HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into the final weekend of the Kansas State Fair, the numbers have been solid thus far.

At Friday morning's Kansas State Fair Board meeting, General Manager Bryan Schulz said attendance through Thursday was over 220,000, with big days expected for Chiefs Red Friday and the Riley Green concert Saturday night.

The carnival is also ahead of last year's pace on money collections, with a strong Monday due to area kids being out of school really helping this year.

Speaking of the Riley Green concert, Schulz expects that to be the largest attendance in a few years, with over 7,000 expected on Saturday night.

The hope is that they can get strong walk-up numbers for Pop Evil Friday night and that the weather is not too warm and they can get strong numbers for the Sunday afternoon Oak Ridge Boys concert to close out the fair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725972052496.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Fair Midway-Photo by Pat James" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Fair Midway-Photo by Pat James</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into the final weekend of the Kansas State Fair, the numbers have been solid thus far.At Friday morning's Kansas State Fair Board meeting, General Manager Bryan Schulz said attendance through Thursday was over 220,000, with big days expected for Chiefs Red Friday and the Riley Green concert Saturday night.The carnival is also ahead of last year's pace on money collections, with a strong Monday due to area kids being out of school really helping this year.Speaking of the Riley Green concert, Schulz expects that to be the largest attendance in a few years, with over 7,000 expected on Saturday night.The hope is that they can get strong walk-up numbers for Pop Evil Friday night and that the weather is not too warm and they can get strong numbers for the Sunday afternoon Oak Ridge Boys concert to close out the fair.

Attendance numbers good headed into final weekend of the State Fair 

A truck driver from Texas died Friday morning in an apparent accident at Triumph Foods, a pork processing plant, in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Just before 7a.m., police received a call about an accident within the fenced area of the plant,&nbsp;5302 Stockyards Expressway, according to a media release.

Aaron Ruelas, 39, of Santa Maria, Texas died when a utility truck at the plant, attempting to hitch to a trailer, struck and killed him.

The truck driver says he didn’t see Ruelas behind him when he put the truck in reverse to connect with the trailer hitch. Ruelas worked for a trucking company from East Prairie, Missouri.

Police report the driver is cooperating in the investigation and it appears to be accidental, though the investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph PostA truck driver from Texas died Friday morning in an apparent accident at Triumph Foods, a pork processing plant, in St. Joseph, Missouri.Just before 7a.m., police received a call about an accident within the fenced area of the plant,&nbsp;5302 Stockyards Expressway, according to a media release.Aaron Ruelas, 39, of Santa Maria, Texas died when a utility truck at the plant, attempting to hitch to a trailer, struck and killed him.The truck driver says he didn’t see Ruelas behind him when he put the truck in reverse to connect with the trailer hitch. Ruelas worked for a trucking company from East Prairie, Missouri.Police report the driver is cooperating in the investigation and it appears to be accidental, though the investigation continues.

Truck driver killed in apparent accident at pork processing plant

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer and Public Information Officer Lisa Mussman about the successful I-70 bridge demolition in Trego County.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer and Public Information Officer Lisa Mussman about the successful I-70 bridge demolition in Trego County.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iy_AT6qdBDc?si=KYLLBy68A64bEd0c" 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><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The bridge at mile post 117 on I-70 has successfully been demolished. Now onto the clean up so we can get I-70 back open! If you are on the detour, please refrain from taking county side roads. We’re already starting to see problems with people doing that. <a href="https://t.co/dvK0AkMUmg">pic.twitter.com/dvK0AkMUmg</a>&mdash; Trooper Tod (@TrooperTodKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperTodKHP/status/1831351195031548137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎤Forward Ever: KDOT I-70 bridge demolition

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Tourism unveiled its Mobile Visitor Center (MVC) on Thursday at the Kansas State Fair with a ribbon cutting inside the Pride of Kansas building.

The MVC will attend major sporting events, fairs, trade shows and festivals in and out of the state to help attract guests to visit Kansas.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and&nbsp;Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed joined Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe at the event on Thursday.

“Kansas is home to endless views, unique geography, one of a kind sights, vibrant communities and amazing people," Reed said. "Whether its a road trip that takes you to the Gypsum Hills, a treasure hunt on US-36, a camping trip to one of our many beautiful lakes, or hiking and biking on over 800 miles of biking and pedestrian trails in our state, Kansas is a destination for all road trips. Today, I am proud to be a part of the unveiling of the Kansas Mobile Visitors Center, which will provide us with the opportunity to showcase our amazing state."

Toland talked about how the idea and vision came about for the MVC.

"About a year and a half ago we had a series of conversations with the Kansas Tourism team," Toland said. "They were about the World Cup and specifically the east side of the state and the need for a visitors information center somewhere along I-70. So we had some conversations and decided to talk to KDOT to see what we could do."

Toland says Reed and his staff listened to the idea and had an even better vision.

"KDOT came with a concept of a mobile visitor center," Toland said. "They did some research about what cities around the country had been doing. There is a model where you don't wait for them to come to you, you go to them. You go to the people you want to bring to your place."

Toland and his staff were skeptical of this vision in the beginning, but now has a different opinion.

"They (KDOT) were right," Toland said. "They were absolutely right that we need to think differently about how we bring people to Kansas. It's not just about expecting them to pull off the highway and stop at our place. We need to go to Dallas, to Denver, to Ames, Iowa, to Lincoln, Nebraska, to Chicago and make the case for why they should come here."&nbsp;

Toland was very appreciative and supportive for all of the hard work done to bring visitors to the Sunflower State by Kansas Tourism and its Director Bridgette Jobe.

"I also want to think the Kansas Tourism team, because they are always open to those new ideas," Toland said. "Kansas has now achieved visitation numbers that are dramatically above where we were pre-COVID. We've got more people to come to Kansas than ever before, and that's because this team is getting out there and hustling. They're doing it in-person, they're going to the trade shows and our numbers are way up."

The van will hit the road shortly after the Kansas State Fair to make its debut outside of the state.

"I think two days after the fair is over he (Kevin Crockett) is heading to Nebraska City for a major event," Jobe said. "We have it scheduled to be on the road every week between now and the end of the year."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726172844931.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Tourism unveiled its Mobile Visitor Center (MVC) on Thursday at the Kansas State Fair with a ribbon cutting inside the Pride of Kansas building.The MVC will attend major sporting events, fairs, trade shows and festivals in and out of the state to help attract guests to visit Kansas.Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and&nbsp;Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed joined Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe at the event on Thursday.“Kansas is home to endless views, unique geography, one of a kind sights, vibrant communities and amazing people," Reed said. "Whether its a road trip that takes you to the Gypsum Hills, a treasure hunt on US-36, a camping trip to one of our many beautiful lakes, or hiking and biking on over 800 miles of biking and pedestrian trails in our state, Kansas is a destination for all road trips. Today, I am proud to be a part of the unveiling of the Kansas Mobile Visitors Center, which will provide us with the opportunity to showcase our amazing state."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726172904770.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>Toland talked about how the idea and vision came about for the MVC."About a year and a half ago we had a series of conversations with the Kansas Tourism team," Toland said. "They were about the World Cup and specifically the east side of the state and the need for a visitors information center somewhere along I-70. So we had some conversations and decided to talk to KDOT to see what we could do."Toland says Reed and his staff listened to the idea and had an even better vision."KDOT came with a concept of a mobile visitor center," Toland said. "They did some research about what cities around the country had been doing. There is a model where you don't wait for them to come to you, you go to them. You go to the people you want to bring to your place."Toland and his staff were skeptical of this vision in the beginning, but now has a different opinion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726172963986.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland cuts the ribbon at the ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland cuts the ribbon at the ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>"They (KDOT) were right," Toland said. "They were absolutely right that we need to think differently about how we bring people to Kansas. It's not just about expecting them to pull off the highway and stop at our place. We need to go to Dallas, to Denver, to Ames, Iowa, to Lincoln, Nebraska, to Chicago and make the case for why they should come here."&nbsp;Toland was very appreciative and supportive for all of the hard work done to bring visitors to the Sunflower State by Kansas Tourism and its Director Bridgette Jobe."I also want to think the Kansas Tourism team, because they are always open to those new ideas," Toland said. "Kansas has now achieved visitation numbers that are dramatically above where we were pre-COVID. We've got more people to come to Kansas than ever before, and that's because this team is getting out there and hustling. They're doing it in-person, they're going to the trade shows and our numbers are way up."The van will hit the road shortly after the Kansas State Fair to make its debut outside of the state."I think two days after the fair is over he (Kevin Crockett) is heading to Nebraska City for a major event," Jobe said. "We have it scheduled to be on the road every week between now and the end of the year."

