WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Sunday announced he is appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, the vast, semi-autonomous territory of Denmark that Trump has said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-offshore-drilling-gulf-of-america-fa66f8d072eb39c00a8128a8941ede75">U.S. needs to take over.</a>

“Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World,” Trump said in announcing the appointment.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-greenland-norway-panama-canal-canada-a52858e3075f9b5ad95e78753293fc1f">during his presidential transition</a>&nbsp;and in the early months of his return to the White House repeatedly called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, and has not ruled out military force to take control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.

The issue had drifted out of the headlines in recent months, but in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-6c9544314792cf1e287e21af06111c1e">Danish officials summoned the U.S. ambassador</a>&nbsp;following a report that at least three people with connections to Trump had carried out covert influence operations in Greenland.

Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-american-military-pituffik-space-base-denmark-746d67b1bc8e6681328a809787412495">U.S. military base</a>&nbsp;on the island and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-dd58fe169672042f803886da55ff3c0b">accused Denmark of underinvesting</a>&nbsp;there.

Trump has said that Greenland is crucial for U.S. security and hasn’t ruled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-834785773189f2f12ec6b09f8c5a9321">taking the island by military force</a>, even though Denmark is a NATO ally of the U.S.

Landry took office as governor in January 2024. His term ends in January 2028.

“It's an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” Landry wrote in a posting on X in which he thanked Trump for the appointment. He added, "This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”

Denmark, a NATO ally of the U.S., and Greenland have said the island is not for sale and condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there. The U.S. push for Greenland is also opposed by Russia and much of Europe.

The Embassy of Denmark in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Landry's appointment.

The Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in a report earlier this month that the United States is using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against friend and foe alike.

The service, in its annual assessment, said Washington’s greater assertiveness under the Trump administration also comes as China and Russia seek to diminish Western, especially American, influence.

"The strategic importance of the Arctic is rising as the conflict between Russia and the West intensifies, and the growing security and strategic focus on the Arctic by the United States will further accelerate these developments,” the report said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766430284412.png" alt="Gov. Jeff Landry-image from CSPAN video" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jeff Landry-image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Sunday announced he is appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, the vast, semi-autonomous territory of Denmark that Trump has said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-offshore-drilling-gulf-of-america-fa66f8d072eb39c00a8128a8941ede75">U.S. needs to take over.</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/lRjG11rMSu">pic.twitter.com/lRjG11rMSu</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2002927574440186264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World,” Trump said in announcing the appointment.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>! It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S. This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!&mdash; Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAGovJeffLandry/status/2002950029494124986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-greenland-norway-panama-canal-canada-a52858e3075f9b5ad95e78753293fc1f">during his presidential transition</a>&nbsp;and in the early months of his return to the White House repeatedly called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, and has not ruled out military force to take control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.The issue had drifted out of the headlines in recent months, but in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-6c9544314792cf1e287e21af06111c1e">Danish officials summoned the U.S. ambassador</a>&nbsp;following a report that at least three people with connections to Trump had carried out covert influence operations in Greenland.Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-american-military-pituffik-space-base-denmark-746d67b1bc8e6681328a809787412495">U.S. military base</a>&nbsp;on the island and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-dd58fe169672042f803886da55ff3c0b">accused Denmark of underinvesting</a>&nbsp;there.Trump has said that Greenland is crucial for U.S. security and hasn’t ruled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-834785773189f2f12ec6b09f8c5a9321">taking the island by military force</a>, even though Denmark is a NATO ally of the U.S.Landry took office as governor in January 2024. His term ends in January 2028.“It's an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” Landry wrote in a posting on X in which he thanked Trump for the appointment. He added, "This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”Denmark, a NATO ally of the U.S., and Greenland have said the island is not for sale and condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there. The U.S. push for Greenland is also opposed by Russia and much of Europe.The Embassy of Denmark in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Landry's appointment.The Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in a report earlier this month that the United States is using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against friend and foe alike.The service, in its annual assessment, said Washington’s greater assertiveness under the Trump administration also comes as China and Russia seek to diminish Western, especially American, influence."The strategic importance of the Arctic is rising as the conflict between Russia and the West intensifies, and the growing security and strategic focus on the Arctic by the United States will further accelerate these developments,” the report said.

Trump takes next step in effort to make Greenland part of U.S.

Congratulations to Reindeer Radio week five winner,&nbsp;Elaine Haberman.

This week's feature sponsor is&nbsp;Brogden Automotive of Hays.

Thank you from everyone at&nbsp;94.3 FM / 1400 AM KAYS, Hays Post and Eagle Media for listening and playing Reindeer Radio this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766420136339.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Reindeer Radio week five winner,&nbsp;Elaine Haberman.This week's feature sponsor is&nbsp;Brogden Automotive of Hays.Thank you from everyone at&nbsp;94.3 FM / 1400 AM KAYS, Hays Post and Eagle Media for listening and playing Reindeer Radio this year.

Week 5 Reindeer Radio winner announced

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays City Commission will meet on Tuesday instead of Thursday due to the Christmas holiday.

Doug Williams of Grow Hays will present an explanation of available economic incentives.&nbsp;

Commissioners will then vote on six items for two development projects&nbsp;that were reviewed  during last week's work session.&nbsp;

Jesse Rohr, public works director, will present recommended bid awards related to the new Tallgrass 4th Addition housing development in east Hays, a joint venture between Heart of America Development Corporation and the city.&nbsp;

The low bidder for street, storm sewer, water and sanitary sewer improvements was Hess Services, Hays, at slightly more than $4 million. Rohr also recommended a construction inspection agreement with Sloan Engineering and Inspection, Hays, for $196,000.

Platting and zoning of the proposed 101-lot development were completed in early 2025. The project is planned to be built in one phase, beginning in March.

A rezoning request from agriculture to commercial general district and annexation of the city-owned 90 acres on both sides of Interstate 70, Exit 161, will be presented by Rohr. The south side acreage is the site of the city's tree farm, which Rohr said would be relocated as development gets underway.

A $3.9 million contract for the installation of water, sewer and street infrastructure has already been approved with Smoky Hill, Salina.&nbsp;

Funding for construction services will be paid from&nbsp;general&nbsp;obligation bonds.&nbsp;A&nbsp;portion&nbsp;of the project will be funded with a $2 million state grant&nbsp;acquired&nbsp;by Grow Hays.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;initial&nbsp;new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to&nbsp;8 acres, for commercial and residential development.

