CHICAGO (AP) — Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the chaplain for the men’s basketball team at Loyola Chicago who became a beloved international celebrity during the school’s fairy-tale run to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament in 2018, has died, the university announced Thursday night. She was 106.

Health issues caused Sister Jean to step down from her role with the university in August, though the school said she remained as an adviser in the final months of her life.

“In many roles at Loyola over the course of more than 60 years, Sister Jean was an invaluable source of wisdom and grace for generations of students, faculty, and staff,” Loyola President Mark C. Reed said.

“While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy,” Reed said. ”Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives. In her honor, we can aspire to share with others the love and compassion Sister Jean shared with us.”

Sister Jean — born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, then taking the name Sister Jean Dolores in 1937 — became one of the most talked-about personalities during that 2018 NCAA Tournament. She did countless interviews and even was celebrated with a bobblehead in her likeness.

She published a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-parasports-jean-dolores-schmidt-chicago-06b8d438408e8e6abe08b395e3cd13d7">memoir</a>&nbsp;in 2023, “Wake Up with Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years,” sharing lessons she’d learned throughout her life and offering spiritual advice.

The basketball teams at Loyola already had learned many of those lessons. And when that run in 2018 ended with a 69-57 loss to Michigan in the national semifinals, players received immediate consolation from their biggest fan.

“Sister Jean just said it was a great season,” forward Aundre Jackson said after the loss. “She was so happy to be on this run with us and we should keep our heads high and be happy with what we accomplished.”

The players on that team, some of them 80 years younger than Sister Jean, made no secret of what she meant to them, to the program and to the university. And she was not just there to be there, either. The Ramblers insisted she was a real part of their success.

“Sister Jean, she has meant so much to me personally and obviously the team,” Loyola’s Donte Ingram said after hitting one of the biggest shots in school history, a 3-pointer that lifted the team past Miami 64-62 in the first round of the 2018 tournament.

“She is there before every game. She’s saying a prayer before every game. After the game, she sends a general email to the team. And then at the end of the email, it’ll be individualized: ‘Hey, Donte, you did this, you rebounded well tonight. Even though they were out there to get you, you still came through for the team.’ She’s just so special, her spirit. She’s just so bright, and she means so much to the city of Chicago and Loyola obviously and the team.”

Sister Jean’s news conference at that NCAA Tournament, she was told, had more journalists than Tom Brady drew at the Super Bowl. Her likeness appeared on everything from socks to a Lego statue at her gallery in Loyola’s art museum. She saw the attention as a holy opportunity to tell her story and share what she’s learned.

“I love life so much and enjoy being with young people,” Sister Jean told The Associated Press in 2023. “They’re the ones who keep me going because they bring such joy into my life -- and they keep you updated on what’s happening in their world.”

Loyola, which helped break down racial barriers by winning the 1963 national championship with four Black starters, had not played in the tournament since a Sweet 16 loss to Georgetown in 1985. But with a then-98-year-old nun providing a spiritual lift, the Ramblers captured the nation’s imagination.

“Prayers definitely mean a little bit extra when she prays for us,” Loyola guard Clayton Custer said during the tournament.

Sister Jean lived in the dorms on and off beginning in 1978, helping her maintain a strong relationship with the students. It was not unusual for her to sit with them in the student center during lunch, getting to know them and offer guidance. She led prayer groups in residence halls and established a program to connect students with residents at a retirement community.

Born in San Francisco in 1919, Sister Jean grew up in a devoutly Catholic family. She witnessed the impact of the Great Depression, World War II and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, which she recalls crossing on foot when it opened in 1937.

Her religious calling, she said, came at the age of 8. She was in third grade when she met a kind, joyful teacher who belonged to the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Brimming with admiration, she would pray every day: “Dear God, help me understand what I should do, but please tell me I should become a BVM sister,” she recounted in her memoir.

“I guess God listened to me on that one,” she wrote.

She followed her calling to the order’s motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa, where she made her vows. She went on to teach at Catholic schools in Chicago and Southern California, where she also coached girls’ basketball, before she ended at Mundelein College — on the Chicago lakefront — in the 1960s. The school became affiliated with Loyola in 1991, and Sister Jean was hired to help students with the transition.

In 1994, she was asked to help student basketball players boost their grades — “the booster shooter” she called herself, and later that year she was named chaplain of the men’s basketball team. The role, she wrote in her memoir, became “the most transformational and transcendent position” of her life.

“Sports are very important because they help develop life skills,” she said. “And during those life skills, you’re also talking about faith and purpose.”

Her celebrity continued to grow and her life continued to be celebrated in her final years. At 100, Sister Jean received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis. On her 103rd birthday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was among the political officials dedicating the day in her honor. On her 105th birthday, Sister Jean received a proclamation from President Joe Biden — who had sent her flowers on at least one previous occasion.

Biden’s message, in part, told Sister Jean, “You have shown us all that yours is a life well lived.”

The university said Sister Jean is survived by her sister-in-law, Jeanne Tidwell, and her niece, Jan Schmidt.

CHICAGO (AP) — Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the chaplain for the men’s basketball team at Loyola Chicago who became a beloved international celebrity during the school’s fairy-tale run to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament in 2018, has died, the university announced Thursday night. She was 106.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Loyola University Chicago is greatly saddened to confirm the death of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM. This is a tremendous loss of someone who touched the lives of so many people. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts &amp; prayers during this difficult time. Details to follow. <a href="https://t.co/zPiMY1MsIu">pic.twitter.com/zPiMY1MsIu</a>&mdash; Loyola University Chicago (@LoyolaChicago) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoyolaChicago/status/1976495097702162781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Health issues caused Sister Jean to step down from her role with the university in August, though the school said she remained as an adviser in the final months of her life.“In many roles at Loyola over the course of more than 60 years, Sister Jean was an invaluable source of wisdom and grace for generations of students, faculty, and staff,” Loyola President Mark C. Reed said.“While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy,” Reed said. ”Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives. In her honor, we can aspire to share with others the love and compassion Sister Jean shared with us.”Sister Jean — born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, then taking the name Sister Jean Dolores in 1937 — became one of the most talked-about personalities during that 2018 NCAA Tournament. She did countless interviews and even was celebrated with a bobblehead in her likeness.She published a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-parasports-jean-dolores-schmidt-chicago-06b8d438408e8e6abe08b395e3cd13d7">memoir</a>&nbsp;in 2023, “Wake Up with Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years,” sharing lessons she’d learned throughout her life and offering spiritual advice.The basketball teams at Loyola already had learned many of those lessons. And when that run in 2018 ended with a 69-57 loss to Michigan in the national semifinals, players received immediate consolation from their biggest fan.“Sister Jean just said it was a great season,” forward Aundre Jackson said after the loss. “She was so happy to be on this run with us and we should keep our heads high and be happy with what we accomplished.”The players on that team, some of them 80 years younger than Sister Jean, made no secret of what she meant to them, to the program and to the university. And she was not just there to be there, either. The Ramblers insisted she was a real part of their success.“Sister Jean, she has meant so much to me personally and obviously the team,” Loyola’s Donte Ingram said after hitting one of the biggest shots in school history, a 3-pointer that lifted the team past Miami 64-62 in the first round of the 2018 tournament.“She is there before every game. She’s saying a prayer before every game. After the game, she sends a general email to the team. And then at the end of the email, it’ll be individualized: ‘Hey, Donte, you did this, you rebounded well tonight. Even though they were out there to get you, you still came through for the team.’ She’s just so special, her spirit. She’s just so bright, and she means so much to the city of Chicago and Loyola obviously and the team.”Sister Jean’s news conference at that NCAA Tournament, she was told, had more journalists than Tom Brady drew at the Super Bowl. Her likeness appeared on everything from socks to a Lego statue at her gallery in Loyola’s art museum. She saw the attention as a holy opportunity to tell her story and share what she’s learned.“I love life so much and enjoy being with young people,” Sister Jean told The Associated Press in 2023. “They’re the ones who keep me going because they bring such joy into my life -- and they keep you updated on what’s happening in their world.”Loyola, which helped break down racial barriers by winning the 1963 national championship with four Black starters, had not played in the tournament since a Sweet 16 loss to Georgetown in 1985. But with a then-98-year-old nun providing a spiritual lift, the Ramblers captured the nation’s imagination.“Prayers definitely mean a little bit extra when she prays for us,” Loyola guard Clayton Custer said during the tournament.Sister Jean lived in the dorms on and off beginning in 1978, helping her maintain a strong relationship with the students. It was not unusual for her to sit with them in the student center during lunch, getting to know them and offer guidance. She led prayer groups in residence halls and established a program to connect students with residents at a retirement community.Born in San Francisco in 1919, Sister Jean grew up in a devoutly Catholic family. She witnessed the impact of the Great Depression, World War II and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, which she recalls crossing on foot when it opened in 1937.Her religious calling, she said, came at the age of 8. She was in third grade when she met a kind, joyful teacher who belonged to the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Brimming with admiration, she would pray every day: “Dear God, help me understand what I should do, but please tell me I should become a BVM sister,” she recounted in her memoir.“I guess God listened to me on that one,” she wrote.She followed her calling to the order’s motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa, where she made her vows. She went on to teach at Catholic schools in Chicago and Southern California, where she also coached girls’ basketball, before she ended at Mundelein College — on the Chicago lakefront — in the 1960s. The school became affiliated with Loyola in 1991, and Sister Jean was hired to help students with the transition.In 1994, she was asked to help student basketball players boost their grades — “the booster shooter” she called herself, and later that year she was named chaplain of the men’s basketball team. The role, she wrote in her memoir, became “the most transformational and transcendent position” of her life.“Sports are very important because they help develop life skills,” she said. “And during those life skills, you’re also talking about faith and purpose.”Her celebrity continued to grow and her life continued to be celebrated in her final years. At 100, Sister Jean received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis. On her 103rd birthday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was among the political officials dedicating the day in her honor. On her 105th birthday, Sister Jean received a proclamation from President Joe Biden — who had sent her flowers on at least one previous occasion.Biden’s message, in part, told Sister Jean, “You have shown us all that yours is a life well lived.”The university said Sister Jean is survived by her sister-in-law, Jeanne Tidwell, and her niece, Jan Schmidt.___Reynolds reported from Miami.___

