By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

HaysMed reported 25 injuries from ice and falls during a statewide snowstorm on the weekend of Jan. 4-5.

Dr. Nathan Smith of HaysMed said that weekend was one of their busiest and most severe days during a winter storm.

"We definitely have lots of falls when there's ice or snow outside, but this was even worse than our typical winter weather," Smith said.

Smith said several ice-related injuries led to hip fractures and even a brain bleed, posing challenges due to the bad weather and the closest neurosurgeons typically located in Wichita.

"If you fall and have a bad accident that we cannot take care of, it might be a matter of us sitting with you in the emergency room and monitoring you," he said.

Smith said ice and fall-related injuries persisted after the weekend snowstorm, as hidden ice beneath the snow remained a hazard while people shoveled their driveways.

Most of the individuals who sustained hip fractures were older than 60 due to the increased fragility of their bones.

"Your balance isn't quite as good as it once was," Smith said.

Smith advises staying indoors unless necessary and preparing ahead of time to avoid leaving the house for several days. Otherwise, wear good traction shoes and keep your hands free to maintain the best possible balance.

"There was a ton of ice underneath, and that didn't help anyone at all," Smith said.&nbsp;

While no frostbite injuries were reported, Smith suggests people stay warm by dressing in layers.

While highs are set to increase into the upper 40s as the week progresses, arctic air will be back in Hays during the weekend. Highs are forecast in the low 20s on Saturday and Sunday, with a 20-30 percent chance of snow on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b5ccc5d7-a03f-4e6f-95b6-cbced100241a">SEE RELATED STORY: Weekend snowstorm leads to disabled vehicles, accidents in Hays</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736545318793.jpeg" alt="Snow and ice covering a sidewalk. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Snow and ice covering a sidewalk. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHaysMed reported 25 injuries from ice and falls during a statewide snowstorm on the weekend of Jan. 4-5.Dr. Nathan Smith of HaysMed said that weekend was one of their busiest and most severe days during a winter storm."We definitely have lots of falls when there's ice or snow outside, but this was even worse than our typical winter weather," Smith said.Smith said several ice-related injuries led to hip fractures and even a brain bleed, posing challenges due to the bad weather and the closest neurosurgeons typically located in Wichita."If you fall and have a bad accident that we cannot take care of, it might be a matter of us sitting with you in the emergency room and monitoring you," he said.Smith said ice and fall-related injuries persisted after the weekend snowstorm, as hidden ice beneath the snow remained a hazard while people shoveled their driveways.Most of the individuals who sustained hip fractures were older than 60 due to the increased fragility of their bones."Your balance isn't quite as good as it once was," Smith said.Smith advises staying indoors unless necessary and preparing ahead of time to avoid leaving the house for several days. Otherwise, wear good traction shoes and keep your hands free to maintain the best possible balance."There was a ton of ice underneath, and that didn't help anyone at all," Smith said.&nbsp;While no frostbite injuries were reported, Smith suggests people stay warm by dressing in layers.While highs are set to increase into the upper 40s as the week progresses, arctic air will be back in Hays during the weekend. Highs are forecast in the low 20s on Saturday and Sunday, with a 20-30 percent chance of snow on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b5ccc5d7-a03f-4e6f-95b6-cbced100241a">SEE RELATED STORY: Weekend snowstorm leads to disabled vehicles, accidents in Hays</a>

Snowstorm leads to surge in ice-related injuries in Hays 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fires burning homes and businesses in Los Angeles for a week have killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfires-southern-california-2dc4d256d8681f7d035f64730982aef0">at least 25 people</a>, displaced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/la-wildfire-flee-evacuation-wind-palisades-f302b4cd347f9a4f4fe707fa0a717aca">thousands of others</a>&nbsp;and destroyed more than 12,000 buildings in what might be the most expensive set of conflagrations in the nation's history.

The blazes started Jan. 7, fueled by fierce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;that have posed problems for the large forces of firefighters deployed across several areas of the sprawling city. Cal Fire reported that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires have consumed about 63 square miles (163 square kilometers). Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades Fire at 17% and the Eaton Fire at 35% on Tuesday.

The Palisades Fire, along the coast, has been blamed for eight deaths, while the Eaton Fire farther inland has been blamed for 17 others, the LA County medical examiner's office said. Nearly 30 people were missing.

Investigators are still trying to determine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-possible-causes-6112488f835e45f53c67d4d03d7a1e4f">what sparked the fires</a>. They could be the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-natural-disasters-losses-insurance-recovery-d2f24e44d75503118643151eaee947fb">costliest ever</a>. Government agencies haven't provided preliminary damage estimates yet, but AccuWeather, a company that provides data on weather and its impact, puts the damage and economic losses at $250 billion to $275 billion.

Here's a closer look at what to know about the fires.

Strong winds kick up in the fire-plagued city

Dry winds gusted Tuesday up to 50 mph (80 kph) in the mountains around LA, said meteorologist Todd Hall of the National Weather Service. That could increase, with the potential for more powerful gusts across the mountains into coastal and valley areas.

A red-flag warning already has been in effect, but the weather service has issued a rare warning about a “particularly dangerous situation” related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-things-to-know-winds-f93d41dc901e352b63e86ab67ef7790e">severe fire conditions.</a>&nbsp;Strong winds are predicted through Wednesday, forecasters said.

The Santa Ana winds have turned seasonal wildfires into infernos that have leveled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-pacific-palisades-wildfires-los-angeles-4b67b7f29d0d6eb7321a52ef60c17d60">neighborhoods</a>&nbsp;in and around Los Angeles where there has been no significant rainfall in over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5">eight months</a>.

Southern California’s winds typically flow onshore from the Pacific, carrying moist air onto land. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;are warm currents that move in the opposite direction. They usually occur from September through May.

FEMA delivers cash assistance to affected households

About 40,000 people have applied for assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has already disbursed more than $8 million for immediate needs like water, food, baby formula and gas. The initial money goes directly into bank accounts, regional FEMA administrator Robert J. Fenton, Jr. said Tuesday, denying misinformation about vouchers.

President Joe Biden did say that the federal government would pay 100% of the firefighting and recovery costs in the first 180 days. But that doesn’t mean FEMA will cover 100% of individual families’ costs — the maximum amount FEMA can provide is $43,600, Fenton said.

Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the state and several charities gathered to explain the process at a disaster recovery center at UCLA Research Park West and Pasadena City College Community Education Center.

FEMA offers up to $770 to help cover the evacuees' immediate needs, but its larger grants generally aren’t available until after insurance companies pay out. Someone who receives a maximum grant from FEMA might be eligible for another $10,000 grant from the state.

For other needs beyond what insurance and FEMA covers, the Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans: Businesses can borrow up to $2 million, while homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 for rebuilding and another $100,000 for personal property.

<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/">LA County Recovers</a>, a government-run program, posted interactive maps on its website that show the damage.

The maps for the&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire/">Eaton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/palisades-fire/">Palisades</a>&nbsp;fires allow users to click on an icon and get a description of the type of structure, such as a home or commercial building, and the type of damage, such as “major” or “destroyed.”

Addresses may be entered into a search bar to find a specific location. Users can also see photos of the damaged buildings.

Nine people have been charged with looting, including a group that stole an Emmy award from a house that had been evacuated, said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Another pair took more than $200,000 worth of items in a neighborhood filled with mansions, he said.

Price gouging has become an issue with hotels, short-term rentals and medical supplies. Scammers are also soliciting donations for bogus relief efforts, authorities said.

And three people were arrested outside the fire zones since Sunday for starting small fires, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. The fires were spotted by alert citizens and quickly extinguished. One person was using a barbecue lighter to start fires. Another lit a trash can on fire. The third was caught lighting brush on fire. All were arrested on suspicion of arson, McDonnell said.

Sewer, water and power infrastructure across the region has been significantly damaged, and&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">several utilities</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-wildfires-drinking-water-contamination-121cc5d8ff22e577342e7fa79de791ae">declared their drinking water unsafe</a>&nbsp;until extensive testing can prove otherwise.

Toxic chemicals from the fires can get into damaged drinking water systems. Experts say filtering or boiling won’t help.

