdrop combined with the quality of the round-robin game, which the United States won 3-1 on Saturday, to bring the atmosphere of a Stanley Cup Final or Olympic gold medal game to the TD Garden.

Fans in their team jerseys waved flags, shouted for their countrymen and continued the ritual booing of the opposing national anthem that has become an nightly undercard for a tournament that returned the NHL's stars to the international scene after missing the last two Winter Games.

The pregame hype video was a callback to the 1980 Olympics, when the undermanned U.S. team upset the powerful Soviet machine in the midst of the Cold War. “Miracle on Ice” Olympic hero and honorary U.S. captain Mike Eruzione wore a Johnny Gaudreau jersey to honor the memory of former Boston College and Calgary Flames star who was killed by a drunk driver while bicycling in New Jersey at his sister’s wedding last summer.

The American fans chanted “Johnny Hockey!” to spur their team on, and broke into frequent cheers of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” — just like in Lake Placid.

But this time it was the team in red that came away with the win.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740136950133.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Canada's Connor McDavid (97) celebrates after his game-winning goal against the United States during an overtime period of the 4 Nations Face-Off championship hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Canada's Connor McDavid (97) celebrates after his game-winning goal against the United States during an overtime period of the 4 Nations Face-Off championship hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — When they played “O Canada” for the second time, there were no American fans left in the arena to boo.Instead, the Canadian team stood at the blue line, arm in arm, player and coach, wearing their championship hats while the maple leaf flag was lowered behind the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy and the national anthem reverberated across the Americans' home ice. The fans who remained, many of them in their red Team Canada jerseys, sang along.Connor McDavid scored at 8:18 of overtime to give Canada a 3-2 victory over the United States on Thursday night as the North American rivals turned what had been a tune-up for the 2026 Olympics into a geopolitical brawl over anthems and annexation as much as international hockey supremacy.Or, to put it another way: It was the 51st U.S. state 3, Canada’s 11th province 2.“You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X in a cross-border callback to President Donald Trump's chatter about turning one of the United States' closest allies into the 51st state.”A lot of stuff going on with Canada and the USA right now, and us playing against each other was kind of a perfect storm for our sport," said Nathan MacKinnon, who was selected the MVP of the new tournament with four goals in four games. “It was much more popular than even we would have imagined. It was getting so much attention from our whole continent.”Jordan Binnington stopped 31 shots — including the last 20 in a row — on the same ice where he helped the St. Louis Blues win the Stanley Cup as a rookie five years ago. MacKinnon and Sam Bennett also scored for Canada, which made it 2-2 in the second period and then played a scoreless third.After a flurry of saves by Binnington early in the overtime, Canada gained a faceoff in the U.S. zone and Mitch Marner got the puck along the boards before popping it into the center to McDavid for the winner. The Canadians poured over the boards to celebrate, shook hands with the vanquished Americans, and then took turns skating with the never-before-awarded trophy.“Just to see the reaction. Just to know what it means to us. I know it’s just a quick tournament, and it’s not an Olympic gold medal or anything like that, but it means the world to our group, as you can see,” McDavid said.“I hope (the new fans) love it,” he said. “It’s a great game, it’s a great sport and I hope we put on a good show these last couple days and gained some fans, ultimately. You can’t ask for a better show than that.”Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson scored for the Americans, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 shots in regulation and three more in OT. The U.S. has lost all but one game against Canada in best-on-best international play dating to the preliminaries of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics; the lone victory was in the 4 Nations round-robin, a game so good it turned Thursday's sequel into one of the most anticipated international hockey events in decades.“I think guys that are at home watching this, I’m hoping they’re wanting a piece of it," U.S. forward Dylan Larkin said. "This grew the game really well, but I hope it pushes guys to want a piece of this and then the next generation that got to watch this, they’re going to watch the Olympics next year and hopefully there’s a different outcome.”The already ripe rivalry between the two North American hockey powers took on an added intensity during the tournament following Trump’s tariff threats and talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state. Trump called the American team Thursday morning to wish it well, then turned to Truth Social to take a poke at “Governor Trudeau.”The political backdrop combined with the quality of the round-robin game, which the United States won 3-1 on Saturday, to bring the atmosphere of a Stanley Cup Final or Olympic gold medal game to the TD Garden.Fans in their team jerseys waved flags, shouted for their countrymen and continued the ritual booing of the opposing national anthem that has become an nightly undercard for a tournament that returned the NHL's stars to the international scene after missing the last two Winter Games.The pregame hype video was a callback to the 1980 Olympics, when the undermanned U.S. team upset the powerful Soviet machine in the midst of the Cold War. “Miracle on Ice” Olympic hero and honorary U.S. captain Mike Eruzione wore a Johnny Gaudreau jersey to honor the memory of former Boston College and Calgary Flames star who was killed by a drunk driver while bicycling in New Jersey at his sister’s wedding last summer.The American fans chanted “Johnny Hockey!” to spur their team on, and broke into frequent cheers of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” — just like in Lake Placid.But this time it was the team in red that came away with the win.