Beloved March Madness icon Sister Jean dies at 106

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State ran its record to 8-0-2 overall and 4-0-0 in GAC play with a 5-0 shutout of Harding on Thursday evening at FHSU Soccer Stadium. The No. 7 ranked Tigers scored three of their five goals off headers in the box. Oliver Wright and Elias Ovelar Semeniuk both provided two goals in the match, while Juan Linares also got in on the scoring act.

Fort Hays State extended its longest streak without a loss to open a season in program history, remaining unbeaten for the first 10 contests this year. The Tigers did it in dominating fashion, outshooting the Bisons 21-2 in the match. FHSU held HU without a shot in the first half before they found two attempts in the second half.

Fort Hays State took control early in the first half, capitalizing on a throw in by Joseph Street in the sixth minute to set up a header by Wright for his first goal of the season. A near replay of the same sequence about 13 minutes later occurred when Wright headed another ball in off a throw in by Street. Ovelar Semeniuk added a third goal in the 31st minute, capping a dominant half where the Tigers outshot the Bisons 13-0.

The lead grew in the 55th minute when Semeniuk scored with a header in the box off a free kick assist from Tadhg Walsh. It was his 10th goal of the season, which tied him for second-best in the nation. Juan Linares capped the scoring in the 78th minute with a nifty move past a defender, allowing him to fire off a shot for the fifth goal of the match.

Along with their dominance in the shot count, FHSU had 12 corner kick opportunities to none for Harding. Payton Roehrich played the first 61 minutes of the match before yielding to Simon Niksch for the final 29. Neither had to make a save to earn the combined shutout. Fort Hays State now has seven shutouts in 10 matches this season. Wright, Linares, Ovelar Semeniuk, and Dalton Cates all tied for the team lead in shots with three each.

Looking ahead, Fort Hays State will host Ouachita Baptist for another GAC contest on Saturday, October 11 at noon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760091360409.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State ran its record to 8-0-2 overall and 4-0-0 in GAC play with a 5-0 shutout of Harding on Thursday evening at FHSU Soccer Stadium. The No. 7 ranked Tigers scored three of their five goals off headers in the box. Oliver Wright and Elias Ovelar Semeniuk both provided two goals in the match, while Juan Linares also got in on the scoring act.Fort Hays State extended its longest streak without a loss to open a season in program history, remaining unbeaten for the first 10 contests this year. The Tigers did it in dominating fashion, outshooting the Bisons 21-2 in the match. FHSU held HU without a shot in the first half before they found two attempts in the second half.Fort Hays State took control early in the first half, capitalizing on a throw in by Joseph Street in the sixth minute to set up a header by Wright for his first goal of the season. A near replay of the same sequence about 13 minutes later occurred when Wright headed another ball in off a throw in by Street. Ovelar Semeniuk added a third goal in the 31st minute, capping a dominant half where the Tigers outshot the Bisons 13-0.The lead grew in the 55th minute when Semeniuk scored with a header in the box off a free kick assist from Tadhg Walsh. It was his 10th goal of the season, which tied him for second-best in the nation. Juan Linares capped the scoring in the 78th minute with a nifty move past a defender, allowing him to fire off a shot for the fifth goal of the match.Along with their dominance in the shot count, FHSU had 12 corner kick opportunities to none for Harding. Payton Roehrich played the first 61 minutes of the match before yielding to Simon Niksch for the final 29. Neither had to make a save to earn the combined shutout. Fort Hays State now has seven shutouts in 10 matches this season. Wright, Linares, Ovelar Semeniuk, and Dalton Cates all tied for the team lead in shots with three each.Up nextLooking ahead, Fort Hays State will host Ouachita Baptist for another GAC contest on Saturday, October 11 at noon.

⚽ Tiger head their way past Harding

Alphonse B. “Ollie” Kuhn, age 92,
passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Via Christi Village Care Center,
Hays, Kansas.

He was born on February 3, 1933, on the family farm North of Victoria, Kansas,
to Anton M. and Mary (Hoffman) Kuhn.&nbsp; He married Nettie (Walters) on
September 8, 1962.

Ollie was a farmer all of his life and also was a pumper in the oil
fields for over 50 years.&nbsp; He attended school in Victoria, and enjoyed
fishing, cooking, playing cards, and was very active in the Knights of Columbus
and Saint Fidelis Parish.&nbsp; &nbsp;

He was a member of The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, the Victoria 3rd
Degree and 4th Degree Assembly Knights of Columbus, served on the
Knights of Columbus Hays Area Degree team for
25 years, and was past president of &nbsp;Ellis County Farm Bureau.&nbsp; He
was Knight of the Year from 2000 -2001, and was District Knight of the Year in
2001, and again in 2016.&nbsp; 

Ollie is survived by his son, Toby Kuhn and companion, Aphesian King, Topeka,
Kansas;&nbsp;his
grandchildren, Cheyenne Todd, Omaha, NE; Taryn Jones and husband, Carter,
Lawrence, KS; and his former wife, Nettie Kuhn-Verdi, Hays, KS. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Mary Kuhn; his
son, Timothy Kuhn; his
grandson, Tyler Kuhn; his four brothers, Edmund (Norine) Kuhn; Emil (Zita)
Kuhn; Ermin Kuhn; Alfred (Lucille) Kuhn; his seven sisters, Albina (Otto)
Dreiling; Regina Kuhn; Helen (Joe) Dinkel; Margaret Kuhn; Oliva (Ben) Windholz;
Henrietta Kuhn; Laurinda Schmeidler (Eugene); his three infant sisters, Albina;
Mary; and Henrietta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 13,
2025, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas with Celebrant, Father
John Schmeidler.&nbsp; Burial will be in Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria,
Kansas.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary,
Victoria, Kansas and from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Monday, at The Basilica of Saint
Fidelis.