Los Angeles County has more than 200 water service providers, but so far only&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">a handful</a>&nbsp;believe that damage or loss of pressure may have resulted in chemical contamination and have issued “Do Not Drink” notices.

Utilities are focused on ensuring there’s enough water for fighting fires, though some are beginning to test for contaminants. It can take weeks to months of testing before water can be declared safe for drinking.

Thousands remain evacuated or without power

About 88,000 people from highly populated neighborhoods including Pacific Palisades, Altadena and others remained under evacuation orders Tuesday. Another 84,800 might be ordered to evacuate. An overnight curfew remains in effect for evacuated areas, and violators have been arrested, authorities said.

<a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Facility-Evacuations.aspx">Around 850</a>&nbsp;patients and residents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-escape-evacuate-senior-citizens-7068811f9be7a03c4932817320d97b73">nursing homes</a>, assisted living facilities and group homes were evacuated after the blazes last week, according to the California Department of Public Health.

More than 80,000 customers, more than half in Los Angeles County, were without power across California on Tuesday, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://poweroutage.us/">PowerOutage.us</a>, which tracks outages nationwide.

Thousands have fled and many have lost their homes, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-los-angeles-celebrities-1337e6e1f6d631aa931684ad185310cd">Hollywood stars</a>&nbsp;Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore, and Los Angeles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-lakers-redick-faef4a6bb8f137017ca716ebb7c511d6">Lakers head coach JJ Redick</a>.

The fires scorched more than landmarks and celebrity homes

Although the fires have reduced a number of celebrity mansions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/landmarks-destroyed-california-wildfires-135b5d227f3ea1b5b9f877b48e3bbdb9">movie landmarks</a>&nbsp;to ashes, they also burned through more affordable communities such as Altadena, which has served&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfire-pacific-palisades-pasadena-altadena-inequality-63ea76d186740359f7f5dd188896354f">generations of Black families</a>&nbsp;who might have faced discriminatory housing practices elsewhere.

The fires have also destroyed several&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-destroyed-churches-synagogue-mosque-eba09c35bd7c851c57574171aa4ed34d">places of worship</a>, including a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic parish and a half-dozen Protestant churches.

Investigators are looking into what caused the fires

Investigators haven't determined the cause. But a person whose home was destroyed in the Eaton blaze claims in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-eaton-cause-utility-fireworks-eb0f4f71e437f1ba692f929e9633c856">a lawsuit filed Monday</a>&nbsp;that Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked it. Gabriela Ornelas, an Edison spokesperson, said the utility is aware that a lawsuit has been filed, but has not yet reviewed it.

Lightning is the most common source of fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association, but investigators quickly ruled that out. There were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain around the Eaton Fire, which started in eastern Los Angeles County.

The next two most common causes are fires that are intentionally set or caused by electricity lines.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736908788007.png" alt="Image Red Cross Los Angeles" />
 <figcaption>Image Red Cross Los Angeles</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fires burning homes and businesses in Los Angeles for a week have killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfires-southern-california-2dc4d256d8681f7d035f64730982aef0">at least 25 people</a>, displaced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/la-wildfire-flee-evacuation-wind-palisades-f302b4cd347f9a4f4fe707fa0a717aca">thousands of others</a>&nbsp;and destroyed more than 12,000 buildings in what might be the most expensive set of conflagrations in the nation's history.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wildfire-impacted residents can pick up their mail at relocated post offices or have mail forwarded to a temporary location. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/EIu0j3dkyZ">https://t.co/EIu0j3dkyZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/zPRzYuTPaY">pic.twitter.com/zPRzYuTPaY</a>&mdash; Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CountyofLA/status/1879353054094618902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The blazes started Jan. 7, fueled by fierce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;that have posed problems for the large forces of firefighters deployed across several areas of the sprawling city. Cal Fire reported that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires have consumed about 63 square miles (163 square kilometers). Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades Fire at 17% and the Eaton Fire at 35% on Tuesday.The Palisades Fire, along the coast, has been blamed for eight deaths, while the Eaton Fire farther inland has been blamed for 17 others, the LA County medical examiner's office said. Nearly 30 people were missing.Investigators are still trying to determine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-possible-causes-6112488f835e45f53c67d4d03d7a1e4f">what sparked the fires</a>. They could be the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-natural-disasters-losses-insurance-recovery-d2f24e44d75503118643151eaee947fb">costliest ever</a>. Government agencies haven't provided preliminary damage estimates yet, but AccuWeather, a company that provides data on weather and its impact, puts the damage and economic losses at $250 billion to $275 billion.Here's a closer look at what to know about the fires.<h2>Strong winds kick up in the fire-plagued city</h2>Dry winds gusted Tuesday up to 50 mph (80 kph) in the mountains around LA, said meteorologist Todd Hall of the National Weather Service. That could increase, with the potential for more powerful gusts across the mountains into coastal and valley areas.A red-flag warning already has been in effect, but the weather service has issued a rare warning about a “particularly dangerous situation” related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-things-to-know-winds-f93d41dc901e352b63e86ab67ef7790e">severe fire conditions.</a>&nbsp;Strong winds are predicted through Wednesday, forecasters said.The Santa Ana winds have turned seasonal wildfires into infernos that have leveled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-pacific-palisades-wildfires-los-angeles-4b67b7f29d0d6eb7321a52ef60c17d60">neighborhoods</a>&nbsp;in and around Los Angeles where there has been no significant rainfall in over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5">eight months</a>.Southern California’s winds typically flow onshore from the Pacific, carrying moist air onto land. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;are warm currents that move in the opposite direction. They usually occur from September through May.<h2>FEMA delivers cash assistance to affected households</h2>About 40,000 people have applied for assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has already disbursed more than $8 million for immediate needs like water, food, baby formula and gas. The initial money goes directly into bank accounts, regional FEMA administrator Robert J. Fenton, Jr. said Tuesday, denying misinformation about vouchers.President Joe Biden did say that the federal government would pay 100% of the firefighting and recovery costs in the first 180 days. But that doesn’t mean FEMA will cover 100% of individual families’ costs — the maximum amount FEMA can provide is $43,600, Fenton said.Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the state and several charities gathered to explain the process at a disaster recovery center at UCLA Research Park West and Pasadena City College Community Education Center.FEMA offers up to $770 to help cover the evacuees' immediate needs, but its larger grants generally aren’t available until after insurance companies pay out. Someone who receives a maximum grant from FEMA might be eligible for another $10,000 grant from the state.For other needs beyond what insurance and FEMA covers, the Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans: Businesses can borrow up to $2 million, while homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 for rebuilding and another $100,000 for personal property.<h2>Interactive maps show damaged homes</h2><a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/">LA County Recovers</a>, a government-run program, posted interactive maps on its website that show the damage.The maps for the&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire/">Eaton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/palisades-fire/">Palisades</a>&nbsp;fires allow users to click on an icon and get a description of the type of structure, such as a home or commercial building, and the type of damage, such as “major” or “destroyed.”Addresses may be entered into a search bar to find a specific location. Users can also see photos of the damaged buildings.<h2>Looting, price gouging and arson</h2>Nine people have been charged with looting, including a group that stole an Emmy award from a house that had been evacuated, said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.Another pair took more than $200,000 worth of items in a neighborhood filled with mansions, he said.Price gouging has become an issue with hotels, short-term rentals and medical supplies. Scammers are also soliciting donations for bogus relief efforts, authorities said.And three people were arrested outside the fire zones since Sunday for starting small fires, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. The fires were spotted by alert citizens and quickly extinguished. One person was using a barbecue lighter to start fires. Another lit a trash can on fire. The third was caught lighting brush on fire. All were arrested on suspicion of arson, McDonnell said.<h2>Water safety worries utilities</h2>Sewer, water and power infrastructure across the region has been significantly damaged, and&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">several utilities</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-wildfires-drinking-water-contamination-121cc5d8ff22e577342e7fa79de791ae">declared their drinking water unsafe</a>&nbsp;until extensive testing can prove otherwise.Toxic chemicals from the fires can get into damaged drinking water systems. Experts say filtering or boiling won’t help.Los Angeles County has more than 200 water service providers, but so far only&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">a handful</a>&nbsp;believe that damage or loss of pressure may have resulted in chemical contamination and have issued “Do Not Drink” notices.Utilities are focused on ensuring there’s enough water for fighting fires, though some are beginning to test for contaminants. It can take weeks to months of testing before water can be declared safe for drinking.<h2>Thousands remain evacuated or without power</h2>About 88,000 people from highly populated neighborhoods including Pacific Palisades, Altadena and others remained under evacuation orders Tuesday. Another 84,800 might be ordered to evacuate. An overnight curfew remains in effect for evacuated areas, and violators have been arrested, authorities said.<a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Facility-Evacuations.aspx">Around 850</a>&nbsp;patients and residents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-escape-evacuate-senior-citizens-7068811f9be7a03c4932817320d97b73">nursing homes</a>, assisted living facilities and group homes were evacuated after the blazes last week, according to the California Department of Public Health.More than 80,000 customers, more than half in Los Angeles County, were without power across California on Tuesday, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://poweroutage.us/">PowerOutage.us</a>, which tracks outages nationwide.Thousands have fled and many have lost their homes, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-los-angeles-celebrities-1337e6e1f6d631aa931684ad185310cd">Hollywood stars</a>&nbsp;Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore, and Los Angeles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-lakers-redick-faef4a6bb8f137017ca716ebb7c511d6">Lakers head coach JJ Redick</a>.<h2>The fires scorched more than landmarks and celebrity homes</h2>Although the fires have reduced a number of celebrity mansions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/landmarks-destroyed-california-wildfires-135b5d227f3ea1b5b9f877b48e3bbdb9">movie landmarks</a>&nbsp;to ashes, they also burned through more affordable communities such as Altadena, which has served&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfire-pacific-palisades-pasadena-altadena-inequality-63ea76d186740359f7f5dd188896354f">generations of Black families</a>&nbsp;who might have faced discriminatory housing practices elsewhere.The fires have also destroyed several&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-destroyed-churches-synagogue-mosque-eba09c35bd7c851c57574171aa4ed34d">places of worship</a>, including a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic parish and a half-dozen Protestant churches.<h2>Investigators are looking into what caused the fires</h2>Investigators haven't determined the cause. But a person whose home was destroyed in the Eaton blaze claims in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-eaton-cause-utility-fireworks-eb0f4f71e437f1ba692f929e9633c856">a lawsuit filed Monday</a>&nbsp;that Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked it. Gabriela Ornelas, an Edison spokesperson, said the utility is aware that a lawsuit has been filed, but has not yet reviewed it.Lightning is the most common source of fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association, but investigators quickly ruled that out. There were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain around the Eaton Fire, which started in eastern Los Angeles County.The next two most common causes are fires that are intentionally set or caused by electricity lines.

