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Hays Police Department arrest log, June 2-8, 2024

Salina Fire Department (SFD) staff responded to reports of an explosion in town shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11.&nbsp;

Five SFD engines and multiple emergency staff arrived at 400 block of South 10th Street to investigate a possible small explosion.

The house appeared to have smoke billowing from the front, but there were no visible signs of fire. 

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RVeCp1G6Bgs?si=RZC6--u96XBRlpFJ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTSalina Fire Department (SFD) staff responded to reports of an explosion in town shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11.&nbsp;Five SFD engines and multiple emergency staff arrived at 400 block of South 10th Street to investigate a possible small explosion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718160528604.jpeg" alt="Multiple Salina Fire Department (SFD) engines respond to a home at 400 block of South 10th Street to investigate a possible explosion while smoke leaks from the front of the residence at 9:15 p.m., Tuesday, June 11, in central Salina. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Multiple Salina Fire Department (SFD) engines respond to a home at 400 block of South 10th Street to investigate a possible explosion while smoke leaks from the front of the residence at 9:15 p.m., Tuesday, June 11, in central Salina. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>The house appeared to have smoke billowing from the front, but there were no visible signs of fire. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

🎥Possible explosion at home in Salina

SALINE COUNTY —A man accused of shooting his wife in the stomach is out of jail after a lengthy investigation by the Saline County sheriff's office.

Just before 7:30p.m.&nbsp; Sunday May 26, deputies responded to a residence located at 10798 W. Watkins Road in rural Saline County for a report of a woman claiming to have been shot by her husband.

Responding deputies found&nbsp; 43, Janet Wilson in the yard of the residence with a single .410 Guage shotgun wound to the abdomen.

Deputies took 60-year-old Timothy Lecklider into custody at the scene and booked him into the Saline County Jail on&nbsp; requested charges of attempted Murder. 

On June 10, investigators conducted an interview with the victim and coupled with evidence collected at the scene determined that Lecklider was not involved in the shooting.&nbsp; The sheriff's office release him from jail.

According to a statement from the Saline County Sheriff's office, the woman' injury is now believed to be self-inflicted.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716899069165.jpeg" alt="Lecklider photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Lecklider photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A man accused of shooting his wife in the stomach is out of jail after a lengthy investigation by the Saline County sheriff's office.Just before 7:30p.m.&nbsp; Sunday May 26, deputies responded to a residence located at 10798 W. Watkins Road in rural Saline County for a report of a woman claiming to have been shot by her husband.Responding deputies found&nbsp; 43, Janet Wilson in the yard of the residence with a single .410 Guage shotgun wound to the abdomen.Deputies took 60-year-old Timothy Lecklider into custody at the scene and booked him into the Saline County Jail on&nbsp; requested charges of attempted Murder. On June 10, investigators conducted an interview with the victim and coupled with evidence collected at the scene determined that Lecklider was not involved in the shooting.&nbsp; The sheriff's office release him from jail.According to a statement from the Saline County Sheriff's office, the woman' injury is now believed to be self-inflicted.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.--------------------

Sheriff: Kan. man falsely accused of shooting his wife

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fort Hays State University police witnessed a group physical fight near an alleyway north of West Seventh Street and east of Park Street, according to Fort Hays State University Police.

At 1:53 a.m. on June 1, the FHSU officer at the scene activated the patrol car's lights and siren, parked in the alley and informed Hays police of the developing situation, according to FHSU Police Chief Terry Pierce.

As the officer approached the group involved in the fight, several individuals fled the scene on foot while one person was ordered to remain with the FHSU police officer, Pierce said.

After Hays Police officers arrived to provide additional assistance, they were unable to locate the unidentified suspects. No one sought medical attention at the scene and no arrests have been made, Pierce said.

The incident remains under investigation, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718138244713.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University police witnessed a group physical fight near an alleyway north of West Seventh Street and east of Park Street, according to Fort Hays State University Police.At 1:53 a.m. on June 1, the FHSU officer at the scene activated the patrol car's lights and siren, parked in the alley and informed Hays police of the developing situation, according to FHSU Police Chief Terry Pierce.As the officer approached the group involved in the fight, several individuals fled the scene on foot while one person was ordered to remain with the FHSU police officer, Pierce said.After Hays Police officers arrived to provide additional assistance, they were unable to locate the unidentified suspects. No one sought medical attention at the scene and no arrests have been made, Pierce said.The incident remains under investigation, he said.

FHSU officer witnesses group fight near campus

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Senate Republicans released their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Senate%20Republican%20Framework%20Short%20Summary.pdf">Farm Bill framework</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, and Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall held a press availability on Zoom to talk about it.&nbsp;

"This Farm Bill touches, I would think, every Kansan, in some way, somehow," Marshall said. "What are the next steps? I would explain it like this. A farmer goes in to buy a combine and he agrees with the dealer, all the ins and outs he wants, what type of header he wants on that combine. What we haven't agreed on yet is the price."

It sounds like the difference really isn't that large, all things considered.

"The Democrats and Republicans, we both want strong crop insurance, we both want strong nutrition programs," Marshall said. "We want rural economic development. I think it's just a matter of where we're going to move some dollars from one place to the other and still keep this on budget, because our Farm Bill is completely paid for. We're not asking for any more monies. The Democrats Farm Bill has a request for, I think $20 or $30 billion more each year."

Practically speaking, there's not a lot of legislative time between now and the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30.

"We'll see how far apart we are," Marshall said. "There will be a lot of talks between the two staffs, the two ag committee staffs, as well and see where we can close the gap. There really aren't very many legislative days left up here this summer. We have an election in November. I understand. We'll see if we can mark up something here in the next month or so. It will probably be this summer."

If the deal doesn't get done by the deadline, there is still the idea of a short term continuation of the current bill, which has already been extended for a sixth year, at least to past the election. Ag state legislators really don't want that, as they'd like more certainty, if possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718131641346.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL&nbsp;Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Senate Republicans released their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Senate%20Republican%20Framework%20Short%20Summary.pdf">Farm Bill framework</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, and Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall held a press availability on Zoom to talk about it.&nbsp;"This Farm Bill touches, I would think, every Kansan, in some way, somehow," Marshall said. "What are the next steps? I would explain it like this. A farmer goes in to buy a combine and he agrees with the dealer, all the ins and outs he wants, what type of header he wants on that combine. What we haven't agreed on yet is the price."It sounds like the difference really isn't that large, all things considered."The Democrats and Republicans, we both want strong crop insurance, we both want strong nutrition programs," Marshall said. "We want rural economic development. I think it's just a matter of where we're going to move some dollars from one place to the other and still keep this on budget, because our Farm Bill is completely paid for. We're not asking for any more monies. The Democrats Farm Bill has a request for, I think $20 or $30 billion more each year."Practically speaking, there's not a lot of legislative time between now and the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30."We'll see how far apart we are," Marshall said. "There will be a lot of talks between the two staffs, the two ag committee staffs, as well and see where we can close the gap. There really aren't very many legislative days left up here this summer. We have an election in November. I understand. We'll see if we can mark up something here in the next month or so. It will probably be this summer."If the deal doesn't get done by the deadline, there is still the idea of a short term continuation of the current bill, which has already been extended for a sixth year, at least to past the election. Ag state legislators really don't want that, as they'd like more certainty, if possible.

Senate Republicans release their Farm Bill framework

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Fort Hays State University communications officer said he thought the stabbing of four Iowa college instructors in China Monday was an isolated incident.

Through international partnerships, FHSU has&nbsp;13 faculty teaching at Shenyang Normal University in the Liaoning Province and 33 at Sias University in the Henan Province.