Kansas Tourism unveils new mobile visitors center 

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Unwind at the newest spot for soothing massages and affordable services at Healing Touch Massage in Hays.

The spa at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., Suite 40, is a partnership between the former mall massage kiosk and owner Xingdong Li.

Li is from Jiangsu, China, and works alongside his friend Fuqing Chu to offer the community a low-cost relaxation experience.

Services include deep tissue massages, body massages, foot massages, hot stone massages, oil massages and couple massages in private rooms.

Li said his massage business stands out from others in Hays with its competitive prices and convenient location.

Healing Touch Massage provides massages starting at $12 for 10 minutes, $36 for 30 minutes and $66 for one hour.

Chu previously ran the massage kiosk on the mall's south side but closed it to partner with Li and grow their team of massage therapists.

"It's been great working with him," Li said.

Li and Chu relocated to Hays from Oklahoma and had long discussed opening a store. They finally achieved this goal on Sept. 1.

Branson Hoffman, marketing director for Big Creek Crossing, said he is excited about the services Li and Chu are introducing to the mall.

"This is something we don't have much of in this building," he said. "We hope the community opens up to it and takes advantage of it."

Li is offering a limited-time promotion of purchasing six 30-minute massages and receiving a complimentary 30-minute gift card.

Healing Touch Massage operates on a walk-in basis only and does not accept appointments.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726075522286.jpeg" alt="Healing Touch Massage at Big Creek Crossing. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Healing Touch Massage at Big Creek Crossing. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostUnwind at the newest spot for soothing massages and affordable services at Healing Touch Massage in Hays.The spa at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., Suite 40, is a partnership between the former mall massage kiosk and owner Xingdong Li.Li is from Jiangsu, China, and works alongside his friend Fuqing Chu to offer the community a low-cost relaxation experience.Services include deep tissue massages, body massages, foot massages, hot stone massages, oil massages and couple massages in private rooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726084893242.jpeg" alt="A massage table in a private room at Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero" />
 <figcaption>A massage table in a private room at Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero</figcaption>
 </figure>Li said his massage business stands out from others in Hays with its competitive prices and convenient location."My prices are more favorable," he said.Healing Touch Massage provides massages starting at $12 for 10 minutes, $36 for 30 minutes and $66 for one hour.Chu previously ran the massage kiosk on the mall's south side but closed it to partner with Li and grow their team of massage therapists."It's been great working with him," Li said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726084931942.jpeg" alt="Two massage chairs at Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two massage chairs at Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726084950983.jpeg" alt="Two reclined massage chairs at&nbsp;Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two reclined massage chairs at&nbsp;Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Li and Chu relocated to Hays from Oklahoma and had long discussed opening a store. They finally achieved this goal on Sept. 1.Branson Hoffman, marketing director for Big Creek Crossing, said he is excited about the services Li and Chu are introducing to the mall."This is something we don't have much of in this building," he said. "We hope the community opens up to it and takes advantage of it."Li is offering a limited-time promotion of purchasing six 30-minute massages and receiving a complimentary 30-minute gift card.Healing Touch Massage operates on a walk-in basis only and does not accept appointments.It is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Healing Touch Massage opens at Big Creek Crossing in Hays

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On the heels of moving into the Top 25 of the national rankings, No. 22 ranked Fort Hays State posted a dominant 5-0 win over previously ranked Maryville University on Thursday night at Children's Mercy Victory Field at Swope Soccer Village. The Tigers moved to 3-0 overall on the season, while Maryville fell to 0-2-1 to start the year.&nbsp;

Bastian Carlman&nbsp;netted a hat trick to provide the first three scores for FHSU, then Anders Sandsto&nbsp;put the finishing touches on the win with the final two.

The Tigers picked up their first-ever win over Maryville after going 0-2-1 in their first three tries. The Saints made it to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament in both 2022 and 2023 before holding a No. 12 preseason national ranking this year.

The Tigers made a habit of grabbing a quick lead at Children's Mercy Victory Field after scoring their game-winning goal on Sunday against Upper Iowa in the first minute. It took just 3:39 this time for Carlman to find the back of the net, assisted by Tadhg Walsh. That goal set the tone for what turned into a big night for Carlman and the Tigers offensively as they went on to outshoot the Saints 25-9.In the 33rd&nbsp;minute, Carlman struck again by putting home a rebound off an Elias Ovelar Semeniuk&nbsp;shot that hit the crossbar. The Tigers took a 2-0 advantage into halftime and didn't take their foot off the pedal in the second half. After holding a strong 12-3 advantage in shots through one half, it was more of the same from the Tigers in the second half with a 13-6 advantage.

The final three goals for the Tigers came in a bundle over about a six-minute span from 77:07 to 82:55 expired in the match. Carlman became the ninth player in program history to record a hat trick scoring the first of three second half goals. It was the second-straight year the Tigers had a player record a hat trick after Blake Arndt&nbsp;accomplished the feat against Ouachita Baptist last year. Just over two minutes later, Sandsto&nbsp;notched his first goal of the season on an assist from Collin Hershberger. Sandsto added another score in the 83rd&nbsp;minute off an assist from Siem Duijs.

To go with the offensive outburst, the Tigers put up another strong defensive effort holding an opponent under 10 shots for the third-straight match. FHSU allowed only one shot on goal again for the second-straight match, saved by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/jorge-valentin/8378">Jorge Valentin</a>&nbsp;in the 83rd&nbsp;minute just before the fifth and final goal of the match. Valentin and the Tigers picked up their second-straight clean sheet. FHSU has allowed only four shots on goal through three matches.

The Tigers will rest up for a week before a big matchup with No. 7 ranked Midwestern State next Thursday in Texas. The match will be the first of a pair for FHSU in Wichita Falls as they are set to meet Eastern New Mexico two days later.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726222238275.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Walton, Maryville Athletics Media Relations" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Walton, Maryville Athletics Media Relations</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – On the heels of moving into the Top 25 of the national rankings, No. 22 ranked Fort Hays State posted a dominant 5-0 win over previously ranked Maryville University on Thursday night at Children's Mercy Victory Field at Swope Soccer Village. The Tigers moved to 3-0 overall on the season, while Maryville fell to 0-2-1 to start the year.&nbsp;Bastian Carlman&nbsp;netted a hat trick to provide the first three scores for FHSU, then Anders Sandsto&nbsp;put the finishing touches on the win with the final two.The Tigers picked up their first-ever win over Maryville after going 0-2-1 in their first three tries. The Saints made it to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament in both 2022 and 2023 before holding a No. 12 preseason national ranking this year.The Tigers made a habit of grabbing a quick lead at Children's Mercy Victory Field after scoring their game-winning goal on Sunday against Upper Iowa in the first minute. It took just 3:39 this time for Carlman to find the back of the net, assisted by Tadhg Walsh. That goal set the tone for what turned into a big night for Carlman and the Tigers offensively as they went on to outshoot the Saints 25-9.In the 33rd&nbsp;minute, Carlman struck again by putting home a rebound off an Elias Ovelar Semeniuk&nbsp;shot that hit the crossbar. The Tigers took a 2-0 advantage into halftime and didn't take their foot off the pedal in the second half. After holding a strong 12-3 advantage in shots through one half, it was more of the same from the Tigers in the second half with a 13-6 advantage.The final three goals for the Tigers came in a bundle over about a six-minute span from 77:07 to 82:55 expired in the match. Carlman became the ninth player in program history to record a hat trick scoring the first of three second half goals. It was the second-straight year the Tigers had a player record a hat trick after Blake Arndt&nbsp;accomplished the feat against Ouachita Baptist last year. Just over two minutes later, Sandsto&nbsp;notched his first goal of the season on an assist from Collin Hershberger. Sandsto added another score in the 83rd&nbsp;minute off an assist from Siem Duijs.To go with the offensive outburst, the Tigers put up another strong defensive effort holding an opponent under 10 shots for the third-straight match. FHSU allowed only one shot on goal again for the second-straight match, saved by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/jorge-valentin/8378">Jorge Valentin</a>&nbsp;in the 83rd&nbsp;minute just before the fifth and final goal of the match. Valentin and the Tigers picked up their second-straight clean sheet. FHSU has allowed only four shots on goal through three matches.The Tigers will rest up for a week before a big matchup with No. 7 ranked Midwestern State next Thursday in Texas. The match will be the first of a pair for FHSU in Wichita Falls as they are set to meet Eastern New Mexico two days later.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Carlman hat trick leads Tigers to win over Maryville

