By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

PLAINVILLE—Crisis response counseling is being offered in Plainville today after the death of a local fifth-grader.

How the youth, Aiden Sherraden, died has not been released.

Peer support groups will be offered today.  This is a space for kids/teens to talk to and support one another.

Times will be 11 a.m. for children who will entering the fifth grade this fall. The noon meeting will be for elementary age children, and 1 p.m. will be for the junior and senior high students.

&nbsp;Another group will be offered at 1 p.m. Sunday for any age young person who wants to come and talk again or misses today's sessions.

All the support group meetings will be at the&nbsp;gazebo in the park by the school.

Courser Lapo Therapeutic Wellness is offering Crisis Response Counseling to those affected by the recent events in Plainville. If you or a loved one are interested, contact them at clientcare@couserlapo.com or call (785) 560-3101.

The superintendent of Plainville USD 270 also released the letter below on social media.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPLAINVILLE—Crisis response counseling is being offered in Plainville today after the death of a local fifth-grader.How the youth, Aiden Sherraden, died has not been released.A caregiver meeting was last night.Peer support groups will be offered today. This is a space for kids/teens to talk to and support one another.Times will be 11 a.m. for children who will entering the fifth grade this fall. The noon meeting will be for elementary age children, and 1 p.m. will be for the junior and senior high students.&nbsp;Another group will be offered at 1 p.m. Sunday for any age young person who wants to come and talk again or misses today's sessions.All the support group meetings will be at the&nbsp;gazebo in the park by the school.Courser Lapo Therapeutic Wellness is offering Crisis Response Counseling to those affected by the recent events in Plainville. If you or a loved one are interested, contact them at clientcare@couserlapo.com or call (785) 560-3101.The clinician is&nbsp; Kayla Fisher.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721400074482.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The superintendent of Plainville USD 270 also released the letter below on social media.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721400377648.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

 Crisis response teams offering assistance in Plainville after youth death

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA – The chance of death or serious injury doubles for
every 10 mph over 50 mph a vehicle travels, and speeding is a factor in almost
one-third of all traffic fatalities nationwide.

These facts from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration show why the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Drive To
Zero Coalition and law enforcement agencies across the state are working
together to increase awareness that “Speeding Wrecks Lives.”

Beginning July 22 and running through Aug. 11, motorists can
expect increased safety messaging as well as increased enforcement for speeding
to urge drivers to obey posted speed limits and help reduce crashes and
fatalities.

“These enhanced safety efforts are about saving lives,” said
KDOT Behavioral Safety Manager Gary Herman. “Drivers should follow the posted
speed limits to reduce risk to themselves, occupants in their car and those
around them. Speeding catches up with you.”

In 2023 in Kansas, 79 people lost their lives in
speed-related crashes, which is a reduction from 2022. However, the 2,085
people who were seriously injured in speed-related crashes in 2023 was an
increase from the previous year.

It takes about 221 feet to stop a vehicle traveling 50 mph.
Increase the vehicle speed to 80 mph, and it takes about 460 feet to stop,
according to NHTSA.

“With more space needed to stop and less time to respond,
the chances of a crash and crash severity while speeding are greatly
increased,” said Herman. “Drivers offer various excuses for speeding, but there
is no good excuse.”

Compounded crash risks when speeding include:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increased
chance of losing control of the vehicle.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reduced
effectiveness of seat belts and child safety seats.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increased
stopping distance needed.

Kansas Department of TransportationTOPEKA – The chance of death or serious injury doubles for
every 10 mph over 50 mph a vehicle travels, and speeding is a factor in almost
one-third of all traffic fatalities nationwide.These facts from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration show why the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Drive To
Zero Coalition and law enforcement agencies across the state are working
together to increase awareness that “Speeding Wrecks Lives.”Beginning July 22 and running through Aug. 11, motorists can
expect increased safety messaging as well as increased enforcement for speeding
to urge drivers to obey posted speed limits and help reduce crashes and
fatalities.“These enhanced safety efforts are about saving lives,” said
KDOT Behavioral Safety Manager Gary Herman. “Drivers should follow the posted
speed limits to reduce risk to themselves, occupants in their car and those
around them. Speeding catches up with you.”In 2023 in Kansas, 79 people lost their lives in
speed-related crashes, which is a reduction from 2022. However, the 2,085
people who were seriously injured in speed-related crashes in 2023 was an
increase from the previous year.It takes about 221 feet to stop a vehicle traveling 50 mph.
Increase the vehicle speed to 80 mph, and it takes about 460 feet to stop,
according to NHTSA.“With more space needed to stop and less time to respond,
the chances of a crash and crash severity while speeding are greatly
increased,” said Herman. “Drivers offer various excuses for speeding, but there
is no good excuse.”Compounded crash risks when speeding include:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increased
chance of losing control of the vehicle.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reduced
effectiveness of seat belts and child safety seats.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increased
stopping distance needed.

KDOT: Speeding can be costly, wreck lives

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Kansas made its presence felt at the Republican National Convention, with Hays local and delegate Travis Couture-Lovelady representing the Sunflower State.

This marks Couture's fourth convention since 2012, held this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for Republican Party delegates to select their presidential nominees.

Couture attended the RNC&nbsp; from July 15 to 18 with other Kansans, saying it was a great privilege to make history.

"It's always an honor to do so. You're part of history every time, and I'm certainly humbled and honored to be representing Kansas," he said.

Couture previously served as a Kansas State Representative, first elected in 2012. During his tenure in the Legislature, he served as majority caucus chairman and vice-chairman of the Federal and State Affairs Committee.

He also managed Congressman Tim Huelskamp’s 2014 re-election campaign and worked for then-State Treasurer Ron Estes. Additionally, he spent two years on Capitol Hill with Senator Sam Brownback.&nbsp;

He graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2005 with a degree in political science and has served as the state director of the National Rifle Association since 2015.

On Monday, Couture and 38 other Kansas delegates cast their votes, officially nominating Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate.

"We all here understand the gravity of how big of a deal it is to be one of the delegates," Couture said. "The fact we get to cast those votes at the convention as part of the presidential nominating process is a pretty neat experience."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ccba2dcf-2694-4abc-9155-8f155084c7a5">SEE RELATED STORY: Kansas gives all 39 votes for Trump at Republican National Convention</a>

On Wednesday, Trump announced Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate and delivered one of several speeches at the convention.

Couture said the pairing sends a clear message of supporting working-class Americans and energizes voters for the November election.

"It's been a focus for both of them in their political careers. Getting the working class people who felt the political class sold them out, get them back involved and engaged in believing in America again," he said.

Vance delivered an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8TlBHRtrvM">acceptance speech</a> for the vice presidential nomination, sharing personal stories from his family. Additionally, families of the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Afghanistan withdrawal also spoke.

"There wasn't much of a dry eye in the place," Couture said. "The overall theme was making America strong again."

The convention covered topics such as inflation, crime, border security, and energy resources, including the use of American oil versus foreign oil.

Kansas Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach also attended the convention. Couture also reconnected with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Donald Trump delivered his acceptance speech on Thursday, five days after the assassination attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, which resulted in the deaths of the shooter and one rallygoer.