Four instructors from Iowa's Cornell College teaching at Beihua University in northeastern China were attacked in a public park, reportedly with a knife, officials at the U.S. school and the State Department said.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday that the injured were rushed to a hospital for treatment, and none was in critical condition, according to the Associated Press.

Police believe Monday's attack in Jilin city's Beishan Park was an isolated incident, based on a preliminary assessment, and the investigation is ongoing, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily briefing.

"At this point, the incident in the Jilin Province in China appears to be an isolated incident. We hope that the four Cornell College faculty members and the brave Chinese tourist who tried to intervene recover quickly and return home safe," Scott Cason, FHSU chief communications officer, said in an email Tuesday.

"The safety of our employees working here in Hays and those working and teaching abroad is something that we take very seriously and constantly monitor," Cason said.

The State Department said in a statement it was aware of reports of a stabbing and was monitoring the situation, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

Cason said FHSU has not received any warnings from the State Department related to this issue, and the university has shared what it knows about the incident with its faculty teaching in China.

Citing arbitrary detentions as well as exit bans that could prevent Americans from leaving the country, the State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory — the second-highest warning level — for mainland China. It urges Americans to “reconsider travel” to China, according to the Associated Press.

Some American universities have suspended their China programs due to the travel advisory, the AP reported.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/efe56f5e-6acc-4b45-8a32-6fbee96da498">SEE RELATED STORY: Suspect in custody in the stabbing of 4 US college instructors in China</a>

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFort Hays State University communications officer said he thought the stabbing of four Iowa college instructors in China Monday was an isolated incident.Through international partnerships, FHSU has&nbsp;13 faculty teaching at Shenyang Normal University in the Liaoning Province and 33 at Sias University in the Henan Province.Four instructors from Iowa's Cornell College teaching at Beihua University in northeastern China were attacked in a public park, reportedly with a knife, officials at the U.S. school and the State Department said.A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday that the injured were rushed to a hospital for treatment, and none was in critical condition, according to the Associated Press.Police believe Monday's attack in Jilin city's Beishan Park was an isolated incident, based on a preliminary assessment, and the investigation is ongoing, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily briefing."At this point, the incident in the Jilin Province in China appears to be an isolated incident. We hope that the four Cornell College faculty members and the brave Chinese tourist who tried to intervene recover quickly and return home safe," Scott Cason, FHSU chief communications officer, said in an email Tuesday."The safety of our employees working here in Hays and those working and teaching abroad is something that we take very seriously and constantly monitor," Cason said.The State Department said in a statement it was aware of reports of a stabbing and was monitoring the situation, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;Cason said FHSU has not received any warnings from the State Department related to this issue, and the university has shared what it knows about the incident with its faculty teaching in China.Citing arbitrary detentions as well as exit bans that could prevent Americans from leaving the country, the State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory — the second-highest warning level — for mainland China. It urges Americans to “reconsider travel” to China, according to the Associated Press.Some American universities have suspended their China programs due to the travel advisory, the AP reported.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/efe56f5e-6acc-4b45-8a32-6fbee96da498">SEE RELATED STORY: Suspect in custody in the stabbing of 4 US college instructors in China</a>The Associated Press contributed to this story.

FHSU responds to U.S. teacher stabbings in China

Douglas H. Riggs, 63, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on June 9, 2024. Doug was born in WaKeeney, Kansas, on August 3, 1960. He graduated from Trego Community High School in 1978.

Doug was an extraordinary musician. He achieved professional status at the age of 13 when he became the drummer for the Ted Smith Orchestra. In high school, Doug performed with Derby and, more notably, The Johnny Chambers Group. Upon graduating high school, Doug loaded his drums and headed west for Los Angeles. Against all odds, his auditions went very well, and he soon found himself touring the country with Jon Washington, a former member of The Fortunes (Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again). Doug’s next job was with the Carl Dante Band (Carl being a former member of Gary Pucket and the Union Gap). Doug performed with this band live on the Dinah Shore TV show, where he was introduced as “Rocko Riggs.” Soon after, they toured Europe. Back in the U.S., his next band was with Gregg Bell in a group known as The Genetics, which included members who had previously performed with Diana Ross. Doug also performed with “The Dons,” who created songs that were used in soundtracks for movies (including some credited to Disney). Other bands included Secret Life, Love and the Haters, and ThunderBisquit. More recent samples of Doug’s drumming can be found on Facebook, including a live performance at the Riggs family farmyard that garnered 95,000 views (posted by Motofly7).

Doug also enjoyed riding his motocross bike (with reckless abandon) in the San Gabriel Mountains near his home in North Hollywood, California. The bike came with him when he moved back to WaKeeney, and the south pasture bears the scars of his recent adventures. He also enjoyed fishing. He could be seen recently climbing the rocks of the dam at Cedar Bluff Lake. Doug was also a lover of animals. He was a guardian-level member of the ASPCA, and he enjoyed feeding and nurturing stray cats near his home in California. Doug’s charity was also evidenced in one of his last wishes communicated to his family. He asked that his drums NOT be sold but be given to a promising young musician who could not afford to buy them. An organization known as “Hungry for Music” was identified, and his set was collected and is on its way back to the LA area.

Doug is survived by his mother, Carolyn Riggs of WaKeeney, his brother, Matt Riggs, and his wife Iris (Waldschmidt) of Champaign, Illinois, and a niece, Erin Riggs, and husband, Subhonmesh Bose, also of Champaign, Illinois, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Doug was preceded in death by his father, Glen Riggs.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024, at the WaKeeney City Cemetery. John Anderson of the Prairie Faith Shared Ministry will be officiating. A reception will follow at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Basement. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to “Hungry for Music” or the charity of your choice. Donations can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home at 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS,67672. Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718045033103.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Douglas H. Riggs, 63, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on June 9, 2024. Doug was born in WaKeeney, Kansas, on August 3, 1960. He graduated from Trego Community High School in 1978.Doug was an extraordinary musician. He achieved professional status at the age of 13 when he became the drummer for the Ted Smith Orchestra. In high school, Doug performed with Derby and, more notably, The Johnny Chambers Group. Upon graduating high school, Doug loaded his drums and headed west for Los Angeles. Against all odds, his auditions went very well, and he soon found himself touring the country with Jon Washington, a former member of The Fortunes (Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again). Doug’s next job was with the Carl Dante Band (Carl being a former member of Gary Pucket and the Union Gap). Doug performed with this band live on the Dinah Shore TV show, where he was introduced as “Rocko Riggs.” Soon after, they toured Europe. Back in the U.S., his next band was with Gregg Bell in a group known as The Genetics, which included members who had previously performed with Diana Ross. Doug also performed with “The Dons,” who created songs that were used in soundtracks for movies (including some credited to Disney). Other bands included Secret Life, Love and the Haters, and ThunderBisquit. More recent samples of Doug’s drumming can be found on Facebook, including a live performance at the Riggs family farmyard that garnered 95,000 views (posted by Motofly7).Doug also enjoyed riding his motocross bike (with reckless abandon) in the San Gabriel Mountains near his home in North Hollywood, California. The bike came with him when he moved back to WaKeeney, and the south pasture bears the scars of his recent adventures. He also enjoyed fishing. He could be seen recently climbing the rocks of the dam at Cedar Bluff Lake. Doug was also a lover of animals. He was a guardian-level member of the ASPCA, and he enjoyed feeding and nurturing stray cats near his home in California. Doug’s charity was also evidenced in one of his last wishes communicated to his family. He asked that his drums NOT be sold but be given to a promising young musician who could not afford to buy them. An organization known as “Hungry for Music” was identified, and his set was collected and is on its way back to the LA area.Doug is survived by his mother, Carolyn Riggs of WaKeeney, his brother, Matt Riggs, and his wife Iris (Waldschmidt) of Champaign, Illinois, and a niece, Erin Riggs, and husband, Subhonmesh Bose, also of Champaign, Illinois, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Doug was preceded in death by his father, Glen Riggs.A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024, at the WaKeeney City Cemetery. John Anderson of the Prairie Faith Shared Ministry will be officiating. A reception will follow at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Basement. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to “Hungry for Music” or the charity of your choice. Donations can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home at 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS,67672. Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Douglas Riggs

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses Stripe rust affecting the area winter wheat crop with <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Cottonwood Extension District</a> with agent Stacy Campbell.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Stripe rust affecting area wheat crop" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=k8pmk-163ae47-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser discusses Stripe rust affecting the area winter wheat crop with <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Cottonwood Extension District</a> with agent Stacy Campbell.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Stripe rust affecting area wheat crop

ATCHISON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a fatal industrial accident in northeast Kansas.