A Vigil Service will be at 6:30 P.M. Sunday, followed by a Knights of Columbus
3rd Degree and 4th Degree Rosary both at Cline’s-Keithley
Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

In
Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: The Basilica of
Saint Fidelis Building Fund in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main
Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.&nbsp;
Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or left by guest
book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760043830078.jpeg" alt="Alphonse B. 'Ollie' Kuhn" />
 <figcaption>Alphonse B. 'Ollie' Kuhn</figcaption>
 </figure>Alphonse B. “Ollie” Kuhn, age 92,
passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Via Christi Village Care Center,
Hays, Kansas.He was born on February 3, 1933, on the family farm North of Victoria, Kansas,
to Anton M. and Mary (Hoffman) Kuhn.&nbsp; He married Nettie (Walters) on
September 8, 1962.Ollie was a farmer all of his life and also was a pumper in the oil
fields for over 50 years.&nbsp; He attended school in Victoria, and enjoyed
fishing, cooking, playing cards, and was very active in the Knights of Columbus
and Saint Fidelis Parish.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was a member of The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, the Victoria 3rd
Degree and 4th Degree Assembly Knights of Columbus, served on the
Knights of Columbus Hays Area Degree team for
25 years, and was past president of &nbsp;Ellis County Farm Bureau.&nbsp; He
was Knight of the Year from 2000 -2001, and was District Knight of the Year in
2001, and again in 2016.&nbsp; Ollie is survived by his son, Toby Kuhn and companion, Aphesian King, Topeka,
Kansas;&nbsp;his
grandchildren, Cheyenne Todd, Omaha, NE; Taryn Jones and husband, Carter,
Lawrence, KS; and his former wife, Nettie Kuhn-Verdi, Hays, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Mary Kuhn; his
son, Timothy Kuhn; his
grandson, Tyler Kuhn; his four brothers, Edmund (Norine) Kuhn; Emil (Zita)
Kuhn; Ermin Kuhn; Alfred (Lucille) Kuhn; his seven sisters, Albina (Otto)
Dreiling; Regina Kuhn; Helen (Joe) Dinkel; Margaret Kuhn; Oliva (Ben) Windholz;
Henrietta Kuhn; Laurinda Schmeidler (Eugene); his three infant sisters, Albina;
Mary; and Henrietta.A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 13,
2025, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas with Celebrant, Father
John Schmeidler.&nbsp; Burial will be in Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria,
Kansas.Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary,
Victoria, Kansas and from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Monday, at The Basilica of Saint
Fidelis.A Vigil Service will be at 6:30 P.M. Sunday, followed by a Knights of Columbus
3rd Degree and 4th Degree Rosary both at Cline’s-Keithley
Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.In
Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: The Basilica of
Saint Fidelis Building Fund in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main
Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.&nbsp;
Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or left by guest
book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Alphonse B. 'Ollie' Kuhn

Leo Kenneth 'Ken' Herman, 94, Hays, died Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at his home.

He was born
April 3, 1931 in Spearville, the son of Leo Carl and Helen Edna (Laudick)
Herman.&nbsp; Ken graduated from Spearville
High School in 1949.&nbsp; Ken served in the
U.S Navy from 1950-1954 during the Korean War, and was stationed in Guam for
two years, transported troops for two years, and made 24 trips to Japan, Korea,
and Guam.&nbsp; He attended Dodge City Junior
College and graduated from Salt City Business College in Hutchinson.&nbsp; While studying at Salt City he met Shirley
Dufield and they were united in marriage on September 13, 1957 in Spearville.&nbsp; They celebrated 68 years of marriage.&nbsp; 

Ken began
working as a bookkeeper for Dick B. Evans in Great Bend and in 1959, he and
Shirley moved to Hays as Ken started a long career with Farmers Co-op, now
Midland Marketing Co-op, where he was their bookkeeper, office manager, and
manager, retiring in 1993.&nbsp; From
1983-1992, Ken was elected to serve as the director of Farmland Industries, and
he also served on the Commerce Bank Board of Directors.&nbsp; He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary
Catholic Church, the St. Joseph Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1325,
and the Hays VFW Post #9076.

Ken enjoyed
visiting with his friends, helping around the house, and traveling all around
the world.&nbsp; He loved his family and was
continually strengthening his faith in God through daily Bible readings.

Survivors
include his wife Shirley of Hays, his son Keith Herman of Fort Worth, TX, two
daughters, Linda Coyle of Arlington, TX and Debbie Keohan and husband Tom of
Parker, Colorado, one brother, David Herman of Wichita, two sisters, Mary Lou
Scheve of Kinsley and Janice Askew of Dodge City, four grandchildren, Lauren
Coyle, Madison Coyle, Andrew Keohan, and Grant Keohan, a great grandson,
Beckham, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was
preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Lori Ann Herman, two sisters
Polly Nightingale and Cleo Mae Stegman, and four brothers-in-law, Dick
Nightingale, Gene Stegman, Lawrence Scheve, and Dwayne Askew.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at
10:00 am on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic
Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. &nbsp;Burial with military honors by
the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
&nbsp;Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 am
until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. &nbsp;A
vigil service will be at 6:00 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary, both
on Tuesday at the funeral home. &nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorials are
suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Heritage Foundation, or
to the Wounded Warrior Project. &nbsp;Condolences and memories of Ken may be
left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760038517179.jpeg" alt="Leo Kenneth 'Ken' Herman" />
 <figcaption>Leo Kenneth 'Ken' Herman</figcaption>
 </figure>Leo Kenneth 'Ken' Herman, 94, Hays, died Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at his home.He was born
April 3, 1931 in Spearville, the son of Leo Carl and Helen Edna (Laudick)
Herman.&nbsp; Ken graduated from Spearville
High School in 1949.&nbsp; Ken served in the
U.S Navy from 1950-1954 during the Korean War, and was stationed in Guam for
two years, transported troops for two years, and made 24 trips to Japan, Korea,
and Guam.&nbsp; He attended Dodge City Junior
College and graduated from Salt City Business College in Hutchinson.&nbsp; While studying at Salt City he met Shirley
Dufield and they were united in marriage on September 13, 1957 in Spearville.&nbsp; They celebrated 68 years of marriage.&nbsp; Ken began
working as a bookkeeper for Dick B. Evans in Great Bend and in 1959, he and
Shirley moved to Hays as Ken started a long career with Farmers Co-op, now
Midland Marketing Co-op, where he was their bookkeeper, office manager, and
manager, retiring in 1993.&nbsp; From
1983-1992, Ken was elected to serve as the director of Farmland Industries, and
he also served on the Commerce Bank Board of Directors.&nbsp; He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary
Catholic Church, the St. Joseph Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1325,
and the Hays VFW Post #9076.Ken enjoyed
visiting with his friends, helping around the house, and traveling all around
the world.&nbsp; He loved his family and was
continually strengthening his faith in God through daily Bible readings.Survivors
include his wife Shirley of Hays, his son Keith Herman of Fort Worth, TX, two
daughters, Linda Coyle of Arlington, TX and Debbie Keohan and husband Tom of
Parker, Colorado, one brother, David Herman of Wichita, two sisters, Mary Lou
Scheve of Kinsley and Janice Askew of Dodge City, four grandchildren, Lauren
Coyle, Madison Coyle, Andrew Keohan, and Grant Keohan, a great grandson,
Beckham, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was
preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Lori Ann Herman, two sisters
Polly Nightingale and Cleo Mae Stegman, and four brothers-in-law, Dick
Nightingale, Gene Stegman, Lawrence Scheve, and Dwayne Askew.Mass of Christian Burial will be at
10:00 am on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic
Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. &nbsp;Burial with military honors by
the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
&nbsp;Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 am
until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. &nbsp;A
vigil service will be at 6:00 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary, both
on Tuesday at the funeral home. &nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorials are
suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Heritage Foundation, or
to the Wounded Warrior Project. &nbsp;Condolences and memories of Ken may be
left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;

Leo Kenneth 'Ken' Herman

WASHINGTON (AP) —Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Thursday blamed the government shutdown for a delay in announcing an aid package for U.S. farmers, who have seen one of their biggest markets almost disappear because of President Donald Trump’s tariff war with China.

“We’ve got to get the government reopened so that we can move forward on that,” Rollins said at a cabinet meeting, where both she and Trump sought to blame the Biden administration for the woes faced by U.S. farmers.