Kim Rupp, city finance director, will present an updated city boundary map following the annexation of two properties, Berexco and Covenant Estates 1st Addition Annexation, into the city limits this year.&nbsp;

The reappointment of Hali Bielser, Hays resident, to the CARE Council will be considered.

Lease and option to purchase for Agiliti

Agiliti is requesting the city of Hays approve an assignment from FF, LLC (Frickey-Sizewise) to Agiliti for creating a lease and option to purchase signed in 2011. The city purchased the property and leased it back to FF, with an option to purchase. As part of its expansion project, Agiliti is purchasing the land and facility from FF and also seeking the lease and option to purchase the adjacent parcel. The city receives $500 annually as part of the existing lease.&nbsp;

The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12232025-1588">here</a>. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays City Commission will meet on Tuesday instead of Thursday due to the Christmas holiday.Doug Williams of Grow Hays will present an explanation of available economic incentives.&nbsp;Commissioners will then vote on six items for two development projects&nbsp;that were reviewed during last week's work session.&nbsp;Tallgrass 4th AdditionJesse Rohr, public works director, will present recommended bid awards related to the new Tallgrass 4th Addition housing development in east Hays, a joint venture between Heart of America Development Corporation and the city.&nbsp;The low bidder for street, storm sewer, water and sanitary sewer improvements was Hess Services, Hays, at slightly more than $4 million. Rohr also recommended a construction inspection agreement with Sloan Engineering and Inspection, Hays, for $196,000.Platting and zoning of the proposed 101-lot development were completed in early 2025. The project is planned to be built in one phase, beginning in March.I-70, Exit 161&nbsp;A rezoning request from agriculture to commercial general district and annexation of the city-owned 90 acres on both sides of Interstate 70, Exit 161, will be presented by Rohr. The south side acreage is the site of the city's tree farm, which Rohr said would be relocated as development gets underway.A $3.9 million contract for the installation of water, sewer and street infrastructure has already been approved with Smoky Hill, Salina.&nbsp;Funding for construction services will be paid from&nbsp;general&nbsp;obligation bonds.&nbsp;A&nbsp;portion&nbsp;of the project will be funded with a $2 million state grant&nbsp;acquired&nbsp;by Grow Hays.&nbsp;The&nbsp;initial&nbsp;new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to&nbsp;8 acres, for commercial and residential development.Boundary updateKim Rupp, city finance director, will present an updated city boundary map following the annexation of two properties, Berexco and Covenant Estates 1st Addition Annexation, into the city limits this year.&nbsp;CARE CouncilThe reappointment of Hali Bielser, Hays resident, to the CARE Council will be considered.Lease and option to purchase for AgilitiAgiliti is requesting the city of Hays approve an assignment from FF, LLC (Frickey-Sizewise) to Agiliti for creating a lease and option to purchase signed in 2011. The city purchased the property and leased it back to FF, with an option to purchase. As part of its expansion project, Agiliti is purchasing the land and facility from FF and also seeking the lease and option to purchase the adjacent parcel. The city receives $500 annually as part of the existing lease.&nbsp;The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12232025-1588">here</a>. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission to hear from Grow Hays about economic incentives 

Wichita State University men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills is sharing a deeply personal story after surviving a life-threatening cardiac emergency earlier this month—an experience he says could have ended very differently had even a few circumstances changed.

Mills explained that two weeks ago, following a road game at Northern Iowa, he began experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing immediately after the final buzzer.

“I realized something wasn’t right,” Mills said. “It felt like my chest had a skeletal fracture, and it was extremely hard to breathe.”

Despite the pain, Mills completed postgame responsibilities before sitting down in the locker room, exhausted and struggling to move. With a winter storm impacting travel plans, the team ultimately boarded a late-night flight rather than returning by bus. Mills said that decision may have saved his life.

After landing shortly after 1 a.m., Mills told his wife he needed to go to the hospital. Doctors immediately performed an EKG and identified abnormalities, admitting him overnight while a cardiac team was called in. Mills said the next thing he remembers is waking up after undergoing emergency cardiac surgery.

Doctors later told Mills his right coronary artery was 100 percent blocked and had gone without blood flow for approximately six hours. Multiple stents were inserted to restore circulation.

According to his cardiologist, survival rates for that type of cardiac event drop to about 50 percent if treatment is not received within the first hour.

“There were so many moments where this could have gone the other way,” Mills said. “If we had gotten on a bus, if I had gone to a hotel, if I had gone to the wrong hospital, or if I had ignored the pain and gone to sleep—I likely wouldn’t be here.”

Mills credited what he described as a series of providential circumstances for his survival, noting that he does not drink or smoke and runs regularly.

“I thought I was doing everything right,” he said. “What I didn’t realize was that about 80 percent of my cholesterol issue was hereditary.”

Despite being released from the intensive care unit on a Wednesday, Mills returned to the bench just days later for Wichita State’s game against DePaul, under strict medical supervision and while wearing heart-monitoring equipment.

“I wouldn’t recommend getting out of the ICU on a Wednesday and coaching on a Saturday,” Mills said. “But I wanted to show up for our players.”

Mills said doctors initially warned his wife they were uncertain about his long-term quality of life, and a chaplain was brought in following surgery. Today, however, Mills says he feels better than he has in years.

“It’s like living your whole life with low water pressure and suddenly everything is wide open,” he said. “I had no idea how restricted my blood flow was.”

Mills said the experience has changed his perspective on life and work, and he urged others—especially young people—not to ignore warning signs or skip routine medical checkups.

“There are two conditions,” Mills said. “There’s death, and there’s life. And I have life. For that, I’m grateful.”

He closed his remarks by reflecting on the meaning of the holiday season.

“Christmas is both sacred and solemn,” Mills said. “Some families have empty chairs at the table. We almost had that. Don’t take a single day for granted.”