🏒 Connor McDavid scores in OT to give Canada 3-2 win over United States

By BECKY KISER&nbsp; Hays Post&nbsp;

A request for rezoning from agriculture to residential general district for the proposed Covenant Estates First Addition was unanimously approved by the Hays Area Planning Commission Monday during a public hearing.&nbsp;

The application has been submitted for 20 acres of land at the south end of an agricultural field west of Thunderbird between 33rd and 41st Streets.&nbsp;

The first phase of the development is adjacent to single-family residential areas platted in the late 1970s and early ‘80s along Thunderbird Drive and Oakmont Street in northwest Hays.&nbsp;

Covenant Land &amp; Developing, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, has previously developed housing on Covenant Drive and in King’s Gate Addition near 41st Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, said the rezoning request should come before the city commission next month. &nbsp;

Residential general districts are comprised primarily of single-family homes.&nbsp;

The next step will be to plat the area, Kuckelman said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989941258.png" alt="Proposed Covenant Estates First Addition west of Thunderbird. City of Hays image" />
 <figcaption>Proposed Covenant Estates First Addition west of Thunderbird. City of Hays image</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER&nbsp; Hays Post&nbsp;A request for rezoning from agriculture to residential general district for the proposed Covenant Estates First Addition was unanimously approved by the Hays Area Planning Commission Monday during a public hearing.&nbsp;The application has been submitted for 20 acres of land at the south end of an agricultural field west of Thunderbird between 33rd and 41st Streets.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739990219688.png" alt="Proposed Covenant Estates First Addition west of Thunderbird. City of Hays image" />
 <figcaption>Proposed Covenant Estates First Addition west of Thunderbird. City of Hays image</figcaption>
 </figure>The first phase of the development is adjacent to single-family residential areas platted in the late 1970s and early ‘80s along Thunderbird Drive and Oakmont Street in northwest Hays.&nbsp;Covenant Land &amp; Developing, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, has previously developed housing on Covenant Drive and in King’s Gate Addition near 41st Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, said the rezoning request should come before the city commission next month. &nbsp;Residential general districts are comprised primarily of single-family homes.&nbsp;The next step will be to plat the area, Kuckelman said.&nbsp;

Planning Commission approves rezoning for new Hays housing development

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County EMS department is offering CPR classes in honor of American Heart Month for February.

The EMS agency offers classes for individuals, businesses and organizations. Health care provider courses take longer, while basic CPR classes last a few hours.

According to Ellis County EMS director Danita Schroeder, child care provider CPR classes are on the last Wednesday of each month.

“CPR training is another way to provide life-saving care to somebody who needs it,” Schroeder said. “If somebody collapses and somebody knows CPR, your chances of survival are much greater.”

The courses do require a fee that varies depending on certification. You can learn more at cpr4life@ellisco.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739991329175.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County EMS department is offering CPR classes in honor of American Heart Month for February.The EMS agency offers classes for individuals, businesses and organizations. Health care provider courses take longer, while basic CPR classes last a few hours.According to Ellis County EMS director Danita Schroeder, child care provider CPR classes are on the last Wednesday of each month.“CPR training is another way to provide life-saving care to somebody who needs it,” Schroeder said. “If somebody collapses and somebody knows CPR, your chances of survival are much greater.”The courses do require a fee that varies depending on certification. You can learn more at cpr4life@ellisco.net.

Ellis County EMS to host CPR classes this month in Hays

The Chamber in Hays announces the 37th Annual Ag Appreciation event, sponsored by High Plains Farm Credit, is set for Thursday, Feb. 27.&nbsp;

The gathering will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Schenk Building, located on the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1344 Fairground Rd.&nbsp;

This long-standing tradition honors and celebrates the dedication of farmers and ranchers throughout western Kansas.&nbsp;

The event is free to attend, with the first 300 guests receiving a complementary dinner that includes chili from Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant or green bean and dumpling soup from Gella’s Lb. Diner &amp; Brewing Co.&nbsp;

Hot dogs, cinnamon rolls, and traditional fixings will be provided to accompany the chili, as well as pop, water, and two beer vouchers for attendees aged 21 and over.&nbsp;

The evening will conclude with prize drawings, courtesy of generous member sponsors who help make the celebration possible each year.&nbsp;

“Agriculture is at the heart of our community’s heritage and prosperity,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber in Hays. “We host this event to express our gratitude for the unwavering efforts of local farmers and ranchers. Their hard work sustains not only western Kansas, but also helps feed and supply regions well beyond our state lines.”&nbsp;

This year, the Chamber continued the ticketing approach started last year: no paper tickets will be printed for the event.&nbsp;

Instead, “save the date” post cards may be picked up from participating sponsors.&nbsp;

A complete list of sponsors and card distribution locations is available on <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">The Chamber website</a>.&nbsp;

Organizers encourage attendees to hold onto these cards as a reminder of the event details, though they are not required for entry.&nbsp;

The Chamber and its partners want to ensure as many agricultural producers as possible can attend without any barriers.&nbsp;

During the evening, door prize drawings will be held, with items donated by community businesses.&nbsp;

The Chamber expressed appreciation to all sponsors, particularly High Plains Farm Credit for its ongoing commitment to agricultural celebrations.&nbsp;

Participating sponsors provide the resources to ensure attendees enjoy a warm meal, fellowship and entertainment at no cost.&nbsp;

“We want our local producers to feel welcomed and celebrated,” Wasinger said. “Our agrarian community faces many challenges, and the 37th Annual Ag Appreciation is our way of thanking them for feeding our families, strengthening our economy and helping to preserve the rural character of Kansas.”&nbsp;

All members of the agriculture community and their families are encouraged to attend.&nbsp;