Having attended several conventions, Couture said security is always of the utmost importance, and this year's convention safety measures were similar to previous years.

"They did a wonderful job of keeping all delegates and everyone else attending safe," he said. "As far as we saw, there were very strong security protocols."

You can follow Travis Couture-Lovelady on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tcouturelovelady">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721326713328.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostKansas made its presence felt at the Republican National Convention, with Hays local and delegate Travis Couture-Lovelady representing the Sunflower State.This marks Couture's fourth convention since 2012, held this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for Republican Party delegates to select their presidential nominees.Couture attended the RNC&nbsp; from July 15 to 18 with other Kansans, saying it was a great privilege to make history."It's always an honor to do so. You're part of history every time, and I'm certainly humbled and honored to be representing Kansas," he said.Couture previously served as a Kansas State Representative, first elected in 2012. During his tenure in the Legislature, he served as majority caucus chairman and vice-chairman of the Federal and State Affairs Committee.He also managed Congressman Tim Huelskamp’s 2014 re-election campaign and worked for then-State Treasurer Ron Estes. Additionally, he spent two years on Capitol Hill with Senator Sam Brownback.&nbsp;He graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2005 with a degree in political science and has served as the state director of the National Rifle Association since 2015.On Monday, Couture and 38 other Kansas delegates cast their votes, officially nominating Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate."We all here understand the gravity of how big of a deal it is to be one of the delegates," Couture said. "The fact we get to cast those votes at the convention as part of the presidential nominating process is a pretty neat experience."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ccba2dcf-2694-4abc-9155-8f155084c7a5">SEE RELATED STORY: Kansas gives all 39 votes for Trump at Republican National Convention</a>On Wednesday, Trump announced Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate and delivered one of several speeches at the convention.Couture said the pairing sends a clear message of supporting working-class Americans and energizes voters for the November election."It's been a focus for both of them in their political careers. Getting the working class people who felt the political class sold them out, get them back involved and engaged in believing in America again," he said.Vance delivered an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8TlBHRtrvM">acceptance speech</a> for the vice presidential nomination, sharing personal stories from his family. Additionally, families of the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Afghanistan withdrawal also spoke."There wasn't much of a dry eye in the place," Couture said. "The overall theme was making America strong again."The convention covered topics such as inflation, crime, border security, and energy resources, including the use of American oil versus foreign oil.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330907320.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach also attended the convention. Couture also reconnected with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.Donald Trump delivered his acceptance speech on Thursday, five days after the assassination attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, which resulted in the deaths of the shooter and one rallygoer.Having attended several conventions, Couture said security is always of the utmost importance, and this year's convention safety measures were similar to previous years."They did a wonderful job of keeping all delegates and everyone else attending safe," he said. "As far as we saw, there were very strong security protocols."You can follow Travis Couture-Lovelady on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tcouturelovelady">Facebook</a>.

Delegate from Hays represents Kansas at Republican National Convention

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school district will exceed its revenue neutral rate, Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent for business services, told the school board on Monday.&nbsp;

Residents of the Hays school district should receive a notification in the mail about the decision next week.

The Ellis County valuation went up about 5% this year.

For a $200,000 home, which increased in valuation by 5%, the district's tax impact would increase by about 1.57% or $19.72

Hays' mill levy remains less than the state average and less than peer schools.

The Kansas Legislature enacted a law requiring any local taxing body to inform the public if the taxes it collects increase.

However, this might happen every year for communities whose valuations increase. The amount of the tax collected might increase, but the mill levy might not or even decrease.

The state collects 20 mills across Kansas for public schools. Those funds are redistributed at the state level through the school funding formula.

Hays also levies local option budget, capital outlay and bond mill levies.

These levies raised about $13.1 million for the 2023-24 school year at a rate of 31.31 mills. They are expected to raise $14.45 million for the 2024-25 school year at a rate of 32.72 mills.&nbsp;

The district would have to decrease its mill levies to 29.76 mills to keep the amount collected the same.

The Hays capital outlay levy has been set at 8 mills for years.

Hipp said capital state aid decreased from 8% to 3%.

The bond and interest mill levy went down slightly based on cash flow, Hipp said. The city sales tax the district receives for the bond projects has stayed solid, and that has helped that fund, he said.

The district also lost some supplemental general fund state aid, which slightly increased the local option budget. The state aid dropped from 26% state funding to 23%.

Hipp said an increase in state special education funding will increase the general fund, which will also affect the formula.&nbsp;

The school board is scheduled to have its revenue-neutral rate and budget hearings on Sept. 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1568596588417.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school district will exceed its revenue neutral rate, Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent for business services, told the school board on Monday.&nbsp;Residents of the Hays school district should receive a notification in the mail about the decision next week.The Ellis County valuation went up about 5% this year.For a $200,000 home, which increased in valuation by 5%, the district's tax impact would increase by about 1.57% or $19.72<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721329843732.png" alt="Hays USD 489 tax impact" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 tax impact</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays' mill levy remains less than the state average and less than peer schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721329802582.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Legislature enacted a law requiring any local taxing body to inform the public if the taxes it collects increase.However, this might happen every year for communities whose valuations increase. The amount of the tax collected might increase, but the mill levy might not or even decrease.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721328673884.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The state collects 20 mills across Kansas for public schools. Those funds are redistributed at the state level through the school funding formula.Hays also levies local option budget, capital outlay and bond mill levies.These levies raised about $13.1 million for the 2023-24 school year at a rate of 31.31 mills. They are expected to raise $14.45 million for the 2024-25 school year at a rate of 32.72 mills.&nbsp;The district would have to decrease its mill levies to 29.76 mills to keep the amount collected the same.The Hays capital outlay levy has been set at 8 mills for years.Hipp said capital state aid decreased from 8% to 3%.The bond and interest mill levy went down slightly based on cash flow, Hipp said. The city sales tax the district receives for the bond projects has stayed solid, and that has helped that fund, he said.The district also lost some supplemental general fund state aid, which slightly increased the local option budget. The state aid dropped from 26% state funding to 23%.Hipp said an increase in state special education funding will increase the general fund, which will also affect the formula.&nbsp;The school board is scheduled to have its revenue-neutral rate and budget hearings on Sept. 9.

Hays USD 489 revenue to increase; typical tax bill to go up less than $20 a year

NEW YORK (AP) — Lou Dobbs, the conservative political pundit and TV host who was a nightly presence on Fox Business Network for more than a decade, has died. He was 78.

His death was announced Thursday in a post on his official X account, which called him a “fighter till the very end – fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country.”

“Lou’s legacy will forever live on as a patriot and a great American. We ask for your prayers for Lou’s wonderful wife Debi, children and grandchildren,” the post said.

He hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on FOX Business from 2011 to 2021, following two separate stints at CNN.

Fox News Media said in a statement that the network was saddened by Dobbs’ passing.

“An incredible business mind with a gift for broadcasting, Lou helped pioneer cable news into a successful and influential industry,” the statement said. “We are immensely grateful for his many contributions and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Dobbs was named in a lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting systems over lies told on the network about the 2020 presidential election. A mediator in 2023 pushed the two sides toward a $787 million settlement, averting a trial. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-government-news-media-donald-trump-fraud-b52914ec21a97dec8b5d878a908d566f">mountain of evidence</a>&nbsp;— some damning, some merely embarrassing — showed many Fox executives and on-air talent didn’t believe allegations aired mostly on shows hosted by Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro. At the time,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-television-donald-trump-business-1a4337a89c8abd952a814c60fa269b3c">they feared angering Trump fans</a>&nbsp;in the audience with the truth.