Mills ended with a message he said now carries deeper meaning than ever before:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766374573296.png" alt="Wichita State University Head Men's Basketball addresses the media following their game versus Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 21, 2025 (Photo from Wichita State University Youtube video)" />
 <figcaption>Wichita State University Head Men's Basketball addresses the media following their game versus Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 21, 2025 (Photo from Wichita State University Youtube video)</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostWichita State University men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills is sharing a deeply personal story after surviving a life-threatening cardiac emergency earlier this month—an experience he says could have ended very differently had even a few circumstances changed.Mills explained that two weeks ago, following a road game at Northern Iowa, he began experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing immediately after the final buzzer.“I realized something wasn’t right,” Mills said. “It felt like my chest had a skeletal fracture, and it was extremely hard to breathe.”Despite the pain, Mills completed postgame responsibilities before sitting down in the locker room, exhausted and struggling to move. With a winter storm impacting travel plans, the team ultimately boarded a late-night flight rather than returning by bus. Mills said that decision may have saved his life.After landing shortly after 1 a.m., Mills told his wife he needed to go to the hospital. Doctors immediately performed an EKG and identified abnormalities, admitting him overnight while a cardiac team was called in. Mills said the next thing he remembers is waking up after undergoing emergency cardiac surgery.Doctors later told Mills his right coronary artery was 100 percent blocked and had gone without blood flow for approximately six hours. Multiple stents were inserted to restore circulation.According to his cardiologist, survival rates for that type of cardiac event drop to about 50 percent if treatment is not received within the first hour.“There were so many moments where this could have gone the other way,” Mills said. “If we had gotten on a bus, if I had gone to a hotel, if I had gone to the wrong hospital, or if I had ignored the pain and gone to sleep—I likely wouldn’t be here.”Mills credited what he described as a series of providential circumstances for his survival, noting that he does not drink or smoke and runs regularly.“I thought I was doing everything right,” he said. “What I didn’t realize was that about 80 percent of my cholesterol issue was hereditary.”Despite being released from the intensive care unit on a Wednesday, Mills returned to the bench just days later for Wichita State’s game against DePaul, under strict medical supervision and while wearing heart-monitoring equipment.“I wouldn’t recommend getting out of the ICU on a Wednesday and coaching on a Saturday,” Mills said. “But I wanted to show up for our players.”Mills said doctors initially warned his wife they were uncertain about his long-term quality of life, and a chaplain was brought in following surgery. Today, however, Mills says he feels better than he has in years.“It’s like living your whole life with low water pressure and suddenly everything is wide open,” he said. “I had no idea how restricted my blood flow was.”Mills said the experience has changed his perspective on life and work, and he urged others—especially young people—not to ignore warning signs or skip routine medical checkups.“There are two conditions,” Mills said. “There’s death, and there’s life. And I have life. For that, I’m grateful.”He closed his remarks by reflecting on the meaning of the holiday season.“Christmas is both sacred and solemn,” Mills said. “Some families have empty chairs at the table. We almost had that. Don’t take a single day for granted.”Mills ended with a message he said now carries deeper meaning than ever before:

Wichita State coach shares story of cardiac emergency

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, said property taxes are a top concern she hears from constituents and asked the Ellis County Commission for potential tax relief ideas the Kansas Legislature could consider.

"I don't know what the answer is," Wasinger said. "For six years, I was on the Tax Committee. We tried various things to help Kansans get tax relief, but I think I need to hear from you."&nbsp;

Wasinger discussed property taxes with the commission during its Tuesday meeting. Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the county can only do so much as costs continue to rise, adding state policy changes often shift the tax burden rather than reduce it.

"We keep losing tools out of our toolbox and keep getting limited on what we can and can't do, and then we get told we're not doing it right," Leiker said.

Leiker said the county has lost revenue sources to the state, such as mortgage processing fees, and now faces additional impacts from newly approved property tax exemptions that remove specific items from taxation beginning Jan. 1.

Commissioner Michael Berges said property taxes are unpopular largely because of their complexity and suggested simplifying the system.

"The less you tax something, it means that has to be picked up somewhere else," he said. "That's what frustrates me from a legislative standpoint. Every time we add a new exemption, a change to assessed rates or caps, it just puts pressure somewhere else."

Wasinger asked if Berges was suggesting a flat tax, to which he responded, "potentially."

Wasinger said efforts to pass an income tax were difficult to advance. Commissioner Neal Younger said he would support a flat tax if possible.

Younger questioned what happened to the lottery funds expected decades ago to support county infrastructure. Wasinger said she would look into the issue and that gambling revenue is being explored as a potential offset for county property taxes.

The commission and Wasinger also discussed the possibility of generating new revenue from local energy development, including wind, solar oil and agriculture.

Eugene Rupp, county appraiser, updated the commission on legislative changes that removed several types of personal property from taxation. Rupp said while some taxpayers will see relief, the change is not a tax reduction.

"Where personal property was picking up a bit of that burden, that now gets shifted to the real estate side," Rupp said.

Rupp said the exemptions would remove about $1 million in assessed valuation, equivalent to taking 35 homes valued at $250,000 off the tax rolls.

Exemptions apply to off-road vehicles, such as ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, off-road motorcycles and snowmobiles. Watercraft and marine equipment include boats and jet skis, and personal trailers with a loaded weight of 15,000 pounds or less.&nbsp;

If you have questions about which properties are included in the exemption, contact the Ellis County Appraiser's Office <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/91/Appraiser">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748874047174.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostRep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, said property taxes are a top concern she hears from constituents and asked the Ellis County Commission for potential tax relief ideas the Kansas Legislature could consider."I don't know what the answer is," Wasinger said. "For six years, I was on the Tax Committee. We tried various things to help Kansans get tax relief, but I think I need to hear from you."&nbsp;Wasinger discussed property taxes with the commission during its Tuesday meeting. Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the county can only do so much as costs continue to rise, adding state policy changes often shift the tax burden rather than reduce it."We keep losing tools out of our toolbox and keep getting limited on what we can and can't do, and then we get told we're not doing it right," Leiker said.Leiker said the county has lost revenue sources to the state, such as mortgage processing fees, and now faces additional impacts from newly approved property tax exemptions that remove specific items from taxation beginning Jan. 1.Commissioner Michael Berges said property taxes are unpopular largely because of their complexity and suggested simplifying the system."The less you tax something, it means that has to be picked up somewhere else," he said. "That's what frustrates me from a legislative standpoint. Every time we add a new exemption, a change to assessed rates or caps, it just puts pressure somewhere else."Wasinger asked if Berges was suggesting a flat tax, to which he responded, "potentially."Wasinger said efforts to pass an income tax were difficult to advance. Commissioner Neal Younger said he would support a flat tax if possible.Younger questioned what happened to the lottery funds expected decades ago to support county infrastructure. Wasinger said she would look into the issue and that gambling revenue is being explored as a potential offset for county property taxes.The commission and Wasinger also discussed the possibility of generating new revenue from local energy development, including wind, solar oil and agriculture.Eugene Rupp, county appraiser, updated the commission on legislative changes that removed several types of personal property from taxation. Rupp said while some taxpayers will see relief, the change is not a tax reduction."Where personal property was picking up a bit of that burden, that now gets shifted to the real estate side," Rupp said.Rupp said the exemptions would remove about $1 million in assessed valuation, equivalent to taking 35 homes valued at $250,000 off the tax rolls.Exemptions apply to off-road vehicles, such as ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, off-road motorcycles and snowmobiles. Watercraft and marine equipment include boats and jet skis, and personal trailers with a loaded weight of 15,000 pounds or less.&nbsp;If you have questions about which properties are included in the exemption, contact the Ellis County Appraiser's Office <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/91/Appraiser">here</a>.