HAYS - The Hays High boys soccer edged Emporia 2-1 Thursday to advance to the finals of the Salina South Invitational. 

Mason Schleicher scored both goals for the Indians who improved to 2-1 on the season. The first goal came in the 46th minute off an assist from Oscar Perez. The game winner came five minutes later.

Hays will play host Salina South in Saturday's finals at four. The Cougars beat St. James Academy 3-0 and have outscored their two opponents in the tournament 8-0.

Hays PostHAYS - The Hays High boys soccer edged Emporia 2-1 Thursday to advance to the finals of the Salina South Invitational. Mason Schleicher scored both goals for the Indians who improved to 2-1 on the season. The first goal came in the 46th minute off an assist from Oscar Perez. The game winner came five minutes later.Hays will play host Salina South in Saturday's finals at four. The Cougars beat St. James Academy 3-0 and have outscored their two opponents in the tournament 8-0.

⚽ HHS edges Emporia to move to Salina South Tourney finals

DODGE CITY - The Hays High volleyball team picked three wins in Dodge City Thursday. 

The Indians swept Sublette 25-6, 25-8 in their opening match then knocked off the host Red Demons 25-22, 20-25, 25-21 then swept Lakin 25-7, 25-16.

Hays def. Sublette 25-6, 25-8 Hays def. Dodge City&nbsp;25-22, 20-25, 25-21 Hays def. Lakin 25-7, 25-16

Hays improved to 7-3 on the season. They travel to Manhattan Tuesday before returning home to host Garden City on Thursday.

Hays PostDODGE CITY - The Hays High volleyball team picked three wins in Dodge City Thursday. The Indians swept Sublette 25-6, 25-8 in their opening match then knocked off the host Red Demons 25-22, 20-25, 25-21 then swept Lakin 25-7, 25-16.Hays def. Sublette 25-6, 25-8 Hays def. Dodge City&nbsp;25-22, 20-25, 25-21 Hays def. Lakin 25-7, 25-16 Hays improved to 7-3 on the season. They travel to Manhattan Tuesday before returning home to host Garden City on Thursday.

🏐 HHS wins three in Dodge City

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge declined Thursday to vacate the conviction and death sentence of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marcellus-williams-innocence-missouri-death-row-dcc03c8f998648783f4755818aaec6fd">Marcellus Williams</a>, a Missouri man scheduled for execution later this month in the stabbing death of a woman in 1998, despite questions about DNA evidence on the knife used in the attack.

St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton presided over an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marcellus-williams-missouri-death-row-f7b3b4257c8a18542a6686d810472646">evidentiary hearing</a>&nbsp;last month challenging Williams' guilt. Williams, 55, was convicted in the killing of Lisha Gayle, a social worker and former reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. His execution by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-death-row-inquiry-board-state-supreme-court-0103d6047d1caa04eefbb6ef262063fb">lethal injection is scheduled for Sept. 24</a>&nbsp;unless the courts or Republican Gov. Mike Parson intervene.

“Every claim of error Williams has asserted on direct appeal, post-conviction review, and habeas review has been rejected by Missouri's courts,” Hilton wrote. “There is no basis for a court to find that Williams is innocent, and no court has made such a finding. Williams is guilty of first-degree murder, and has been sentenced to death.”

Williams' attorney, Tricia Bushnell, said in a statement that the Midwest Innocence Project "will continue pursuing every possible option to prevent Mr. Williams’ wrongful execution. There is still time for the courts or Governor Parson to ensure that Missouri does not commit the irreparable injustice of executing an innocent person.”

Representatives of the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Missouri Attorney General's Office did not respond to messages seeking comment.

In January, Democratic St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-death-row-inmate-dna-evidence-0a179b0aafb1a0c0a3e144f7e3592a62">Wesley Bell cited questions about DNA evidence</a>&nbsp;on the murder weapon in seeking a hearing to consider vacating Williams’ conviction. Bell said the evidence indicated that someone else’s DNA was on the butcher knife used to kill Gayle.

Bell brought the challenge under a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-kansas-city-kansas-missouri-f73d1486d17a1884ff95ce84af75b00f">2021 Missouri law</a>&nbsp;that allows prosecutors to ask a court to review a conviction they believe is unjust. That and the setting of an execution date saw Williams facing the prospect of everything from having his conviction overturned and being set free, to having it confirmed and facing pending execution.

Despite Bell's motion, the Missouri Supreme Court in June set the Sept. 24 execution date. Then, an August hearing date was set on the motion by Bell involving the DNA evidence.

But just before the Aug. 21 hearing, a new DNA report revealed that the DNA evidence was contaminated because officials in the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office touched the knife without gloves before the original trial in 2001.

With the DNA evidence spoiled, lawyers working on behalf of Williams from the Midwest Innocence Project reached a compromise with the prosecutor’s office: Williams would enter a new, no-contest plea to first-degree murder in exchange for a new sentence of life in prison without parole.

Hilton signed off on the agreement. So did Gayle’s family. But the Missouri Attorney General’s Office did not.

At Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s urging, the Missouri Supreme Court blocked the agreement and ordered Hilton to proceed with the evidentiary hearing on Aug. 28.

An attorney for Williams, Jonathan Potts, said during the hearing that the mishandling of the murder weapon was devastating for Williams because it “destroyed his last and best chance” to prove his innocence.

“In light of this report, (Williams) cannot demonstrate that the genetic material on the knife handle can form a basis for a ‘clear and convincing showing’ of Williams’ innocence,” Hilton wrote.

Assistant Attorney General Michael Spillane said other evidence pointed to his guilt.

“They refer to the evidence in this case as being weak. It was overwhelming,” Spillane said at the hearing.

Prosecutors at Williams’ original trial said he broke into Gayle’s home on Aug. 11, 1998, heard water running in the shower, and found a large butcher knife. When Gayle came downstairs, she was stabbed 43 times. Her purse and her husband’s laptop were stolen.

Authorities said Williams stole a jacket to conceal blood on his shirt. Williams’ girlfriend asked him why he would wear a jacket on a hot day. The girlfriend said she later saw the laptop in the car and that Williams sold it a day or two later.

Prosecutors also cited testimony from Henry Cole, who shared a cell with Williams in 1999 while Williams was jailed on unrelated charges. Cole told prosecutors Williams confessed to the killing and offered details about it.

Williams’ attorneys responded that the girlfriend and Cole were both convicted of felonies and wanted a $10,000 reward.

Three other men —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-case-conviction-overturned-christopher-dunn-f128653d7b67aa4099faa91d0fcba31c">Christopher Dunn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wrongful-conviction-vacated-3eb7e5fbe6210dbc38b11995902b9947">Lamar Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-missouri-bba67efd61eaa165165e29a7298a1dc3">Kevin Strickland</a>&nbsp;— have been freed after decades in prison under the 2021 Missouri law.