Los Angeles fires: Death toll climbs; dozens still missing

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

EMPORIA - Hays finally got their season going in 2025 after Mother Nature postponed the first two contests last week. The first of two make-up game took place in Emporia on Tuesday night.

Girls:&nbsp;#6 Hays 66, Emporia 12 Hays outscored Emporia in all four quarters on their way to a 66-12 win and in the process picked up their seventh win in seven tries this season.

Emporia hit a three pointer to open the game before Hays went on a 21-0 run over the next six minutes. Emporia shot just two field goals in the first quarter and took seven total shots through the first half. The Indians knocked down a shot at the end of the first quarter for a 23-4 lead.

Hays outscored Emporia 19-4 in the second quarter and 19-2 in the third for a 61-10 lead. The running clock fourth quarter still saw the Indians outscore the Spartans 5-2 for the 66-12 victory.

Hays allowed just 12 field goal attempts and forced 36 turnovers. Hays let go of the ball just seven times to match a season low. The Indians also shot a season high 56%.

Hays improves to 7-0 while Emporia falls to 0-5. The Spartans graduated 12 seniors following a fourth place finish at 5A state last year.

The Indians travel to Garden City Friday to resume Western Athletic Conference play.

Jenna Schmeidler 10; Annie Humphrey 3; Katie Linenberger 10; Molly Martin 16; Kenlee Winter 4; Morgan Armbruster 3; Jaysa Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 2; Riley Dreher 5; Molly Buckles 4; Zoe Winter 6; Liz Cunningham 0; Rylen Harrington 2; Haley LaBarge 1.

Boys:&nbsp;Emporia 41, Hays 36 Hays had was outscored by eight in the fourth quarter falling 41-36 on the road Tuesday.

There weren't many points in the first half but Hays had more than half of them leading 18-14. Emporia led by two points twice before Hays used a 9-0 run that led to a 11-4 lead midway through the first quarter.

The Indians didn't score for the next six minutes but only allowed four points during the same stretch. Hays rebuilt their lead to 18-12 and had the ball inside two minutes remaining in the first half. Emporia closed the gap down to 18-14 at halftime.

Hays had a pair of seven point leads in the third quarter but never advanced the lead from that point. The Indians led 25-18 with 3:36 left in the third. That lead was followed by six straight turnovers. Despite that Hays led 25-22 going to the fourth quarter.

The Indians opened up the fourth quarter with a three pointer to take a 28-22 advantage. Hays didn't score for the next 6:08 when they made a pair of free throws with 1:02 left in the fourth, cutting the lead down to 34-30.&nbsp;

A pair of three pointers by Hays wrapped around a single free throw make brought Hays within one point at 37-36 with 11 seconds remaining. The Spartans cashed a pair of free throws to lead by three and Hays turned the ball over one more time. Two more Emporia free throws made the difference at 41-36.

Hays falls to 3-4 on the season. Emporia is now 4-2.

The Indians travels to Garden City on Friday.

Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 8; Trace Jacobs 0; Cooper Lindenmeyer 0; Trey Oakley 9; Tiger Johnson 12; Izaac Fox 5; Dawson Ruder 2.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostEMPORIA - Hays finally got their season going in 2025 after Mother Nature postponed the first two contests last week. The first of two make-up game took place in Emporia on Tuesday night.Girls:&nbsp;#6 Hays 66, Emporia 12 Hays outscored Emporia in all four quarters on their way to a 66-12 win and in the process picked up their seventh win in seven tries this season.Emporia hit a three pointer to open the game before Hays went on a 21-0 run over the next six minutes. Emporia shot just two field goals in the first quarter and took seven total shots through the first half. The Indians knocked down a shot at the end of the first quarter for a 23-4 lead.Hays outscored Emporia 19-4 in the second quarter and 19-2 in the third for a 61-10 lead. The running clock fourth quarter still saw the Indians outscore the Spartans 5-2 for the 66-12 victory.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/2009517483&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-814667509/1-14-25-hhs-wbkb-hilights-v-emporia" title="1 - 14 - 25 HHS WBKB Highlights V. Emporia" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 14 - 25 HHS WBKB Highlights V. Emporia</a></div></div>Hays allowed just 12 field goal attempts and forced 36 turnovers. Hays let go of the ball just seven times to match a season low. The Indians also shot a season high 56%.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/2009520331&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-814667509/1-14-25-hhs-wbkb-coach-interview-v-emporia" title="1 - 14 - 25 HHS WBKB Coach Interview V. Emporia" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 14 - 25 HHS WBKB Coach Interview V. Emporia</a></div></div>Hays improves to 7-0 while Emporia falls to 0-5. The Spartans graduated 12 seniors following a fourth place finish at 5A state last year.The Indians travel to Garden City Friday to resume Western Athletic Conference play.Jenna Schmeidler 10; Annie Humphrey 3; Katie Linenberger 10; Molly Martin 16; Kenlee Winter 4; Morgan Armbruster 3; Jaysa Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 2; Riley Dreher 5; Molly Buckles 4; Zoe Winter 6; Liz Cunningham 0; Rylen Harrington 2; Haley LaBarge 1.Boys:&nbsp;Emporia 41, Hays 36 Hays had was outscored by eight in the fourth quarter falling 41-36 on the road Tuesday.There weren't many points in the first half but Hays had more than half of them leading 18-14. Emporia led by two points twice before Hays used a 9-0 run that led to a 11-4 lead midway through the first quarter.The Indians didn't score for the next six minutes but only allowed four points during the same stretch. Hays rebuilt their lead to 18-12 and had the ball inside two minutes remaining in the first half. Emporia closed the gap down to 18-14 at 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/2009573595&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-814667509/1-14-25-hhs-mbkb-highlights-v-emporia" title="1 - 14 - 25 HHS MBKB Highlights V. Emporia" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 14 - 25 HHS MBKB Highlights V. Emporia</a></div></div>Hays had a pair of seven point leads in the third quarter but never advanced the lead from that point. The Indians led 25-18 with 3:36 left in the third. That lead was followed by six straight turnovers. Despite that Hays led 25-22 going to the fourth quarter.The Indians opened up the fourth quarter with a three pointer to take a 28-22 advantage. Hays didn't score for the next 6:08 when they made a pair of free throws with 1:02 left in the fourth, cutting the lead down to 34-30.&nbsp;A pair of three pointers by Hays wrapped around a single free throw make brought Hays within one point at 37-36 with 11 seconds remaining. The Spartans cashed a pair of free throws to lead by three and Hays turned the ball over one more time. Two more Emporia free throws made the difference at 41-36.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/2009571487&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-814667509/1-14-25-hhs-mbkb-coach-interview-v-emporia" title="1 - 14 - 25 HHS MBKB Coach Interview V. Emporia" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 14 - 25 HHS MBKB Coach Interview V. Emporia</a></div></div>Hays falls to 3-4 on the season. Emporia is now 4-2.The Indians travels to Garden City on Friday.Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 8; Trace Jacobs 0; Cooper Lindenmeyer 0; Trey Oakley 9; Tiger Johnson 12; Izaac Fox 5; Dawson Ruder 2.