Last week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a significant aid package could come as soon as Tuesday. China has urged the U.S. to remove “unreasonable tariffs” to resume&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/soybeans-trade-tariff-china-united-states-export-025792707c4e4e91d975f8558edae1d8">soybean trade</a>.

Trump and Chinese President Xi are scheduled to meet in about three weeks in South Korea.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Thursday blamed the government shutdown for a delay in announcing an aid package for U.S. farmers, who have seen one of their biggest markets almost disappear because of President Donald Trump’s tariff war with China.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">American farmers deserve fair global markets!🇺🇸 Joe Biden failed to enforce President Trump&#39;s over $50 BILLION trade deal with China, and failed to sign ANY new trade deals. This harmed our Farmers greatly. Thanks to leadership from <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, we are fixing that. These markets… <a href="https://t.co/wHy952sOh2">https://t.co/wHy952sOh2</a>&mdash; Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins/status/1976341155890544683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We’ve got to get the government reopened so that we can move forward on that,” Rollins said at a cabinet meeting, where both she and Trump sought to blame the Biden administration for the woes faced by U.S. farmers.Last week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a significant aid package could come as soon as Tuesday. China has urged the U.S. to remove “unreasonable tariffs” to resume&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/soybeans-trade-tariff-china-united-states-export-025792707c4e4e91d975f8558edae1d8">soybean trade</a>.Trump and Chinese President Xi are scheduled to meet in about three weeks in South Korea.

🎥Ag secretary says aid for farmers is coming but delayed by shutdown

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — World leaders on Thursday expressed hope for peace and urged Israel and Hamas to fulfill their commitments in the hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the parties&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/egypt-gaza-talks-kushner-witkoff-israel-hamas-news-10-08-2025-ac80d3ed50ff2a9b4106ab5e13156651">had agreed to the “first phase”</a>&nbsp;of a deal signaling a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rubio-note-middle-east-peace-f570658c65daefab6d0af9b29e851dd7">major breakthrough</a>&nbsp;in the two-year war in Gaza.

Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.

“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote on social media.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media: “With God’s help we will bring them all home.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country played a role in the negotiations, on Thursday hailed the agreement. In a statement posted on X, Erdogan thanked Trump for “demonstrating the necessary political will” as well as Qatar and Egypt for facilitating the deal.

Erdogan said Turkey would closely monitor the full implementation of the agreement and continue to contribute to the process.

“I extend my heartfelt greetings to my Palestinian brothers and sisters who have endured indescribable suffering for two years,” he said.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said sending humanitarian aid to the region is a priority and stressed the urgent need to begin rebuilding Gaza.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi hailed the deal between Israel and Hamas as a “historic moment.”

“This agreement does not only close the chapter of war; it also opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability,” el-Sissi wrote on social media.

“The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza,” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement.

The U.N. chief urged all parties “to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.”

China hoped for a “lasting and comprehensive” ceasefire in Gaza, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying that Xi Jinping's government expects the agreement to ease the “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and calm tensions in the Middle East.

“We are ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to promote a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue and the realization of peace and stability in the Middle East,” he said, noting that China advocates for a two-state solution.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the agreement is a “great hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the entire region.”

In a message posted on X, Macron commended “the efforts of President @realDonaldTrump, as well as the Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators who helped make it happen,” and called on the warring parties “to strictly uphold” the terms of the deal.

Macron added that the deal will be discussed in Paris later Thursday during a meeting between European and Arab countries’ foreign ministers on the future of Gaza. “This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution,” he said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed news of the agreement and urged an immediate lifting of restrictions on aid.

Speaking while on a trade mission to India, Starmer praised the “tireless diplomatic efforts” of the U.S., as well as Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in bringing about the deal. The U.K. will support efforts to turn the ceasefire into a “sustainable path” to long-term peace, he said.

“This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years,” he said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the agreement and said he was hopeful for a full deal this week.

Merz said the developments are encouraging and there’s “a great opportunity to reach an agreement with Hamas in the coming hours already” for the remaining hostages to be released this week and for the Israeli military to pull back.

He told reporters that “hopes regarding Israel and the Gaza Strip increased again last night, but this is not yet really concluded, so we are of course watching the situation very closely and remain optimistic that … a solution will be reached there this week.”

Saudi Arabia welcomed the possible start of a ceasefire, with the foreign ministry expressing “its hope that this important step will lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, a complete Israeli withdrawal, the restoration of security and stability and the initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.”

Jordan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, praised the efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States and thanked Turkey for its role in the deal.

Safadi stressed the need for aid to enter Gaza and said Jordan was ready to resume aid deliveries.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said he hoped the initial agreement would “constitute a first step toward a permanent ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in Gaza.”

Aoun called for “continued international and regional efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the region that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people” and for Israel to “halt its aggressive policies in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.”

Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni hailed the agreement, calling it “extraordinary news.”

“This agreement and the broader path outlined by the Trump plan constitute a unique opportunity to end this conflict that must be seized,” Meloni said. “Therefore, I urge all parties to fully respect the measures already agreed upon and to work to swiftly implement the next steps envisaged in the peace plan.”

Meloni said Italy will continue to support the mediators’ efforts, standing “ready to contribute to the stabilization, reconstruction, and development of Gaza.”

Foreign Minister David van Weel, speaking during a visit to Indonesia, said the agreement is “a significant step and a historical turning point for peace and stability in the Middle East.”

“It can put an end to two years of unimaginable suffering. But the full implementation of this plan is crucial. And that starts with the release of hostages, the unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and the cessation of all hostilities,” he said.

“I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on social media.

“After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable,” he said. “Canada calls on all parties to swiftly implement all agreed terms and to work towards a just and lasting peace.”

Carney, like several other leaders, praised Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their role in the negotiations.

“I want to take the opportunity to say that I will sign the candidacy of Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to international peace,” Argentine President Javier Milei posted on X.

“Any other leader with similar achievements would have received it a long time ago,” the libertarian leader and Trump ally wrote.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as a “ray of light.” The announcement brought “hope that after eight decades of conflict and terror, we can break this cycle of violence and build something better,” he said.

“Today the world has cause for real hope,” the Australian leader added.

“We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X.

“Japan welcomes that the agreement on the ‘first phase’ has been reached among the involved parties,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. “This agreement is an important step toward de-escalating the situation and achieving the two-state solution,” he said.