Williams has been close to execution before. In August 2017, just hours before his scheduled death, then-Gov. Eric Greitens, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-a97937db95a34c03b116817d2ed3c340">granted a stay</a>&nbsp;after reviewing the same DNA evidence that spurred Bell's effort to vacate the conviction.

A rising star in Missouri Democratic politics,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-congress-election-bush-bell-f507703334e182528489ca078bc5ce70">Bell defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Cori Bush</a>&nbsp;in a primary this month and is heavily favored in the November general election.

Williams is Black and at the hearing, the man who prosecuted him, Keith Larner, was asked why the trial jury included just one Black juror. Larner said he struck just three potential Black jurors, including one who he said looked like Williams.

Williams’ trial attorney, Joseph Green, told Hilton that when Williams was tried, he also was representing a man who killed his wife and injured several others in a St. Louis County courthouse shooting in 1992. That case took time away from working on Williams’ defense, Green said at the hearing.

“I don’t believe he got our best,” said Green, now a judge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726156556643.png" alt="Williams photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Williams photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge declined Thursday to vacate the conviction and death sentence of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marcellus-williams-innocence-missouri-death-row-dcc03c8f998648783f4755818aaec6fd">Marcellus Williams</a>, a Missouri man scheduled for execution later this month in the stabbing death of a woman in 1998, despite questions about DNA evidence on the knife used in the attack.St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton presided over an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marcellus-williams-missouri-death-row-f7b3b4257c8a18542a6686d810472646">evidentiary hearing</a>&nbsp;last month challenging Williams' guilt. Williams, 55, was convicted in the killing of Lisha Gayle, a social worker and former reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. His execution by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-death-row-inquiry-board-state-supreme-court-0103d6047d1caa04eefbb6ef262063fb">lethal injection is scheduled for Sept. 24</a>&nbsp;unless the courts or Republican Gov. Mike Parson intervene.“Every claim of error Williams has asserted on direct appeal, post-conviction review, and habeas review has been rejected by Missouri's courts,” Hilton wrote. “There is no basis for a court to find that Williams is innocent, and no court has made such a finding. Williams is guilty of first-degree murder, and has been sentenced to death.”Williams' attorney, Tricia Bushnell, said in a statement that the Midwest Innocence Project "will continue pursuing every possible option to prevent Mr. Williams’ wrongful execution. There is still time for the courts or Governor Parson to ensure that Missouri does not commit the irreparable injustice of executing an innocent person.”Representatives of the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Missouri Attorney General's Office did not respond to messages seeking comment.In January, Democratic St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-death-row-inmate-dna-evidence-0a179b0aafb1a0c0a3e144f7e3592a62">Wesley Bell cited questions about DNA evidence</a>&nbsp;on the murder weapon in seeking a hearing to consider vacating Williams’ conviction. Bell said the evidence indicated that someone else’s DNA was on the butcher knife used to kill Gayle.Bell brought the challenge under a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-kansas-city-kansas-missouri-f73d1486d17a1884ff95ce84af75b00f">2021 Missouri law</a>&nbsp;that allows prosecutors to ask a court to review a conviction they believe is unjust. That and the setting of an execution date saw Williams facing the prospect of everything from having his conviction overturned and being set free, to having it confirmed and facing pending execution.Despite Bell's motion, the Missouri Supreme Court in June set the Sept. 24 execution date. Then, an August hearing date was set on the motion by Bell involving the DNA evidence.But just before the Aug. 21 hearing, a new DNA report revealed that the DNA evidence was contaminated because officials in the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office touched the knife without gloves before the original trial in 2001.With the DNA evidence spoiled, lawyers working on behalf of Williams from the Midwest Innocence Project reached a compromise with the prosecutor’s office: Williams would enter a new, no-contest plea to first-degree murder in exchange for a new sentence of life in prison without parole.Hilton signed off on the agreement. So did Gayle’s family. But the Missouri Attorney General’s Office did not.At Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s urging, the Missouri Supreme Court blocked the agreement and ordered Hilton to proceed with the evidentiary hearing on Aug. 28.An attorney for Williams, Jonathan Potts, said during the hearing that the mishandling of the murder weapon was devastating for Williams because it “destroyed his last and best chance” to prove his innocence.Hilton, in his ruling, agreed.“In light of this report, (Williams) cannot demonstrate that the genetic material on the knife handle can form a basis for a ‘clear and convincing showing’ of Williams’ innocence,” Hilton wrote.Assistant Attorney General Michael Spillane said other evidence pointed to his guilt.“They refer to the evidence in this case as being weak. It was overwhelming,” Spillane said at the hearing.Prosecutors at Williams’ original trial said he broke into Gayle’s home on Aug. 11, 1998, heard water running in the shower, and found a large butcher knife. When Gayle came downstairs, she was stabbed 43 times. Her purse and her husband’s laptop were stolen.Authorities said Williams stole a jacket to conceal blood on his shirt. Williams’ girlfriend asked him why he would wear a jacket on a hot day. The girlfriend said she later saw the laptop in the car and that Williams sold it a day or two later.Prosecutors also cited testimony from Henry Cole, who shared a cell with Williams in 1999 while Williams was jailed on unrelated charges. Cole told prosecutors Williams confessed to the killing and offered details about it.Williams’ attorneys responded that the girlfriend and Cole were both convicted of felonies and wanted a $10,000 reward.Three other men —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-case-conviction-overturned-christopher-dunn-f128653d7b67aa4099faa91d0fcba31c">Christopher Dunn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wrongful-conviction-vacated-3eb7e5fbe6210dbc38b11995902b9947">Lamar Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-missouri-bba67efd61eaa165165e29a7298a1dc3">Kevin Strickland</a>&nbsp;— have been freed after decades in prison under the 2021 Missouri law.Williams has been close to execution before. In August 2017, just hours before his scheduled death, then-Gov. Eric Greitens, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-a97937db95a34c03b116817d2ed3c340">granted a stay</a>&nbsp;after reviewing the same DNA evidence that spurred Bell's effort to vacate the conviction.A rising star in Missouri Democratic politics,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-congress-election-bush-bell-f507703334e182528489ca078bc5ce70">Bell defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Cori Bush</a>&nbsp;in a primary this month and is heavily favored in the November general election.Williams is Black and at the hearing, the man who prosecuted him, Keith Larner, was asked why the trial jury included just one Black juror. Larner said he struck just three potential Black jurors, including one who he said looked like Williams.Williams’ trial attorney, Joseph Green, told Hilton that when Williams was tried, he also was representing a man who killed his wife and injured several others in a St. Louis County courthouse shooting in 1992. That case took time away from working on Williams’ defense, Green said at the hearing.“I don’t believe he got our best,” said Green, now a judge.

Judge rejects innocence claim of Mo. man who faces execution

DODGE CITY - The Hays High girls' golf team placed fourth at the Dodge City Invitational Thursday at Mariah Hills Golf Course. The Indians shot a 386 and finished four strokes behind third place Garden City and 60 back of first place Kapaun Mt. Carmel.

Jaycee Oakley led the Indians with an 86 and placed ninth.

Kinslea Jones of Maize shot a 5-under par 68 and won the individual by six stokes.

Hays PostDODGE CITY - The Hays High girls' golf team placed fourth at the Dodge City Invitational Thursday at Mariah Hills Golf Course. The Indians shot a 386 and finished four strokes behind third place Garden City and 60 back of first place Kapaun Mt. Carmel.Jaycee Oakley led the Indians with an 86 and placed ninth.Kinslea Jones of Maize shot a 5-under par 68 and won the individual by six stokes.

⛳ HHS fourth in Dodge City, Oakley places in top-10

HESSTON - The Hays High boys cross country team placed fifth and the girls seventh at the Swather Special hosted by Hesston High School Thursday at the Hesston Golf Course.

Click <a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/633203-swather-special-2024/results">here</a> for complete meet results.

Individual results were kept by class. Camdyn Cooper finished 23rd among the senior boys with a time of 23:01.70. Malichi Chance finished 13th among the juniors (20:23.10), Logan Leiker was third among sophomores (18:50.60) and Bladyn Werth fifth among freshman (19:55.00)

In the girls race, Anne Wintch placed 18th among the seniors (32:10.10), Ava Briggs was 10th in the junior race (29:29.50), Jayliegh Weilert placed 14th among the sophomores (29:57.80) and Madelyn Wilkins finished eight with the freshman (24:45.0).