For additional information contact The Chamber in Hays, Kansas at 785-628-8201 or visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">hayschamber.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580746901375.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Chamber in Hays&nbsp;&nbsp;The Chamber in Hays announces the 37th Annual Ag Appreciation event, sponsored by High Plains Farm Credit, is set for Thursday, Feb. 27.&nbsp;The gathering will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Schenk Building, located on the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1344 Fairground Rd.&nbsp;This long-standing tradition honors and celebrates the dedication of farmers and ranchers throughout western Kansas.&nbsp;The event is free to attend, with the first 300 guests receiving a complementary dinner that includes chili from Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant or green bean and dumpling soup from Gella’s Lb. Diner &amp; Brewing Co.&nbsp;Hot dogs, cinnamon rolls, and traditional fixings will be provided to accompany the chili, as well as pop, water, and two beer vouchers for attendees aged 21 and over.&nbsp;The evening will conclude with prize drawings, courtesy of generous member sponsors who help make the celebration possible each year.&nbsp;“Agriculture is at the heart of our community’s heritage and prosperity,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber in Hays. “We host this event to express our gratitude for the unwavering efforts of local farmers and ranchers. Their hard work sustains not only western Kansas, but also helps feed and supply regions well beyond our state lines.”&nbsp;This year, the Chamber continued the ticketing approach started last year: no paper tickets will be printed for the event.&nbsp;Instead, “save the date” post cards may be picked up from participating sponsors.&nbsp;A complete list of sponsors and card distribution locations is available on <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">The Chamber website</a>.&nbsp;Organizers encourage attendees to hold onto these cards as a reminder of the event details, though they are not required for entry.&nbsp;The Chamber and its partners want to ensure as many agricultural producers as possible can attend without any barriers.&nbsp;During the evening, door prize drawings will be held, with items donated by community businesses.&nbsp;The Chamber expressed appreciation to all sponsors, particularly High Plains Farm Credit for its ongoing commitment to agricultural celebrations.&nbsp;Participating sponsors provide the resources to ensure attendees enjoy a warm meal, fellowship and entertainment at no cost.&nbsp;“We want our local producers to feel welcomed and celebrated,” Wasinger said. “Our agrarian community faces many challenges, and the 37th Annual Ag Appreciation is our way of thanking them for feeding our families, strengthening our economy and helping to preserve the rural character of Kansas.”&nbsp;All members of the agriculture community and their families are encouraged to attend.&nbsp;For additional information contact The Chamber in Hays, Kansas at 785-628-8201 or visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">hayschamber.com</a>.&nbsp;

Chamber in Hays invites area farmers, ranchers to Ag Appreciation 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mitch-mcconnell">Sen. Mitch McConnell</a>&nbsp;announced on Thursday that he won’t seek reelection next year, ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce GOP populism of President Donald Trump.

McConnell, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-montana-united-states-senate-new-york-city-mitch-mcconnell-41f4326218e7c2d8439ca02d09c6683b">longest-serving Senate party leader</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history, chose his 83rd birthday to share his decision not to run for another term in Kentucky and to retire when his current term ends. He informed The Associated Press of his decision before he addressed colleagues in a speech on the Senate floor.

“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell said, as aides lined the back chamber and several senators listened from seats. “Every day in between I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to do their business here. Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.”

His announcement begins the epilogue of a storied career as a master strategist, one in which he helped forge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-presidential-election-trump-harris-ed91f084599d0f25b00f44bb71620528">a conservative Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;and steered the Senate through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d9e099660064f2b8a8fc2237b4e7e4e">tax cuts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-trial-0d0916330d20cc139c64f73af5ef4647">presidential impeachment trials</a>&nbsp;and fierce political fights.

McConnell, first elected in 1984, intends to serve the remainder of his term ending in January 2027. The Kentuckian has dealt with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-senate-fall-republican-8d58004d3f14c1995d83c11319d77d72">a series of medical episodes</a>&nbsp;in recent years, including injuries sustained from falls and times when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-gop-leader-mcconnell-health-freeze-up-c5b43745251daa0bb63636ceff4edce2">his face briefly froze</a>&nbsp;while he was speaking.

The senator delivered his speech in a chamber the famously taciturn McConnell revered as a young intern long before joining its back benches as a freshman lawmaker in the mid-1980s. His dramatic announcement comes almost a year after his decision to relinquish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-senate-republican-leader-stepping-down-ba478d570a4561aa7baf91a204d7e366">his leadership post</a>&nbsp;after the November 2024 election.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-leader-thune-cornyn-scott-mcconnell-trump-c3c1c451a420729136ae641a14d9d5d6">South Dakota Sen. John Thune</a>, a top McConnell deputy, replaced him as majority leader.

McConnell's looming departure reflects the changing dynamics of the Trump-led GOP. He's seen his power diminish on a parallel track with both his health and his relationship with Trump, who once praised him as an ally but has taken to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-slams-mcconnell-for-rfk-jr-vote-calling-him-bitter-and-questioning-his-childhood-polio-bcf92bb6f7a54c71b81ba861d4180575">criticizing him in caustic terms</a>.

In Kentucky, McConnell's departure will mark the loss of a powerful advocate and will set off a competitive GOP primary next year for what will now be an open Senate seat. Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, seen as a rising star in his party for winning statewide office in Republican territory, has said he has no interest in the Senate, though he is widely viewed as a contender for higher office.

McConnell, a diehard adherent to Ronald Reagan’s brand of traditional conservatism and muscular foreign policy, increasingly found himself out of step with a GOP shifting toward the fiery, often isolationist populism espoused by Trump.

McConnell still champions providing Ukraine with weapons and other aid to fend off Russia’s invasion, even as Trump ratchets up criticism of the country and its leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kellogg-zelenskyy-437f4c8fa4531059007dd3ab00c23458">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>. The senator plans to make it clear Thursday that national defense remains at the forefront of his agenda.