He also praised the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and other mediating countries for their “relentless effort” and sought “sincere and steady implementation” by all involved parties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759965885992.png" alt="President Trump hinting that a deal was close during a White House meeting on Wednesday-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump hinting that a deal was close during a White House meeting on Wednesday-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — World leaders on Thursday expressed hope for peace and urged Israel and Hamas to fulfill their commitments in the hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the parties&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/egypt-gaza-talks-kushner-witkoff-israel-hamas-news-10-08-2025-ac80d3ed50ff2a9b4106ab5e13156651">had agreed to the “first phase”</a>&nbsp;of a deal signaling a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rubio-note-middle-east-peace-f570658c65daefab6d0af9b29e851dd7">major breakthrough</a>&nbsp;in the two-year war in Gaza.Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote on social media.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media: “With God’s help we will bring them all home.”Here's how other leaders responded.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1976306593093341640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Turkey</h2>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country played a role in the negotiations, on Thursday hailed the agreement. In a statement posted on X, Erdogan thanked Trump for “demonstrating the necessary political will” as well as Qatar and Egypt for facilitating the deal.Erdogan said Turkey would closely monitor the full implementation of the agreement and continue to contribute to the process.“I extend my heartfelt greetings to my Palestinian brothers and sisters who have endured indescribable suffering for two years,” he said.Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said sending humanitarian aid to the region is a priority and stressed the urgent need to begin rebuilding Gaza.<h2>Egypt</h2>Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi hailed the deal between Israel and Hamas as a “historic moment.”“This agreement does not only close the chapter of war; it also opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability,” el-Sissi wrote on social media.<h2>United Nations</h2>“The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza,” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement.The U.N. chief urged all parties “to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.”<h2>China</h2>China hoped for a “lasting and comprehensive” ceasefire in Gaza, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying that Xi Jinping's government expects the agreement to ease the “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and calm tensions in the Middle East.“We are ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to promote a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue and the realization of peace and stability in the Middle East,” he said, noting that China advocates for a two-state solution.<h2>France</h2>French President Emmanuel Macron said the agreement is a “great hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the entire region.”In a message posted on X, Macron commended “the efforts of President @realDonaldTrump, as well as the Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators who helped make it happen,” and called on the warring parties “to strictly uphold” the terms of the deal.Macron added that the deal will be discussed in Paris later Thursday during a meeting between European and Arab countries’ foreign ministers on the future of Gaza. “This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution,” he said.<h2>Britain</h2>British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed news of the agreement and urged an immediate lifting of restrictions on aid.Speaking while on a trade mission to India, Starmer praised the “tireless diplomatic efforts” of the U.S., as well as Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in bringing about the deal. The U.K. will support efforts to turn the ceasefire into a “sustainable path” to long-term peace, he said.“This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years,” he said.<h2>Germany</h2>German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the agreement and said he was hopeful for a full deal this week.Merz said the developments are encouraging and there’s “a great opportunity to reach an agreement with Hamas in the coming hours already” for the remaining hostages to be released this week and for the Israeli military to pull back.He told reporters that “hopes regarding Israel and the Gaza Strip increased again last night, but this is not yet really concluded, so we are of course watching the situation very closely and remain optimistic that … a solution will be reached there this week.”<h2>Saudi Arabia</h2>Saudi Arabia welcomed the possible start of a ceasefire, with the foreign ministry expressing “its hope that this important step will lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, a complete Israeli withdrawal, the restoration of security and stability and the initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.”<h2>Jordan</h2>Jordan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, praised the efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States and thanked Turkey for its role in the deal.Safadi stressed the need for aid to enter Gaza and said Jordan was ready to resume aid deliveries.<h2>Lebanon</h2>Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said he hoped the initial agreement would “constitute a first step toward a permanent ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in Gaza.”Aoun called for “continued international and regional efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the region that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people” and for Israel to “halt its aggressive policies in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.”<h2>Italy</h2>Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni hailed the agreement, calling it “extraordinary news.”“This agreement and the broader path outlined by the Trump plan constitute a unique opportunity to end this conflict that must be seized,” Meloni said. “Therefore, I urge all parties to fully respect the measures already agreed upon and to work to swiftly implement the next steps envisaged in the peace plan.”Meloni said Italy will continue to support the mediators’ efforts, standing “ready to contribute to the stabilization, reconstruction, and development of Gaza.”<h2>Netherlands</h2>Foreign Minister David van Weel, speaking during a visit to Indonesia, said the agreement is “a significant step and a historical turning point for peace and stability in the Middle East.”“It can put an end to two years of unimaginable suffering. But the full implementation of this plan is crucial. And that starts with the release of hostages, the unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and the cessation of all hostilities,” he said.<h2>Canada</h2>“I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on social media.“After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable,” he said. “Canada calls on all parties to swiftly implement all agreed terms and to work towards a just and lasting peace.”Carney, like several other leaders, praised Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their role in the negotiations.<h2>Argentina</h2>“I want to take the opportunity to say that I will sign the candidacy of Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to international peace,” Argentine President Javier Milei posted on X.“Any other leader with similar achievements would have received it a long time ago,” the libertarian leader and Trump ally wrote.<h2>Australia</h2>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as a “ray of light.” The announcement brought “hope that after eight decades of conflict and terror, we can break this cycle of violence and build something better,” he said.“Today the world has cause for real hope,” the Australian leader added.<h2>India</h2>“We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X.<h2>Japan</h2>“Japan welcomes that the agreement on the ‘first phase’ has been reached among the involved parties,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. “This agreement is an important step toward de-escalating the situation and achieving the two-state solution,” he said.He also praised the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and other mediating countries for their “relentless effort” and sought “sincere and steady implementation” by all involved parties.

World leaders express hope after Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of peace deal

ELLIS — Ellis High School Volleyball Senior Night is scheduled for Thursday, October 9. 

The Ellis Lady Railers will host a triangular with TMP and Victoria, starting at 4:30 p.m. Seniors and their parents will be honored before the final match of the evening against TMP.

Volleyball seniors are Ashlyn Kroeger, daughter of Matt and Rachael Kroeger; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Eliana Brull, daughter of Steven and Sheresa Brull; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Kia Mader, daughter of Michael and Mindi Mader; Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760022824768.jpeg" alt="Volleyball seniors are Ashlyn Kroeger, daughter of Matt and Rachael Kroeger; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Eliana Brull, daughter of Steven and Sheresa Brull; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Kia Mader, daughter of Michael and Mindi Mader; Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez. Photo by Ellis High School" />
 <figcaption>Volleyball seniors are Ashlyn Kroeger, daughter of Matt and Rachael Kroeger; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Eliana Brull, daughter of Steven and Sheresa Brull; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Kia Mader, daughter of Michael and Mindi Mader; Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez. Photo by Ellis High School</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis High SchoolELLIS — Ellis High School Volleyball Senior Night is scheduled for Thursday, October 9. The Ellis Lady Railers will host a triangular with TMP and Victoria, starting at 4:30 p.m. Seniors and their parents will be honored before the final match of the evening against TMP.Volleyball seniors are Ashlyn Kroeger, daughter of Matt and Rachael Kroeger; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Eliana Brull, daughter of Steven and Sheresa Brull; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Kia Mader, daughter of Michael and Mindi Mader; Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez.

Ellis Railers Volleyball Senior Night celebrated today

Edward 'Ed' Shiltz,
69, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away on August 25, 2025, at Trego County–Lemke
Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 23, 1956, in North Platte, NE, to
William “Bill” and Ruth (Hamar) Shiltz, and graduated with the Class of 1974
from Trego Community High School.

Ed worked in the
automotive repair business while living in Salina, KS; Hays, KS; and Apache
Junction, AZ. When he returned to WaKeeney, he discovered his calling in
working with at-risk youth. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a
personal care assistant through Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas
(DSNWK).

He enjoyed family
gatherings, watching sports, fishing, and driving through the countryside in
his pickup or on his motorcycle. He especially treasured his fishing trips with
his daughter, Ellsa. A faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics
Anonymous for 42 years, he sponsored and guided many individuals on their
journey to sobriety.

Survivors include his
mother, Ruth Shiltz, and his daughter, Ellsa, both of WaKeeney; his sister,
Linda (Larry) of West Des Moines, IA; his brother, Dave (Tess) of Hays, KS; and
his nieces, Emilee (Dave) and their children Payton, Camden, and Sophia of Ankeny,
IA, and Mikayla (Brian) and their children Colby and Cohen of Lenexa, KS. He
was preceded in death by his father, Bill Shiltz; paternal grandparents, George
and Hatie Shiltz; maternal grandparents, Orrin and Vera Hamar; and several
aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins.

Visitation will be
held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N.
12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672. 

A memorial service
will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home in WaKeeney, with interment
afterward at WaKeeney City Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions
may be made to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) and sent in
care of Schmitt Funeral Home. 

Condolences may be
shared at <a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760016686561.jpeg" alt="Edward 'Ed' Shiltz" />
 <figcaption>Edward 'Ed' Shiltz</figcaption>
 </figure>Edward 'Ed' Shiltz,
69, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away on August 25, 2025, at Trego County–Lemke
Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 23, 1956, in North Platte, NE, to
William “Bill” and Ruth (Hamar) Shiltz, and graduated with the Class of 1974
from Trego Community High School.Ed worked in the
automotive repair business while living in Salina, KS; Hays, KS; and Apache
Junction, AZ. When he returned to WaKeeney, he discovered his calling in
working with at-risk youth. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a
personal care assistant through Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas
(DSNWK).He enjoyed family
gatherings, watching sports, fishing, and driving through the countryside in
his pickup or on his motorcycle. He especially treasured his fishing trips with
his daughter, Ellsa. A faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics
Anonymous for 42 years, he sponsored and guided many individuals on their
journey to sobriety.Survivors include his
mother, Ruth Shiltz, and his daughter, Ellsa, both of WaKeeney; his sister,
Linda (Larry) of West Des Moines, IA; his brother, Dave (Tess) of Hays, KS; and
his nieces, Emilee (Dave) and their children Payton, Camden, and Sophia of Ankeny,
IA, and Mikayla (Brian) and their children Colby and Cohen of Lenexa, KS. He
was preceded in death by his father, Bill Shiltz; paternal grandparents, George
and Hatie Shiltz; maternal grandparents, Orrin and Vera Hamar; and several
aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins.Visitation will be
held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N.
12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672. A memorial service
will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home in WaKeeney, with interment
afterward at WaKeeney City Cemetery. Memorial contributions
may be made to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) and sent in
care of Schmitt Funeral Home. Condolences may be
shared at <a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>.