Hays PostHESSTON - The Hays High boys cross country team placed fifth and the girls seventh at the Swather Special hosted by Hesston High School Thursday at the Hesston Golf Course.Click <a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/633203-swather-special-2024/results">here</a> for complete meet results.Individual results were kept by class. Camdyn Cooper finished 23rd among the senior boys with a time of 23:01.70. Malichi Chance finished 13th among the juniors (20:23.10), Logan Leiker was third among sophomores (18:50.60) and Bladyn Werth fifth among freshman (19:55.00)In the girls race, Anne Wintch placed 18th among the seniors (32:10.10), Ava Briggs was 10th in the junior race (29:29.50), Jayliegh Weilert placed 14th among the sophomores (29:57.80) and Madelyn Wilkins finished eight with the freshman (24:45.0).

🏃‍♂️ HHS boys fifth, girls seventh at Swather Special

PHOENIX (AP) —Trump says he won't participate in a future debate with Harris.

The GOP nominee posted Thursday on Truth Social that “THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!” He also suggested that a “prizefighter" who loses a bout is always the one to call for a rematch.

Trump also called Harris a “no-show" for a debate date that had been proposed earlier this month. Instead of an event with Harris, Trump ended up going on Fox News for a solo town hall with host Sean Hannity.

Both campaigns have framed their candidates as the winner of Tuesday night's debate in Philadelphia. Shortly thereafter, a spokesperson for Harris said she would be open to another debate with Trump, and Harris said during a North Carolina campaign rally on Thursday she believes she and Trump “owe it to voters” to debate again.

Fox News has issued invitations to both campaigns for a debate in October.

Representatives for both the Harris and Trump campaigns did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726020929820.png" alt="Image courtesy ABC via CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy ABC via CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) —Trump says he won't participate in a future debate with Harris.The GOP nominee posted Thursday on Truth Social that “THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!” He also suggested that a “prizefighter" who loses a bout is always the one to call for a rematch.Trump also called Harris a “no-show" for a debate date that had been proposed earlier this month. Instead of an event with Harris, Trump ended up going on Fox News for a solo town hall with host Sean Hannity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726181363704.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Both campaigns have framed their candidates as the winner of Tuesday night's debate in Philadelphia. Shortly thereafter, a spokesperson for Harris said she would be open to another debate with Trump, and Harris said during a North Carolina campaign rally on Thursday she believes she and Trump “owe it to voters” to debate again.Fox News has issued invitations to both campaigns for a debate in October.Representatives for both the Harris and Trump campaigns did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Trump: No more debates with Kamala Harris

By JOHN HANNA and CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State and local election officials from across the country on Wednesday warned that problems with the nation's mail delivery system threaten to disenfranchise voters in the upcoming presidential election, telling the head of the U.S. Postal Service that it hasn't fixed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-mail-ballots-a8ee9b88418e1f6b2835e91827d721bf">persistent deficiencies</a>.

In an alarming letter, the officials said that over the past year, including the just-concluded primary season, mailed ballots that were postmarked on time were received by local election offices days after the deadline to be counted. They also noted that properly addressed election mail was being returned to them as undeliverable, a problem that could automatically send voters to inactive status through no fault of their own, potentially creating chaos when those voters show up to cast a ballot.

The officials also said that repeated outreach to the Postal Service to resolve the issues had failed and that the widespread nature of the problems made it clear these were “not one-off mistakes or a problem with specific facilities. Instead, it demonstrates a pervasive lack of understanding and enforcement of USPS policies among its employees.”

The letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy came from two groups that represent top election administrators in all 50 states. They told DeJoy, “We have not seen improvement or concerted efforts to remediate our concerns.”

“We implore you to take immediate and tangible corrective action to address the ongoing performance issues with USPS election mail service,” they added. "Failure to do so will risk limiting voter participation and trust in the election process."

A message seeking a response from the U.S. Postal Service was not immediately returned.

The two groups, the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors, said local election officials “in nearly every state” are receiving timely postmarked ballots after Election Day and outside the three to five business days USPS claims as the standard for first-class mail.

The letter comes less than two weeks after DeJoy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-mail-ballots-postal-service-1fd285fd56f640a370d155d25458c423">said in an interview</a>&nbsp;that the Postal Service was ready to handle a flood of mail ballots expected as part of this November's presidential election and as former President Donald Trump continues to sow doubts about U.S. elections by falsely claiming he won in 2020.

That year, amid the global pandemic, election officials reported sending just over 69 million ballots in the mail, a substantial increase from four years earlier.

While it's likely that number will be smaller now, many voters have embraced mail voting and come to rely on it. And both Democrats and Republicans have launched efforts to push supporters to vote early, either in person or by mail to “bank” their votes before Election Day on Nov. 5.

The letter went out on the day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-first-ballots-voting-alabama-mail-1ef4f9694cc5edbb07fd3d641d6d248e">the first mailed ballots</a>&nbsp;of this year's general election were being sent, to absentee voters in Alabama.

Postal Service officials told reporters last month that almost 98% of ballots were returned to election officials within three days in 2020, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-united-states-government-georgia-237f3cc44f194d8228ddecd7b90c12df">in 2022, the figure was nearly 99%</a>. DeJoy said he would like to inch closer to 100% this election cycle and that the Postal Service is better positioned to handle ballots than four years ago.

But officials in rural states have been critical of the Postal Service for years as it has consolidated mail-processing centers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-postal-service-delivery-changes-f7ca9fbf047c512aeeddaa2c6bbc500d">cut its costs and financial losses</a>.

In addition to being signed by the current and incoming presidents for both groups of election officials, the leaders of groups that represent local election officials in 25 states were listed.

The election officials warned that any election mail returned to an election office as undeliverable could trigger a process outlined in federal law for maintaining accurate lists of registered voters. That means a voter could be moved to “inactive” status and be required to take additional action to verify their address to participate in the election, the officials said in the letter.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, the recent past president of the National Association of Secretaries of State, sent his own letter in recent days to DeJoy. He said nearly 1,000 ballots from his state's Aug. 6 primary election couldn't be counted because they arrived too late or without postmarks — and more continue to come in.

“The Pony Express is more efficient at this point,"&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ScottSchwabKS/status/1828527357172363328">Schwab posted</a>&nbsp;on the social media platform X in late August.

Schwab and other Kansas election officials also have said some ballots arrive on time but without postmarks, which keeps them from being counted under Kansas law. What's more, Schwab told DeJoy, local postal clerks have told election officials that they can't add postmarks later even if it's clear that the Postal Service handled the ballot ahead of the mail-in deadline.

Kansas will count ballots postmarked on or before Election Day if they arrive within three days. The Republican-controlled Legislature created that grace period in 2017 over concerns that mail delivery had slowed after the Postal Service shut down seven mail-processing centers in the state. That left much of the state's mail handled through larger centers in Denver, Amarillo, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri.

Schwab has promoted the use of local ballot drop boxes for voting in advance, breaking with other Republicans who have suggested without evidence that they can be sources of fraud. Schwab has long said the boxes are more secure than the U.S. mail.

"Keep your ballot out of the hands of the federal government!” he advised voters&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ScottSchwabKS/status/1827008733727051802">in a post on X</a>&nbsp;after the August primary.

In their letter Wednesday, election officials said colleagues across the U.S. have reported that Postal Service staff, from managers to mail carriers, are uninformed about the service's policies for handling election-related mail, give them inconsistent guidance and misdeliver ballots.