Rep. Wasinger seeks Ellis County commissioners' input on property tax relief

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday defended the Justice Department’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">release just a fraction</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;files by the congressionally mandated deadline as necessary to protect survivors of sexual abuse by the disgraced financier.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the Epstein files and do a search

Blanche pledged that the Trump administration eventually would meet its obligation required by law. But he stressed that the department was obligated to act with caution as it goes about making public thousands of documents that can include sensitive information.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">Friday's partial release</a>&nbsp;of the Epstein files has led to a new crush of criticism from Democrats who have accused the Republican administration of trying to hide information.

Blanche called that pushback disingenuous as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;administration continues to struggle with calls for greater transparency, including from members of his political base, about the government’s investigations into Epstein, who once counted Trump as well as several political leaders and business titans among his peers.

“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply that to protect victims,” Blanche told NBC's "Meet the Press." “So the same individuals that are out there complaining about the lack of documents that were produced on Friday are the same individuals who apparently don’t want us to protect victims.”

Blanche's comments were the most extensive by the administration since the file dump, which included photographs, interview transcripts, call logs, court records and other documents. But some of the most consequential records expected about Epstein were nowhere to be found, such as FBI interviews with survivors and internal Justice Department memos examining charging decisions. Those records could help explain how investigators viewed the case and why Epstein was allowed in 2008 to plead guilty to a relatively minor state-level prostitution charge.

Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and that the public should focus on other issues.

Federal prosecutors in New York brought sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">he killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;after his arrest.

Democrat see a cover-up, not an effort to protect victims

But Democratic lawmakers on Sunday hammered Trump and the Justice Department for a partial release.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., argued that the Justice Department is obstructing the implementation of the law mandating the release of the documents not because it wants to protect the Epstein victims.

“It’s all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn’t want to go public, either about himself, other members of his family, friends, Jeffrey Epstein, or just the social, business, cultural network that he was involved in for at least a decade, if not longer," he said on CNN's “State of the Union.”

Blanche also defended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-9290fcaad1cb6fcb1cbc1befabc01994">department's decision to remove several files</a>&nbsp;related to the case from its public webpage, including a photograph showing Trump, less than a day after they were posted.

The missing files, which were available Friday but no longer accessible by Saturday, included images of paintings depicting nude women, and one showed a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. In that image, inside a drawer among other photos, was a photograph of Trump, alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Epstein’s longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Blanche said the documents were removed because they also showed victims of Epstein. Blanche said that Trump photo and the other documents will be reposted once redactions are made to protect survivors.

“It has nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche said. “There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr. Epstein.”

The thousands of Epstein-related records posted publicly offer the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">scrutiny of Epstein’s sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;of young women and underage girls. Yet Friday's release, replete with redactions, has not dulled the clamor for information given how many records had yet to be released and because some of the materials had already been made public.

Justice Department has just learned the names of more potential victims, Blanche says

Blanche said that the department continues to review the trove of documents and has learned the names of additional potential victims in recent days.

The deputy attorney general also defended the decision by the federal Bureau of Prisons, which Blanche oversees, to transfer Maxwell to a less restrictive, minimum-security federal prison earlier this year soon after he interviewed her about Epstein. Blanche said that the transfer was made because of concerns about her safety.

Maxwell, Epstein's onetime girlfriend, is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for her 2021 conviction for sex trafficking crimes.

“She was suffering numerous and numerous threats against her life,” Blanche said. “So the BOP is not only responsible for putting people in jail and making sure they stay in jail, but also for their safety.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., have indicated they could draft articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi for what they see as the gross failure of the department to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

“It’s not about the timeline, it’s about the selective concealment,” Khanna said on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” adding that the redactions in the released files are excessive. He said he believes there will be "bipartisan support in holding her accountable, and a committee of Congress should determine whether these redactions are justified or not."

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said on ABC's “This Week” that there needs “to be a full and complete explanation and then a full and complete investigation as to why the document production has fallen short of what the law clearly required,” but he stopped short of backing impeachment.

“Bring it on,” Blanche said. “We are doing everything we’re supposed to be doing to comply with this statute.”