“Thanks to Ronald Reagan’s determination, the work of strengthening American hard power was well underway when I arrived in the Senate,” McConnell said in his prepared remarks. "But since then, we’ve allowed that power to atrophy. And today, a dangerous world threatens to outpace the work of rebuilding it. So, lest any of our colleagues still doubt my intentions for the remainder of my term: I have some unfinished business to attend to."

McConnell and Trump were partners during Trump's first term, but the relationship was severed after McConnell blamed Trump for “disgraceful” acts in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack by his supporters</a>. A momentary thaw in 2024 when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-endorsement-donald-trump-super-tuesday-422a2ec6f19917b46804b4cf6ee40371">McConnell endorsed Trump</a>&nbsp;didn't last.

Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mitch-mcconnell-polio-rfk-vaccines-06a03dd5ca2024317f01e1c4f5171678">Trump referred to McConnell</a>&nbsp;as a "very bitter guy” after McConnell, who battled polio as a child, opposed vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as the nation’s top health official. McConnell referred to Trump as a “despicable human being” and a “narcissist” in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-trump-biography-election-0a861001d95287e689336504abc2281f">a biography of the senator</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press' deputy Washington bureau chief, Michael Tackett.

Before their falling out, Trump and McConnell pushed through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6a409d3266be46dcaa2f1267fd947a12">a tax overhaul</a>&nbsp;largely focused on reductions for businesses and higher-earning taxpayers. They joined forces to reshape the Supreme Court when Trump nominated three justices and McConnell guided them to Senate confirmation, tilting the high court to the right.

McConnell set a new precedent for hardball partisan tactics in 2016 by refusing to even give a hearing to Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-6fe101b4bef54f989d939bccc81873fc">Barack Obama’s pick of Merrick Garland</a>&nbsp;to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Putting the brakes on the Senate's “advise and consent” role for judicial nominees, McConnell said the vacancy should be filled by the next president so voters could have their say.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f5a557876d5546cca4ebd53b4860e2ed">Trump filled the vacancy</a>&nbsp;once he took office, and McConnell later called the stonewalling of Garland's nomination his “most consequential” achievement.

Later, when liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died weeks before the 2020 presidential election won by Democrat Joe Biden, McConnell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07">rushed Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation</a>&nbsp;through the Senate, waving off allegations of hypocrisy.

McConnell also guided the Senate — and Trump — through two impeachment trials that ended in acquittals.

In the second impeachment, weeks after the deadly Capitol attack by a mob hoping to overturn Trump’s 2020 reelection defeat, McConnell joined all but seven Republicans in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">voting to acquit</a>. McConnell said he believed Trump couldn’t be convicted because he’d already left office, but the senator also condemned Trump as “practically and morally responsible” for the insurrection.

McConnell over the years swung back and forth from majority to minority leader, depending on which party held power. He defended President George W. Bush’s handling of the Iraq war and failed to block Obama’s health care overhaul.

McConnell, the longest-serving senator ever from Kentucky, ensured that the Bluegrass State received plenty of federal funding. Back home he was a key architect in his party's rise to power in a state long dominated by Democrats.

He is married to Elaine Chao, and they have long been a power couple in Washington. In his prepared remarks Thursday, the senator referred to her as his “ultimate teammate and confidante.” Chao was labor secretary for Bush and transportation secretary during Trump's first term, though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-security-michael-pence-01e30bccef96ccd73fe642f8f96f8519">she resigned</a>&nbsp;after the Capitol insurrection, saying it had “deeply troubled” her.

McConnell's parting words reflected his devotion to the Senate and his disdain for his detractors.