🏀 Ranked Hays girls pick up win; boys lose in Emporia

&nbsp;Albertine “Tina” (Pfeifer) Rajewski – age 94, of Victoria,
Kansas passed away Friday, January 10, 2025, at Via Christi Village Care Center
Hays, Kansas.

She was born June 11, 1930, in Victoria to Anthony J. and Rose (Dreiling)
Pfeifer.&nbsp; Albertine was one of twelve siblings.&nbsp; She grew up in
Victoria, attended Victoria Grade School, and was a 1949 graduate of Victoria
High School.

She married Vern Gene Rajewski on November 7, 1953, at Victoria.&nbsp;
He preceded her in death on April 21, 1999.&nbsp; The newlyweds resided in
Hays, Kansas during the early years of their marriage, then in Plainville until
moving to Cimarron, Kansas in 1975.&nbsp; After retiring they moved back to
Victoria in 1994.&nbsp; Together they raised five children.&nbsp; After the
children went to school, Albertine was a cook, and a school lunch lady so that
she would be on the same schedule as her children.&nbsp; She cooked for over 35
years in the Plainville and Cimarron Schools.

Albertine was a member of The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, the Daughters of
Isabella for over 50 years, Christian Mothers, and V.F.W. Auxiliary Post # 1751
all of Victoria.&nbsp; In retirement she worked with the Victoria Meal Site for
Seniors until she moved into Via Christi Village in Hays.&nbsp;

She is survived by her children, Patricia Munk;&nbsp;Frank Rajewski and
wife, Katie; Theresa Herman and husband, Norbert; her son-in-law, Leonard Weber
and wife, Donna;&nbsp;her
seventeen grandchildren; Gwen Robben (Joseph); Donna Richards (Chad); Dennis
Munk (Heather); Scott Munk and Ashley Shogren; Tiffany Thomason (Reid); Amber
Munk and Evan Madigan; Sister Rose Marie Weber; Kimberly Robinson (Harold);
Patrick Weber (Mary); Christopher Weber (Jenna); Sarah McCambridge (Connor);
Kathleen Rajewski; Joanna Herman and Erick Nkana; Angela Glaser (Hunter);
Nathan Rajewski; William Rajewski; Jonathan Rajewski; her twenty-one great
grandchildren; and her brother, Robert Pfeifer.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony J. and Rosa Pfeifer; her
husband, Vern Rajewski; her daughter, Rose (Rajewski) Weber; her son, Norman
Rajewski;&nbsp; her brothers, Herbert&nbsp;&nbsp;Pfeifer; Edmond&nbsp;&nbsp;Pfeifer;
Alphonse “Al”&nbsp;Pfeifer; Wilfred “Willie” Pfeifer; her sisters, Angeline
“Ann”&nbsp;Kaltenback; Rose Phannenstiel; Esther Maher; and Wilma
Wellbrock-VonLintel; and two infant brothers.

&nbsp;A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at
The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; The
Burial will be in&nbsp; Saint Boniface Cemetery, Vincent, Kansas.

A Vigil Service will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday, followed by a V.F.W. Auxiliary
Memorial Service / Daughters of Isabella and Christian Mothers Rosary all at
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary
of Hays, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at the Basilica of Saint
Fidelis, Victoria. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The family suggests memorials made payable to: Concerned Decendents of Vincent
Cemetery Association in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>
or left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736723844203.jpeg" alt="Albertine 'Tina' (Pfeifer) Rajewski" />
 <figcaption>Albertine 'Tina' (Pfeifer) Rajewski</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Albertine “Tina” (Pfeifer) Rajewski – age 94, of Victoria,
Kansas passed away Friday, January 10, 2025, at Via Christi Village Care Center
Hays, Kansas.She was born June 11, 1930, in Victoria to Anthony J. and Rose (Dreiling)
Pfeifer.&nbsp; Albertine was one of twelve siblings.&nbsp; She grew up in
Victoria, attended Victoria Grade School, and was a 1949 graduate of Victoria
High School.She married Vern Gene Rajewski on November 7, 1953, at Victoria.&nbsp;
He preceded her in death on April 21, 1999.&nbsp; The newlyweds resided in
Hays, Kansas during the early years of their marriage, then in Plainville until
moving to Cimarron, Kansas in 1975.&nbsp; After retiring they moved back to
Victoria in 1994.&nbsp; Together they raised five children.&nbsp; After the
children went to school, Albertine was a cook, and a school lunch lady so that
she would be on the same schedule as her children.&nbsp; She cooked for over 35
years in the Plainville and Cimarron Schools.Albertine was a member of The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, the Daughters of
Isabella for over 50 years, Christian Mothers, and V.F.W. Auxiliary Post # 1751
all of Victoria.&nbsp; In retirement she worked with the Victoria Meal Site for
Seniors until she moved into Via Christi Village in Hays.&nbsp;She is survived by her children, Patricia Munk;&nbsp;Frank Rajewski and
wife, Katie; Theresa Herman and husband, Norbert; her son-in-law, Leonard Weber
and wife, Donna;&nbsp;her
seventeen grandchildren; Gwen Robben (Joseph); Donna Richards (Chad); Dennis
Munk (Heather); Scott Munk and Ashley Shogren; Tiffany Thomason (Reid); Amber
Munk and Evan Madigan; Sister Rose Marie Weber; Kimberly Robinson (Harold);
Patrick Weber (Mary); Christopher Weber (Jenna); Sarah McCambridge (Connor);
Kathleen Rajewski; Joanna Herman and Erick Nkana; Angela Glaser (Hunter);
Nathan Rajewski; William Rajewski; Jonathan Rajewski; her twenty-one great
grandchildren; and her brother, Robert Pfeifer.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony J. and Rosa Pfeifer; her
husband, Vern Rajewski; her daughter, Rose (Rajewski) Weber; her son, Norman
Rajewski;&nbsp; her brothers, Herbert&nbsp;&nbsp;Pfeifer; Edmond&nbsp;&nbsp;Pfeifer;
Alphonse “Al”&nbsp;Pfeifer; Wilfred “Willie” Pfeifer; her sisters, Angeline
“Ann”&nbsp;Kaltenback; Rose Phannenstiel; Esther Maher; and Wilma
Wellbrock-VonLintel; and two infant brothers.&nbsp;A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at
The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; The
Burial will be in&nbsp; Saint Boniface Cemetery, Vincent, Kansas.A Vigil Service will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday, followed by a V.F.W. Auxiliary
Memorial Service / Daughters of Isabella and Christian Mothers Rosary all at
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary
of Hays, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at the Basilica of Saint
Fidelis, Victoria. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The family suggests memorials made payable to: Concerned Decendents of Vincent
Cemetery Association in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>
or left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Albertine  'Tina' (Pfeifer) Rajewski

WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith said his team “stood up for the rule of law” as it investigated President-elect Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election</a>, writing in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25486139-report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025/">a much-anticipated report</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday that he stands fully behind his decision to bring criminal charges that he believes would have resulted in a conviction had voters not returned Trump to the White House.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25486132/report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025.pdf">Click here to read</a> the report

"The throughline of all of Mr. Trump’s criminal efforts was deceit — knowingly false claims of election fraud — and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States’ democratic process,” the report states.