When he joined Fox Business, he said he considered himself the underdog. A few years later his show was highly rated and he was a key figure on the right-leaning network.

“We’ll focus on the American people, their standard of living ... the American nation,” he said about his show in 2011. “Those are always my starting points.”

Dobbs’ Fox show was titled “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” the same as the one he left in 2009 after an awkward last few years at CNN. Once the most visible television business journalist with his “Moneyline” show in the 1990s, Dobbs made CNN management uneasy as he grew more opinionated and drew angry protests from Latinos for his emphasis on curbing illegal immigration.

Dobbs dove into the complex public policy and economic issues that drive society.

Dobbs said he always wanted to be straight with his viewers about his own views on issues.

“My audience has always expected me to tell them where I’m coming from, and I don’t see any reason to disappoint them,” he said in 2011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721338593178.png" alt="Lou Dobbs&nbsp; courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lou Dobbs&nbsp; courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Lou Dobbs, the conservative political pundit and TV host who was a nightly presence on Fox Business Network for more than a decade, has died. He was 78.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/0Lr29t1twO">pic.twitter.com/0Lr29t1twO</a>&mdash; Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LouDobbs/status/1814037403465625995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His death was announced Thursday in a post on his official X account, which called him a “fighter till the very end – fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country.”“Lou’s legacy will forever live on as a patriot and a great American. We ask for your prayers for Lou’s wonderful wife Debi, children and grandchildren,” the post said.He hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on FOX Business from 2011 to 2021, following two separate stints at CNN.Fox News Media said in a statement that the network was saddened by Dobbs’ passing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721338795111.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“An incredible business mind with a gift for broadcasting, Lou helped pioneer cable news into a successful and influential industry,” the statement said. “We are immensely grateful for his many contributions and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”Dobbs was named in a lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting systems over lies told on the network about the 2020 presidential election. A mediator in 2023 pushed the two sides toward a $787 million settlement, averting a trial. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-government-news-media-donald-trump-fraud-b52914ec21a97dec8b5d878a908d566f">mountain of evidence</a>&nbsp;— some damning, some merely embarrassing — showed many Fox executives and on-air talent didn’t believe allegations aired mostly on shows hosted by Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro. At the time,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-television-donald-trump-business-1a4337a89c8abd952a814c60fa269b3c">they feared angering Trump fans</a>&nbsp;in the audience with the truth.When he joined Fox Business, he said he considered himself the underdog. A few years later his show was highly rated and he was a key figure on the right-leaning network.“We’ll focus on the American people, their standard of living ... the American nation,” he said about his show in 2011. “Those are always my starting points.”Dobbs’ Fox show was titled “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” the same as the one he left in 2009 after an awkward last few years at CNN. Once the most visible television business journalist with his “Moneyline” show in the 1990s, Dobbs made CNN management uneasy as he grew more opinionated and drew angry protests from Latinos for his emphasis on curbing illegal immigration.Dobbs dove into the complex public policy and economic issues that drive society.Dobbs said he always wanted to be straight with his viewers about his own views on issues.“My audience has always expected me to tell them where I’m coming from, and I don’t see any reason to disappoint them,” he said in 2011.

Lou Dobbs, conservative pundit and Fox Business host, dies at 78

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Law enforcement across the
country will be on the lookout for a man from Mexico who skipped out on a sentencing
hearing in a sex crimes case this week in Ellis County.

Fabiel Perez Zavala, 30, was scheduled
for sentencing Thursday afternoon in Ellis County District Court but failed to
show up.

He also failed to show up to a Zoom hearing on Wednesday.

Zavala pleaded no contest via Zoom on March 6 to two counts of aggravated sexual battery.

As a result of the plea agreement,
the Ellis County Attorney’s office agreed to drop one count rape, two counts of
aggravated criminal sodomy and one count of unlawfully hosting minors consuming alcohol
charges against Zavala.

According to court documents, Zavala
was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two women who were incapable of giving
consent on May 7, 2022, in Ellis County.

Under Kansas sentencing guidelines,
with Zavala’s criminal history, he is facing between 67 and 72 months in
prison.

Zavala also failed to attend a psychosexual exam in Wichita in June, and as a result, a prior sentencing hearing was postponed.

Zavala’s defense attorney had
scheduled the exam to use in support of a motion to have his sentence reduced
to probation instead of prison time.

His attorney said Zavala had been
good about staying in touch with her until recent months.

As the result of his absence District
Judge Tom Drees ordered a bench warrant for Zavala’s arrest. It is a
nation-wide warrant extraditable back to Ellis County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721342930715.png" alt="Zavala photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Zavala photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostLaw enforcement across the
country will be on the lookout for a man from Mexico who skipped out on a sentencing
hearing in a sex crimes case this week in Ellis County.Fabiel Perez Zavala, 30, was scheduled
for sentencing Thursday afternoon in Ellis County District Court but failed to
show up.He also failed to show up to a Zoom hearing on Wednesday.Zavala pleaded no contest via Zoom on March 6 to two counts of aggravated sexual battery.As a result of the plea agreement,
the Ellis County Attorney’s office agreed to drop one count rape, two counts of
aggravated criminal sodomy and one count of unlawfully hosting minors consuming alcohol
charges against Zavala.According to court documents, Zavala
was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two women who were incapable of giving
consent on May 7, 2022, in Ellis County.Under Kansas sentencing guidelines,
with Zavala’s criminal history, he is facing between 67 and 72 months in
prison.Zavala also failed to attend a psychosexual exam in Wichita in June, and as a result, a prior sentencing hearing was postponed.Zavala’s defense attorney had
scheduled the exam to use in support of a motion to have his sentence reduced
to probation instead of prison time.His attorney said Zavala had been
good about staying in touch with her until recent months.As the result of his absence District
Judge Tom Drees ordered a bench warrant for Zavala’s arrest. It is a
nation-wide warrant extraditable back to Ellis County.

Warrant issued for sex offender who skipped sentencing

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Early practices in Chiefs training camp on the Missouri Western campus have been key for one rookie running back, transitioning to a new sport.

Louis Rees-Zammit is a former union rugby player from Wales that has long dreamed of playing in the NFL and is getting his chance with the Chiefs.

Rees-Zammit says a key for him right now is getting to know the playbook.

"Cause I'm playing catchup with a lot of people that have played American football since they were little kids, six years old, so there's no time to rest for me," Rees-Zammit tells the media following practice. "I've got to give this my all because ultimately this is my dream and to make it come true then I've got to play, I've got to be a step ahead of a lot of people."

Rees-Zammit says the first goal to consider his rookie campaign successful is to make the team and knows a big part of that will be contributing on special teams.

"Been working really hard on that with Coach (Dave) Toub and Coach (Andy) Hill, and just learning the playbook as I said," Rees-Zammit says. "Learning the running back roles, being able to learn pass protection, and then learning my routes off that, I think all of that adds up and the main way I'm going to make this team is by learning pass protection and being able to be a key role on special teams."