Edward 'Ed' Shiltz

David 'Dave' Eugene Hafliger, 77, has gone fishing in the
great beyond. He passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025. He was born in
Hays, KS, on April 6, 1948, to Calvin and Willa “Ruth” (Gordon) Hafliger. On
August 9, 1970, he was united in marriage to Linda Sue Wynn at the Ogallah
Christian Church. Together they cherished 49 years of marriage and raised four
children before her passing in 2020.

Growing up in a stone house south of WaKeeney, KS, he worked
hard on the family farm. Much of his spare time was spent fishing at the nearby
pond or Big Creek River with cousins and friends, where his lifelong love of
hunting and fishing began. In his teen years, Saturday nights often meant
roller skating at the local rink—where he eventually met his beloved Linda Sue.

A graduate of Trego Community High School in 1966, he spent
summers working on a farm in Kingman, KS, before being drafted into the U.S.
Army at age 19. He served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 and was awarded several
medals, taking special pride in his Marksman (M-14) and Sharpshooter (M-16)
designations. Though he rarely spoke of his time in service, it gave him a
quiet toughness and grit. He later served at Fort Riley, KS, and Fort Polk,
Louisiana, completing his three-year term before enlisting in the U.S. Army
Reserves. His honorable discharge came on March 1, 1974.

Throughout his life he held many jobs to provide for his
family, including driving a milk truck and a fuel truck, welding, roughnecking
in the oil fields, and assisting veterinarians at local sale barns. His
greatest joy, however, came from his role as “Grandpa Dave” or “Old Grandpa.”
He adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending their
activities whenever possible despite recent health challenges. Each new
grandchild received a fishing pole at birth, a tradition that reflected both
his humor and his love. Known for his straight talk and his signature 'Dave
Style' of poking fun, his way of teasing was always his way of saying, “I love
you.”

Survivors include two sons, Jonathan (Teressa) and Jeffrey
(Michelle); two daughters, Jayme (Charles) Ghumm and Jessica (Tracy) Buchholz;
12 grandchildren: Ethan (Whitney), David (Taylor), Kaitlyn (James), Madison
(William), Aliyah, Aspen, Jacy, Abigail, Emily (Hunter), Bryn (Jaycee), Tyrel,
and Jordyn (David); and 18 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two
sisters, Sandy (Dave) Schneider and Linda (Verlin) Weber.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Linda; an infant
great-grandson, Garret James Richmeier; his parents, Calvin and Ruth Hafliger;
an infant brother, Larry Hafliger; his in-laws, Carroll and Deryl Wynn; a
brother-in-law, Joseph Braun Jr.; a nephew, Wayne Braun; and a niece, Diane
Henderson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11,
2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Ogallah Christian Church, 305 Centre St., Ogallah, KS
67656. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
the David Hafliger Memorial Fund and sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th
St., WaKeeney, KS 67672. 

To share memories or leave condolences, please
visit <a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758912713760.jpeg" alt="David 'Dave' Eugene Hafliger" />
 <figcaption>David 'Dave' Eugene Hafliger</figcaption>
 </figure>David 'Dave' Eugene Hafliger, 77, has gone fishing in the
great beyond. He passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025. He was born in
Hays, KS, on April 6, 1948, to Calvin and Willa “Ruth” (Gordon) Hafliger. On
August 9, 1970, he was united in marriage to Linda Sue Wynn at the Ogallah
Christian Church. Together they cherished 49 years of marriage and raised four
children before her passing in 2020.Growing up in a stone house south of WaKeeney, KS, he worked
hard on the family farm. Much of his spare time was spent fishing at the nearby
pond or Big Creek River with cousins and friends, where his lifelong love of
hunting and fishing began. In his teen years, Saturday nights often meant
roller skating at the local rink—where he eventually met his beloved Linda Sue.A graduate of Trego Community High School in 1966, he spent
summers working on a farm in Kingman, KS, before being drafted into the U.S.
Army at age 19. He served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 and was awarded several
medals, taking special pride in his Marksman (M-14) and Sharpshooter (M-16)
designations. Though he rarely spoke of his time in service, it gave him a
quiet toughness and grit. He later served at Fort Riley, KS, and Fort Polk,
Louisiana, completing his three-year term before enlisting in the U.S. Army
Reserves. His honorable discharge came on March 1, 1974.Throughout his life he held many jobs to provide for his
family, including driving a milk truck and a fuel truck, welding, roughnecking
in the oil fields, and assisting veterinarians at local sale barns. His
greatest joy, however, came from his role as “Grandpa Dave” or “Old Grandpa.”
He adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending their
activities whenever possible despite recent health challenges. Each new
grandchild received a fishing pole at birth, a tradition that reflected both
his humor and his love. Known for his straight talk and his signature 'Dave
Style' of poking fun, his way of teasing was always his way of saying, “I love
you.”Survivors include two sons, Jonathan (Teressa) and Jeffrey
(Michelle); two daughters, Jayme (Charles) Ghumm and Jessica (Tracy) Buchholz;
12 grandchildren: Ethan (Whitney), David (Taylor), Kaitlyn (James), Madison
(William), Aliyah, Aspen, Jacy, Abigail, Emily (Hunter), Bryn (Jaycee), Tyrel,
and Jordyn (David); and 18 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two
sisters, Sandy (Dave) Schneider and Linda (Verlin) Weber.Preceding him in death were his wife, Linda; an infant
great-grandson, Garret James Richmeier; his parents, Calvin and Ruth Hafliger;
an infant brother, Larry Hafliger; his in-laws, Carroll and Deryl Wynn; a
brother-in-law, Joseph Braun Jr.; a nephew, Wayne Braun; and a niece, Diane
Henderson.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11,
2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Ogallah Christian Church, 305 Centre St., Ogallah, KS
67656. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
the David Hafliger Memorial Fund and sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th
St., WaKeeney, KS 67672. To share memories or leave condolences, please
visit <a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>

David 'Dave' Eugene Hafliger

Christine
Elaine Butler, age 73, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, formerly of Hays, Kansas, passed
away on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

 She was
born on June 25, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas, to Elmer and Marguerite 'Bunny' (Hoffman) Hildenbrand.
She was a graduate of Wichita Heights High School in 1970 and Fort Hays State
University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree, Chris’s life was defined by
her love for family, community, and the joy she found in connecting with
others. On December 29, 1973, she married Ralph “Buddy” Butler in Wichita,
Kansas, beginning a partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure.


Chris worked as a learning disabilities teacher in Victoria, Kansas, for 18
years, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless students. She was also
instrumental in helping to run the family business, Professional Rental
Management. Outside of her professional life, Chris’s passions included sewing,
quilting, crafting, cooking, and golfing, hobbies that reflected her creative
spirit. She especially loved traveling, with Mexico being a frequent
destination where she and Buddy enjoyed many cherished vacations.


Above all, Chris’s true joy came from being a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Her family was her heart and soul. She will be remembered for her vibrant
personality, warmth, and the way she effortlessly brought people together. Her
sense of humor, her caring nature, and her unwavering devotion to her loved
ones made her a beloved figure in every community she was a part of.