Gómez Licón reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday defended the Justice Department’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">release just a fraction</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;files by the congressionally mandated deadline as necessary to protect survivors of sexual abuse by the disgraced financier.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the Epstein files and do a search<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ZbpE6Uq6xh">pic.twitter.com/ZbpE6Uq6xh</a>&mdash; U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept/status/2002843217633632644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Blanche pledged that the Trump administration eventually would meet its obligation required by law. But he stressed that the department was obligated to act with caution as it goes about making public thousands of documents that can include sensitive information.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">Friday's partial release</a>&nbsp;of the Epstein files has led to a new crush of criticism from Democrats who have accused the Republican administration of trying to hide information.Blanche called that pushback disingenuous as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;administration continues to struggle with calls for greater transparency, including from members of his political base, about the government’s investigations into Epstein, who once counted Trump as well as several political leaders and business titans among his peers.“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply that to protect victims,” Blanche told NBC's "Meet the Press." “So the same individuals that are out there complaining about the lack of documents that were produced on Friday are the same individuals who apparently don’t want us to protect victims.”Blanche's comments were the most extensive by the administration since the file dump, which included photographs, interview transcripts, call logs, court records and other documents. But some of the most consequential records expected about Epstein were nowhere to be found, such as FBI interviews with survivors and internal Justice Department memos examining charging decisions. Those records could help explain how investigators viewed the case and why Epstein was allowed in 2008 to plead guilty to a relatively minor state-level prostitution charge.Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and that the public should focus on other issues.Federal prosecutors in New York brought sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">he killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;after his arrest.<h2>Democrat see a cover-up, not an effort to protect victims</h2>But Democratic lawmakers on Sunday hammered Trump and the Justice Department for a partial release.Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., argued that the Justice Department is obstructing the implementation of the law mandating the release of the documents not because it wants to protect the Epstein victims.“It’s all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn’t want to go public, either about himself, other members of his family, friends, Jeffrey Epstein, or just the social, business, cultural network that he was involved in for at least a decade, if not longer," he said on CNN's “State of the Union.”Blanche also defended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-9290fcaad1cb6fcb1cbc1befabc01994">department's decision to remove several files</a>&nbsp;related to the case from its public webpage, including a photograph showing Trump, less than a day after they were posted.The missing files, which were available Friday but no longer accessible by Saturday, included images of paintings depicting nude women, and one showed a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. In that image, inside a drawer among other photos, was a photograph of Trump, alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Epstein’s longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.Blanche said the documents were removed because they also showed victims of Epstein. Blanche said that Trump photo and the other documents will be reposted once redactions are made to protect survivors.“It has nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche said. “There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr. Epstein.”The thousands of Epstein-related records posted publicly offer the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">scrutiny of Epstein’s sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;of young women and underage girls. Yet Friday's release, replete with redactions, has not dulled the clamor for information given how many records had yet to be released and because some of the materials had already been made public.<h2>Justice Department has just learned the names of more potential victims, Blanche says</h2>Blanche said that the department continues to review the trove of documents and has learned the names of additional potential victims in recent days.The deputy attorney general also defended the decision by the federal Bureau of Prisons, which Blanche oversees, to transfer Maxwell to a less restrictive, minimum-security federal prison earlier this year soon after he interviewed her about Epstein. Blanche said that the transfer was made because of concerns about her safety.Maxwell, Epstein's onetime girlfriend, is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for her 2021 conviction for sex trafficking crimes.“She was suffering numerous and numerous threats against her life,” Blanche said. “So the BOP is not only responsible for putting people in jail and making sure they stay in jail, but also for their safety.”Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., have indicated they could draft articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi for what they see as the gross failure of the department to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.“It’s not about the timeline, it’s about the selective concealment,” Khanna said on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” adding that the redactions in the released files are excessive. He said he believes there will be "bipartisan support in holding her accountable, and a committee of Congress should determine whether these redactions are justified or not."House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said on ABC's “This Week” that there needs “to be a full and complete explanation and then a full and complete investigation as to why the document production has fallen short of what the law clearly required,” but he stopped short of backing impeachment.Blanche dismissed the impeachment talk.“Bring it on,” Blanche said. “We are doing everything we’re supposed to be doing to comply with this statute.”___Gómez Licón reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

DOJ issues new statement on release of Epstein files

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, and the Tennessee Titans snapped an 11-game home skid by beating the Kansas City Chiefs 26-9 on Sunday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tennessee-titans">The Titans</a>&nbsp;(3-12) improved to 1-7 at home this season with their first win at Nissan Stadium since Nov. 3, 2024. The skid matched the franchise's worst since moving to Tennessee in 1997.

With two games left, the Chiefs (6-9) are assured of their first losing record since 2012 — their most recent season without&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/andy-reid">Andy Reid</a>&nbsp;as their coach. Kansas City has lost four straight, its longest skid since 2017, and six of seven.

A week after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, his backup, Gardner Minshew, was knocked out of the game&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-gardner-minshew-oladokun-0e3f9902a0a84f1e40042ecb5e86520e">with a knee injury</a>&nbsp;early in the second quarter.

Ward posted his highest passer rating of this season at 122.3, and he overtook Marcus Mariota for the most yards passing by a rookie for the franchise. He helped the Titans roll up a season-high 377 yards of offense against a Chiefs defense that came in as the NFL's eighth-stingiest in yards allowed.

The rookie threw a shovel pass to Chig Okonkwo that went 7 yards to put the Titans ahead to stay late in the first half. Ward also found fellow rookie Chimere Dike for a 1-yard TD in the third quarter.

Tony Pollard ran for 102 yards, giving him three straight 100-yard rushing games for the first time in his career. Tyjae Spears added a 4-yard rushing TD, and Joey Slye had a 27-yard field goal for the final margin.

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons tackled Kareem Hunt in the end zone&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Titans/status/2002816587255222583?s=20">for a safety</a>&nbsp;and a 2-0 lead early in the second quarter. Simmons also batted down a pair of passes. The Titans finished with four sacks.

The battered Chiefs came in with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-e69b6b5189701cb15ae0271a75837820">Mahomes on injured reserve</a>&nbsp;along with right tackle Jawaan Taylor. They also declared nine players out Friday, including five starters, led by wide receiver Rashee Rice, left tackle Jaylon Moore and cornerback Trent McDuffie.

Minshew made his first start of the season. After he got hurt, the Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun, just signed to the roster from the practice squad, to play in his second career game.

Oladokun handed off on his first five snaps. Then he connected with Travis Kelce for his first NFL completion, and Oladokun drove the Chiefs to a trio of field goals by Harrison Butker.

Titans LT Dan Moore hurt a right knee early in the second quarter but returned. Cornerback Marcus Harris hurt a knee in the second quarter and didn't return.

The Chiefs host Denver on Thursday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766354478713.png" alt="Photo courtesy Tennessee Titans" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Tennessee Titans</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, and the Tennessee Titans snapped an 11-game home skid by beating the Kansas City Chiefs 26-9 on Sunday.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tennessee-titans">The Titans</a>&nbsp;(3-12) improved to 1-7 at home this season with their first win at Nissan Stadium since Nov. 3, 2024. The skid matched the franchise's worst since moving to Tennessee in 1997.With two games left, the Chiefs (6-9) are assured of their first losing record since 2012 — their most recent season without&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/andy-reid">Andy Reid</a>&nbsp;as their coach. Kansas City has lost four straight, its longest skid since 2017, and six of seven.A week after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, his backup, Gardner Minshew, was knocked out of the game&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-gardner-minshew-oladokun-0e3f9902a0a84f1e40042ecb5e86520e">with a knee injury</a>&nbsp;early in the second quarter.Ward posted his highest passer rating of this season at 122.3, and he overtook Marcus Mariota for the most yards passing by a rookie for the franchise. He helped the Titans roll up a season-high 377 yards of offense against a Chiefs defense that came in as the NFL's eighth-stingiest in yards allowed.The rookie threw a shovel pass to Chig Okonkwo that went 7 yards to put the Titans ahead to stay late in the first half. Ward also found fellow rookie Chimere Dike for a 1-yard TD in the third quarter.Tony Pollard ran for 102 yards, giving him three straight 100-yard rushing games for the first time in his career. Tyjae Spears added a 4-yard rushing TD, and Joey Slye had a 27-yard field goal for the final margin.Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons tackled Kareem Hunt in the end zone&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Titans/status/2002816587255222583?s=20">for a safety</a>&nbsp;and a 2-0 lead early in the second quarter. Simmons also batted down a pair of passes. The Titans finished with four sacks.The battered Chiefs came in with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-e69b6b5189701cb15ae0271a75837820">Mahomes on injured reserve</a>&nbsp;along with right tackle Jawaan Taylor. They also declared nine players out Friday, including five starters, led by wide receiver Rashee Rice, left tackle Jaylon Moore and cornerback Trent McDuffie.Minshew made his first start of the season. After he got hurt, the Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun, just signed to the roster from the practice squad, to play in his second career game.Oladokun handed off on his first five snaps. Then he connected with Travis Kelce for his first NFL completion, and Oladokun drove the Chiefs to a trio of field goals by Harrison Butker.<h2>Injuries</h2>Titans LT Dan Moore hurt a right knee early in the second quarter but returned. Cornerback Marcus Harris hurt a knee in the second quarter and didn't return.<h2>Up next</h2>The Chiefs host Denver on Thursday night.The Titans host New Orleans next Sunday.