Entering a packed tight end room, the Chiefs fourth round pick has one goal in mind during his first Chiefs Training Camp.

Jared Wiley from TCU says his biggest goal this training camp is just to prove he can contribute

"I know what's in our room, we've got me, Irv (Smith Jr.), Noah (Gray), Gerrit (Prince), obviously Trav, we have a really talented group," Wiley explains. "So if I can find a way to come in and contribute as much as I possibly can, whether it's on special teams, anything they want me to do on offense, that'd be my biggest goal just to prove that i belong in that room and to be able to be on the field with those guys."

One more practice will be held for rookies and quarterbacks tomorrow. The full team reports to St. Joseph tomorrow evening, before the first full practice open to the public on Sunday where there will be a $5 admission fee.

Tickets must be purchased online to attend and can be found by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/trainingcamp/">HERE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721325806548.jpeg" alt="Louis Rees-Zammit&nbsp;during runs down the field during the first Chiefs Training Camp practice. (Alexis Starks photo)" />
 <figcaption>Louis Rees-Zammit&nbsp;during runs down the field during the first Chiefs Training Camp practice. (Alexis Starks photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Early practices in Chiefs training camp on the Missouri Western campus have been key for one rookie running back, transitioning to a new sport.Louis Rees-Zammit is a former union rugby player from Wales that has long dreamed of playing in the NFL and is getting his chance with the Chiefs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721325905460.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes makes a cut during the first Chiefs Training Camp practice as Louis Rees-Zammit looks on. (Alexis Starks photo)" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes makes a cut during the first Chiefs Training Camp practice as Louis Rees-Zammit looks on. (Alexis Starks photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rees-Zammit says a key for him right now is getting to know the playbook."Cause I'm playing catchup with a lot of people that have played American football since they were little kids, six years old, so there's no time to rest for me," Rees-Zammit tells the media following practice. "I've got to give this my all because ultimately this is my dream and to make it come true then I've got to play, I've got to be a step ahead of a lot of people."Rees-Zammit says the first goal to consider his rookie campaign successful is to make the team and knows a big part of that will be contributing on special teams."Been working really hard on that with Coach (Dave) Toub and Coach (Andy) Hill, and just learning the playbook as I said," Rees-Zammit says. "Learning the running back roles, being able to learn pass protection, and then learning my routes off that, I think all of that adds up and the main way I'm going to make this team is by learning pass protection and being able to be a key role on special teams."Entering a packed tight end room, the Chiefs fourth round pick has one goal in mind during his first Chiefs Training Camp.Jared Wiley from TCU says his biggest goal this training camp is just to prove he can contribute"I know what's in our room, we've got me, Irv (Smith Jr.), Noah (Gray), Gerrit (Prince), obviously Trav, we have a really talented group," Wiley explains. "So if I can find a way to come in and contribute as much as I possibly can, whether it's on special teams, anything they want me to do on offense, that'd be my biggest goal just to prove that i belong in that room and to be able to be on the field with those guys."One more practice will be held for rookies and quarterbacks tomorrow. The full team reports to St. Joseph tomorrow evening, before the first full practice open to the public on Sunday where there will be a $5 admission fee.Tickets must be purchased online to attend and can be found by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/trainingcamp/">HERE</a>

🏈 Rugby star begins quest of NFL dream at Chiefs Training Camp

By LISA MASCARO, ZEKE MILLER, MICHAEL BALSAMO and AAMER MADHANI

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former president Barack Obama has privately expressed concerns to Democrats about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-democrats-president-trump-d5fb136a643edb020745336ff9709923">President Joe Biden’s candidacy</a>, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi privately warned Biden that Democrats could lose the ability to seize control of the House if he didn’t step away from the 2024 race, according to several people familiar with the sensitive internal matters.

Pelosi also showed Biden polling that she argued shows he likely can’t defeat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republican-national-convention-nomination-assassination-attempt-5f1f337ac39477e9d1c53d3e027edda3">Republican Donald Trump</a>, according to two of the people, who insisted on anonymity to discuss such matters.

Obama has not spoken directly to Biden, two other people said. He has conveyed to allies that Biden needs to consider the viability of his campaign but has also made clear that the decision is one Biden needs to make.

Time racing, Democrats at the highest levels are making a critical push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden</a>&nbsp;to reconsider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b">his reelection bid</a>, as unease grows at the White House and within the campaign at a fraught moment for the president and his party.

Biden has insisted he's not backing down, adamant he's the candidate who beat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;before and will do it again. Pressed about reports that Biden might be softening to the idea of leaving the race, his deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks said Thursday: “He is not wavering on anything.”

In recent days the president has become more committed to staying in the race, according to another person familiar with the matter.

But influential Democrats from the highest levels of the party apparatus, including congressional leadership headed by Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;and House Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Hakeem Jeffries</a>, are sending signals of concern. Some Democrats hope Biden will assess the trajectory of the race and his legacy over the coming days.

Using mountains of data showing Biden’s standing could wipe out the ranks of Democrats in Congress, frank conversations in public and private and now the president’s own time off the campaign trail after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-las-vegas-ff29bb071f18b993d20dedccbe2c8fbf">testing positive for COVID-19</a>, many Democrats see an opportunity to encourage a reassessment.

If Democrats are seriously preparing the extraordinary step of replacing Biden and shifting Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket, this weekend will be critical to changing the president's mind, other people familiar with the private conversations said.

One said it's now or never ahead of a planned virtual roll call to nominate the party's choice in early August, ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Over the past week, Schumer and Jeffries, both of New York, have spoken privately to the president, candidly laying out the views of Democrats on Capitol Hill, including Democrats' concerns.

Separately, the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington, spoke with the president last week armed with fresh data. The campaign chief specifically aired the concerns of front-line Democrats seeking election to the House.

And on Wednesday, California Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/adam-schiff">Adam Schiff</a>, a close ally of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Pelosi</a>, called for Biden to drop his reelection bid, saying he believes it's time to “pass the torch.”

Biden, in a radio interview taped just before he tested positive for COVID-19, dismissed the idea it was too late for him to recover politically, telling Univision's Luis Sandoval it's still early and many people don't focus on the November election until September.

“All the talk about who’s leading and where and how, is kind of, you know — everything so far between Trump and me has been basically even,” he said in an excerpt of the interview released Thursday.

Some national polls do show a close race, though others suggest Trump with a lead. And some state polls have contained warning signs for Biden, too, including a recent New York Times/Siena poll that suggested a competitive race in Virginia, a state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-voting-elections-virginia-3f75551ada7b2c55e9c053043d2ce01f">Biden won</a>&nbsp;in their 2020 matchup.

While the tensions over Biden's ability to carry on a winning campaign subsided some, particularly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-inspector-general-secret-service-045449b3e8f3ab7326cb779f416f83fd">last weekend's Trump assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;and as&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/o">the Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;is underway in Milwaukee, Democrats know they have limited time to resolve the party turmoil after the president's faltering debate performance last month.