The report, arriving just days before Trump is to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-security-a3df8ed878f2c0587f7038d68a0447f6">return to office on Jan. 20</a>, focuses fresh attention on the Republican's frantic but failed effort to cling to power in 2020 after he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. With the prosecution foreclosed thanks to Trump’s 2024 election victory, the document is expected to be the final Justice Department chronicle of a dark chapter in American history that threatened to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, a bedrock of democracy for centuries, and complements already released indictments and reports.

Trump responded early Tuesday with a post on his Truth Social platform, claiming he was “totally innocent” and calling Smith “a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election.” He added, “THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!”

Trump had been indicted in August 2023 on charges of working to overturn the election, but the case was delayed by appeals and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/elections/2024/supreme-court-rules-ex-presidents-have-broad-immunity-dimming-chance-of-a-pre-election-trump-trial/">ultimately significantly narrowed by a conservative-majority Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;that held for the first time that former presidents enjoy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. That decision, Smith's report states, left open unresolved legal issues that would likely have required another trip to the Supreme Court in order for the case to have moved forward.

Though Smith sought to salvage the indictment, the team dismissed it in November because of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution.

“The Department’s view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind,” the report states. “Indeed, but for Mr. Trump’s election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.”

The Justice Department transmitted the report to Congress early Tuesday after a judge refused a defense effort to block its release. A separate volume of the report focused on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">Trump's hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago</a>, actions that formed the basis of a separate indictment against Trump, will remain under wraps for now.

The report is unsparing in its details about schemes undertaken by Trump to undo the presidential contest, accusing him of an “unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power.”

It recounts his role in trying to force the Justice Department to use its law enforcement authorities to advance his personal interests, participating in a scheme to enlist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-joe-biden-presidential-elections-election-2020-electoral-college-311f88768b65f7196f52a4757dc162e4">fake electors</a>&nbsp;in battleground states won by Biden and having directed “an angry mob to the United States Capitol to obstruct the congressional certification of the presidential election and then leverage rioters’ violence to further delay it.”

And it documents his fallout with his vice president, Mike Pence, over Trump's demands that he refuse to certify the electoral count before Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. It says that just before he left the White House to deliver a speech at the Ellipse that day, he called Pence one last time and that when the vice president told him that he planned to issue a public statement that he lacked the authority to do as Trump had requested, "Mr. Trump expressed anger at him. He then directed staffers to re-insert into his planned Ellipse speech some language that he had drafted earlier targeting Mr. Pence.”

Though most of the details of Trump's efforts to undo the election are already well established, the document includes for the first time a detailed assessment from Smith about his investigation, as well as a defense by Smith against criticism by Trump and his allies that the inquiry was politicized or that he worked in collaboration with the White House — an assessment he called “laughable.”

“While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters," Smith wrote in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland attached to the report. "I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters.”

The special counsel also laid out the challenges it faced in its investigation, including Trump’s assertion of executive privilege to try to block witnesses from providing evidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-trump-grand-jury-2020-jan-6-9dac6db37ab8923ff1b0f09f3a9a32c8">which forced prosecutors into sealed court battles before the case was charged</a>.

Another “significant challenge” was Trump’s “ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts, prosecutors,” which led prosecutors to seek a gag order to protect potential witnesses from harassment, Smith wrote.

“Mr. Trump’s resort to intimidation and harassment during the investigation was not new, as demonstrated by his actions during the charged conspiracies,” Smith wrote.

“A fundamental component of Mr. Trump’s conduct underlying the charges in the Election Case was his pattern of using social media — at the time, Twitter — to publicly attack and seek to influence state and federal officials, judges, and election workers who refused to support false claims that the election had been stolen or who otherwise resisted complicity in Mr. Trump’s scheme," he added.

Smith also for the first time explained the thought process behind his team's prosecution decisions, writing that his office decided not to charge Trump with incitement in part because of free speech concerns, or with insurrection because he was the sitting president at the time and there was doubt about proceeding to trial with the offense — of which there was no record of having been prosecuted before.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736860942138.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith said his team “stood up for the rule of law” as it investigated President-elect Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election</a>, writing in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25486139-report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025/">a much-anticipated report</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday that he stands fully behind his decision to bring criminal charges that he believes would have resulted in a conviction had voters not returned Trump to the White House.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25486132/report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025.pdf">Click here to read</a> the report"The throughline of all of Mr. Trump’s criminal efforts was deceit — knowingly false claims of election fraud — and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States’ democratic process,” the report states.The report, arriving just days before Trump is to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-security-a3df8ed878f2c0587f7038d68a0447f6">return to office on Jan. 20</a>, focuses fresh attention on the Republican's frantic but failed effort to cling to power in 2020 after he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. With the prosecution foreclosed thanks to Trump’s 2024 election victory, the document is expected to be the final Justice Department chronicle of a dark chapter in American history that threatened to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, a bedrock of democracy for centuries, and complements already released indictments and reports.Trump responded early Tuesday with a post on his Truth Social platform, claiming he was “totally innocent” and calling Smith “a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election.” He added, “THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!”Trump had been indicted in August 2023 on charges of working to overturn the election, but the case was delayed by appeals and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/elections/2024/supreme-court-rules-ex-presidents-have-broad-immunity-dimming-chance-of-a-pre-election-trump-trial/">ultimately significantly narrowed by a conservative-majority Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;that held for the first time that former presidents enjoy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. That decision, Smith's report states, left open unresolved legal issues that would likely have required another trip to the Supreme Court in order for the case to have moved forward.Though Smith sought to salvage the indictment, the team dismissed it in November because of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution.“The Department’s view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind,” the report states. “Indeed, but for Mr. Trump’s election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.”The Justice Department transmitted the report to Congress early Tuesday after a judge refused a defense effort to block its release. A separate volume of the report focused on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">Trump's hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago</a>, actions that formed the basis of a separate indictment against Trump, will remain under wraps for now.The report is unsparing in its details about schemes undertaken by Trump to undo the presidential contest, accusing him of an “unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power.”It recounts his role in trying to force the Justice Department to use its law enforcement authorities to advance his personal interests, participating in a scheme to enlist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-joe-biden-presidential-elections-election-2020-electoral-college-311f88768b65f7196f52a4757dc162e4">fake electors</a>&nbsp;in battleground states won by Biden and having directed “an angry mob to the United States Capitol to obstruct the congressional certification of the presidential election and then leverage rioters’ violence to further delay it.”And it documents his fallout with his vice president, Mike Pence, over Trump's demands that he refuse to certify the electoral count before Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. It says that just before he left the White House to deliver a speech at the Ellipse that day, he called Pence one last time and that when the vice president told him that he planned to issue a public statement that he lacked the authority to do as Trump had requested, "Mr. Trump expressed anger at him. He then directed staffers to re-insert into his planned Ellipse speech some language that he had drafted earlier targeting Mr. Pence.”Though most of the details of Trump's efforts to undo the election are already well established, the document includes for the first time a detailed assessment from Smith about his investigation, as well as a defense by Smith against criticism by Trump and his allies that the inquiry was politicized or that he worked in collaboration with the White House — an assessment he called “laughable.”“While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters," Smith wrote in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland attached to the report. "I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters.”The special counsel also laid out the challenges it faced in its investigation, including Trump’s assertion of executive privilege to try to block witnesses from providing evidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-trump-grand-jury-2020-jan-6-9dac6db37ab8923ff1b0f09f3a9a32c8">which forced prosecutors into sealed court battles before the case was charged</a>.Another “significant challenge” was Trump’s “ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts, prosecutors,” which led prosecutors to seek a gag order to protect potential witnesses from harassment, Smith wrote.“Mr. Trump’s resort to intimidation and harassment during the investigation was not new, as demonstrated by his actions during the charged conspiracies,” Smith wrote.“A fundamental component of Mr. Trump’s conduct underlying the charges in the Election Case was his pattern of using social media — at the time, Twitter — to publicly attack and seek to influence state and federal officials, judges, and election workers who refused to support false claims that the election had been stolen or who otherwise resisted complicity in Mr. Trump’s scheme," he added.Smith also for the first time explained the thought process behind his team's prosecution decisions, writing that his office decided not to charge Trump with incitement in part because of free speech concerns, or with insurrection because he was the sitting president at the time and there was doubt about proceeding to trial with the offense — of which there was no record of having been prosecuted before.____

Read Special counsel's final report on federal prosecution of Donald Trump 

The Hays High girls' have six wrestlers ranked and the boys have one in the latest Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association rankings released Tuesday.