🏈Titans knock Gardner Minshew out of game and and beat the Chiefs 

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the bid awards for the Tallgrass Addition phase 4 and community partnerships with manufacturer Agiliti on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667693163285.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=fg27z-19f8086-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
Podbean Player
 </div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the bid awards for the Tallgrass Addition phase 4 and community partnerships with manufacturer Agiliti on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams on Tallgrass Addition, Agiliti partnerships

Fort Hays State University has created a new position to engage business leaders in Kansas and build relationships that lead to professional opportunities for students.

Ben Schears, the former president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest in Goodland, was selected to serve as the Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development at FHSU in Hays.

FHSU President Tisa Mason said the position aligns with the university's strategic affiliation initiative with Fort Hays Tech | Northwest and Fort Hays Tech | Northcentral to drive economic and workforce development across the state.&nbsp;

Funding from the Kansas Legislature made the position possible.

"Ben was the ideal candidate because of his high energy, strategic vision and proven ability to unite stakeholders, particularly those in the community, toward common goals," Mason said.

Schears has been traveling across western Kansas since he started the job in August, meeting with current and potential partners.

He's also worked closely with economic and workforce development partners, including FHSU's affiliated tech colleges, Grow Hays and the Kansas Department of Commerce to identify opportunities.

Grow Hays reached out to Schears when Agiliti, the medical equipment manufacturer, was deciding whether to expand its operations in Hays or go elsewhere.

"One of the concerns Agiliti had, which is a fair one because we all have it, is workforce. How do we access, secure and keep talent in the area?" Schears said.&nbsp;

"We bring to the table a kind of concierge support to try to figure out, within the tech colleges and the university, how do we make those connections and help the employer stay?

"We were super thrilled when they decided to stay here in Ellis County and are on the path to grow," Schears said.

The medical technology firm was courted by the Research Triangle Park in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, to relocate.

Schears has also been working with an overseas manufacturing business considering bringing jobs to several U.S. locations.&nbsp;

He recently met with the Larned State Correctional Facility, which has a staffing shortage, particularly nurses.

A trip to southwest Kansas included visits with local economic development officers and the community colleges in Garden City and Dodge City.&nbsp;

"The folks in Dodge City do a very good job of working with our Professional and Continuing Education Department, our PCE program, in order to deliver some core training that they need in southwest Kansas," Schears said.

"One good example of that is Excel for their local businesses. We're looking to see what more we can do of that kind of thing," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Schears said he's been figuring out where southwest Kansas needs Fort Hays State University and its tech schools to plug in and engage and what resources FHSU can bring to bear.

"We have really talented people who are working in our small businesses who, with a class or two, a training or two, can level up and move up. QuickBooks is another example of that," he said.

Schears said Fort Hays State has an expanding relationship with the Kansas Bankers Association with the Robbens Banking Institute.

"We have an entry-level, 12-credit-hour banking certificate," he said. "If you're an entry-level teller and thinking one day you'd like to be a loan officer or a bank vice-president, ... this is a leg up, an opportunity, for these really talented folks.

"They can make a bigger impact in their local businesses, and they stay, which is the most important piece."

"Some pretty exciting things down there with doors we can open on our front," Schears said.

He's also met with potential economic partners in Norton and Phillipsburg.&nbsp;

Schears has helped Fort Hays Tech | North Central in Hays and Beloit partner with High Plains Mental Health and expand its workforce in Hays.

He's working with the Center on Rural Innovation, which along with the Patterson Foundation, funded Heartland Rural Innovation. Center on Rural Innovation's work focuses on closing the gap in technology-focused jobs in urban and rural settings in America.

"I spend about 80% of my time just listening," Schears said, " ... and then you get into the diagnosing stage, and how do we take what we have and plug it into the narrative and the solution.

"We can't be the be-all, end-all, but where we can, we will be."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741789828638.jpeg" alt="Ben Schears. Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Ben Schears. Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Ben Shears, FHSU VP for economic and workforce development" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=jjibx-19dfe06-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostFort Hays State University has created a new position to engage business leaders in Kansas and build relationships that lead to professional opportunities for students.Ben Schears, the former president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest in Goodland, was selected to serve as the Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development at FHSU in Hays.FHSU President Tisa Mason said the position aligns with the university's strategic affiliation initiative with Fort Hays Tech | Northwest and Fort Hays Tech | Northcentral to drive economic and workforce development across the state.&nbsp;Funding from the Kansas Legislature made the position possible."Ben was the ideal candidate because of his high energy, strategic vision and proven ability to unite stakeholders, particularly those in the community, toward common goals," Mason said.Schears has been traveling across western Kansas since he started the job in August, meeting with current and potential partners.He's also worked closely with economic and workforce development partners, including FHSU's affiliated tech colleges, Grow Hays and the Kansas Department of Commerce to identify opportunities.Grow Hays reached out to Schears when Agiliti, the medical equipment manufacturer, was deciding whether to expand its operations in Hays or go elsewhere."One of the concerns Agiliti had, which is a fair one because we all have it, is workforce. How do we access, secure and keep talent in the area?" Schears said.&nbsp;"We bring to the table a kind of concierge support to try to figure out, within the tech colleges and the university, how do we make those connections and help the employer stay?"We were super thrilled when they decided to stay here in Ellis County and are on the path to grow," Schears said.The medical technology firm was courted by the Research Triangle Park in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, to relocate.Schears has also been working with an overseas manufacturing business considering bringing jobs to several U.S. locations.&nbsp;He recently met with the Larned State Correctional Facility, which has a staffing shortage, particularly nurses.A trip to southwest Kansas included visits with local economic development officers and the community colleges in Garden City and Dodge City.&nbsp;"The folks in Dodge City do a very good job of working with our Professional and Continuing Education Department, our PCE program, in order to deliver some core training that they need in southwest Kansas," Schears said."One good example of that is Excel for their local businesses. We're looking to see what more we can do of that kind of thing," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Schears said he's been figuring out where southwest Kansas needs Fort Hays State University and its tech schools to plug in and engage and what resources FHSU can bring to bear."We have really talented people who are working in our small businesses who, with a class or two, a training or two, can level up and move up. QuickBooks is another example of that," he said.Schears said Fort Hays State has an expanding relationship with the Kansas Bankers Association with the Robbens Banking Institute."We have an entry-level, 12-credit-hour banking certificate," he said. "If you're an entry-level teller and thinking one day you'd like to be a loan officer or a bank vice-president, ... this is a leg up, an opportunity, for these really talented folks. "They can make a bigger impact in their local businesses, and they stay, which is the most important piece.""Some pretty exciting things down there with doors we can open on our front," Schears said.He's also met with potential economic partners in Norton and Phillipsburg.&nbsp;Schears has helped Fort Hays Tech | North Central in Hays and Beloit partner with High Plains Mental Health and expand its workforce in Hays.He's working with the Center on Rural Innovation, which along with the Patterson Foundation, funded Heartland Rural Innovation. Center on Rural Innovation's work focuses on closing the gap in technology-focused jobs in urban and rural settings in America."I spend about 80% of my time just listening," Schears said, " ... and then you get into the diagnosing stage, and how do we take what we have and plug it into the narrative and the solution."We can't be the be-all, end-all, but where we can, we will be."