“The Senate is still equipped for work of great consequence," he said. "And, to the disappointment of my critics, I’m still here on the job.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740070424167.png" alt="Mitch McConnell spoke about his decision on the Senate Floor Thursday morning just moments after voting to advance the nomination of Kash Patel to be Director of the FBI-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Mitch McConnell spoke about his decision on the Senate Floor Thursday morning just moments after voting to advance the nomination of Kash Patel to be Director of the FBI-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mitch-mcconnell">Sen. Mitch McConnell</a>&nbsp;announced on Thursday that he won’t seek reelection next year, ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce GOP populism of President Donald Trump.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Sen. Mitch McConnell (<a href="https://twitter.com/SenMcConnell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenMcConnell</a>): &quot;Seven times my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate...Representing our Commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/b33cR7I36e">pic.twitter.com/b33cR7I36e</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1892621015370399750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>McConnell, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-montana-united-states-senate-new-york-city-mitch-mcconnell-41f4326218e7c2d8439ca02d09c6683b">longest-serving Senate party leader</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history, chose his 83rd birthday to share his decision not to run for another term in Kentucky and to retire when his current term ends. He informed The Associated Press of his decision before he addressed colleagues in a speech on the Senate floor.“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell said, as aides lined the back chamber and several senators listened from seats. “Every day in between I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to do their business here. Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.”His announcement begins the epilogue of a storied career as a master strategist, one in which he helped forge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-presidential-election-trump-harris-ed91f084599d0f25b00f44bb71620528">a conservative Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;and steered the Senate through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d9e099660064f2b8a8fc2237b4e7e4e">tax cuts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-trial-0d0916330d20cc139c64f73af5ef4647">presidential impeachment trials</a>&nbsp;and fierce political fights.McConnell, first elected in 1984, intends to serve the remainder of his term ending in January 2027. The Kentuckian has dealt with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-senate-fall-republican-8d58004d3f14c1995d83c11319d77d72">a series of medical episodes</a>&nbsp;in recent years, including injuries sustained from falls and times when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-gop-leader-mcconnell-health-freeze-up-c5b43745251daa0bb63636ceff4edce2">his face briefly froze</a>&nbsp;while he was speaking.The senator delivered his speech in a chamber the famously taciturn McConnell revered as a young intern long before joining its back benches as a freshman lawmaker in the mid-1980s. His dramatic announcement comes almost a year after his decision to relinquish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-senate-republican-leader-stepping-down-ba478d570a4561aa7baf91a204d7e366">his leadership post</a>&nbsp;after the November 2024 election.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-leader-thune-cornyn-scott-mcconnell-trump-c3c1c451a420729136ae641a14d9d5d6">South Dakota Sen. John Thune</a>, a top McConnell deputy, replaced him as majority leader.McConnell's looming departure reflects the changing dynamics of the Trump-led GOP. He's seen his power diminish on a parallel track with both his health and his relationship with Trump, who once praised him as an ally but has taken to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-slams-mcconnell-for-rfk-jr-vote-calling-him-bitter-and-questioning-his-childhood-polio-bcf92bb6f7a54c71b81ba861d4180575">criticizing him in caustic terms</a>.In Kentucky, McConnell's departure will mark the loss of a powerful advocate and will set off a competitive GOP primary next year for what will now be an open Senate seat. Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, seen as a rising star in his party for winning statewide office in Republican territory, has said he has no interest in the Senate, though he is widely viewed as a contender for higher office.McConnell, a diehard adherent to Ronald Reagan’s brand of traditional conservatism and muscular foreign policy, increasingly found himself out of step with a GOP shifting toward the fiery, often isolationist populism espoused by Trump.McConnell still champions providing Ukraine with weapons and other aid to fend off Russia’s invasion, even as Trump ratchets up criticism of the country and its leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kellogg-zelenskyy-437f4c8fa4531059007dd3ab00c23458">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>. The senator plans to make it clear Thursday that national defense remains at the forefront of his agenda.“Thanks to Ronald Reagan’s determination, the work of strengthening American hard power was well underway when I arrived in the Senate,” McConnell said in his prepared remarks. "But since then, we’ve allowed that power to atrophy. And today, a dangerous world threatens to outpace the work of rebuilding it. So, lest any of our colleagues still doubt my intentions for the remainder of my term: I have some unfinished business to attend to."McConnell and Trump were partners during Trump's first term, but the relationship was severed after McConnell blamed Trump for “disgraceful” acts in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack by his supporters</a>. A momentary thaw in 2024 when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-endorsement-donald-trump-super-tuesday-422a2ec6f19917b46804b4cf6ee40371">McConnell endorsed Trump</a>&nbsp;didn't last.Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mitch-mcconnell-polio-rfk-vaccines-06a03dd5ca2024317f01e1c4f5171678">Trump referred to McConnell</a>&nbsp;as a "very bitter guy” after McConnell, who battled polio as a child, opposed vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as the nation’s top health official. McConnell referred to Trump as a “despicable human being” and a “narcissist” in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-trump-biography-election-0a861001d95287e689336504abc2281f">a biography of the senator</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press' deputy Washington bureau chief, Michael Tackett.Before their falling out, Trump and McConnell pushed through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6a409d3266be46dcaa2f1267fd947a12">a tax overhaul</a>&nbsp;largely focused on reductions for businesses and higher-earning taxpayers. They joined forces to reshape the Supreme Court when Trump nominated three justices and McConnell guided them to Senate confirmation, tilting the high court to the right.McConnell set a new precedent for hardball partisan tactics in 2016 by refusing to even give a hearing to Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-6fe101b4bef54f989d939bccc81873fc">Barack Obama’s pick of Merrick Garland</a>&nbsp;to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Putting the brakes on the Senate's “advise and consent” role for judicial nominees, McConnell said the vacancy should be filled by the next president so voters could have their say.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f5a557876d5546cca4ebd53b4860e2ed">Trump filled the vacancy</a>&nbsp;once he took office, and McConnell later called the stonewalling of Garland's nomination his “most consequential” achievement.Later, when liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died weeks before the 2020 presidential election won by Democrat Joe Biden, McConnell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07">rushed Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation</a>&nbsp;through the Senate, waving off allegations of hypocrisy.McConnell also guided the Senate — and Trump — through two impeachment trials that ended in acquittals.In the second impeachment, weeks after the deadly Capitol attack by a mob hoping to overturn Trump’s 2020 reelection defeat, McConnell joined all but seven Republicans in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">voting to acquit</a>. McConnell said he believed Trump couldn’t be convicted because he’d already left office, but the senator also condemned Trump as “practically and morally responsible” for the insurrection.McConnell over the years swung back and forth from majority to minority leader, depending on which party held power. He defended President George W. Bush’s handling of the Iraq war and failed to block Obama’s health care overhaul.McConnell, the longest-serving senator ever from Kentucky, ensured that the Bluegrass State received plenty of federal funding. Back home he was a key architect in his party's rise to power in a state long dominated by Democrats.He is married to Elaine Chao, and they have long been a power couple in Washington. In his prepared remarks Thursday, the senator referred to her as his “ultimate teammate and confidante.” Chao was labor secretary for Bush and transportation secretary during Trump's first term, though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-security-michael-pence-01e30bccef96ccd73fe642f8f96f8519">she resigned</a>&nbsp;after the Capitol insurrection, saying it had “deeply troubled” her.McConnell's parting words reflected his devotion to the Senate and his disdain for his detractors.“The Senate is still equipped for work of great consequence," he said. "And, to the disappointment of my critics, I’m still here on the job.”___Schreiner reported from Louisville, Ky.