Just after&nbsp;11:00 a.m. on Monday, police, fire and EMS responded to report of a work place accident at the Shannon Industrial Park on the west side of Atchison, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Gerald Weidler, 30, of Atchison, died in an industrial accident at Atchison Tubular Manufacturing located at 8154 Industrial Park Lane.&nbsp;

The company is a manufacturer of steel pipe products.&nbsp;

He was working on what is known as a pipe trimmer machine that is located in a building at the south end of the complex, according to Wilson.&nbsp; Pipe leaving that building is rolled out of the building on elevated rails to an exterior location adjacent to the building. Weidler had walked outside to the exterior location and was working on pipe at the exterior location when the accident occurred.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a fatal industrial accident in northeast Kansas.Just after&nbsp;11:00 a.m. on Monday, police, fire and EMS responded to report of a work place accident at the Shannon Industrial Park on the west side of Atchison, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Gerald Weidler, 30, of Atchison, died in an industrial accident at Atchison Tubular Manufacturing located at 8154 Industrial Park Lane.&nbsp;The company is a manufacturer of steel pipe products.&nbsp;He was working on what is known as a pipe trimmer machine that is located in a building at the south end of the complex, according to Wilson.&nbsp; Pipe leaving that building is rolled out of the building on elevated rails to an exterior location adjacent to the building. Weidler had walked outside to the exterior location and was working on pipe at the exterior location when the accident occurred.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police release details in fatal Kansas work-place accident

BEIJING (AP) — Four instructors from Iowa's Cornell College teaching at Beihua University in northeastern China were attacked in a public park, reportedly with a knife, officials at the U.S. school and the State Department said.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday that the injured were rushed to a hospital for treatment, and that none was in critical condition. Police believe Monday's attack in Jilin city's Beishan Park was an isolated incident, based on a preliminary assessment, and the investigation is ongoing, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily briefing.

Cornell College President Jonathan Brand said in a statement that the instructors were attacked while at the park with a faculty member from Beihua, which is in an outlying part of Jilin, an industrial city about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) northeast of Beijing. Monday was a public holiday in China.

The State Department said in a statement it was aware of reports of a stabbing and was monitoring the situation. The attack happened as both Beijing and Washington are seeking to expand people-to-people exchanges to help bolster relations amid tensions over trade and such international issues as Taiwan, the South China Sea and the war in Ukraine.

An Iowa state lawmaker posted a statement on Instagram saying his brother, David Zabner, had been wounded during a stabbing attack in Jilin. Rep. Adam Zabner described his brother as a doctoral student at Tufts University who was in China under the Cornell-Beihua relationship.

“I spoke to David a few minutes ago, he is recovering from his injuries and doing well,” Adam Zabner wrote, adding that his brother was grateful for the care he received at a hospital.

News of the incident was suppressed in China, where the government maintains control on information about anything considered sensitive. News media outlets had not reported it. Some social media accounts posted foreign media reports about the attack, but a hashtag about it was blocked on a popular portal and photos and video of the incident were quickly taken down.

Cornell spokesperson Jen Visser said in an email that the college was still gathering information about what happened.

Visser said the private college in Mount Vernon, Iowa, partners with Beihua University. A&nbsp;<a href="https://news.cornellcollege.edu/2018/11/cornell-begins-partnership-university-china/">college news release</a>&nbsp;from 2018, when the program started, says Beihua provides funding for Cornell professors to travel to China to teach a portion of courses in computer science, mathematics and physics over a two-week period.

According to a 2020 post on Beihua's website, the Chinese university uses American teaching methods and resources to give engineering students an international perspective and English-language ability.

About one-third of the core courses in the program use U.S. textbooks and are taught by American professors, according to the post. Students can apply to study for two years of their four-year education at Cornell College and receive degrees from both institutions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has unveiled a plan to invite 50,000 young Americans to China in the next five years, though Chinese diplomats say a travel advisory by the U.S. State Department has discouraged Americans from visiting China.

Citing arbitrary detentions as well as exit bans that could prevent Americans from leaving the country, the State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory — the second-highest warning level — for mainland China. It urges Americans to “reconsider travel” to China.

Some American universities have suspended their China programs due to the travel advisory.

Lin, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said China has taken effective measures to protect the safety of foreigners. “We believe that the isolated incident will not disrupt normal cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596730589904.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BEIJING (AP) — Four instructors from Iowa's Cornell College teaching at Beihua University in northeastern China were attacked in a public park, reportedly with a knife, officials at the U.S. school and the State Department said.A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday that the injured were rushed to a hospital for treatment, and that none was in critical condition. Police believe Monday's attack in Jilin city's Beishan Park was an isolated incident, based on a preliminary assessment, and the investigation is ongoing, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily briefing.Cornell College President Jonathan Brand said in a statement that the instructors were attacked while at the park with a faculty member from Beihua, which is in an outlying part of Jilin, an industrial city about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) northeast of Beijing. Monday was a public holiday in China.The State Department said in a statement it was aware of reports of a stabbing and was monitoring the situation. The attack happened as both Beijing and Washington are seeking to expand people-to-people exchanges to help bolster relations amid tensions over trade and such international issues as Taiwan, the South China Sea and the war in Ukraine.An Iowa state lawmaker posted a statement on Instagram saying his brother, David Zabner, had been wounded during a stabbing attack in Jilin. Rep. Adam Zabner described his brother as a doctoral student at Tufts University who was in China under the Cornell-Beihua relationship.“I spoke to David a few minutes ago, he is recovering from his injuries and doing well,” Adam Zabner wrote, adding that his brother was grateful for the care he received at a hospital.News of the incident was suppressed in China, where the government maintains control on information about anything considered sensitive. News media outlets had not reported it. Some social media accounts posted foreign media reports about the attack, but a hashtag about it was blocked on a popular portal and photos and video of the incident were quickly taken down.Cornell spokesperson Jen Visser said in an email that the college was still gathering information about what happened.Visser said the private college in Mount Vernon, Iowa, partners with Beihua University. A&nbsp;<a href="https://news.cornellcollege.edu/2018/11/cornell-begins-partnership-university-china/">college news release</a>&nbsp;from 2018, when the program started, says Beihua provides funding for Cornell professors to travel to China to teach a portion of courses in computer science, mathematics and physics over a two-week period.According to a 2020 post on Beihua's website, the Chinese university uses American teaching methods and resources to give engineering students an international perspective and English-language ability.About one-third of the core courses in the program use U.S. textbooks and are taught by American professors, according to the post. Students can apply to study for two years of their four-year education at Cornell College and receive degrees from both institutions.Chinese President Xi Jinping has unveiled a plan to invite 50,000 young Americans to China in the next five years, though Chinese diplomats say a travel advisory by the U.S. State Department has discouraged Americans from visiting China.Citing arbitrary detentions as well as exit bans that could prevent Americans from leaving the country, the State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory — the second-highest warning level — for mainland China. It urges Americans to “reconsider travel” to China.Some American universities have suspended their China programs due to the travel advisory.Lin, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said China has taken effective measures to protect the safety of foreigners. “We believe that the isolated incident will not disrupt normal cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries,” he said.