Tionna Napue is ranked No. 1 at 135, Eleanor Stoffel is second at 190, Timber Lovewell is third at 145, Lexi Barnett third at 155, Kenlee Vehige sits fourth at 120, Emersyn Copper is fifth at 100 and Reese Vehige sixth at 125.

Johnny Rigler is ranked fourth at 190 in Class 5A boys.1. 

Quinter's Tate Blackwill is ranked No. 1 at 113 in 321A boys.

Stockton's Carolina Northup is No. 1 at 100 and&nbsp;Ashlyn Hahn No. 1 at 130 in Class 321A girls. Kia Mader of Ellis is second at 110.

Below are links to the rankings in all classifications for Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

BOYS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">ALL CLASS RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">321 RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/4A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">4A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">5A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/6A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">6A RANKINGS</a>

GIRLS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">ALL CLASS RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">321 RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/4A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">4A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">5A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/6A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">6A RANKINGS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays High girls' have six wrestlers ranked and the boys have one in the latest Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association rankings released Tuesday.Tionna Napue is ranked No. 1 at 135, Eleanor Stoffel is second at 190, Timber Lovewell is third at 145, Lexi Barnett third at 155, Kenlee Vehige sits fourth at 120, Emersyn Copper is fifth at 100 and Reese Vehige sixth at 125.Johnny Rigler is ranked fourth at 190 in Class 5A boys.1. Quinter's Tate Blackwill is ranked No. 1 at 113 in 321A boys.Stockton's Carolina Northup is No. 1 at 100 and&nbsp;Ashlyn Hahn No. 1 at 130 in Class 321A girls. Kia Mader of Ellis is second at 110.Below are links to the rankings in all classifications for Tuesday, January 14, 2025.BOYS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">ALL CLASS RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">321 RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/4A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">4A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">5A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/6A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">6A RANKINGS</a>GIRLS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">ALL CLASS RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">321 RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/4A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">4A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">5A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/6A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">6A RANKINGS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♀️ Area wrestlers ranked in latest KWCA polls

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has released their weekly high school rankings.

The Hays High girls' move up to No. 6 in Class 5A. The Garden City girls' are ranked 7th in Class 6A. The Hoxie girls' are 5th in Class 2A.

The Great Bend boys at 9th in Class 5A. Logan-Palco is third in 1A Division 2.

6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission Northwest 2. Wichita Heights 3. Shawnee Mission South 4. Derby 5. Junction City 6. Wichita Northwest 7. Olathe North 8. Blue Valley North 9. Olathe Northwest 10. Mill Valley

5A Boys
 1. Topeka Highland Park 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Wichita - Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4. Tecumseh – Shawnee Heights 5. Andover Central 6. Valley Center 7. Topeka Seaman 8. Topeka West 9. Great Bend 10. OP - Saint Thomas Aquinas

4A Boys 1. Baldwin 2. Ottawa 3. McPherson 4. St. George - Rock Creek 5. Concordia 6. Atchison 7. Augusta 8. Abilene 9. Clay Center 10. Roeland Park – Bishop Miege

3A Boys&nbsp; 1. Wichita Collegiate
 2. Goodland 3. Haven 4. Hesston 5. Cheney 6. Holcomb 7. Lakin 8. Scott Community 9. Nemaha Central 10. St. Mary's

2A Boys 1. Moundridge 2. Salina - Sacred Heart 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Sterling 5. Whitewater - Remington 6. Rossville 7. Valley Falls 8. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 9. Elbing - Berean Academy 10. Maur Hill Mt. Academy

1A Div. 1 Boys 1. Coldwater - South Central 2. Montezuma – South Gray 3. Lawrence - Bishop Seabury 4. Claflin - Central Plains 5. Olpe 6. Oxford 7. Macksville 8. Burlingame 9. Burden - Central 10. Spearville

1A Div. 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Axtell 3. Logan - Palco 4. Weskan 5. McPherson - Elyria Christian 6. Hanover 7. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 8. Dighton 9. Otis - Bison 10. St. John’s/Tipton

6A Girls 1. OP - Blue Valley North 2. Wichita Heights 3. Derby 4. Topeka - Washburn Rural 5. Manhattan 6. Olathe South 7. Garden City 8. Shawnee Mission South 9. Shawnee Mission Northwest 10. Wichita East

5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman
 2. Overland Park - St. Thomas Aquinas
 3. Andover
 4. De Soto
 5. Kansas City Piper
 6. Hays
 7. Maize South
 8. Arkansas City
 9. Andover Central
 9. Wichita Bishop Carroll

4A Girls 1. Wellington
 2. Roeland Park - Bishop Miege
 3. Topeka Hayden
 4. Eudora
 5. Clay Center
 6. Labette County
 7. Fort Scott
 8. Baldwin
 9. Buhler 10 St. George - Rock Creek&nbsp;

3A Girls 1.&nbsp; Hesston 2. Halstead 3. Haven 4. Silver Lake 5. Girard 6. Colby 7. Goodland 8. Osage City 9. Holcomb 10. Cheney

2A Girls 1. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 2. Eureka 3. Moundridge 4. Leoti - Wichita County 5. Hoxie 6. Elbing - Beran Academy 7. Ellinwood 8. Inman 9. Highland - Doniphan West 10. Bennington

1A Div. 1 Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Montezuma - South Gray 4. Clyde - Clifton Clyde 5. Claflin - Central Plains 6. Madison - Hamilton 7. St. John - Hudson 8. Atwood - Rawlins County 9. Troy 10. Olpe

1A Div. 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2 Wallace County – Sharon Springs 3. Lebo 4. Marias des Cygnes Valley
 5. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 6. South Haven&nbsp; 7. Hartford 8. Cheylin 9. Attica 10. Ingalls