“There is no amount of proactive communication election officials can do to account for USPS’s inability to meet their own service delivery timelines,” the officials wrote. “State and local election officials need a committed partner in USPS.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596998697812.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA and CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY Associated PressTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State and local election officials from across the country on Wednesday warned that problems with the nation's mail delivery system threaten to disenfranchise voters in the upcoming presidential election, telling the head of the U.S. Postal Service that it hasn't fixed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-mail-ballots-a8ee9b88418e1f6b2835e91827d721bf">persistent deficiencies</a>.In an alarming letter, the officials said that over the past year, including the just-concluded primary season, mailed ballots that were postmarked on time were received by local election offices days after the deadline to be counted. They also noted that properly addressed election mail was being returned to them as undeliverable, a problem that could automatically send voters to inactive status through no fault of their own, potentially creating chaos when those voters show up to cast a ballot.The officials also said that repeated outreach to the Postal Service to resolve the issues had failed and that the widespread nature of the problems made it clear these were “not one-off mistakes or a problem with specific facilities. Instead, it demonstrates a pervasive lack of understanding and enforcement of USPS policies among its employees.”The letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy came from two groups that represent top election administrators in all 50 states. They told DeJoy, “We have not seen improvement or concerted efforts to remediate our concerns.”“We implore you to take immediate and tangible corrective action to address the ongoing performance issues with USPS election mail service,” they added. "Failure to do so will risk limiting voter participation and trust in the election process."A message seeking a response from the U.S. Postal Service was not immediately returned.The two groups, the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors, said local election officials “in nearly every state” are receiving timely postmarked ballots after Election Day and outside the three to five business days USPS claims as the standard for first-class mail.The letter comes less than two weeks after DeJoy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-mail-ballots-postal-service-1fd285fd56f640a370d155d25458c423">said in an interview</a>&nbsp;that the Postal Service was ready to handle a flood of mail ballots expected as part of this November's presidential election and as former President Donald Trump continues to sow doubts about U.S. elections by falsely claiming he won in 2020.That year, amid the global pandemic, election officials reported sending just over 69 million ballots in the mail, a substantial increase from four years earlier.While it's likely that number will be smaller now, many voters have embraced mail voting and come to rely on it. And both Democrats and Republicans have launched efforts to push supporters to vote early, either in person or by mail to “bank” their votes before Election Day on Nov. 5.The letter went out on the day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-first-ballots-voting-alabama-mail-1ef4f9694cc5edbb07fd3d641d6d248e">the first mailed ballots</a>&nbsp;of this year's general election were being sent, to absentee voters in Alabama.Postal Service officials told reporters last month that almost 98% of ballots were returned to election officials within three days in 2020, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-united-states-government-georgia-237f3cc44f194d8228ddecd7b90c12df">in 2022, the figure was nearly 99%</a>. DeJoy said he would like to inch closer to 100% this election cycle and that the Postal Service is better positioned to handle ballots than four years ago.But officials in rural states have been critical of the Postal Service for years as it has consolidated mail-processing centers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-postal-service-delivery-changes-f7ca9fbf047c512aeeddaa2c6bbc500d">cut its costs and financial losses</a>.In addition to being signed by the current and incoming presidents for both groups of election officials, the leaders of groups that represent local election officials in 25 states were listed.The election officials warned that any election mail returned to an election office as undeliverable could trigger a process outlined in federal law for maintaining accurate lists of registered voters. That means a voter could be moved to “inactive” status and be required to take additional action to verify their address to participate in the election, the officials said in the letter.Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, the recent past president of the National Association of Secretaries of State, sent his own letter in recent days to DeJoy. He said nearly 1,000 ballots from his state's Aug. 6 primary election couldn't be counted because they arrived too late or without postmarks — and more continue to come in.“The Pony Express is more efficient at this point,"&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ScottSchwabKS/status/1828527357172363328">Schwab posted</a>&nbsp;on the social media platform X in late August.Schwab and other Kansas election officials also have said some ballots arrive on time but without postmarks, which keeps them from being counted under Kansas law. What's more, Schwab told DeJoy, local postal clerks have told election officials that they can't add postmarks later even if it's clear that the Postal Service handled the ballot ahead of the mail-in deadline.Kansas will count ballots postmarked on or before Election Day if they arrive within three days. The Republican-controlled Legislature created that grace period in 2017 over concerns that mail delivery had slowed after the Postal Service shut down seven mail-processing centers in the state. That left much of the state's mail handled through larger centers in Denver, Amarillo, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri.Schwab has promoted the use of local ballot drop boxes for voting in advance, breaking with other Republicans who have suggested without evidence that they can be sources of fraud. Schwab has long said the boxes are more secure than the U.S. mail."Keep your ballot out of the hands of the federal government!” he advised voters&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ScottSchwabKS/status/1827008733727051802">in a post on X</a>&nbsp;after the August primary.In their letter Wednesday, election officials said colleagues across the U.S. have reported that Postal Service staff, from managers to mail carriers, are uninformed about the service's policies for handling election-related mail, give them inconsistent guidance and misdeliver ballots.“There is no amount of proactive communication election officials can do to account for USPS’s inability to meet their own service delivery timelines,” the officials wrote. “State and local election officials need a committed partner in USPS.”____ Cassidy reported from Detroit.

Election officials: Widespread problems with the US mail could disrupt voting

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Prices at the pump are continuing a general downward trend for fuel buyers, according to Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas.

"The average gas price in Kansas is $2.96 a gallon," Steward said. "We're under that $3 a gallon threshold. Currently, 13 states across the country have a sub-$3 average. We're definitely trending down in many areas of the country."

"Right now, demand is pretty light in the United States," Steward said. "It has been for a while. Crude oil prices have been fairly stable to falling. We do have a situation with Hurricane Francine, which has bumped up prices one to one and a half percent."

Assuming that damage from Francine doesn't tighten gasoline stocks, prices still could go lower.

"They assess after the storm passes," Steward said. "Apparently, about 38 or 39% of Gulf production was temporarily off line as the hurricane passed through. Now, the assessment stage happens, where they look for damage. Certainly, there's power outages that impact refineries, as well. It may be a short-lived impact of that hurricane."

With demand traditionally dropping in the fall months and the less expensive winter blend of gas entering the system, there's a good opportunity for even more savings in the coming weeks.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Prices at the pump are continuing a general downward trend for fuel buyers, according to Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas."The average gas price in Kansas is $2.96 a gallon," Steward said. "We're under that $3 a gallon threshold. Currently, 13 states across the country have a sub-$3 average. We're definitely trending down in many areas of the country.""Right now, demand is pretty light in the United States," Steward said. "It has been for a while. Crude oil prices have been fairly stable to falling. We do have a situation with Hurricane Francine, which has bumped up prices one to one and a half percent."Assuming that damage from Francine doesn't tighten gasoline stocks, prices still could go lower."They assess after the storm passes," Steward said. "Apparently, about 38 or 39% of Gulf production was temporarily off line as the hurricane passed through. Now, the assessment stage happens, where they look for damage. Certainly, there's power outages that impact refineries, as well. It may be a short-lived impact of that hurricane."With demand traditionally dropping in the fall months and the less expensive winter blend of gas entering the system, there's a good opportunity for even more savings in the coming weeks.

Gas prices in Kansas continue downward trend

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Spending on Kansas’ cash assistance program for low-income families has dwindled by nearly 40% in the past 14 years while lawmakers limited eligibility and inflation surged, according to a new audit.

State auditors presented findings to legislators Tuesday that show spending on cash assistance decreased from about $15.2 million in 2009 to $9.4 million in 2023. Spending on foster care and preventative services increased by an estimated $25 million over the same timespan, according to the audit, which involved reviewing five financial reports created between fiscal years 2009 and 2023.

Kansas families with children or an expectant mother who make an insufficient income qualify for cash assistance, which is accessed through electronic benefit transfer cards, or EBT. The state’s cash assistance program is funded by the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program, which also funds other state initiatives including employment support and child care assistance. The Kansas Department for Children and Families administers TANF funds and the cash assistance program.

Legislative involvement in regulating cash assistance has been limited since the 2015 Hope, Opportunity and Prosperity for Everyone, or HOPE, Act, which restricted access to Kansas’ program. The federal government allows people to receive cash assistance for up to 60 months in their lifetime. Kansas’ maximum was 48 months, but the HOPE Act reduced it to 36 months. The Legislature reduced the maximum again in 2016 to 24 months.