Suspect in custody in the stabbing of 4 US college instructors in China

The undercover video allegedly shows Planned Parenthood staff telling a man pretending to have a 13-year-old pregnant niece how they could help her obtain an abortion out of state

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Planned Parenthood is asking a Missouri judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the state’s attorney general alleging the clinic is transporting minors out of state for abortions.&nbsp;

The lawsuit was filed based on an undercover video filmed by a man affiliated with a right-wing group&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article289159614.html">pretending to be the uncle of a 13-year-old</a>&nbsp;in need of an abortion whose parents couldn’t know.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey wrote on social media Monday that the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=24BA-CV00990&amp;inputVO.courtId=CT13#header">lawsuit filed in February</a>&nbsp;is the latest step in a years-long attempt to “drive Planned Parenthood out of Missouri.”&nbsp;

“It is time to eradicate Planned Parenthood once and for all to end this pattern of abhorrent, unethical, and illegal behavior,” he wrote.

Planned Parenthood continues to argue it has not broken the law, pointing to the “fictitious” nature of the video.

Judge Brouck Jacobs presided over the hearing Monday afternoon in Boone County. The lawsuit was brought against Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which has Missouri clinics in the Kansas City region and Columbia.

“There is no allegation that any child, any minor has been taken across state lines; there’s no allegation that any parent has complained,” John Andrew Hirth argued on behalf of Planned Parenthood. “There’s no allegation that any abortion has been performed either in Missouri or outside of Missouri, with or without parental consent here. The whole conversation is hypothetical.”

Jacobs asked Kathryn Monroe, representing the attorney general’s office, if she agreed.&nbsp;

Monroe said while there was no 13-year-old girl in the video, and the man’s questions were hypothetical, the employee at Planned Parenthood thought the situation was real.&nbsp;

“There was admitted conduct about what they would do in this actual situation,” she said.

The video, captured in December at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the Kansas City area, was later posted on social media by Project Veritas, a self-proclaimed conservative news organization founded in 2010 that often conducts undercover stings that are ultimately disproven. Its now-ousted founder, James O’Keefe, is currently&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/james-okeefe-project-veritas-westchester-investigation-9ba0592a335c00c8579c0e33a4968fc9">under investigation by New York authorities</a>, and the organization has a long history of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/06/project-veritas-voter-fraud-pennsylvania-james-okeefe">spreading claims that are later discredited.&nbsp;</a>

In 2015, Project Veritas released a video purporting to show Planned Parenthood selling fetal tissues from abortions in violation of federal law. That led to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2015/07/22/missouri-to-investigate-planned-parenthood/21764572007/">investigation by Missouri lawmakers</a>&nbsp;that was unable to substantiate any such sales by Missouri-based Planned Parenthood affiliates.

In the video from Kansas City, the made-up girl’s parents couldn’t know about the abortion, the man secretly taping the interaction for Project Veritas told the Planned Parenthood employees. Staff then directed him to their affiliate clinics in Kansas where they said he could “bypass” parental consent.&nbsp;

When the man asked how often girls go out of state for abortions, the Planned Parenthood employee said it happens “every day.”

Monroe pointed to this quote, saying it shows Planned Parenthood could realistically be helping real minors access abortion now and in the future.

The attorney general’s office pointed to Missouri law which states: “No one shall intentionally cause aid or assist a minor to obtain an abortion.”&nbsp;

That law was written before the state’s trigger law went into place in June 2022, effectively making all abortions — with the expectation of cases where the mother’s life is at risk — illegal.

Missouri doesn’t have explicit laws requiring parental consent for minors getting abortions in other states, nor does it prohibit minors from going to other states to get abortions.

A spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Great Plains said in February that they do not provide any form of transportation directly to any patients, regardless of age or where they live. They also described the video, taken without staff’s knowledge, as “heavily doctored and edited.”&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2016/b2015_16/statute/065_000_0000_chapter/065_067_0000_article/065_067_0005_section/065_067_0005_k/">Kansas law</a>&nbsp;requires physicians to either obtain parental consent or to go through the judicial bypass process where a judge can authorize a minor to get an abortion without parental consent.

Hirth pointed to a 2007 case, Planned Parenthood v. Nixon, in which he said the court found that information or counseling given by Planned Parenthood — such as laying out a patients’ options in another state —&nbsp;would be considered free speech and would not be classified as aiding or assisting in abortions.

But the attorney general’s office argued that the Missouri clinic still aided in a hypothetical abortion, pointing to a point in the video where the employee says “we can cut off our letterhead so it doesn’t even say where she was,” in reference to a doctor’s note in order to miss school. The employee also says that Planned Parenthood often sets up hotels for those who need to travel out of state.

It’s not clear if “we” implies that specific clinic or Planned Parenthood in Kansas.

Monroe argued these offers represented “an active attempt to conceal where a minor was.”&nbsp;

“If you call and let them know what’s going on, they’ll do whatever they can to help you,” the employee said, referring to the Kansas clinic locations.

The video does not show the employee physically setting up any doctor’s notes or calling to set up a hotel.

“The issue here is about conduct that happened in Kansas or is alleged to have happened in Kansas,” Hirth said. “Or it was alleged to happen in Kansas, hypothetically in the future.”

Hirth added that medical offices are not supposed to reveal what medical procedure a student misses&nbsp; school for regardless of the reason.&nbsp;

The hearing lasted about 40 minutes, at which point Jacobs said he took the issue under advisement.

The Project Veritas video has been widely shared by Missouri Republican lawmakers, and was referenced on the House and Senate floors during debates over a bill seeking to end Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri, which do not perform abortions but do provide services like cancer screenings, STI testing and contraceptives.&nbsp;

That bill eventually passed despite Democrats’ attempts to kill it by filibustering.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-bill-medicaid-planned-parenthood/">Gov. Mike Parson signed it into law this spring.</a>

Hanna Sumpter, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement Monday that while the lawsuit is based on hypotheticals, she believes the harms of such a court filing are real.