Chris is survived by her loving husband, Buddy, of Sun Lakes, Arizona; sons,
Michael Butler of Hays, Brian Butler and wife Samantha and their children, Lily
and Ian, all of Hays; a brother-in-law, Frank Butler and wife Grace of Sun
Lakes, Arizona; nephews Bill Butler (Claire) of Frisco, Colorado, Bob Butler
(Christy) of Richardson, Texas, and niece Becky Barton (Mike) of Madison, Ohio;
grandchildren Trenton Hendrix (Sneads Ferry, NC), Lacey Elkins of San Diego,
and Jackson Elkins of Hays.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Marguerite “Bunny”
Hildenbrand. 

A celebration of Chris’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 11,
2025, with a memorial visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until service time, at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS
67601.

Following the services a celebration gathering will take place at Smoky Hill
Country Club, 3303 Hall Street.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the FHSU
Foundation, where a scholarship will be established in Chris’s honor.
Please share your memories of Chris on her tribute page at [<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>](<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760013987281.jpeg" alt="Christine Elaine Butler" />
 <figcaption>Christine Elaine Butler</figcaption>
 </figure>Christine
Elaine Butler, age 73, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, formerly of Hays, Kansas, passed
away on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. She was
born on June 25, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas, to Elmer and Marguerite 'Bunny' (Hoffman) Hildenbrand.
She was a graduate of Wichita Heights High School in 1970 and Fort Hays State
University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree, Chris’s life was defined by
her love for family, community, and the joy she found in connecting with
others. On December 29, 1973, she married Ralph “Buddy” Butler in Wichita,
Kansas, beginning a partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
Chris worked as a learning disabilities teacher in Victoria, Kansas, for 18
years, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless students. She was also
instrumental in helping to run the family business, Professional Rental
Management. Outside of her professional life, Chris’s passions included sewing,
quilting, crafting, cooking, and golfing, hobbies that reflected her creative
spirit. She especially loved traveling, with Mexico being a frequent
destination where she and Buddy enjoyed many cherished vacations.
Above all, Chris’s true joy came from being a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Her family was her heart and soul. She will be remembered for her vibrant
personality, warmth, and the way she effortlessly brought people together. Her
sense of humor, her caring nature, and her unwavering devotion to her loved
ones made her a beloved figure in every community she was a part of.
Chris is survived by her loving husband, Buddy, of Sun Lakes, Arizona; sons,
Michael Butler of Hays, Brian Butler and wife Samantha and their children, Lily
and Ian, all of Hays; a brother-in-law, Frank Butler and wife Grace of Sun
Lakes, Arizona; nephews Bill Butler (Claire) of Frisco, Colorado, Bob Butler
(Christy) of Richardson, Texas, and niece Becky Barton (Mike) of Madison, Ohio;
grandchildren Trenton Hendrix (Sneads Ferry, NC), Lacey Elkins of San Diego,
and Jackson Elkins of Hays.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Marguerite “Bunny”
Hildenbrand. A celebration of Chris’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 11,
2025, with a memorial visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until service time, at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS
67601.
Following the services a celebration gathering will take place at Smoky Hill
Country Club, 3303 Hall Street.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the FHSU
Foundation, where a scholarship will be established in Chris’s honor.
Please share your memories of Chris on her tribute page at [<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>](<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Christine Elaine Butler

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Thursday, October 9
 none

Friday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pm

Sunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Thursday, October 9
 noneFriday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pmSaturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pmSunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans voted down legislation Wednesday that would have put a check on President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;ability to use deadly military force against drug cartels after Democrats tried to counter the administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">extraordinary assertion of presidential war powers</a>&nbsp;to destroy vessels in the Caribbean.

The vote fell mostly along party lines, 48-51, with two Republicans, Sens. Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski, voting in favor and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voting against. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the measure.

It was the first vote in Congress on Trump’s military campaign, which according to the White House has so far&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-venezuela-drug-cartels-unlawful-combatants-1848b02febe08acacb82979d7da47dfb">destroyed four vessels</a>, killed at least 21 people and stopped narcotics from reaching the U.S.. The war powers resolution would have required the president to seek authorization from Congress before further military strikes on the cartels.

The Trump administration has asserted that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-indictments-armed-forces-united-states-miami-d82797206561db03851e47df125c243f">drug traffickers</a>&nbsp;are armed combatants threatening the United States, creating justification to use military force. But that assertion has been met with some unease on Capitol Hill.

Some Republicans are asking the White House for more clarification on its legal justification and specifics on how the strikes are conducted, while Democrats insist they are violations of U.S. and international law. It’s a clash that could redefine how the world’s most powerful military uses lethal force and set the tone for future global conflict.

The White House had indicated Trump would veto the legislation, and even though the Senate vote failed it gave lawmakers an opportunity to go on the record with their objections to Trump’s declaration that the U.S. is in “armed conflict” with drug cartels.

“It sends a message when a significant number of legislators say, ‘Hey, this is a bad idea,’” said Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat who pushed the resolution alongside Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California.

Wednesday's vote was brought under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which was intended to reassert congressional power over the declaration of war.

“Congress must not allow the executive branch to become judge, jury and executioner,” Paul, a Kentucky Republican who has long pushed for greater congressional oversight of war powers, said during a floor speech.

Paul was the only Republican to publicly speak in favor of the resolution before the vote, but a number of GOP senators have questioned the strikes on vessels and said they are not receiving enough information from the administration.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, acknowledged “there may be some concern” in the Republican conference about the strikes. However, Republican leaders argued against the resolution on the Senate floor Wednesday, calling it a political ploy from Democrats.

“People were attacking our country by bringing in poisonous substances to deposit into our country that would have killed Americans,” said Sen. Jim Risch, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Fortunately most of those drugs are now at the bottom of the ocean.”

Risch thanked Trump for his actions and added that he hoped the military strikes would continue.

What has the administration told Congress about the strikes?

Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee received a classified briefing last week on the strikes, and Cramer said he was “comfortable with at least the plausibility of their legal argument.” But he added that no one representing intelligence agencies or the military command structure for Central and South America was present for the briefing.

“I’d be more comfortable defending the administration if they shared the information,” he said.

Kaine also said the briefing did not include any information on why the military chose to destroy the vessels rather than interdict them or get into the specifics of how the military was so confident that the vessels were carrying drugs.

“Maybe they were engaged in human trafficking, or maybe it was the wrong ship,” Schiff said. “We just have little or no information about who was onboard these ships or what intelligence was used or what the rationale was and how certain we could be that everyone on that ship deserved to die.”

The Democrats also said the administration has told them it is adding cartels to a list of organizations deemed “narco-terrorists” that are targets for military strikes, but it has not shown the lawmakers a complete list.

“The slow erosion of congressional oversight is not an abstract debate about process,” Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a floor speech. “It is a real and present threat to our democracy.”

Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;visited the Republican Conference for lunch Wednesday to emphasize to senators that they should vote against the legislation. He told the senators the administration was treating cartels like governmental entities because they have seized control of large portions of some Caribbean nations, according to Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota.

“These drug trafficking organizations are a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States to unleash violence and criminality on our streets, fueled by the drugs and the drug profits that they make,” Rubio told reporters at the Capitol. “And the president is the commander in chief, has an obligation to keep our country safe.”

Still, there is worry in the Senate that the recent buildup of U.S. maritime forces in the Caribbean was a sign of shifting U.S. priorities and tactics that could have grave repercussions. Senators warned that further military strikes had the potential to set off a conflict with Venezuela.

“This is the kind of thing that leads a country, unexpectedly and unintentionally, into war," Schiff said.

Following the vote, Sen. Todd Young, an Indiana Republican, said in a statement that even though he voted against the resolution, he was still “highly concerned about the legality” of the strikes.

He also raised concern that the military buildup in the Caribbean could divert resources from countering China's military elsewhere. Young said he would be meeting with Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about those concerns and also called for a hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“The administration should adhere to the Constitution and keep the people’s representatives informed on this critical national security issue,” he said.