As of 2023, DCF handled 2,900 cash assistance cases per month. In 2009, average monthly caseloads totaled around 12,600 cases, according to the audit.

The decrease could be attributed to eligibility changes under the HOPE Act and a general increase in wages and inflation, said Sam Dadds, a senior auditor with the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit, at the meeting with lawmakers Tuesday. Kansas’ standards for eligibility requirements and benefit amounts have not been changed since 1997. With that, comes the diminished purchasing power of cash assistance, which could be a deterrent for families considering applying, Dadds said.

“What this means is that it’s harder to qualify for TANF in 2023 because families are being measured against what was considered in-need in 1997,” Dadds said.

Since the inception of Kansas’ cash assistance program in 1996, the purchasing power of EBT has decreased by nearly 50%, he said.

Rep. Jason Probst, D-Hutchinson, said Kansas lacks a functional system.

“We do have a system, also, that has a very hard line once people hit a certain income level, as they’re working their way through poverty, where we then pull the rug right out from underneath them,” he said.

He called it “<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/27/hutchinson-working-with-mit-to-break-poverty-shackles-of-the-cliff-effect/">the cliff effect</a>,” a term for when low-income individuals get a modest increase in income but end up with fewer resources because they no longer qualify for government aid. Probst, Sen. Mary Ware, D-Wichita, and Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, among others, expressed an interest in combating the cliff effect through legislation.

Tyson, who voted for the HOPE Act&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/vote_view/je_20150402145556_312693/" target="_blank">in 2015</a>&nbsp;and further restrictions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/vote_view/je_20160502013756_548975/" target="_blank">in 2016</a>, was dismayed by data limitations and omissions within the audit. Some data was completely unavailable for the audit because of new staff at DCF and a lack of cohesion between old and new computer systems.

“I don’t even know what to say to that,” she said at the meeting.

Carla Whiteside-Hicks, the DCF’s director of economic services, said the agency is actively working to address inefficiencies throughout the agency and make it easier for families to meet the federal and state requirements needed to receive cash assistance. Whiteside-Hicks is scheduled to return to the post-audit committee at its next meeting to provide additional data and information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726089897610.png" alt="Rep. James Probst, a Hutchinson-area Republican, said Kansas' cash assistance program isn't functional at a September 10, 2024, meeting of the Legislative Post Audit Committee. He is pictured here on the House floor on June 18, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. James Probst, a Hutchinson-area Republican, said Kansas' cash assistance program isn't functional at a September 10, 2024, meeting of the Legislative Post Audit Committee. He is pictured here on the House floor on June 18, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Spending on Kansas’ cash assistance program for low-income families has dwindled by nearly 40% in the past 14 years while lawmakers limited eligibility and inflation surged, according to a new audit.State auditors presented findings to legislators Tuesday that show spending on cash assistance decreased from about $15.2 million in 2009 to $9.4 million in 2023. Spending on foster care and preventative services increased by an estimated $25 million over the same timespan, according to the audit, which involved reviewing five financial reports created between fiscal years 2009 and 2023.Kansas families with children or an expectant mother who make an insufficient income qualify for cash assistance, which is accessed through electronic benefit transfer cards, or EBT. The state’s cash assistance program is funded by the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program, which also funds other state initiatives including employment support and child care assistance. The Kansas Department for Children and Families administers TANF funds and the cash assistance program.Legislative involvement in regulating cash assistance has been limited since the 2015 Hope, Opportunity and Prosperity for Everyone, or HOPE, Act, which restricted access to Kansas’ program. The federal government allows people to receive cash assistance for up to 60 months in their lifetime. Kansas’ maximum was 48 months, but the HOPE Act reduced it to 36 months. The Legislature reduced the maximum again in 2016 to 24 months.As of 2023, DCF handled 2,900 cash assistance cases per month. In 2009, average monthly caseloads totaled around 12,600 cases, according to the audit.The decrease could be attributed to eligibility changes under the HOPE Act and a general increase in wages and inflation, said Sam Dadds, a senior auditor with the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit, at the meeting with lawmakers Tuesday. Kansas’ standards for eligibility requirements and benefit amounts have not been changed since 1997. With that, comes the diminished purchasing power of cash assistance, which could be a deterrent for families considering applying, Dadds said.“What this means is that it’s harder to qualify for TANF in 2023 because families are being measured against what was considered in-need in 1997,” Dadds said.Since the inception of Kansas’ cash assistance program in 1996, the purchasing power of EBT has decreased by nearly 50%, he said.Rep. Jason Probst, D-Hutchinson, said Kansas lacks a functional system.“We do have a system, also, that has a very hard line once people hit a certain income level, as they’re working their way through poverty, where we then pull the rug right out from underneath them,” he said.He called it “<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/27/hutchinson-working-with-mit-to-break-poverty-shackles-of-the-cliff-effect/">the cliff effect</a>,” a term for when low-income individuals get a modest increase in income but end up with fewer resources because they no longer qualify for government aid. Probst, Sen. Mary Ware, D-Wichita, and Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, among others, expressed an interest in combating the cliff effect through legislation.Tyson, who voted for the HOPE Act&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/vote_view/je_20150402145556_312693/" target="_blank">in 2015</a>&nbsp;and further restrictions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/vote_view/je_20160502013756_548975/" target="_blank">in 2016</a>, was dismayed by data limitations and omissions within the audit. Some data was completely unavailable for the audit because of new staff at DCF and a lack of cohesion between old and new computer systems.“I don’t even know what to say to that,” she said at the meeting.Carla Whiteside-Hicks, the DCF’s director of economic services, said the agency is actively working to address inefficiencies throughout the agency and make it easier for families to meet the federal and state requirements needed to receive cash assistance. Whiteside-Hicks is scheduled to return to the post-audit committee at its next meeting to provide additional data and information.

Kansas audit examines impact of restricting access to cash assistance for low-income families

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays Virtual School, which was started by USD 489 as an adult learning center for diploma completion, will celebrate its 25th year in January 2025.

It's one of the oldest virtual schools in Kansas, securing its state virtual licensure in the early 2000s.&nbsp;

Expansion and changes during the years brought the need for a virtual high school, said Sondra Hickert, lead educator.

"Fred Kaufman (former superintendent) and Mark Hauptman (former assistant superintendent) were dedicated to [starting] a USD 489 virtual school," she said.&nbsp;

What was formerly known as The Learning Center of Ellis County is now housed in the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St.

The school transitioned from an adult learning center to a traditional high school with students ages 14-19.

"We were able to offer them a web-based program where they could complete their high school diploma,"&nbsp;Hickert said.

"The state of Kansas requires they come through our doors for final exams in person for the program's integrity to be maintained, ensuring that it is that person who did the work," she said.&nbsp;

Last year, the program had 117 students. Seventy-one students started this academic year in August, and Hickert expects the number of students to increase.

Each student who enrolls is unique, she said.&nbsp;

"Our individual plan of study for each student is pivotal. It's the opportunity for them to have an education tailored to their lives, their needs and their expectations."

The reasons why students enroll in Hays Virtual School are varied.

"Maybe the student has given up on the idea of being a successful high school graduate at a traditional high school, regardless of where they might have attended," Hickert said.

"It may be that they want to accelerate their education," she said. "We've had students who want to go study in China, so they get some necessary high school credits out of the way."

Other students may have experienced trauma, such as losing a parent.&nbsp;

"It's a life-changing event," Hickert said, "and we can offer that student just a moment to recognize who they are and what they've been through and then begin to build their individual plan of study from their own life experiences."

The Fort Hays State University Department of Social Work put a master's level practicum position in the virtual school four years ago.&nbsp;

"That FHSU student comes alongside our students and helps them with education, everyday challenges and mental health. If there's a need that's keeping them from advancing academically, we get that need taken care of," Hickert said.&nbsp;

Students also utilize community resources partnered with the school, including transitional housing, life skills counseling and mentorships, food pantry and hygiene pack availability, apprenticeships, employment programs, and medical assistance programs.&nbsp;

Hickert said retaining these "vibrant, young, educated" individuals is important to the regional economy.&nbsp;

"Providing an opportunity for a high school diploma changes the workforce for our area, [with] local people doing regional work," she said. "We're keeping the life of our surrounding communities going."