“Ultimately, these attacks from anti-abortion groups and politicians hurt real patients –” she wrote. “Shaming and stigmatizing the safe and effective healthcare providers and services they need.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718109201152.png" alt="Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (photo submitted)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (photo submitted).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The undercover video allegedly shows Planned Parenthood staff telling a man pretending to have a 13-year-old pregnant niece how they could help her obtain an abortion out of state</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Planned Parenthood is asking a Missouri judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the state’s attorney general alleging the clinic is transporting minors out of state for abortions.&nbsp;The lawsuit was filed based on an undercover video filmed by a man affiliated with a right-wing group&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article289159614.html">pretending to be the uncle of a 13-year-old</a>&nbsp;in need of an abortion whose parents couldn’t know.Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey wrote on social media Monday that the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=24BA-CV00990&amp;inputVO.courtId=CT13#header">lawsuit filed in February</a>&nbsp;is the latest step in a years-long attempt to “drive Planned Parenthood out of Missouri.”&nbsp;“It is time to eradicate Planned Parenthood once and for all to end this pattern of abhorrent, unethical, and illegal behavior,” he wrote.Planned Parenthood continues to argue it has not broken the law, pointing to the “fictitious” nature of the video.Judge Brouck Jacobs presided over the hearing Monday afternoon in Boone County. The lawsuit was brought against Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which has Missouri clinics in the Kansas City region and Columbia.“There is no allegation that any child, any minor has been taken across state lines; there’s no allegation that any parent has complained,” John Andrew Hirth argued on behalf of Planned Parenthood. “There’s no allegation that any abortion has been performed either in Missouri or outside of Missouri, with or without parental consent here. The whole conversation is hypothetical.”Jacobs asked Kathryn Monroe, representing the attorney general’s office, if she agreed.&nbsp;Monroe said while there was no 13-year-old girl in the video, and the man’s questions were hypothetical, the employee at Planned Parenthood thought the situation was real.&nbsp;“There was admitted conduct about what they would do in this actual situation,” she said.The video, captured in December at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the Kansas City area, was later posted on social media by Project Veritas, a self-proclaimed conservative news organization founded in 2010 that often conducts undercover stings that are ultimately disproven. Its now-ousted founder, James O’Keefe, is currently&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/james-okeefe-project-veritas-westchester-investigation-9ba0592a335c00c8579c0e33a4968fc9">under investigation by New York authorities</a>, and the organization has a long history of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/06/project-veritas-voter-fraud-pennsylvania-james-okeefe">spreading claims that are later discredited.&nbsp;</a>In 2015, Project Veritas released a video purporting to show Planned Parenthood selling fetal tissues from abortions in violation of federal law. That led to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2015/07/22/missouri-to-investigate-planned-parenthood/21764572007/">investigation by Missouri lawmakers</a>&nbsp;that was unable to substantiate any such sales by Missouri-based Planned Parenthood affiliates.In the video from Kansas City, the made-up girl’s parents couldn’t know about the abortion, the man secretly taping the interaction for Project Veritas told the Planned Parenthood employees. Staff then directed him to their affiliate clinics in Kansas where they said he could “bypass” parental consent.&nbsp;When the man asked how often girls go out of state for abortions, the Planned Parenthood employee said it happens “every day.”Monroe pointed to this quote, saying it shows Planned Parenthood could realistically be helping real minors access abortion now and in the future.The attorney general’s office pointed to Missouri law which states: “No one shall intentionally cause aid or assist a minor to obtain an abortion.”&nbsp;That law was written before the state’s trigger law went into place in June 2022, effectively making all abortions — with the expectation of cases where the mother’s life is at risk — illegal.Missouri doesn’t have explicit laws requiring parental consent for minors getting abortions in other states, nor does it prohibit minors from going to other states to get abortions.A spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Great Plains said in February that they do not provide any form of transportation directly to any patients, regardless of age or where they live. They also described the video, taken without staff’s knowledge, as “heavily doctored and edited.”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2016/b2015_16/statute/065_000_0000_chapter/065_067_0000_article/065_067_0005_section/065_067_0005_k/">Kansas law</a>&nbsp;requires physicians to either obtain parental consent or to go through the judicial bypass process where a judge can authorize a minor to get an abortion without parental consent.Hirth pointed to a 2007 case, Planned Parenthood v. Nixon, in which he said the court found that information or counseling given by Planned Parenthood — such as laying out a patients’ options in another state —&nbsp;would be considered free speech and would not be classified as aiding or assisting in abortions.But the attorney general’s office argued that the Missouri clinic still aided in a hypothetical abortion, pointing to a point in the video where the employee says “we can cut off our letterhead so it doesn’t even say where she was,” in reference to a doctor’s note in order to miss school. The employee also says that Planned Parenthood often sets up hotels for those who need to travel out of state.It’s not clear if “we” implies that specific clinic or Planned Parenthood in Kansas.Monroe argued these offers represented “an active attempt to conceal where a minor was.”&nbsp;“If you call and let them know what’s going on, they’ll do whatever they can to help you,” the employee said, referring to the Kansas clinic locations.The video does not show the employee physically setting up any doctor’s notes or calling to set up a hotel.“The issue here is about conduct that happened in Kansas or is alleged to have happened in Kansas,” Hirth said. “Or it was alleged to happen in Kansas, hypothetically in the future.”Hirth added that medical offices are not supposed to reveal what medical procedure a student misses&nbsp; school for regardless of the reason.&nbsp;The hearing lasted about 40 minutes, at which point Jacobs said he took the issue under advisement.The Project Veritas video has been widely shared by Missouri Republican lawmakers, and was referenced on the House and Senate floors during debates over a bill seeking to end Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri, which do not perform abortions but do provide services like cancer screenings, STI testing and contraceptives.&nbsp;That bill eventually passed despite Democrats’ attempts to kill it by filibustering.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-bill-medicaid-planned-parenthood/">Gov. Mike Parson signed it into law this spring.</a>Hanna Sumpter, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement Monday that while the lawsuit is based on hypotheticals, she believes the harms of such a court filing are real.“Ultimately, these attacks from anti-abortion groups and politicians hurt real patients –” she wrote. “Shaming and stigmatizing the safe and effective healthcare providers and services they need.”

Planned Parenthood asks judge to throw out AG suit based on Project Veritas video

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For newly crowned Miss Kansas America, Alexis Smith, she really enjoyed bringing her friends on to the stage with her at the pageant.

"I've been performing ventriloquism for 19 years," Smith said. "You know, when you're not in pageants, you don't have that aspect of being on stage and getting to perform for others, and so coming back to the Miss Kansas organization and being able to bring my friends back out and be able to perform for Pratt community and my family, friends, and everybody that is there to support us was incredibly special."

Smith's platform is domestic violence awareness and prevention.

"Respect Reclaimed: Advocating for Healthy Relationships, it stems from my own personal experience with domestic violence," Smith said. "It started at the age of 14 for me, but it's something that was in my family before that and I just fell into that cycle of abuse, but I recognize that healthy relationships are important in all facets of life and those characteristics of a healthy relationship can be applied in all facets of life, so I chose that platform to be able to help reduce domestic violence in our communities while also focusing on the importance of healthy relationships."

Smith also will have to talk to her job about being more flexible with her schedule now that she's won the Miss Kansas crown.

"I work as a cardiothoracic ICU nurse here in my hometown," Smith said. "The biggest part of my job is being empathetic and being able to be there, not only for the patient, but for the families, and there are unfortunately times where, you know, in one of my rooms, there is a patient that is going through their process of the end of their life, and in another room, there's a patient that's having a speedy recovery with families that are laughing and are very joyful to see their family member recover. So the biggest thing in that part of my job is to remember that I get to be that rock for those families and for that patient. And I think just my ability to really empathize and be a caring individual is what makes that job easier for them."

Smith wants to go on and become a&nbsp;Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, which is a doctoral program

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718101435215.png" alt="Miss Kansas 2024 Alexis Smith-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Miss Kansas 2024 Alexis Smith-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL&nbsp;Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — For newly crowned Miss Kansas America, Alexis Smith, she really enjoyed bringing her friends on to the stage with her at the pageant."I've been performing ventriloquism for 19 years," Smith said. "You know, when you're not in pageants, you don't have that aspect of being on stage and getting to perform for others, and so coming back to the Miss Kansas organization and being able to bring my friends back out and be able to perform for Pratt community and my family, friends, and everybody that is there to support us was incredibly special."Smith's platform is domestic violence awareness and prevention."Respect Reclaimed: Advocating for Healthy Relationships, it stems from my own personal experience with domestic violence," Smith said. "It started at the age of 14 for me, but it's something that was in my family before that and I just fell into that cycle of abuse, but I recognize that healthy relationships are important in all facets of life and those characteristics of a healthy relationship can be applied in all facets of life, so I chose that platform to be able to help reduce domestic violence in our communities while also focusing on the importance of healthy relationships."Smith also will have to talk to her job about being more flexible with her schedule now that she's won the Miss Kansas crown."I work as a cardiothoracic ICU nurse here in my hometown," Smith said. "The biggest part of my job is being empathetic and being able to be there, not only for the patient, but for the families, and there are unfortunately times where, you know, in one of my rooms, there is a patient that is going through their process of the end of their life, and in another room, there's a patient that's having a speedy recovery with families that are laughing and are very joyful to see their family member recover. So the biggest thing in that part of my job is to remember that I get to be that rock for those families and for that patient. And I think just my ability to really empathize and be a caring individual is what makes that job easier for them."Smith wants to go on and become a&nbsp;Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, which is a doctoral program

New Miss Kansas throwing her voice across the state

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission has elected to change the way outside agencies submit funding requests to the county, but before changes take place next year, on Tuesday, they will hear 2025 budget requests.