To be sure, many Democrats want Biden to stay in the race. And the Democratic National Committee is pushing ahead with plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-ballot-biden-access-3bf359cce8e73714be45cb99a6e31546">a virtual vote to formally make Biden its nominee</a>&nbsp;in the first week of August, ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/democratic-national-convention">the Democratic National Convention</a>, which begins Aug. 19.

Late Wednesday, ABC News reported new details about Biden's private meeting over the weekend with Schumer at the president's beach home in Delaware. It said Schumer told the president it would be "better for the Democratic Party and better for the country if he were to bow out.” A Schumer spokesperson called the report "idle speculation.”

White House spokesman Andrew Bates said Biden told Schumer, as well as Jeffries, that "he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families.”

But among Democrats nationwide, nearly two-thirds say Biden should step aside and let his party nominate a different candidate, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/">an AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll</a>. That sharply undercuts Biden's post-debate claim that “average Democrats” are still with him even if some “big names” are turning on him.

Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas and is experiencing “mild symptoms” including “general malaise” from the infection, the White House said. The president, who had spent the past several days campaigning, had already been scheduled to return to his Delaware beach home even before the diagnosis.

Schiff's announcement brings to nearly 20 the number of Democratic members of Congress calling on Biden to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-democrats-president-trump-d5fb136a643edb020745336ff9709923">withdraw from the presidential race</a>&nbsp;in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debate-trump-biden-presidential-campaign-44e71c900a1c4af2bed93041fdfe923d">his dismal debate performance</a>&nbsp;against Trump last month.

Schiff said that by bowing out, Biden would "secure his legacy of leadership by allowing us to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election.”

Schiff is a prominent Democrat on his own, and his statement will also be watched because of his proximity to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Pelosi</a>.

It was Pelosi who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pelosi-project-2025-trump-28ca690455cc04a6faccda9daad1a22a">revived questions about Biden</a>&nbsp;post-debate, when she said recently that “it’s up to the president” to decide what to do — even though Biden had already fully stated he had no intention of stepping aside. The former House speaker publicly supports the president but has fielded calls from Democrats since debate night questioning what’s next.

In response to Schiff's comments, the Biden campaign pointed to what it called “extensive support” for him and his reelection bid from members of Congress in key swing states, as well as from the Congressional Black and Hispanic caucuses. The campaign noted that Biden had been joined on his trip to Nevada this week by nearly a dozen Congressional Black Caucus members.

Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Leah Askarinam contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721136116042.png" alt="File photo President Joe Biden as shown in an interview this week with NBC -image from video released by the Biden campaign" />
 <figcaption>File photo President Joe Biden as shown in an interview this week with NBC -image from video released by the Biden campaign</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA MASCARO, ZEKE MILLER, MICHAEL BALSAMO and AAMER MADHANIWASHINGTON (AP) — Former president Barack Obama has privately expressed concerns to Democrats about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-democrats-president-trump-d5fb136a643edb020745336ff9709923">President Joe Biden’s candidacy</a>, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi privately warned Biden that Democrats could lose the ability to seize control of the House if he didn’t step away from the 2024 race, according to several people familiar with the sensitive internal matters.Pelosi also showed Biden polling that she argued shows he likely can’t defeat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republican-national-convention-nomination-assassination-attempt-5f1f337ac39477e9d1c53d3e027edda3">Republican Donald Trump</a>, according to two of the people, who insisted on anonymity to discuss such matters.Obama has not spoken directly to Biden, two other people said. He has conveyed to allies that Biden needs to consider the viability of his campaign but has also made clear that the decision is one Biden needs to make.Time racing, Democrats at the highest levels are making a critical push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden</a>&nbsp;to reconsider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b">his reelection bid</a>, as unease grows at the White House and within the campaign at a fraught moment for the president and his party.Biden has insisted he's not backing down, adamant he's the candidate who beat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;before and will do it again. Pressed about reports that Biden might be softening to the idea of leaving the race, his deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks said Thursday: “He is not wavering on anything.”In recent days the president has become more committed to staying in the race, according to another person familiar with the matter.But influential Democrats from the highest levels of the party apparatus, including congressional leadership headed by Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;and House Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Hakeem Jeffries</a>, are sending signals of concern. Some Democrats hope Biden will assess the trajectory of the race and his legacy over the coming days.Using mountains of data showing Biden’s standing could wipe out the ranks of Democrats in Congress, frank conversations in public and private and now the president’s own time off the campaign trail after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-las-vegas-ff29bb071f18b993d20dedccbe2c8fbf">testing positive for COVID-19</a>, many Democrats see an opportunity to encourage a reassessment.If Democrats are seriously preparing the extraordinary step of replacing Biden and shifting Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket, this weekend will be critical to changing the president's mind, other people familiar with the private conversations said.One said it's now or never ahead of a planned virtual roll call to nominate the party's choice in early August, ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.Over the past week, Schumer and Jeffries, both of New York, have spoken privately to the president, candidly laying out the views of Democrats on Capitol Hill, including Democrats' concerns.Separately, the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington, spoke with the president last week armed with fresh data. The campaign chief specifically aired the concerns of front-line Democrats seeking election to the House.And on Wednesday, California Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/adam-schiff">Adam Schiff</a>, a close ally of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Pelosi</a>, called for Biden to drop his reelection bid, saying he believes it's time to “pass the torch.”Biden, in a radio interview taped just before he tested positive for COVID-19, dismissed the idea it was too late for him to recover politically, telling Univision's Luis Sandoval it's still early and many people don't focus on the November election until September.“All the talk about who’s leading and where and how, is kind of, you know — everything so far between Trump and me has been basically even,” he said in an excerpt of the interview released Thursday.Some national polls do show a close race, though others suggest Trump with a lead. And some state polls have contained warning signs for Biden, too, including a recent New York Times/Siena poll that suggested a competitive race in Virginia, a state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-voting-elections-virginia-3f75551ada7b2c55e9c053043d2ce01f">Biden won</a>&nbsp;in their 2020 matchup.While the tensions over Biden's ability to carry on a winning campaign subsided some, particularly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-inspector-general-secret-service-045449b3e8f3ab7326cb779f416f83fd">last weekend's Trump assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;and as&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/o">the Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;is underway in Milwaukee, Democrats know they have limited time to resolve the party turmoil after the president's faltering debate performance last month.To be sure, many Democrats want Biden to stay in the race. And the Democratic National Committee is pushing ahead with plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-ballot-biden-access-3bf359cce8e73714be45cb99a6e31546">a virtual vote to formally make Biden its nominee</a>&nbsp;in the first week of August, ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/democratic-national-convention">the Democratic National Convention</a>, which begins Aug. 19.Late Wednesday, ABC News reported new details about Biden's private meeting over the weekend with Schumer at the president's beach home in Delaware. It said Schumer told the president it would be "better for the Democratic Party and better for the country if he were to bow out.” A Schumer spokesperson called the report "idle speculation.”White House spokesman Andrew Bates said Biden told Schumer, as well as Jeffries, that "he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families.”But among Democrats nationwide, nearly two-thirds say Biden should step aside and let his party nominate a different candidate, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/">an AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll</a>. That sharply undercuts Biden's post-debate claim that “average Democrats” are still with him even if some “big names” are turning on him.Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas and is experiencing “mild symptoms” including “general malaise” from the infection, the White House said. The president, who had spent the past several days campaigning, had already been scheduled to return to his Delaware beach home even before the diagnosis.Schiff's announcement brings to nearly 20 the number of Democratic members of Congress calling on Biden to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-democrats-president-trump-d5fb136a643edb020745336ff9709923">withdraw from the presidential race</a>&nbsp;in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debate-trump-biden-presidential-campaign-44e71c900a1c4af2bed93041fdfe923d">his dismal debate performance</a>&nbsp;against Trump last month.Schiff said that by bowing out, Biden would "secure his legacy of leadership by allowing us to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election.”Schiff is a prominent Democrat on his own, and his statement will also be watched because of his proximity to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Pelosi</a>.It was Pelosi who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pelosi-project-2025-trump-28ca690455cc04a6faccda9daad1a22a">revived questions about Biden</a>&nbsp;post-debate, when she said recently that “it’s up to the president” to decide what to do — even though Biden had already fully stated he had no intention of stepping aside. The former House speaker publicly supports the president but has fielded calls from Democrats since debate night questioning what’s next.In response to Schiff's comments, the Biden campaign pointed to what it called “extensive support” for him and his reelection bid from members of Congress in key swing states, as well as from the Congressional Black and Hispanic caucuses. The campaign noted that Biden had been joined on his trip to Nevada this week by nearly a dozen Congressional Black Caucus members.___Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Leah Askarinam contributed to this report.