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has released their weekly high school rankings.The Hays High girls' move up to No. 6 in Class 5A. The Garden City girls' are ranked 7th in Class 6A. The Hoxie girls' are 5th in Class 2A.The Great Bend boys at 9th in Class 5A. Logan-Palco is third in 1A Division 2.6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission Northwest 2. Wichita Heights 3. Shawnee Mission South 4. Derby 5. Junction City 6. Wichita Northwest 7. Olathe North 8. Blue Valley North 9. Olathe Northwest 10. Mill Valley 5A Boys
 1. Topeka Highland Park 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Wichita - Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4. Tecumseh – Shawnee Heights 5. Andover Central 6. Valley Center 7. Topeka Seaman 8. Topeka West 9. Great Bend 10. OP - Saint Thomas Aquinas 4A Boys 1. Baldwin 2. Ottawa 3. McPherson 4. St. George - Rock Creek 5. Concordia 6. Atchison 7. Augusta 8. Abilene 9. Clay Center 10. Roeland Park – Bishop Miege 3A Boys&nbsp; 1. Wichita Collegiate
 2. Goodland 3. Haven 4. Hesston 5. Cheney 6. Holcomb 7. Lakin 8. Scott Community 9. Nemaha Central 10. St. Mary's 2A Boys 1. Moundridge 2. Salina - Sacred Heart 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Sterling 5. Whitewater - Remington 6. Rossville 7. Valley Falls 8. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 9. Elbing - Berean Academy 10. Maur Hill Mt. Academy1A Div. 1 Boys 1. Coldwater - South Central 2. Montezuma – South Gray 3. Lawrence - Bishop Seabury 4. Claflin - Central Plains 5. Olpe 6. Oxford 7. Macksville 8. Burlingame 9. Burden - Central 10. Spearville 1A Div. 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Axtell 3. Logan - Palco 4. Weskan 5. McPherson - Elyria Christian 6. Hanover 7. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 8. Dighton 9. Otis - Bison 10. St. John’s/Tipton6A Girls 1. OP - Blue Valley North 2. Wichita Heights 3. Derby 4. Topeka - Washburn Rural 5. Manhattan 6. Olathe South 7. Garden City 8. Shawnee Mission South 9. Shawnee Mission Northwest 10. Wichita East5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman
 2. Overland Park - St. Thomas Aquinas
 3. Andover
 4. De Soto
 5. Kansas City Piper
 6. Hays
 7. Maize South
 8. Arkansas City
 9. Andover Central
 9. Wichita Bishop Carroll4A Girls 1. Wellington
 2. Roeland Park - Bishop Miege
 3. Topeka Hayden
 4. Eudora
 5. Clay Center
 6. Labette County
 7. Fort Scott
 8. Baldwin
 9. Buhler 10 St. George - Rock Creek&nbsp;3A Girls 1.&nbsp; Hesston 2. Halstead 3. Haven 4. Silver Lake 5. Girard 6. Colby 7. Goodland 8. Osage City 9. Holcomb 10. Cheney 2A Girls 1. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 2. Eureka 3. Moundridge 4. Leoti - Wichita County 5. Hoxie 6. Elbing - Beran Academy 7. Ellinwood 8. Inman 9. Highland - Doniphan West 10. Bennington 1A Div. 1 Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Montezuma - South Gray 4. Clyde - Clifton Clyde 5. Claflin - Central Plains 6. Madison - Hamilton 7. St. John - Hudson 8. Atwood - Rawlins County 9. Troy 10. Olpe 1A Div. 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2 Wallace County – Sharon Springs 3. Lebo 4. Marias des Cygnes Valley
 5. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 6. South Haven&nbsp; 7. Hartford 8. Cheylin 9. Attica 10. Ingalls

🏀 Kansas Basketball Coaches Association rankings (Jan. 14)

B<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DEE-ANN%20DURBIN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">y DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer</a>

If you want to hang out or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-national-national-ead6289a9cce4e8e9051d74d355c2205">use the restroom</a>&nbsp;at Starbucks, you’re going to have to buy something.

Starbucks on Monday said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-small-business-2305a7e4e6de4b71bdd38631882c7bd4">reversing a policy</a>&nbsp;that invited everyone into its stores. A new code of conduct – which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores – also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers. Anderson said most other retailers already have similar rules.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson said. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”

The code of conduct warns that violators will be asked to leave, and says the store may call law enforcement, if necessary. Starbucks said employees would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3b58087b85a430ab45855944bc76310">receive training</a>&nbsp;on enforcing the new policy.

The new rules reverse an open-door policy put in place in 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting. The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadn't bought anything. But the arrest, which was caught on video, was a major embarrassment for the company.

At the time, Starbucks Chairman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-howard-schultz-053345a59f1bdb53b9f55355865b216e">Howard Schultz</a>&nbsp;said he didn’t want people to feel “less than” if they were refused access.

“We don’t want to become a public bathroom, but we’re going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key," Schultz said.

Since then, though, employees and customers have struggled with unruly and even dangerous behavior in stores. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-portland-seattle-183c298121860422c7b93b7b5a13c088">Starbucks closed 16 stores</a>&nbsp;around the country — including six in Los Angeles and six in its hometown of Seattle — for repeated safety issues, including drug use and other disruptive behaviors that threatened staff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736805805951.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>B<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DEE-ANN%20DURBIN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">y DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer</a>If you want to hang out or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-national-national-ead6289a9cce4e8e9051d74d355c2205">use the restroom</a>&nbsp;at Starbucks, you’re going to have to buy something.Starbucks on Monday said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-small-business-2305a7e4e6de4b71bdd38631882c7bd4">reversing a policy</a>&nbsp;that invited everyone into its stores. A new code of conduct – which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores – also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers. Anderson said most other retailers already have similar rules.“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson said. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”The code of conduct warns that violators will be asked to leave, and says the store may call law enforcement, if necessary. Starbucks said employees would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3b58087b85a430ab45855944bc76310">receive training</a>&nbsp;on enforcing the new policy.The new rules reverse an open-door policy put in place in 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting. The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadn't bought anything. But the arrest, which was caught on video, was a major embarrassment for the company.At the time, Starbucks Chairman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-howard-schultz-053345a59f1bdb53b9f55355865b216e">Howard Schultz</a>&nbsp;said he didn’t want people to feel “less than” if they were refused access.“We don’t want to become a public bathroom, but we’re going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key," Schultz said.Since then, though, employees and customers have struggled with unruly and even dangerous behavior in stores. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-portland-seattle-183c298121860422c7b93b7b5a13c088">Starbucks closed 16 stores</a>&nbsp;around the country — including six in Los Angeles and six in its hometown of Seattle — for repeated safety issues, including drug use and other disruptive behaviors that threatened staff.

Hanging out at Starbucks will now cost you; company reverses policy

🎥Trump's nominee for defense secretary grilled on qualifications

Local Republican legislators said property tax relief will be a top issue as the Kansas Legislature began its session Monday.

Kansas Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, give a sneak peek at key issues slated for the Kansas Legislative Session.

Rahjes, who represents the 110th district, which includes parts of Ellis County, outlined priorities for the 2025 legislative session, including education, agriculture, water policy and tax relief.

"Water is still a huge issue," Rahjes said. "I think the top issue will be taxes."

Rahjes said his conversations with Kansans have highlighted a strong desire for property tax relief, which will be a focus of legislative efforts.

He also pointed to the state's financial reserves as a potential source for funding this relief. Broader discussions will address caps on real estate values and additional measures to reduce Kansans' financial burden.

Billinger, 40th District, lists the budget process, the effects of recent tax cuts, university funding and property taxes as key priorities for the 2025 session.

Billinger said Kansas has received federal funds as budget committees have focused on reducing and paying off debt. Billinger is the chairman of both the Legislative Budget Committee and Ways and Means Committee in the Kansas Senate.

"I believe our rainy day fund has over $1.8 billion. That will keep us in good shape for a long time to come," Billinger said.

Billinger said Kansas is spending $400 million more than its revenue, partly due to tax cuts and payments to <a href="https://na.panasonic.com/">Panasonic</a>, a technology provider of electric batteries.

Wasinger also recognizes property taxes as a significant concern and said her focus is on reducing budgets and curbing increases.

"I think the election proves that most Kansasans want property tax relief. We will absolutely be addressing that at the state level," she said.

Rahjes and Wasinger said water is another issue for Kansas in the 2025 session, which will focus on developing sustainable solutions and strategies.

"I think you will continue to see the Legislature work with other partners on a good water policy and a long-term funding mechanism beyond the next year or two," Rahjes said.

"We are taking care of funding water issues in the state to ensure we continue to have water for future generations," Wasinger said.

Billinger said there are funding disparities for Fort Hays State University and emphasized the importance of securing resources for the college.

"Fort Hays gets less than other universities of similar size," he said. "It's really a question of fairness."

K-12 education and support for rural schools remain consistent discussion topics in the Kansas session.

President-elect Donald Trump has proposed eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and transferring control of education to the states.

Rahjes said whatever action Trump takes, he hopes to review state test scores, school sizes and special education in the session.

"There will be discussions for a Kansas solution to continue K-12 regardless of what happens from a federal level," he said.&nbsp;

Rahjes said agriculture is another key focus for the Kansas Legislature, including renewable fuels, updates to agricultural regulations and foreign ownership.

"We'll probably have a bill that will be cautious but protect good corporate citizens in Kansas that were here long before Chinese ownership," he said.

Rahjes said health care discussions should focus on improving affordability and accessibility, especially in Kansas' rural areas.

Wasinger adds there is a need to reduce the waiting list for services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Wasinger also said she supports the Help Not Harm Act, a bill aimed at prohibiting gender reassignment surgeries and hormone therapy for anyone younger than 18.