County Administrator Darin Myers said the requests for funding from outside agencies went up 24% from 2021 to 2024 and were expected to increase another 10% for 2025 despite the commission’s request that the agencies keep the requests the same as the year before.

The commission elected to split the outside agencies into
two groups: agencies they are required to fund and other, mostly nonprofit
agencies that have received county funding in the past.

The first group is Grow Hays, DSNWK, High Plains Mental
Health, Ellis County Historical Society, Conservation District and the Humane Society of the High Plains. 

Myers said those agencies are linked to the county in
different ways.

Some provide services the county would be required
to provide if they didn’t exist. Others have a funding formula that determines cost
shares with other counties or receive matching funds.

Under the funding process starting for the 2026 budget, those agencies
would still come before the commission and present their funding requests. 

The second group, comprised of about 20 agencies, would send
their applications for funding to the CARE Council. The CARE Council is a group
of 12 members who review funding requests and submit them to Hays' Social
Services budget and the city's and county's alcohol tax budgets. The council also
makes recommendations for United Way funding. 

Earlier this month, the commission allocated 3/10th
of a mill to fund the second group. Myers said that equals $153,742. The budget
requests for the second group this year total $168,912.

The commission will consider those requests this year with
the process transferring to the CARE Council for the 2026 budget requests. 

“Those agencies would then go to the CARE Council in the
months of October, November, December and submit an online application to the
Care Council,” Myers said. “Once we get our valuation, and the budget process
is done at the end of the year, the new mill levy would be set for 2024, for
the 2025 budget .”

Myers said the CARE Council would then go meet with the
agencies in early 2025 to discuss their applications and funding requests. 

"They would actually know several months earlier in the
year what their allocations would be based on the CARE Council's suggestion off the number that the commission would set," Myers said.

County Commissioner Nathan Leiker said he likes the idea of
the CARE Council talking with the groups.

"I like the thought that the CARE Council will go do some
interviewing and pay a little more attention to some of these agencies, rather
than a 5-, 10-, 15-minute talk in front of us where somebody's nervous," Leiker
said. "The council may be able to get the whole picture, a better picture than what
we can attain and make better decisions."

United Way Executive Director Erica Berges, the wife of Commissioner Michael Berges, will help the CARE Council through the process and will attend Tuesday’s meeting to discuss it with the county commission.

The funding request for the other agencies the
commission will consider is $1.329 million. 

All outside agencies will present their funding requests for
the 2025 budget Tuesday to the county commission. 

The commission meeting is set for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the
Ellis County Administrative Office at 718 Main St. in Hays. 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission has elected to change the way outside agencies submit funding requests to the county, but before changes take place next year, on Tuesday, they will hear 2025 budget requests.County Administrator Darin Myers said the requests for funding from outside agencies went up 24% from 2021 to 2024 and were expected to increase another 10% for 2025 despite the commission’s request that the agencies keep the requests the same as the year before.The commission elected to split the outside agencies into
two groups: agencies they are required to fund and other, mostly nonprofit
agencies that have received county funding in the past.The first group is Grow Hays, DSNWK, High Plains Mental
Health, Ellis County Historical Society, Conservation District and the Humane Society of the High Plains. Myers said those agencies are linked to the county in
different ways.Some provide services the county would be required
to provide if they didn’t exist. Others have a funding formula that determines cost
shares with other counties or receive matching funds.Under the funding process starting for the 2026 budget, those agencies
would still come before the commission and present their funding requests. The second group, comprised of about 20 agencies, would send
their applications for funding to the CARE Council. The CARE Council is a group
of 12 members who review funding requests and submit them to Hays' Social
Services budget and the city's and county's alcohol tax budgets. The council also
makes recommendations for United Way funding. Earlier this month, the commission allocated 3/10th
of a mill to fund the second group. Myers said that equals $153,742. The budget
requests for the second group this year total $168,912.The commission will consider those requests this year with
the process transferring to the CARE Council for the 2026 budget requests. “Those agencies would then go to the CARE Council in the
months of October, November, December and submit an online application to the
Care Council,” Myers said. “Once we get our valuation, and the budget process
is done at the end of the year, the new mill levy would be set for 2024, for
the 2025 budget .”Myers said the CARE Council would then go meet with the
agencies in early 2025 to discuss their applications and funding requests. "They would actually know several months earlier in the
year what their allocations would be based on the CARE Council's suggestion off the number that the commission would set," Myers said.County Commissioner Nathan Leiker said he likes the idea of
the CARE Council talking with the groups."I like the thought that the CARE Council will go do some
interviewing and pay a little more attention to some of these agencies, rather
than a 5-, 10-, 15-minute talk in front of us where somebody's nervous," Leiker
said. "The council may be able to get the whole picture, a better picture than what
we can attain and make better decisions."United Way Executive Director Erica Berges, the wife of Commissioner Michael Berges, will help the CARE Council through the process and will attend Tuesday’s meeting to discuss it with the county commission.The funding request for the other agencies the
commission will consider is $1.329 million. All outside agencies will present their funding requests for
the 2025 budget Tuesday to the county commission. The commission meeting is set for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the
Ellis County Administrative Office at 718 Main St. in Hays.

Ellis County Commission will hear outside agency funding requests before changes next year

Hannah Gideon, a 2024 graduate of Russell High School, was recently announced as the Jobs for America’s Graduates -Kansas (JAG-K) “Student of the Year.” Gideon was elected by JAG-K state and regional student officers to receive the honor. Criteria for the award were the five pillars of the JAG-K Career Association: Leadership Development, Career Development, Civic Awareness, Service Learning, and Social Awareness.

&nbsp;“JAG-K’s student leaders developed this honor and selected Hannah as the first recipient, which is a testament to the impact she has had, not only on the Russell High School program, but the legacy she leaves with the organization as a whole,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp.

Gideon served three school years as the president of the Russell High School JAG-K student-led Career Association.

“Hannah has worked hard to make JAG-K a place for everyone,” said Russell High School JAG-K Career Specialist Raina Tomlinson, who nominated Gideon for the award. “I have not only watched Hannah grow from her experience, but I have watched her develop and encourage those around her.”

After participating in a summer internship coordinated by the Ogallala Commons in the summer of 2022, Gideon encouraged other JAG-K students to participate and helped coordinate several entities to offer internships to a number of Russell High School JAG-K participants in the ensuing summers.

Gideon has fostered connections between the Russell JAG-K program and the community, including helping with elections, visiting the hospital and connecting with elementary school students through a letter writing program. She also helped spearhead a drive to start a school library at Russell High School. “JAG-K is not just a class for her. This is something she believes in,” Tomlinson said of Gideon.

Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&amp;T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.jagkansas.org&amp;c=E,1,XcIPZdzQd07ZcF4gsRuE1NvRHhFyJiH8VsklalLAnpIl7NY_QmekdxBgdJNlckoTdg1d6rJgi7DKJxjrZg6wHJt3r2RHUwIDEMk3ZrzUk1jG4XzEtBaxSPM,&amp;typo=1">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718045299565.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHannah Gideon, a 2024 graduate of Russell High School, was recently announced as the Jobs for America’s Graduates -Kansas (JAG-K) “Student of the Year.” Gideon was elected by JAG-K state and regional student officers to receive the honor. Criteria for the award were the five pillars of the JAG-K Career Association: Leadership Development, Career Development, Civic Awareness, Service Learning, and Social Awareness.&nbsp;“JAG-K’s student leaders developed this honor and selected Hannah as the first recipient, which is a testament to the impact she has had, not only on the Russell High School program, but the legacy she leaves with the organization as a whole,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp.Gideon served three school years as the president of the Russell High School JAG-K student-led Career Association.“Hannah has worked hard to make JAG-K a place for everyone,” said Russell High School JAG-K Career Specialist Raina Tomlinson, who nominated Gideon for the award. “I have not only watched Hannah grow from her experience, but I have watched her develop and encourage those around her.”After participating in a summer internship coordinated by the Ogallala Commons in the summer of 2022, Gideon encouraged other JAG-K students to participate and helped coordinate several entities to offer internships to a number of Russell High School JAG-K participants in the ensuing summers.Gideon has fostered connections between the Russell JAG-K program and the community, including helping with elections, visiting the hospital and connecting with elementary school students through a letter writing program. She also helped spearhead a drive to start a school library at Russell High School. “JAG-K is not just a class for her. This is something she believes in,” Tomlinson said of Gideon.Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&amp;T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.To learn more about JAG-K, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.jagkansas.org&amp;c=E,1,XcIPZdzQd07ZcF4gsRuE1NvRHhFyJiH8VsklalLAnpIl7NY_QmekdxBgdJNlckoTdg1d6rJgi7DKJxjrZg6wHJt3r2RHUwIDEMk3ZrzUk1jG4XzEtBaxSPM,&amp;typo=1">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent Russell High School graduate voted JAG-K Student of the Year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —After serving on the Hutchinson City Council for more than a decade&nbsp;and working for a broadband startup, Jade Piros de Carvalho was tapped by the state's lieutenant governor to head Kansas' newly formed Office of Broadband Development.&nbsp; In March of 2023 she was also recognized as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year honorees. Now she's out of a job.

According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jadepiros_broadband-digitalequity-internetforall-activity-7204604084618723329-DRXD?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">LinkedIn post</a>&nbsp;she made on June 7, former Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho was let go from her position as the leader of Kansas Office of Broadband Development.

"As you may have heard, I am no longer with KOBD," Piros de Carvalho said. "I will dearly miss the team and the entire&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/kansas-department-of-commerce/">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>&nbsp;staff. If you are a Kansan, you need to know how hard the Commerce team works for the state."

Piros de Carvalho didn't go deeply into details, but here is her description of what caused her termination.

"This was not my decision," Piros de Carvalho said. "Tuesday brought the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. At 9:00 a.m. I was taking a selfie with the Governor and listening to her sing my praises to a room full of my peers at the National Governors Association broadband workshop. It was truly a career high. I adore her. By that afternoon, I was told that my job was on the line. I said the wrong thing to the wrong person, who made a phone call and I was gone."

She won't name the person who overheard her.

"We live in a very litigious society so you will not pry the person’s name out of me," Piros de Carvalho said. "I’m not interested in being sued."

Piros de Carvalho is going to take time with her family this summer while she considers what's next.

"I’m just not sure I’m built to last in the public sector," Piros de Carvalho said. "I don’t like to move slowly and I don’t like to parse my words. But I also can’t get out of bed every morning for a job that doesn’t make a positive difference in the world."

Piros de Carvalho left Hutchinson two years ago for the post in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718038796350.png" alt="Jade Piros de Carvalho from a Forward Ever interview with Gary Shorman in March of 2023" />
 <figcaption>Jade Piros de Carvalho from a Forward Ever interview with Gary Shorman in March of 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —After serving on the Hutchinson City Council for more than a decade&nbsp;and working for a broadband startup, Jade Piros de Carvalho was tapped by the state's lieutenant governor to head Kansas' newly formed Office of Broadband Development.&nbsp; In March of 2023 she was also recognized as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year honorees. Now she's out of a job.According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jadepiros_broadband-digitalequity-internetforall-activity-7204604084618723329-DRXD?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">LinkedIn post</a>&nbsp;she made on June 7, former Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho was let go from her position as the leader of Kansas Office of Broadband Development."As you may have heard, I am no longer with KOBD," Piros de Carvalho said. "I will dearly miss the team and the entire&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/kansas-department-of-commerce/">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>&nbsp;staff. If you are a Kansan, you need to know how hard the Commerce team works for the state."Piros de Carvalho didn't go deeply into details, but here is her description of what caused her termination."This was not my decision," Piros de Carvalho said. "Tuesday brought the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. At 9:00 a.m. I was taking a selfie with the Governor and listening to her sing my praises to a room full of my peers at the National Governors Association broadband workshop. It was truly a career high. I adore her. By that afternoon, I was told that my job was on the line. I said the wrong thing to the wrong person, who made a phone call and I was gone."She won't name the person who overheard her."We live in a very litigious society so you will not pry the person’s name out of me," Piros de Carvalho said. "I’m not interested in being sued."Piros de Carvalho is going to take time with her family this summer while she considers what's next."I’m just not sure I’m built to last in the public sector," Piros de Carvalho said. "I don’t like to move slowly and I don’t like to parse my words. But I also can’t get out of bed every morning for a job that doesn’t make a positive difference in the world."Piros de Carvalho left Hutchinson two years ago for the post in Topeka.

USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree let go by State of Kansas

Since 6 a.m. Friday, Hays received .61 inches of rain as measured at the Eagle Communications office at 2300 Hall in Hays.

Hays has received 1.85 inches of rain for the month and 7.81 inches of precipitation year to date, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.&nbsp;

Hays averages 3.38 of rain in June and 11.31 inches of precipitation by the end of June.

As of the drought monitor released on Thursday, Ellis County is still showing moderate drought to abnormally dry.

The forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of rain Tuesday afternoon and Thursday night. Hays will have more chances of showers or thunderstorms on Friday night and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Today's high is forecasted at 83, but temperatures will steadily increase to a blistering 101 on Thursday.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSince 6 a.m. Friday, Hays received .61 inches of rain as measured at the Eagle Communications office at 2300 Hall in Hays.Hays has received 1.85 inches of rain for the month and 7.81 inches of precipitation year to date, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.&nbsp;Hays averages 3.38 of rain in June and 11.31 inches of precipitation by the end of June.As of the drought monitor released on Thursday, Ellis County is still showing moderate drought to abnormally dry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718039085165.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of rain Tuesday afternoon and Thursday night. Hays will have more chances of showers or thunderstorms on Friday night and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.Today's high is forecasted at 83, but temperatures will steadily increase to a blistering 101 on Thursday.

Hays receives rain over weekend; heat set to hit on Thursday

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708970452306.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
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Ellis County Jail bookings, June 3-10, 2024

The Hays Larks closed out a three-game weekend sweep of the Denver Cougars with a 10-2 win Sunday at Larks Park. 

Wilbert Espinal was three for four
and drove in a pair of runs for the Larks as they won their fourth in a row. 

The
Larks are 2-0 in Rocky Mountain Baseball League play. 

They have Monday off
before hosting the Dodge City A’s in a league game on Tuesday. 