🎥Mitch McConnell, longest-serving Senate leader, won't seek reelection

Another record overnight low set in Hays as an extreme cold temperature warning from the National Weather Service in Dodge City continues until noon today.

According to the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town, the low dipped to -13 degrees Wednesday night, a new record high. The daytime high for Feb. 19 was 5 degrees.&nbsp;

This is the second consecutive overnight low record for Hays. Tuesday's low was -5 degrees.&nbsp;

A warm-up is in the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc3ad4d9-a737-428a-b697-ed82863f2d80">three-day forecast</a> with temperatures in the upper 40s by Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740060842757.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAnother record overnight low set in Hays as an extreme cold temperature warning from the National Weather Service in Dodge City continues until noon today.According to the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town, the low dipped to -13 degrees Wednesday night, a new record high. The daytime high for Feb. 19 was 5 degrees.&nbsp;This is the second consecutive overnight low record for Hays. Tuesday's low was -5 degrees.&nbsp;A warm-up is in the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc3ad4d9-a737-428a-b697-ed82863f2d80">three-day forecast</a> with temperatures in the upper 40s by Saturday.

Another overnight record low set in Hays

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, K-State Research and Extension Family and Community Wellness Agent about the upcoming programs "Becoming a Mom" and "Walk with Ease."

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Programs for 'Becoming a Mom' and 'Walking with Ease'" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=rm5mi-17f7b29-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, K-State Research and Extension Family and Community Wellness Agent about the upcoming programs "Becoming a Mom" and "Walk with Ease."

 🎙 Post Podcast: Programs offered for 'Becoming a Mom,' 'Walking with Ease'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of federal government employees have been shown the door in the first month of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s administration</a>&nbsp;as the White House and its Department of Government Efficiency fire both new and career workers, tell agency leaders to plan for “large-scale reductions in force” and freeze trillions of dollars in federal grant funds.

It is affecting more than just the national capital region, home to about 20% of the 2.4 million members of the civilian federal workforce, which does not include military personnel and postal workers. More than 80% of that workforce lives outside the Washington area.

There is no official figure available of the total firings or layoffs. The Associated Press tallied how agencies are being affected based on AP reporting and statements from lawmakers and employee unions.

Here is a look at some of the broad and specific ways federal agencies and employees are being affected by the administration’s reductions, as of Wednesday:

‘Deferred resignation’ proposal for federal workers

The White House offered a “deferred resignation” proposal in exchange for financial incentives, like months of paid leave,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-buyouts-to-all-federal-employees-f67f5751a0fd5ad8471806a5a1067b5e">to almost all federal employees</a>&nbsp;who opted to leave their jobs by Feb. 6.

But just before that deadline, a federal judge blocked Trump’s plan, wanting to hear arguments from the administration and the labor unions, which said the offer was illegal.

According to the Office of Personnel Management, about 75,000 federal employees had accepted the offer as of Feb. 12.

There have also been wide-ranging layoffs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-workers-layoffs-doge-406752da1614755b8fabe9c94e0c71a8">probationary employees</a>&nbsp;— those generally on the job for less than a year and who have yet to gain civil service protection. Potentially hundreds of thousands are affected.

On Feb. 13, the administration ordered agencies to lay off nearly all such workers. According to government data maintained by OPM, 220,000 federal employees had less than a year on the job as of March 2024.

On Feb. 13, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the dismissal of more than 1,000 employees who had served for less than two years. According to Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., that included researchers working on cancer treatment, opioid addiction, prosthetics and burn pit exposure.

At least 39 people have been fired from the Education Department, including special education specialists and student aid officials, according to a union that represents agency workers.

There have also been nearly $900 million in cuts to the department’s Institute of Education Services, which tracks the progress of America’s students. It is unclear to what degree the institute would continue to exist. Industry experts said at least 169 contracts were terminated Feb. 10.

Hundreds of federal employees tasked with working on the nation’s nuclear weapons programs were laid off Feb. 13, but that move was largely rescinded hours later, according to a memo obtained by the AP. Three U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation said as many as 350 employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration were ousted, with some losing access to email before they had learned they were fired.

The jobs of more than 5,000 probationary employees are on the line at the Department of Health and Human Services.

On Feb. 14, officials with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-job-cuts-health-cdc-0d002fd6f528a7b91ced79628bf68196">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;were told they were losing nearly 1,300 probationary employees — about one-tenth of the agency’s workforce — but the final number&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-lab-layoffs-b9e13d62d0da00611f84b7762be0c7b9">was closer to 700</a>, according to two CDC officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the cuts.

Probationary employees were also fired at public health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but HHS has not released a final number.

The probationary cuts included more than 130 employees at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which oversees the nation’s critical infrastructure, including the federal efforts to secure election systems. It is not clear whether those included 17 employees who had worked on election security and had already been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-security-cisa-kristi-noem-cybersecurity-5bac8ce416c46b4fbe44c94ae5874b39">placed on leave</a>.

Four employees at the Federal Emergency Management Agency — its chief financial officer, two program analysts and a grant specialist —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fema-migrant-hotels-new-york-musk-immigration-3d250d9f64b40858c0f0eda9989bea6d">were fired</a>&nbsp;Feb. 11 over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fema-migrant-funding-new-york-hotels-immigration-elon-musk-doge-268ca7eda43011a501dfad0fa88a4775">payments to reimburse</a>&nbsp;New York City for hotel costs for migrants.