Obama, Pelosi now make push for Biden to reconsider 2024 race

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee issued a subpoena Wednesday to the Secret Service director compelling her to appear before the committee on Monday for what is scheduled to be the first congressional hearing into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

And even before the first hearing Republican calls for Director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-government-and-politics-f3d1e4308d7e2d367d91d9ab037e2229">Kimberly Cheatle</a>&nbsp;to resign intensified Wednesday with top Republican leaders from both the House and the Senate saying she should step down. The director has said she has no intention of resigning.

Rep. James Comer said initially that the Secret Service committed to her attendance but that Homeland Security officials appeared to intervene and there has been no “meaningful updates or information” shared with the committee.

Comer said the “lack of transparency and failure to cooperate” with the committee called into question Cheatle's ability to lead the Secret Service and necessitated the subpoena.

Cheatle has said the agency understands the importance of a review ordered by Democratic President Joe Biden and would fully participate in it as well as with congressional committees looking into the shooting.

In response to the subpoena and an earlier letter from Comer, Zephranie Buetow, an assistant secretary at Homeland Security, said that while the department was “disappointed that the Committee rushed to issue a subpoena,” Cheatle welcomes the chance to testify. The official said that given Cheatle's focus on securing the ongoing Republican National Convention, the department would appreciate if she could appear on July 25 or July 26, or the following week, instead of Monday.

The Oversight panel rejected that request for a change of date and committee spokesperson Jessica Collins said, “Director Cheatle has agreed to comply with Chairman Comer's subpoena and the hearing will take place as scheduled.”

“Americans demand and deserve answers from the director about the attempted assassination of President Trump and the Secret Service's egregious failures,” Collins said.

The subpoena was just one of a series of developments that occurred Wednesday in the wake of the Saturday assassination attempt.

The fact that a shooter was able to get so close to the former president while he's supposed to be closely guarded has raised questions about what security plans the agency tasked with taking a bullet for its protectees put in place and who is ultimately responsible for allowing the 20-year-old gunman to climb a roof where he had a clear line of sight to a former president.

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he would be setting up a task force to investigate security failures that occurred during the assassination attempt. He also said he would be calling on Cheatle to resign from her post as director of the Secret Service, saying on Fox News Channel without elaborating, “I think she’s shown what her priorities are.”

He said the task force would be made up of Republicans and Democrats and its formation would speed up the investigative process.

“We must have accountability for this. It was inexcusable,” Johnson said. “Obviously, there were security lapses. You don’t have to be a special ops expert to understand that. And we’re going to get down to the bottom of it quickly.”

Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, added his name to the list of lawmakers calling for Cheatle to step down. He said on the social media platform X that the near assassination was a “grave attack on American democracy.”

“The nation deserves answers and accountability,” McConnell tweeted. New leadership at the Secret Service would be an important step in that direction.”

The House Homeland Security Committee also invited several state and local law enforcement officials from Pennsylvania to testify at a hearing in the coming days with Rep. Mark Green, the committee’s chairman, saying their accounts of events were critical to the investigation.

A key issue in the unfolding aftermath of the shooting is how security responsibilities were divided between Secret Service and local law enforcement at the rally and what breakdowns occurred that eventually allowed the gunman onto the roof.

Cheatle said during an interview Monday with ABC News that the shooting should never have happened, but also said she has no plans to resign.

When asked who bears the most responsibility for the shooting happening, she said: “What I would say is the Secret Service is responsible for the protection of the former president."

“The buck stops with me. I am the director of the Secret Service," she said.

Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service, on Wednesday said: “Director Kimberly Cheatle is proud to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Secret Service and has no intention to resign.”

So far, she has the support of the administration.

“I have 100% confidence in the director of the United States Secret Service. I have 100% confidence in the United States Secret Service,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Monday.

But in addition to the Congressional inquiries, Cheatle and the Secret Service are also facing an inquiry by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general.

In a brief notice posted to the inspector general’s website Tuesday, the agency said the objective of the probe is to “Evaluate the United States Secret Service’s (Secret Service) process for securing former President Trump’s July 13, 2024 campaign event.”

The agency also said Wednesday it is launching a review of the agency's Counter Sniper Team's “preparedness and operations.”

“Our objective is to determine the extent to which the Secret Service Counter Sniper Team is prepared for, and responds to, threats at events attended by designated protectees,” the inspector general's office said.

Biden on Sunday said he was ordering an independent review of the security at the rally. No one has yet been named to lead that inquiry.

Since the shooting, Cheatle and the Security Service have come under intense scrutiny over how a gunman could get in position to fire at a former president.

The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was able to get within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage where the Republican former president was speaking when he opened fire. That’s despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-attempted-assassination-iran-threat-secret-service-87f9a1e6e74c2ac18636334e9b2e03a3">a threat on Trump’s life from Iran leading to additional security</a>&nbsp;for the former president in the days before the Saturday rally.

A bloodied Trump was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents, and agency snipers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-thomas-matthew-crooks-shooter-881581c46c07025898027143fc9132e5">killed the shooter</a>. Trump said the upper part of his right ear was pierced in the shooting. One rallygoer was killed, and two others critically wounded.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-government-and-politics-f3d1e4308d7e2d367d91d9ab037e2229">Cheatle</a>&nbsp;said her agency was working to understand how Saturday’s shooting happened and to make sure something like it never does again.

Cheatle and FBI Director Christopher Wray participated in a telephone briefing Wednesday afternoon with senators. Republicans came away critical.

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., tweeted on X that it was a “100% cover-your-ass briefing.” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., called for administration officials to hold a daily press conference to share updates with the public, and Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., said “they are so disjointed that they don’t have their own facts together yet.”