🎙 FHSU vice-president working to keep businesses, students in western Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen who admitted her role in an acid attack on another girl is going to prison.

On Friday Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced Tayronnia West, who was 18 at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post release supervision,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The judge followed the state’s recommendations and denied a motion for a departure to probation.

In September, West pled guilty to Reckless Aggravated Battery, severity level 5, person felony, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. A&nbsp;jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery. She is being held in the Topeka Correctional facility and has been disciplined five times since June, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;

In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Immediately following the acid attack incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766269444506.png" alt="West photo Sedgwick Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>West photo Sedgwick Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen who admitted her role in an acid attack on another girl is going to prison.On Friday Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced Tayronnia West, who was 18 at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post release supervision,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;The judge followed the state’s recommendations and denied a motion for a departure to probation.In September, West pled guilty to Reckless Aggravated Battery, severity level 5, person felony, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp;In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. A&nbsp;jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery. She is being held in the Topeka Correctional facility and has been disciplined five times since June, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Immediately following the acid attack incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.

Prison for throwing acid on Kansas teen's face during a fight

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post Sports

ST. GEORGE, Kan. - Hays led just once in a 56-32 loss to host Rock Creek in the Flurry on Flush tournament championship on Saturday evening from Rock Creek High School.

Hays (6-2) hit a three on the games' first possession. #1-4A Rock Creek (6-0) responded with ten straight points, forcing the Indians to take a timeout at the 3:11 mark.

The Indians came out of the timeout with a field goal to get within five at 10-5. It was as close as Hays would be rest of the game. The Mustangs finished the first quarter with a 14-7 lead.

Hays had opportunities in the second quarter. Trailing 19-9, the Indians had three possessions to make the score a single digit difference. Hays trailed 22-11 with three minutes remaining and missed a shot on their next four possession.

Rock Creek led by twelve at halftime 24-12.

The difference on the scoreboard remained in the double digits for the remainder of the game.

The Indians failed to score on three straight possessions down 29-16 midway through the third. Rock Creek led 34-20 after three quarters and ended up winning 56-32.

Hays heads into the Christmas break with a 6-2 record. Both losses have come in tournament championships. Izaac Fox was named to the all-tournament team.

Hays returns to action January 6th when they host Manhattan.

Pfeifer 5, Burkholder 0, Homeier 3, Oakley 5, Harmoney 3, Fox 6, Smalley 0, Day 2, Otte 0, Ruder 8.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post SportsST. GEORGE, Kan. - Hays led just once in a 56-32 loss to host Rock Creek in the Flurry on Flush tournament championship on Saturday evening from Rock Creek High School.Hays (6-2) hit a three on the games' first possession. #1-4A Rock Creek (6-0) responded with ten straight points, forcing the Indians to take a timeout at the 3:11 mark.The Indians came out of the timeout with a field goal to get within five at 10-5. It was as close as Hays would be rest of the game. The Mustangs finished the first quarter with a 14-7 lead.Hays had opportunities in the second quarter. Trailing 19-9, the Indians had three possessions to make the score a single digit difference. Hays trailed 22-11 with three minutes remaining and missed a shot on their next four possession.Rock Creek led by twelve at halftime 24-12.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2233579676&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-mbkb-vs-rock-creek" title="HHS MBKB vs Rock Creek Highlights 12-20-2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS MBKB vs Rock Creek Highlights 12-20-2025</a></div></div>The difference on the scoreboard remained in the double digits for the remainder of the game.The Indians failed to score on three straight possessions down 29-16 midway through the third. Rock Creek led 34-20 after three quarters and ended up winning 56-32.Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2233579463&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-mbkb-vs-rock-creek-coach" title="HHS MBKB vs Rock Creek Coach Sean Dreiling Interview 12-20-2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS MBKB vs Rock Creek Coach Sean Dreiling Interview 12-20-2025</a></div></div>Hays heads into the Christmas break with a 6-2 record. Both losses have come in tournament championships. Izaac Fox was named to the all-tournament team.Hays returns to action January 6th when they host Manhattan.Pfeifer 5, Burkholder 0, Homeier 3, Oakley 5, Harmoney 3, Fox 6, Smalley 0, Day 2, Otte 0, Ruder 8.

🏀 Hays falls to top-ranked Rock Creek in tournament finale

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ali-swenson">ALI SWENSON</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">published thousands of files</a>&nbsp;related to Jeffrey Epstein, a release long anticipated for its potential to reveal new details about the late sex offender and his connections to powerful people.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the files and do a search

But it was clear soon after the release that it would fall far short of those expectations. The partial release angered Democrats who accused the Trump administration of trying to hide information. The Justice Department said it would continue releasing documents in the weeks ahead.

The file dump — dominated by photographs, but also including call logs, court records and other documents, many with redactions — comes after politicians and the public waged a massive campaign for transparency about the government’s investigations into the wealthy financier.

President Donald Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though he hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and the public should focus on other issues.