Graduating students are prepared for college or career readiness.&nbsp;

Numerous graduates have qualified for career and technical education scholarships from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan or the O'Brate Foundation in Garden City. One student even was awarded a physics and engineering scholarship from NASA.

Many of the graduates go on to complete programs at FHSU, Fort Hays Tech-North Central, Hays Academy of Hair Design and Barton Community College. Others begin immediately working in skilled trades.

Hickert said the Hays Virtual School students are taught how to learn.

"Our structure is a triangle," she said. "At the top apex is student needs. What does that student need to become a successful high school graduate?"&nbsp;

The lower two apexes are meeting standards to have a graduate either career-ready or college-ready and to graduate within four years as required by the U.S. Department of Education.&nbsp;

"We are a champion for our school in support of the USD 489 mission to provide a quality learning experience for every student in every classroom every day," Hickert said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725912241917.jpeg" alt="Hays Virtual School graduates. Courtesy file photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Virtual School graduates. Courtesy file photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="USD 489 Hays Virtual School to celebrate 25th year in January" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kwg7x-16ce8c6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays Virtual School, which was started by USD 489 as an adult learning center for diploma completion, will celebrate its 25th year in January 2025.It's one of the oldest virtual schools in Kansas, securing its state virtual licensure in the early 2000s.&nbsp;Expansion and changes during the years brought the need for a virtual high school, said Sondra Hickert, lead educator."Fred Kaufman (former superintendent) and Mark Hauptman (former assistant superintendent) were dedicated to [starting] a USD 489 virtual school," she said.&nbsp;What was formerly known as The Learning Center of Ellis County is now housed in the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St.The school transitioned from an adult learning center to a traditional high school with students ages 14-19."We were able to offer them a web-based program where they could complete their high school diploma,"&nbsp;Hickert said."The state of Kansas requires they come through our doors for final exams in person for the program's integrity to be maintained, ensuring that it is that person who did the work," she said.&nbsp;Last year, the program had 117 students. Seventy-one students started this academic year in August, and Hickert expects the number of students to increase.Each student who enrolls is unique, she said.&nbsp;"Our individual plan of study for each student is pivotal. It's the opportunity for them to have an education tailored to their lives, their needs and their expectations."The reasons why students enroll in Hays Virtual School are varied."Maybe the student has given up on the idea of being a successful high school graduate at a traditional high school, regardless of where they might have attended," Hickert said.Many students are from outside of Hays."It may be that they want to accelerate their education," she said. "We've had students who want to go study in China, so they get some necessary high school credits out of the way."Other students may have experienced trauma, such as losing a parent.&nbsp;"It's a life-changing event," Hickert said, "and we can offer that student just a moment to recognize who they are and what they've been through and then begin to build their individual plan of study from their own life experiences."The Fort Hays State University Department of Social Work put a master's level practicum position in the virtual school four years ago.&nbsp;"That FHSU student comes alongside our students and helps them with education, everyday challenges and mental health. If there's a need that's keeping them from advancing academically, we get that need taken care of," Hickert said.&nbsp;Students also utilize community resources partnered with the school, including transitional housing, life skills counseling and mentorships, food pantry and hygiene pack availability, apprenticeships, employment programs, and medical assistance programs.&nbsp;Hickert said retaining these "vibrant, young, educated" individuals is important to the regional economy.&nbsp;"Providing an opportunity for a high school diploma changes the workforce for our area, [with] local people doing regional work," she said. "We're keeping the life of our surrounding communities going."Graduating students are prepared for college or career readiness.&nbsp;Numerous graduates have qualified for career and technical education scholarships from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan or the O'Brate Foundation in Garden City. One student even was awarded a physics and engineering scholarship from NASA.Many of the graduates go on to complete programs at FHSU, Fort Hays Tech-North Central, Hays Academy of Hair Design and Barton Community College. Others begin immediately working in skilled trades.Hickert said the Hays Virtual School students are taught how to learn."Our structure is a triangle," she said. "At the top apex is student needs. What does that student need to become a successful high school graduate?"&nbsp;The lower two apexes are meeting standards to have a graduate either career-ready or college-ready and to graduate within four years as required by the U.S. Department of Education.&nbsp;"We are a champion for our school in support of the USD 489 mission to provide a quality learning experience for every student in every classroom every day," Hickert said.

🎙 USD 489 Hays Virtual School to celebrate 25th year in January 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Nabholz Construction told the Hays school board on Monday that construction on the Roosevelt Elementary School addition will be complete within about six weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726066010732.png" alt="On the left is the new parking lot and pick up and drop off area for Roosevelt Elementary School. On the right is the new gym." />
 <figcaption>On the left is the new parking lot and pick up and drop off area for Roosevelt Elementary School. On the right is the new gym.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostNabholz Construction told the Hays school board on Monday that construction on the Roosevelt Elementary School addition will be complete within about six weeks.Nabholz gave updates on the Roosevelt and Hays High School construction projects at the meeting.Nabholz has until December to finish the project under its contract, but representatives think they will be done sooner.Last school year, the school used portable classrooms during the construction. However, those had to be removed to allow for the construction of new pick-up and drop-off lanes at the rear of the school.USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson said he hopes to have the students in the new classrooms after Thanksgiving break.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726070638667.png" alt="On the left is an overhead view of Roosevelt Elementary School. The new addition is on the north side of the building. On the right is the new media center, including the new learning cave, which is a reading area with soft seating." />
 <figcaption>On the left is an overhead view of Roosevelt Elementary School. The new addition is on the north side of the building. On the right is the new media center, including the new learning cave, which is a reading area with soft seating.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726071199039.png" alt="Roosevelt Elementary School construction budget" />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt Elementary School construction budget</figcaption>
 </figure>Until that move, Wilson said the school is making the best use of the room it has available.The corridor for the new wing and the learning cave, which will be a reading room with soft seating in the media center, have been finished.New sidewalks have been installed adjacent to the addition.The Roosevelt project is on budget, with the exception of one previously approved change order. The project's total cost is $22.1 million.<h2>Hays High</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726070838998.png" alt="The photo on the right shows the main gym.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The photo on the right shows the main gym.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726070948344.png" alt="On the left, you can see the learning stairs, which will be part of the commons. On the right, a second-floor corridor above the commons connects the two academic wings. The football field can be seen in the distance." />
 <figcaption>On the left, you can see the learning stairs, which will be part of the commons. On the right, a second-floor corridor above the commons connects the two academic wings. The football field can be seen in the distance.</figcaption>
 </figure>The new Hays High School building is also on schedule and budget.It is scheduled to be complete by the start of school in fall 2025.The roof will soon go on the performing arts section of the school.Flooring for the main and secondary gyms was poured about a week ago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726071070420.png" alt="A conceptual drawing of the entrance to Hays High School. The commons will be in the middle, with academic wings on either side." />
 <figcaption>A conceptual drawing of the entrance to Hays High School. The commons will be in the middle, with academic wings on either side.</figcaption>
 </figure>Construction workers are already installing drywall in some areas of the building, and windows will be coming in for some parts of the building by the end of the month.The work on the softball fields should begin at the end of the month.The Nabholz representatives said once the roofs are on the buildings, they start gaining a lot of ground on the construction. Once parts of the building are enclosed, they are less likely to be delayed by weather.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726070803382.png" alt="New Hays High School construction budget" />
 <figcaption>New Hays High School construction budget</figcaption>
 </figure>Plans for the addition and renovation at O'Loughlin Elementary School have been finished, but the school board tabled a motion to accept Nabholz's guaranteed maximum price at its meeting on Monday.<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ks/usd489/Board.nsf/files/D8YHWP4A81BA/$file/9.9.24_Board%20Update%20Handout.pdf">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 board scrutinizes bond budget</a>