The Secret Service has roughly 7,800 staff members and is responsible for protecting presidents, vice presidents, their families, former presidents, their spouses and their minor children under the age of 16 and a few other high-level Cabinet officials such as the Homeland Security secretary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720975879185.jpeg" alt="Former President Donald Trump gestures while surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents as he is helped off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump gestures while surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents as he is helped off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee issued a subpoena Wednesday to the Secret Service director compelling her to appear before the committee on Monday for what is scheduled to be the first congressional hearing into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.And even before the first hearing Republican calls for Director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-government-and-politics-f3d1e4308d7e2d367d91d9ab037e2229">Kimberly Cheatle</a>&nbsp;to resign intensified Wednesday with top Republican leaders from both the House and the Senate saying she should step down. The director has said she has no intention of resigning.Rep. James Comer said initially that the Secret Service committed to her attendance but that Homeland Security officials appeared to intervene and there has been no “meaningful updates or information” shared with the committee.Comer said the “lack of transparency and failure to cooperate” with the committee called into question Cheatle's ability to lead the Secret Service and necessitated the subpoena.Cheatle has said the agency understands the importance of a review ordered by Democratic President Joe Biden and would fully participate in it as well as with congressional committees looking into the shooting.In response to the subpoena and an earlier letter from Comer, Zephranie Buetow, an assistant secretary at Homeland Security, said that while the department was “disappointed that the Committee rushed to issue a subpoena,” Cheatle welcomes the chance to testify. The official said that given Cheatle's focus on securing the ongoing Republican National Convention, the department would appreciate if she could appear on July 25 or July 26, or the following week, instead of Monday.The Oversight panel rejected that request for a change of date and committee spokesperson Jessica Collins said, “Director Cheatle has agreed to comply with Chairman Comer's subpoena and the hearing will take place as scheduled.”“Americans demand and deserve answers from the director about the attempted assassination of President Trump and the Secret Service's egregious failures,” Collins said.The subpoena was just one of a series of developments that occurred Wednesday in the wake of the Saturday assassination attempt.The fact that a shooter was able to get so close to the former president while he's supposed to be closely guarded has raised questions about what security plans the agency tasked with taking a bullet for its protectees put in place and who is ultimately responsible for allowing the 20-year-old gunman to climb a roof where he had a clear line of sight to a former president.House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he would be setting up a task force to investigate security failures that occurred during the assassination attempt. He also said he would be calling on Cheatle to resign from her post as director of the Secret Service, saying on Fox News Channel without elaborating, “I think she’s shown what her priorities are.”He said the task force would be made up of Republicans and Democrats and its formation would speed up the investigative process.“We must have accountability for this. It was inexcusable,” Johnson said. “Obviously, there were security lapses. You don’t have to be a special ops expert to understand that. And we’re going to get down to the bottom of it quickly.”Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, added his name to the list of lawmakers calling for Cheatle to step down. He said on the social media platform X that the near assassination was a “grave attack on American democracy.”“The nation deserves answers and accountability,” McConnell tweeted. New leadership at the Secret Service would be an important step in that direction.”The House Homeland Security Committee also invited several state and local law enforcement officials from Pennsylvania to testify at a hearing in the coming days with Rep. Mark Green, the committee’s chairman, saying their accounts of events were critical to the investigation.A key issue in the unfolding aftermath of the shooting is how security responsibilities were divided between Secret Service and local law enforcement at the rally and what breakdowns occurred that eventually allowed the gunman onto the roof.Cheatle said during an interview Monday with ABC News that the shooting should never have happened, but also said she has no plans to resign.When asked who bears the most responsibility for the shooting happening, she said: “What I would say is the Secret Service is responsible for the protection of the former president."“The buck stops with me. I am the director of the Secret Service," she said.Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service, on Wednesday said: “Director Kimberly Cheatle is proud to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Secret Service and has no intention to resign.”So far, she has the support of the administration.“I have 100% confidence in the director of the United States Secret Service. I have 100% confidence in the United States Secret Service,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Monday.But in addition to the Congressional inquiries, Cheatle and the Secret Service are also facing an inquiry by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general.In a brief notice posted to the inspector general’s website Tuesday, the agency said the objective of the probe is to “Evaluate the United States Secret Service’s (Secret Service) process for securing former President Trump’s July 13, 2024 campaign event.”The agency also said Wednesday it is launching a review of the agency's Counter Sniper Team's “preparedness and operations.”“Our objective is to determine the extent to which the Secret Service Counter Sniper Team is prepared for, and responds to, threats at events attended by designated protectees,” the inspector general's office said.Biden on Sunday said he was ordering an independent review of the security at the rally. No one has yet been named to lead that inquiry.Since the shooting, Cheatle and the Security Service have come under intense scrutiny over how a gunman could get in position to fire at a former president.The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was able to get within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage where the Republican former president was speaking when he opened fire. That’s despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-attempted-assassination-iran-threat-secret-service-87f9a1e6e74c2ac18636334e9b2e03a3">a threat on Trump’s life from Iran leading to additional security</a>&nbsp;for the former president in the days before the Saturday rally.A bloodied Trump was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents, and agency snipers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-thomas-matthew-crooks-shooter-881581c46c07025898027143fc9132e5">killed the shooter</a>. Trump said the upper part of his right ear was pierced in the shooting. One rallygoer was killed, and two others critically wounded.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-government-and-politics-f3d1e4308d7e2d367d91d9ab037e2229">Cheatle</a>&nbsp;said her agency was working to understand how Saturday’s shooting happened and to make sure something like it never does again.Cheatle and FBI Director Christopher Wray participated in a telephone briefing Wednesday afternoon with senators. Republicans came away critical.Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., tweeted on X that it was a “100% cover-your-ass briefing.” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., called for administration officials to hold a daily press conference to share updates with the public, and Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., said “they are so disjointed that they don’t have their own facts together yet.”The Secret Service has roughly 7,800 staff members and is responsible for protecting presidents, vice presidents, their families, former presidents, their spouses and their minor children under the age of 16 and a few other high-level Cabinet officials such as the Homeland Security secretary.

Secret Service director to testify on Trump assassination attempt

Hays Lions continues to celebrate 100 years of service in community

The Hays Lion Club has withdrawn a request to add its name to Daniel G. Rupp Park, 33rd and Skyline, after members say a misunderstanding sparked public outcry.

Priscilla Hunt, a longtime Lions member and former president, proposed adding the Lions' name to the park at a June Hays City Commission meeting.

Hunt said the Lions never intended to remove Rupp's name from the park.

Hunt said the Lions wanted to honor their dedication to the park by changing its name to Hays Lions Club Park in Remembrance of Daniel G. Rupp.

The park's sign now reads Daniel G. Rupp Park sponsored by the Hays Lions Club.

Rupp was a Hays city commissioner for 24 years and former mayor. He was also a member of the Fort Hays State University faculty as well as multiple area nonprofits. The Hays City Commission named the park for Rupp in 1998.

The Hays Lions are celebrating 100 years this year. They have contributed to the upkeep and improvement of the park since 1979 when it was Northridge Park.

The Lions helped add a physical fitness trail at the park, a shelter house, playground equipment, footbridge, basketball court, volleyball court and have planted many trees in the park since the 1970s, all on a cost-share basis with the city of Hays.