The IRS will lay off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-treasury-layoffs-doge-tax-season-2be8db11fdd510b7ce6ac0db56f9a503">thousands of probationary workers</a>&nbsp;in the middle of tax season, according to two people familiar with the agency’s plans who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

It is unclear how many IRS workers will be affected or when the cuts will happen.

The administration has fired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-park-firings-doge-grand-teton-baedee0a748a6374eafb6f95aac5dadc">about 1,000 newly hired National Park Service employees</a>&nbsp;who maintain and clean parks, educate visitors and perform other functions.

The firings were not publicly announced but were confirmed by Democratic senators and House members. Adding to the confusion, the park service now says it is reinstating about 5,000 seasonal jobs that were initially rescinded last month.

Seasonal workers are routinely added during the warm-weather months to serve more than 325 million annual visitors who descend on the nation’s 428 parks, historic sites and other attractions.

The administration has ordered the agency — created after the 2008 financial crisis and subprime mortgage-lending scandal —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chopra-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-3bd86eb9b0ad7d829cb812af900fab9f">to stop nearly all its work</a>, effectively shutting it down.

The new agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins, said on Feb. 14 that her agency had invited Elon Musk’s DOGE team with “open arms” and that layoffs “will be forthcoming.”

A spokesman for the department, which oversees the Forest Service, said Rollins supports Trump’s directive to eliminate inefficiencies by firing about 2,000 “probationary, non-firefighting employees.”