Hays PostThe Hays Larks closed out a three-game weekend sweep of the Denver Cougars with a 10-2 win Sunday at Larks Park. Wilbert Espinal was three for four
and drove in a pair of runs for the Larks as they won their fourth in a row. The
Larks are 2-0 in Rocky Mountain Baseball League play. They have Monday off
before hosting the Dodge City A’s in a league game on Tuesday.

⚾Larks complete sweep of Cougars

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Participants in this year’s Thunder on the Plains vehicle show and fundraiser in Hays experienced more than the thunder of loud cars and motorcycles Friday evening.

A storm with thunder, lightning and rain hit the area just after the classic vehicles left Municipal Park following their cruise down Main Street to the park on South Main.&nbsp;

But Saturday dawned bright and beautiful for the ninth-annual show that also includes trucks and tractors.

Almost 200 vehicles from around the state and a couple of neighboring states covered the park's grounds, where folks enjoyed a pleasant day of walking after Friday's storm.

Committee members were pleased with the turnout, especially since the date was changed from its former weekend in September to the second weekend of June.

Many awards were given to vehicle owners, including the one that traveled the farthest (Dan Rosenblatt from Littleton, Colorado) and the oldest (a 1930 five-window coupe owned by Shorty Lawrence from Scott City). An even older vehicle, Hays’ first motorized fire truck (a 1921 model), also was on display at the event.

While visitors enjoyed browsing the park and checking out the shiny restored vehicles, the Thunder committee says the show's primary purpose has always been to raise money for charity.

The organization awards up to four scholarships for graduating seniors who will attend NCK Tech in either the auto mechanics or auto body repair program.

On Saturday, the committee presented $2,000 checks to seven different local organizations, using money gathered from local and area sponsors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717980131749.jpeg" alt="There was even a miniature convertible on display, and Nicole Dreiling from Antonino enjoyed giving her friend, Kelsey Jo Thompson, a ride around the park in the car owned by Dreiling’s dad, John Dreiling. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>There was even a miniature convertible on display, and Nicole Dreiling from Antonino enjoyed giving her friend, Kelsey Jo Thompson, a ride around the park in the car owned by Dreiling’s dad, John Dreiling. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostParticipants in this year’s Thunder on the Plains vehicle show and fundraiser in Hays experienced more than the thunder of loud cars and motorcycles Friday evening.A storm with thunder, lightning and rain hit the area just after the classic vehicles left Municipal Park following their cruise down Main Street to the park on South Main.&nbsp;But Saturday dawned bright and beautiful for the ninth-annual show that also includes trucks and tractors.Almost 200 vehicles from around the state and a couple of neighboring states covered the park's grounds, where folks enjoyed a pleasant day of walking after Friday's storm.Committee members were pleased with the turnout, especially since the date was changed from its former weekend in September to the second weekend of June.Many awards were given to vehicle owners, including the one that traveled the farthest (Dan Rosenblatt from Littleton, Colorado) and the oldest (a 1930 five-window coupe owned by Shorty Lawrence from Scott City). An even older vehicle, Hays’ first motorized fire truck (a 1921 model), also was on display at the event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717980361713.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While visitors enjoyed browsing the park and checking out the shiny restored vehicles, the Thunder committee says the show's primary purpose has always been to raise money for charity.The organization awards up to four scholarships for graduating seniors who will attend NCK Tech in either the auto mechanics or auto body repair program.On Saturday, the committee presented $2,000 checks to seven different local organizations, using money gathered from local and area sponsors.Thunder had decided beforehand to gift the entire proceeds from the live auction to Make-A-Wish Missouri &amp; Kansas, a nonprofit organization that helps fulfill the wishes of seriously ill children. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is nationwide, and the Thunder donations are awarded to children in Ellis County.The auction garnered $11,710, most of which came from a red leather sofa with working LED tail lights made from the back of a 1955 Chevrolet.Auctioneer Roger Legleiter from Farmland Auction and Realty Co., who volunteered his services for the auction, included the crowd in the bidding, helping urge on Mike Hertel from Hays and Don Kopfman from Munjor in a bidding war for the couch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717980510079.jpeg" alt="Don Kopfman, right, poses for photos with his top bidding opponent Mike Hertel, Make-A-Wish recipient Angelina Moldstad and Thunder on the Plains volunteers. Photo courtesy of Roberta Molstad" />
 <figcaption>Don Kopfman, right, poses for photos with his top bidding opponent Mike Hertel, Make-A-Wish recipient Angelina Moldstad and Thunder on the Plains volunteers. Photo courtesy of Roberta Molstad</figcaption>
 </figure>Kopfman ended up winning the bid of $8,100. Make-A-Wish also earned $3,000 from a raffle for a grill and another $500-pluis from a 50-50 raffle.Make-A-Wish is near and dear to Jackie Lang, a long-time member of the Thunder organization with her late husband, Mark. And Saturday was an especially emotional day for Jackie.The Langs took their oldest son, Brett, to Disney World in 2010, thanks to Make-A-Wish when they lived in Oklahoma, and Brett died from cancer two years later.&nbsp;Mark Lang, who had done much of the bodywork on the vehicle part of the couch for this year’s auction, died unexpectedly this past Christmas Eve. Others helped finish the couch in time for Saturday’s auction. Mark’s employer, Oldham Sales in Hays, donated the grill that was raffled off.Thunder volunteers had fun posing for pictures with Hertel and Kopfman sitting on the couch with Make-A-Wish recipient Angelina Molstad between them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717980640027.jpeg" alt="Macie Kieffer, left, and Angelina Molstad, Make-A-Wish recipients from Hays, enjoy looking at a photo album with Addie Foster, Stockton, a Wish specialist for the area. Photo courtesy of Roberta Molstad" />
 <figcaption>Macie Kieffer, left, and Angelina Molstad, Make-A-Wish recipients from Hays, enjoy looking at a photo album with Addie Foster, Stockton, a Wish specialist for the area. Photo courtesy of Roberta Molstad</figcaption>
 </figure>Angelina and Macie Kieffer, both from Hays, have enjoyed trips to Disney World – thanks to generous donors such as Thunder on the Plains – and attended Saturday’s activities.&nbsp;Thunder had planned to do a public Make-A-Wish reveal on Saturday for 3-year-old Damon Sheeley from Victoria, whose family makes frequent trips to Kansas City for his leukemia treatments at Children’s Mercy Hospital.However, Damon was not feeling well on Saturday and couldn’t attend the car show and auction.Damon and his family—Mom Kylie, Dad Joseph, and four older siblings—will visit Disney World in December.“We are so thankful to Make-A-Wish for this trip,” Damon’s mother said. “When we learned of Damon’s condition, it changed our lives, of course. We have friends who help out a lot with our other kids. We just had to build an army to help. And our older kids are a big help, too. It’s a family effort.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717980778629.jpeg" alt="A 1930 yellow Ford coupe was one of almost 200 classic vehicles that visited Municipal Park this weekend. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A 1930 yellow Ford coupe was one of almost 200 classic vehicles that visited Municipal Park this weekend. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie Lang said it also takes a family effort to make Thunder on the Plains a success.“We wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for all our families helping out,” she said. “The day of the show, we all bring spouses and children and other family members.”Addie Foster from Stockton, the Wish specialist for the area, works with families to learn their child’s wish and fill out paperwork, etc. Wishes often involve trips, but Foster stressed that it’s something the child wishes for.One child wished for a special birthday party and another for a camper for her family. Make-A-Wish Missouri &amp; Kansas's motto is “transform lives, one wish at a time.”“It’s very rewarding working with these families,” Foster said, “and we are so very grateful for donations such as these.”