When the shelter house was added to the park, which was then called Northridge Park, the Optimists were also doing work at Seven Hills Park. However, the city did not have the funds to upgrade the two parks.

Then city manager Joe Pence said, "Those groups work their hearts out, and developing a park is expensive."

Hunt said other nonprofit organizations who contribute to parks in the community, including the Optimists and Kiwanis have those parks named after them.

"We would say, 'Have you been up to our park?' They would say, 'What park is that?' The one up behind Whiskey Creek," Hunt said. "That's the Hays Lions Club Park. 'We didn't know the Hays Lions Club had a park.'

Editor's note: Whiskey Creek is now The Breaks.

"That was the main thing about wanting to change the name. They see Kiwanis. They see Optimists. They see everybody else in the community that does for the community, but nobody saw that we do for the community."

Hunt said the community is unaware of the Lion's contribution because of the name and the way the sign reads.

Jim Huenergarde, Hays Lions Club president and 27-year member of the Lions, said the headline in a Hays Daily news story was misleading and caused a backlash against the Lions.

"The newspaper really shattered our chance," Huenergarde said. "They had it that it came across that we wanted to remove [Rupp's] name."

He added, "No matter what we do now, the damage has been done."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6f27ec9c-9e3e-4150-a527-0eb93a5a41ef">Sen. Jerry Moran is a past president of the Hays Lions Club and spoke at its 100th anniversary celebration in June.</a>

Hunt, who has been a member of Lions for 18 years, said the organization contributes $11,000 to $12,000 per year in grants to local organizations. The organization now has 52 members in Hays and has several fundraisers through the year including an annual pancake feed, a golf tournament and a fundraiser during Oktoberfest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721244784864.jpeg" alt="The Hays Lions requested to have its name added to the Daniel G. Rupp Park but has withdrawn the request after public outcry. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays Lions requested to have its name added to the Daniel G. Rupp Park but has withdrawn the request after public outcry. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Hays Lions continues to celebrate 100 years of service in community</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Lion Club has withdrawn a request to add its name to Daniel G. Rupp Park, 33rd and Skyline, after members say a misunderstanding sparked public outcry.Priscilla Hunt, a longtime Lions member and former president, proposed adding the Lions' name to the park at a June Hays City Commission meeting.Hunt said the Lions never intended to remove Rupp's name from the park.Hunt said the Lions wanted to honor their dedication to the park by changing its name to Hays Lions Club Park in Remembrance of Daniel G. Rupp.The park's sign now reads Daniel G. Rupp Park sponsored by the Hays Lions Club.Rupp was a Hays city commissioner for 24 years and former mayor. He was also a member of the Fort Hays State University faculty as well as multiple area nonprofits. The Hays City Commission named the park for Rupp in 1998.The Hays Lions are celebrating 100 years this year. They have contributed to the upkeep and improvement of the park since 1979 when it was Northridge Park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721244751768.jpeg" alt="The Hays Lions Club has donated funds to help purchase playground equipment at Dan Rupp Park. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays Lions Club has donated funds to help purchase playground equipment at Dan Rupp Park. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lions helped add a physical fitness trail at the park, a shelter house, playground equipment, footbridge, basketball court, volleyball court and have planted many trees in the park since the 1970s, all on a cost-share basis with the city of Hays.When the shelter house was added to the park, which was then called Northridge Park, the Optimists were also doing work at Seven Hills Park. However, the city did not have the funds to upgrade the two parks.Then city manager Joe Pence said, "Those groups work their hearts out, and developing a park is expensive."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721244940596.jpeg" alt="The Hays Lions Club has helped pay for amenities in the park including the construction of a basketball and a volleyball court. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays Lions Club has helped pay for amenities in the park including the construction of a basketball and a volleyball court. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hunt said other nonprofit organizations who contribute to parks in the community, including the Optimists and Kiwanis have those parks named after them."We would say, 'Have you been up to our park?' They would say, 'What park is that?' The one up behind Whiskey Creek," Hunt said. "That's the Hays Lions Club Park. 'We didn't know the Hays Lions Club had a park.'Editor's note: Whiskey Creek is now The Breaks."That was the main thing about wanting to change the name. They see Kiwanis. They see Optimists. They see everybody else in the community that does for the community, but nobody saw that we do for the community."Hunt said the community is unaware of the Lion's contribution because of the name and the way the sign reads.Jim Huenergarde, Hays Lions Club president and 27-year member of the Lions, said the headline in a Hays Daily news story was misleading and caused a backlash against the Lions."The newspaper really shattered our chance," Huenergarde said. "They had it that it came across that we wanted to remove [Rupp's] name."He added, "No matter what we do now, the damage has been done."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721245134430.jpeg" alt="Since 1979, the Hays Lions Club has contributed financial support to Rupp Park amenities, including the shelter house. The Lions and their partners have also planted many trees in the park since it first sponsored the park in 1979. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Since 1979, the Hays Lions Club has contributed financial support to Rupp Park amenities, including the shelter house. The Lions and their partners have also planted many trees in the park since it first sponsored the park in 1979. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6f27ec9c-9e3e-4150-a527-0eb93a5a41ef">Sen. Jerry Moran is a past president of the Hays Lions Club and spoke at its 100th anniversary celebration in June.</a>Hunt, who has been a member of Lions for 18 years, said the organization contributes $11,000 to $12,000 per year in grants to local organizations. The organization now has 52 members in Hays and has several fundraisers through the year including an annual pancake feed, a golf tournament and a fundraiser during Oktoberfest.A list of past and present organizations who have benefited from the grants cross a broad spectrum of Hays nonprofits. Some of those organizations include Big Brother Big Sisters, Community Assistance Center, Ellis County Cancer Council, First Call For Help, 4-H, Hays Area Children's Center, USD 489 Foundation, Arc, DSNWK, Boy Scouts, Red Cross, United Way, and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services."We are here to help," Hunt said. ... "We are here to be of service, not to be bashed."In addition, the local Lions organization participates in the club's international efforts to improve access to eye exams and glasses, Huenergarde said. They collect used eyeglasses for distribution in third-world countries and provide eye exams and glasses for those in need locally.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721245421495.png" alt="Lions pictured with the Rupp Park bridge, which they built. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lions pictured with the Rupp Park bridge, which they built. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hunt and Huenergarde said they were saddened by the negative publicity."We are just going to pull the plug and go on as we have been for the last 100 years," he said of the park naming.Hunt added, "I'm sorry that people misunderstood."Huenergarde said, "We don't want to cause any ill will. We didn't mean anything negative against the family [of Dan Rupp].If you are interested in becoming a Lions Club member, you can contact any Lions member or Huenergarde at 785-639-3430 or hayslion@yahoo.com. Membership is $7 per month.<a href="https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/haysks/">You can follow the Hays Lions Club on its website</a>. You can also follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysLionsClub">Facebook.</a>They meet at noon on Tuesdays at the Hadley Center, 230 E. Eighth St., Hays.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721314423524.jpeg" alt="Hays Lions Club Hays Chamber ribbon cutting Wednesday to honor the club's 100th anniversary. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Lions Club Hays Chamber ribbon cutting Wednesday to honor the club's 100th anniversary. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>