Rollins is committed to “preserving essential safety positions and will ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted,” the spokesman said in a statement, which did not address the fired workers who were responsible for thinning trees, removing combustible debris from forests and other projects that aim to lower a wildfire’s intensity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739312666177.png" alt="File photo Elon Musk answers questions about DOGE during an Oval Office Press Conference last week" />
 <figcaption>File photo Elon Musk answers questions about DOGE during an Oval Office Press Conference last week</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of federal government employees have been shown the door in the first month of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s administration</a>&nbsp;as the White House and its Department of Government Efficiency fire both new and career workers, tell agency leaders to plan for “large-scale reductions in force” and freeze trillions of dollars in federal grant funds.It is affecting more than just the national capital region, home to about 20% of the 2.4 million members of the civilian federal workforce, which does not include military personnel and postal workers. More than 80% of that workforce lives outside the Washington area.There is no official figure available of the total firings or layoffs. The Associated Press tallied how agencies are being affected based on AP reporting and statements from lawmakers and employee unions.Here is a look at some of the broad and specific ways federal agencies and employees are being affected by the administration’s reductions, as of Wednesday:<h2>‘Deferred resignation’ proposal for federal workers</h2>The White House offered a “deferred resignation” proposal in exchange for financial incentives, like months of paid leave,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-buyouts-to-all-federal-employees-f67f5751a0fd5ad8471806a5a1067b5e">to almost all federal employees</a>&nbsp;who opted to leave their jobs by Feb. 6.But just before that deadline, a federal judge blocked Trump’s plan, wanting to hear arguments from the administration and the labor unions, which said the offer was illegal.According to the Office of Personnel Management, about 75,000 federal employees had accepted the offer as of Feb. 12.<h2>Probationary employee layoffs</h2>There have also been wide-ranging layoffs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-workers-layoffs-doge-406752da1614755b8fabe9c94e0c71a8">probationary employees</a>&nbsp;— those generally on the job for less than a year and who have yet to gain civil service protection. Potentially hundreds of thousands are affected.On Feb. 13, the administration ordered agencies to lay off nearly all such workers. According to government data maintained by OPM, 220,000 federal employees had less than a year on the job as of March 2024.<h2>Department of Veterans Affairs</h2>On Feb. 13, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the dismissal of more than 1,000 employees who had served for less than two years. According to Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., that included researchers working on cancer treatment, opioid addiction, prosthetics and burn pit exposure.<h2>Education Department</h2>At least 39 people have been fired from the Education Department, including special education specialists and student aid officials, according to a union that represents agency workers.There have also been nearly $900 million in cuts to the department’s Institute of Education Services, which tracks the progress of America’s students. It is unclear to what degree the institute would continue to exist. Industry experts said at least 169 contracts were terminated Feb. 10.<h2>Energy Department</h2>Hundreds of federal employees tasked with working on the nation’s nuclear weapons programs were laid off Feb. 13, but that move was largely rescinded hours later, according to a memo obtained by the AP. Three U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation said as many as 350 employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration were ousted, with some losing access to email before they had learned they were fired.<h2>Department of Health and Human Services</h2>The jobs of more than 5,000 probationary employees are on the line at the Department of Health and Human Services.On Feb. 14, officials with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-job-cuts-health-cdc-0d002fd6f528a7b91ced79628bf68196">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;were told they were losing nearly 1,300 probationary employees — about one-tenth of the agency’s workforce — but the final number&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-lab-layoffs-b9e13d62d0da00611f84b7762be0c7b9">was closer to 700</a>, according to two CDC officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the cuts.Probationary employees were also fired at public health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but HHS has not released a final number.<h2>Department of Homeland Security</h2>The probationary cuts included more than 130 employees at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which oversees the nation’s critical infrastructure, including the federal efforts to secure election systems. It is not clear whether those included 17 employees who had worked on election security and had already been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-security-cisa-kristi-noem-cybersecurity-5bac8ce416c46b4fbe44c94ae5874b39">placed on leave</a>.Four employees at the Federal Emergency Management Agency — its chief financial officer, two program analysts and a grant specialist —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fema-migrant-hotels-new-york-musk-immigration-3d250d9f64b40858c0f0eda9989bea6d">were fired</a>&nbsp;Feb. 11 over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fema-migrant-funding-new-york-hotels-immigration-elon-musk-doge-268ca7eda43011a501dfad0fa88a4775">payments to reimburse</a>&nbsp;New York City for hotel costs for migrants.<h2>Internal Revenue Service</h2>The IRS will lay off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-treasury-layoffs-doge-tax-season-2be8db11fdd510b7ce6ac0db56f9a503">thousands of probationary workers</a>&nbsp;in the middle of tax season, according to two people familiar with the agency’s plans who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.It is unclear how many IRS workers will be affected or when the cuts will happen.<h2>National Park Service</h2>The administration has fired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-park-firings-doge-grand-teton-baedee0a748a6374eafb6f95aac5dadc">about 1,000 newly hired National Park Service employees</a>&nbsp;who maintain and clean parks, educate visitors and perform other functions.The firings were not publicly announced but were confirmed by Democratic senators and House members. Adding to the confusion, the park service now says it is reinstating about 5,000 seasonal jobs that were initially rescinded last month.Seasonal workers are routinely added during the warm-weather months to serve more than 325 million annual visitors who descend on the nation’s 428 parks, historic sites and other attractions.<h2>Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</h2>The administration has ordered the agency — created after the 2008 financial crisis and subprime mortgage-lending scandal —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chopra-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-3bd86eb9b0ad7d829cb812af900fab9f">to stop nearly all its work</a>, effectively shutting it down.<h2>Agriculture Department</h2>The new agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins, said on Feb. 14 that her agency had invited Elon Musk’s DOGE team with “open arms” and that layoffs “will be forthcoming.”A spokesman for the department, which oversees the Forest Service, said Rollins supports Trump’s directive to eliminate inefficiencies by firing about 2,000 “probationary, non-firefighting employees.”Rollins is committed to “preserving essential safety positions and will ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted,” the spokesman said in a statement, which did not address the fired workers who were responsible for thinning trees, removing combustible debris from forests and other projects that aim to lower a wildfire’s intensity.On Feb. 19, the department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usda-firings-doge-bird-flu-trump-fdd6495cbe44c96d471ae8c6cf4dd0a8">scrambled to rehire</a>&nbsp;several workers who were involved in the government’s response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bird-flu">ongoing bird flu outbreak</a>&nbsp;that has devastated egg and poultry farms over the past three years, but who were among the thousands of federal employees eliminated on Musk’s recommendations.It wasn’t immediately clear how many workers the department might be trying to rehire and whether any of them worked at the main USDA lab in Ames, Iowa.<h2>Foreign aid and development</h2>Trump swiftly ordered a halt to much of the aid that the United States sends abroad. Several weeks later, the pause is on pause.In his first week in office, Trump issued an executive order directing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-department-trump-foreign-aid-bf047e17ef64cb42a1a1b7fdf05caffa">90-day hold on most of the foreign assistance</a>&nbsp;disbursed through the State Department.Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued several specific exemptions, including emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt from the freeze on foreign assistance. But thousands of U.S.-funded humanitarian, development and security programs worldwide stopped work or prepared to do so.Without the money to pay staff, aid organizations including the U.S. Agency for International Development began laying off hundreds of employees. Crews removed the agency’s signage from its Washington headquarters.But on Feb. 13, a federal judge considering some of the lawsuits challenging agency cuts ordered the administration to temporarily lift the funding freeze.<h2>Federal grants and loans</h2>The White House said last month it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-pause-federal-grants-aid-f9948b9996c0ca971f0065fac85737ce">pausing federal grants and loans</a>&nbsp;as the Republican administration began an across-the-board ideological review.The freeze could affect trillions of dollars and cause widespread disruption in health care research, education programs and other initiatives. Even grants that have been awarded but not spent are supposed to be halted.“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” said a memo from Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget.Democrats and independent organizations said the move was illegal because Congress had already authorized the funding.<h2>Inspectors general</h2>Each of the federal government’s largest agencies has its own independent inspector general who is supposed to conduct objective audits, prevent fraud and promote efficiency.Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inspectors-general-fired-congress-unlawful-4e8bc57e132c3f9a7f1c2a3754359993">fired at least 17 of them</a>, including watchdogs he appointed in his first term. At least one Democratic appointee, Michael Horowitz at the Justice Department, was spared.Trump told reporters that “it’s a very common thing to do” and that he would “put good people in there that will be very good.”Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the firings were a “chilling purge.” Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a top Trump ally, acknowledged that the firings may have violated the law, but he added, “Just tell them you need to follow the law next time.”<h2>Department of Justice</h2>It’s normal for politically appointed U.S. attorneys to be replaced, but it is not standard procedure for career prosecutors to be ousted with a change in administrations.The Justice Department said last month that it had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-special-counsel-trump-046ce32dbad712e72e500c32ecc20f2f">fired more than a dozen employees</a>&nbsp;who worked on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-court-classified-documents-2020-election-302f87960dbd84d7be5daedaf03328d8">criminal prosecutions of Trump</a>&nbsp;by special counsel Jack Smith’s team.By tradition, career employees remain with the department across presidential administrations regardless of their involvement in sensitive investigations.Multiple senior career officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-justice-department-360fe0c616e11f72bca68ab69f5eed6c">were also reassigned</a>.<h2>State Department</h2>A large number of senior career diplomats who served in politically appointed leadership positions — as well as in lower-level posts at the State Department —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-state-department-rubio-d6c2cb864852c32b144101eb38150d29">left their jobs</a>&nbsp;at the demand of the new administration.It was not immediately clear how many nonpolitical appointees were being asked to leave.