Associated Press writer Lisa Mascaro contributed.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans voted down legislation Wednesday that would have put a check on President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;ability to use deadly military force against drug cartels after Democrats tried to counter the administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">extraordinary assertion of presidential war powers</a>&nbsp;to destroy vessels in the Caribbean.The vote fell mostly along party lines, 48-51, with two Republicans, Sens. Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski, voting in favor and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voting against. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the measure.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier this morning, on President Trump&#39;s orders, I directed a lethal, kinetic strike on a narco-trafficking vessel affiliated with Designated Terrorist Organizations in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the… <a href="https://t.co/QpNPljFcGn">pic.twitter.com/QpNPljFcGn</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1974150886084485503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 BREAKING: US Senate REJECTS advancing a measure to stop President Trump and Pete Hegseth from unilaterally striking narco-terrorist boats coming through the Caribbean to poison and kill Americans, 48-51 JOHN FETTERMAN (D) votes NAY. Republicans RAND PAUL and LISA MURKOWSKI… <a href="https://t.co/MEGTdQECXn">pic.twitter.com/MEGTdQECXn</a>&mdash; Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1976080295368523866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It was the first vote in Congress on Trump’s military campaign, which according to the White House has so far&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-venezuela-drug-cartels-unlawful-combatants-1848b02febe08acacb82979d7da47dfb">destroyed four vessels</a>, killed at least 21 people and stopped narcotics from reaching the U.S.. The war powers resolution would have required the president to seek authorization from Congress before further military strikes on the cartels.The Trump administration has asserted that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-indictments-armed-forces-united-states-miami-d82797206561db03851e47df125c243f">drug traffickers</a>&nbsp;are armed combatants threatening the United States, creating justification to use military force. But that assertion has been met with some unease on Capitol Hill.Some Republicans are asking the White House for more clarification on its legal justification and specifics on how the strikes are conducted, while Democrats insist they are violations of U.S. and international law. It’s a clash that could redefine how the world’s most powerful military uses lethal force and set the tone for future global conflict.The White House had indicated Trump would veto the legislation, and even though the Senate vote failed it gave lawmakers an opportunity to go on the record with their objections to Trump’s declaration that the U.S. is in “armed conflict” with drug cartels.“It sends a message when a significant number of legislators say, ‘Hey, this is a bad idea,’” said Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat who pushed the resolution alongside Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California.<h2>What is the War Powers Resolution?</h2>Wednesday's vote was brought under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which was intended to reassert congressional power over the declaration of war.“Congress must not allow the executive branch to become judge, jury and executioner,” Paul, a Kentucky Republican who has long pushed for greater congressional oversight of war powers, said during a floor speech.Paul was the only Republican to publicly speak in favor of the resolution before the vote, but a number of GOP senators have questioned the strikes on vessels and said they are not receiving enough information from the administration.Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, acknowledged “there may be some concern” in the Republican conference about the strikes. However, Republican leaders argued against the resolution on the Senate floor Wednesday, calling it a political ploy from Democrats.“People were attacking our country by bringing in poisonous substances to deposit into our country that would have killed Americans,” said Sen. Jim Risch, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Fortunately most of those drugs are now at the bottom of the ocean.”Risch thanked Trump for his actions and added that he hoped the military strikes would continue.<h2>What has the administration told Congress about the strikes?</h2>Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee received a classified briefing last week on the strikes, and Cramer said he was “comfortable with at least the plausibility of their legal argument.” But he added that no one representing intelligence agencies or the military command structure for Central and South America was present for the briefing.“I’d be more comfortable defending the administration if they shared the information,” he said.Kaine also said the briefing did not include any information on why the military chose to destroy the vessels rather than interdict them or get into the specifics of how the military was so confident that the vessels were carrying drugs.“Maybe they were engaged in human trafficking, or maybe it was the wrong ship,” Schiff said. “We just have little or no information about who was onboard these ships or what intelligence was used or what the rationale was and how certain we could be that everyone on that ship deserved to die.”The Democrats also said the administration has told them it is adding cartels to a list of organizations deemed “narco-terrorists” that are targets for military strikes, but it has not shown the lawmakers a complete list.“The slow erosion of congressional oversight is not an abstract debate about process,” Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a floor speech. “It is a real and present threat to our democracy.”<h2>A visit from Rubio</h2>Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;visited the Republican Conference for lunch Wednesday to emphasize to senators that they should vote against the legislation. He told the senators the administration was treating cartels like governmental entities because they have seized control of large portions of some Caribbean nations, according to Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota.“These drug trafficking organizations are a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States to unleash violence and criminality on our streets, fueled by the drugs and the drug profits that they make,” Rubio told reporters at the Capitol. “And the president is the commander in chief, has an obligation to keep our country safe.”Still, there is worry in the Senate that the recent buildup of U.S. maritime forces in the Caribbean was a sign of shifting U.S. priorities and tactics that could have grave repercussions. Senators warned that further military strikes had the potential to set off a conflict with Venezuela.“This is the kind of thing that leads a country, unexpectedly and unintentionally, into war," Schiff said.Following the vote, Sen. Todd Young, an Indiana Republican, said in a statement that even though he voted against the resolution, he was still “highly concerned about the legality” of the strikes.He also raised concern that the military buildup in the Caribbean could divert resources from countering China's military elsewhere. Young said he would be meeting with Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about those concerns and also called for a hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.“The administration should adhere to the Constitution and keep the people’s representatives informed on this critical national security issue,” he said.___Associated Press writer Lisa Mascaro contributed.

Moran, Marshall help Senate vote down check of Trump's use of war powers against cartels

WASHINGTON (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/article/egypt-gaza-talks-kushner-witkoff-israel-hamas-news-10-08-2025-ac80d3ed50ff2a9b4106ab5e13156651">Israel and Hamas have agreed</a>&nbsp;to the “first phase” of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-hamas-war-explainer-d5c5057d2fe9e2e255215850b454f601">U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan</a>&nbsp;to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rubio-note-middle-east-peace-f570658c65daefab6d0af9b29e851dd7">major breakthrough</a>&nbsp;in the two-year-old war.

Under the plan, Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media, “With God’s help we will bring them all home.” Hamas said separately that the deal would ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops as well as allow for the entry of aid and exchange of hostages and prisoners.

Uncertainty remains about some of the thornier aspects of the plan, such as whether and how Hamas will disarm, and who will govern Gaza.

Hamas official says some 2,000 prisoners to be released

A senior Hamas official has said five border crossings will be opened for aid to flow into the Gaza Strip, some 2,000 prisoners will be released and Israeli troops will withdraw from heavily populated areas as part of the U.S.-mediated deal to end the two-year war.

Osama Hamdan told the pan-Arab Al-Araby TV that 250 prisoners serving long sentences will be released in addition to 1,700 who were taken prisoner during the war in Gaza.

“We have put the names of all the commanders that we want released,” Hamdan said.

“The Israelis should withdraw from all heavily populated areas especially Gaza City, Khan Younis, Rafah and north Gaza,” he added.

The Israeli army is expected to start withdrawing on Friday but it could start as early as late Thursday, Hamdan said.

Gaza paramedic: Peace plan is a ‘moment of joy’

The head of paramedics in northern Gaza says the agreement between Israel and Hamas is a “moment of joy” because it means an end to the relentless bloodshed and killings that have claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Fares Afana said his team’s priority is to remove bodies from under the rubble and on the roads which were inaccessible during intense bombings.

“After two years of this genocide, injustice and oppression, we are physically and psychologically tired,” he added. “Only now after the ceasefire announcement, we can cry for our colleagues who were killed.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his Security Cabinet late Thursday to approve the ceasefire. The entire parliament will then meet to approve the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Both the ceasefire deal and the release of prisoners are expected to pass with wide margins, even if far right ministers vote against it.

After the approval, Israel will publish a list of the prisoners expected to be released. Victims of attacks carried out by the prisoners will have 24 hours to petition the Israeli Supreme Court to halt the releases if they object.

Although petitions are expected, the Supreme Court has never intervened to halt a prisoner release in previous deals, said Amichai Cohen, a senior fellow at the Jerusalem think tank Israel Democracy Institute and an expert in national security law.

Thousands of observant Jews rejoice in Jerusalem

Thousands of observant Jews have streamed into Jerusalem’s old city to mark the holiday of Sukkot at the Wall, with extra rejoicing for the upcoming release of the hostages in Gaza.

“God is making miracles, we know from the past. But today we saw it,” said Avi Kozman, who was holding Sukkot’s traditional palm branch after receiving the Priestly Blessing, or Birkat Kohanim.