"Anyone who's raised children knows that they don't always know what they want until they get a little bit older," she said.

Wasinger said Democratic Kansas Governor Laura Kelly previously vetoed the bill, but Wasinger hopes to make progress on the issue in 2025.

Billinger said there have been concerns about Kelly's spending practices, particularly citing unauthorized fund allocations.

"I don't think it's a secret," Billinger said. "She wanted to build a practice football facility for the Kansas City Chiefs. There was never any legislation or authority to do that."

Billinger said the funds allocated for the facility were returned following a review.

You can learn more about <a href="https://kenforkansas.com/">Rep.&nbsp;Ken Rahjes</a>, <a href="https://rickbillinger.com/">Sen.&nbsp;Rick Billinger</a> and <a href="https://barbforkansas.com/">Rep.&nbsp;Barb Wasinger</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.laurakellyforkansas.com/">Gov.&nbsp;Laura Kelly</a> on their websites.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736271365274.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostLocal Republican legislators said property tax relief will be a top issue as the Kansas Legislature began its session Monday.Kansas Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, give a sneak peek at key issues slated for the Kansas Legislative Session.Rahjes, who represents the 110th district, which includes parts of Ellis County, outlined priorities for the 2025 legislative session, including education, agriculture, water policy and tax relief."Water is still a huge issue," Rahjes said. "I think the top issue will be taxes."Rahjes said his conversations with Kansans have highlighted a strong desire for property tax relief, which will be a focus of legislative efforts.He also pointed to the state's financial reserves as a potential source for funding this relief. Broader discussions will address caps on real estate values and additional measures to reduce Kansans' financial burden.Billinger, 40th District, lists the budget process, the effects of recent tax cuts, university funding and property taxes as key priorities for the 2025 session.Billinger said Kansas has received federal funds as budget committees have focused on reducing and paying off debt. Billinger is the chairman of both the Legislative Budget Committee and Ways and Means Committee in the Kansas Senate."I believe our rainy day fund has over $1.8 billion. That will keep us in good shape for a long time to come," Billinger said.Billinger said Kansas is spending $400 million more than its revenue, partly due to tax cuts and payments to <a href="https://na.panasonic.com/">Panasonic</a>, a technology provider of electric batteries.Wasinger also recognizes property taxes as a significant concern and said her focus is on reducing budgets and curbing increases."I think the election proves that most Kansasans want property tax relief. We will absolutely be addressing that at the state level," she said.Rahjes and Wasinger said water is another issue for Kansas in the 2025 session, which will focus on developing sustainable solutions and strategies."I think you will continue to see the Legislature work with other partners on a good water policy and a long-term funding mechanism beyond the next year or two," Rahjes said."We are taking care of funding water issues in the state to ensure we continue to have water for future generations," Wasinger said.Billinger said there are funding disparities for Fort Hays State University and emphasized the importance of securing resources for the college."Fort Hays gets less than other universities of similar size," he said. "It's really a question of fairness."K-12 education and support for rural schools remain consistent discussion topics in the Kansas session.President-elect Donald Trump has proposed eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and transferring control of education to the states.Rahjes said whatever action Trump takes, he hopes to review state test scores, school sizes and special education in the session."There will be discussions for a Kansas solution to continue K-12 regardless of what happens from a federal level," he said.&nbsp;Rahjes said agriculture is another key focus for the Kansas Legislature, including renewable fuels, updates to agricultural regulations and foreign ownership."We'll probably have a bill that will be cautious but protect good corporate citizens in Kansas that were here long before Chinese ownership," he said.Rahjes said health care discussions should focus on improving affordability and accessibility, especially in Kansas' rural areas.Wasinger adds there is a need to reduce the waiting list for services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Wasinger also said she supports the Help Not Harm Act, a bill aimed at prohibiting gender reassignment surgeries and hormone therapy for anyone younger than 18."Anyone who's raised children knows that they don't always know what they want until they get a little bit older," she said.Wasinger said Democratic Kansas Governor Laura Kelly previously vetoed the bill, but Wasinger hopes to make progress on the issue in 2025.Billinger said there have been concerns about Kelly's spending practices, particularly citing unauthorized fund allocations."I don't think it's a secret," Billinger said. "She wanted to build a practice football facility for the Kansas City Chiefs. There was never any legislation or authority to do that."Billinger said the funds allocated for the facility were returned following a review.You can learn more about <a href="https://kenforkansas.com/">Rep.&nbsp;Ken Rahjes</a>, <a href="https://rickbillinger.com/">Sen.&nbsp;Rick Billinger</a> and <a href="https://barbforkansas.com/">Rep.&nbsp;Barb Wasinger</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.laurakellyforkansas.com/">Gov.&nbsp;Laura Kelly</a> on their websites.

Local legislators say property tax relief top issue during 2025 Kansas Legislative session

ELLIS — The Community Foundation of Ellis (CFOE) is excited to introduce a new scholarship opportunity for graduating seniors of Ellis High School, beginning in the spring of 2025. 

The Tegan Cain Scholarship, established by Tegan Cain, an Ellis High School alumnus, is a one-time, non-renewable award of $1,000.

This scholarship aims to support students who have demonstrated both athletic achievement and academic commitment. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Pursue a post-secondary degree in any field of study

• Have earned at least two varsity letters in two different sports, with one being baseball

Applicants are required to submit the following materials with the application.

• A detailed list of extracurricular activities

• A list of other scholarships, grants, and financial aid awards they have received and accepted

Application forms are available through the EHS counselor’s office, the Alliance Office, and on the CFOE website at <a href="https://ellisfoundation.net/">ellisfoundation.net</a>. It is due March 31, 2025.

Tegan Cain, a 2021 graduate of Ellis High School, established this scholarship to give back to the community that helped shape his path. 

Cain stated "I want to help other athletes from my hometown achieve their dreams. Throughout my baseball career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and opportunities that have helped me overcome struggles and challenges. Sometimes I didn’t think playing baseball at this level was even possible, but with hard work and perseverance, my dream came true. Now, I want to give back and support the next generation of youth in Ellis—so they can have the same opportunities to succeed."

Cain, whom the Philadelphia Phillies drafted in the 13th round of the MLB Draft, was named the 2021 2-1A Sports Player of the Year. He went on to play at Barton Community College before continuing his baseball career at KU. Cain is known for his remarkable pitching abilities, with a fastball that reaches 98 mph and regularly stays in the mid-90s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736435246894.jpeg" alt="Community Foundation of Ellis&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Community Foundation of Ellis&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>CFOEELLIS — The Community Foundation of Ellis (CFOE) is excited to introduce a new scholarship opportunity for graduating seniors of Ellis High School, beginning in the spring of 2025. The Tegan Cain Scholarship, established by Tegan Cain, an Ellis High School alumnus, is a one-time, non-renewable award of $1,000.This scholarship aims to support students who have demonstrated both athletic achievement and academic commitment. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:• Be a graduate of Ellis High School• Pursue a post-secondary degree in any field of study• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5• Have earned at least two varsity letters in two different sports, with one being baseballApplicants are required to submit the following materials with the application.• Two letters of recommendation• A detailed list of extracurricular activities• A current high school transcript• A list of other scholarships, grants, and financial aid awards they have received and acceptedApplication forms are available through the EHS counselor’s office, the Alliance Office, and on the CFOE website at <a href="https://ellisfoundation.net/">ellisfoundation.net</a>. It is due March 31, 2025.Tegan Cain, a 2021 graduate of Ellis High School, established this scholarship to give back to the community that helped shape his path. Cain stated "I want to help other athletes from my hometown achieve their dreams. Throughout my baseball career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and opportunities that have helped me overcome struggles and challenges. Sometimes I didn’t think playing baseball at this level was even possible, but with hard work and perseverance, my dream came true. Now, I want to give back and support the next generation of youth in Ellis—so they can have the same opportunities to succeed."Cain, whom the Philadelphia Phillies drafted in the 13th round of the MLB Draft, was named the 2021 2-1A Sports Player of the Year. He went on to play at Barton Community College before continuing his baseball career at KU. Cain is known for his remarkable pitching abilities, with a fastball that reaches 98 mph and regularly stays in the mid-90s.