On Nov. 19, relenting to political pressure from his fellow Republicans,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-4872c23a3ed03bf3d4c526581d3aed59">he signed a bill</a>&nbsp;mandating the release of most of the Justice Department’s files on Epstein within 30 days. The White House said Friday’s release of the files shows how the administration is the “most transparent in history.”

Here are some takeaways about the Justice Department’s initial Epstein file release:

It includes thousands of photos, but far fewer files than expected

The law signed by Trump last month set Friday as the deadline for the Justice Department to release most of its files about Epstein.

Ahead of the release, Deputy Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-transcripts-1d38a010e72b5b58cca944cb3bbb0e6a">Todd Blanche</a>&nbsp;told Fox News he expected several hundred thousand files to be released Friday, along with several hundred thousand more to come later.

But the number of files that actually landed on the Justice Department’s website seemed to be a thin slice of the total number expected. Blanche acknowledged in a letter to Congress that the production of files was incomplete. The department said it expected to complete its production of Epstein documents by the end of the year.

Among the documents made public are around 4,000 files — mostly photographs — under a subset the Justice Department described as “DOJ Disclosures.” The vast majority of the photographs were taken by the FBI during searches of Epstein’s homes in New York City and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Also included were images of envelopes, folders and boxes containing investigative materials from various probes related to Epstein. Many records are redacted and anything containing a victim’s personally identifiable information, including materials depicting sexual and physical abuse, isn’t authorized for release.

Various other files released by the Justice Department on Friday include court records, public records and disclosures to House committees. At least some of that material has already circulated in the public domain after years of court action and investigations.

Multiple photographs show former President Bill Clinton

Many of the most discussed photos from the files&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-clinton-justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-4a55e83b62b5a037c431e36cfa87f0dc">show the former Democratic president</a>. Clinton has acknowledged that he traveled on Epstein’s private jet but said through a spokesperson that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clinton-congress-comer-epstein-a33b35e4882a471b4fc29c51f806c8d2">he had no knowledge</a>&nbsp;of the late financier’s crimes.

Some of the photos show Clinton on a private plane, including one with a woman seated next to him with her arm around him. Her face is redacted from the photo.

Another photo shows him in a pool with British socialite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ghislaine-maxwell">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>, who has been convicted of luring young girls to Epstein so he could molest them, and with another person whose face is redacted. One shows him with the late pop star Michael Jackson, singer Diana Ross and a woman whose face is redacted.

And another shows Clinton in a hot tub with a woman whose face is redacted. The Justice Department did not explain how those photos were related to the criminal investigation.

Nevertheless, senior White House aides quickly called attention to them on X.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, wrote “Oh my!” and added a shocked face emoji in response to the photo of Clinton in the hot tub.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766200587832.png" alt=" Bill Clinton, in a hot tub, with a redacted figure-&nbsp;Per the Epstein Files Transparency Act, DOJ was specifically instructed only to redact the faces of victims and/or minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Image released by the Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption> Bill Clinton, in a hot tub, with a redacted figure-&nbsp;Per the Epstein Files Transparency Act, DOJ was specifically instructed only to redact the faces of victims and/or minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Image released by the Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ali-swenson">ALI SWENSON</a>NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">published thousands of files</a>&nbsp;related to Jeffrey Epstein, a release long anticipated for its potential to reveal new details about the late sex offender and his connections to powerful people.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the files and do a searchBut it was clear soon after the release that it would fall far short of those expectations. The partial release angered Democrats who accused the Trump administration of trying to hide information. The Justice Department said it would continue releasing documents in the weeks ahead.The file dump — dominated by photographs, but also including call logs, court records and other documents, many with redactions — comes after politicians and the public waged a massive campaign for transparency about the government’s investigations into the wealthy financier.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766198100737.png" alt="Image released by the Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Image released by the Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though he hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and the public should focus on other issues.On Nov. 19, relenting to political pressure from his fellow Republicans,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-4872c23a3ed03bf3d4c526581d3aed59">he signed a bill</a>&nbsp;mandating the release of most of the Justice Department’s files on Epstein within 30 days. The White House said Friday’s release of the files shows how the administration is the “most transparent in history.”Here are some takeaways about the Justice Department’s initial Epstein file release:<h2>It includes thousands of photos, but far fewer files than expected</h2>The law signed by Trump last month set Friday as the deadline for the Justice Department to release most of its files about Epstein.Ahead of the release, Deputy Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-transcripts-1d38a010e72b5b58cca944cb3bbb0e6a">Todd Blanche</a>&nbsp;told Fox News he expected several hundred thousand files to be released Friday, along with several hundred thousand more to come later.But the number of files that actually landed on the Justice Department’s website seemed to be a thin slice of the total number expected. Blanche acknowledged in a letter to Congress that the production of files was incomplete. The department said it expected to complete its production of Epstein documents by the end of the year.Among the documents made public are around 4,000 files — mostly photographs — under a subset the Justice Department described as “DOJ Disclosures.” The vast majority of the photographs were taken by the FBI during searches of Epstein’s homes in New York City and the U.S. Virgin Islands.Also included were images of envelopes, folders and boxes containing investigative materials from various probes related to Epstein. Many records are redacted and anything containing a victim’s personally identifiable information, including materials depicting sexual and physical abuse, isn’t authorized for release.Various other files released by the Justice Department on Friday include court records, public records and disclosures to House committees. At least some of that material has already circulated in the public domain after years of court action and investigations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766198004020.png" alt="Image released by the Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Image released by the Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Multiple photographs show former President Bill Clinton</h2>Many of the most discussed photos from the files&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-clinton-justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-4a55e83b62b5a037c431e36cfa87f0dc">show the former Democratic president</a>. Clinton has acknowledged that he traveled on Epstein’s private jet but said through a spokesperson that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clinton-congress-comer-epstein-a33b35e4882a471b4fc29c51f806c8d2">he had no knowledge</a>&nbsp;of the late financier’s crimes.Some of the photos show Clinton on a private plane, including one with a woman seated next to him with her arm around him. Her face is redacted from the photo.Another photo shows him in a pool with British socialite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ghislaine-maxwell">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>, who has been convicted of luring young girls to Epstein so he could molest them, and with another person whose face is redacted. One shows him with the late pop star Michael Jackson, singer Diana Ross and a woman whose face is redacted.And another shows Clinton in a hot tub with a woman whose face is redacted. The Justice Department did not explain how those photos were related to the criminal investigation.Nevertheless, senior White House aides quickly called attention to them on X.Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, wrote “Oh my!” and added a shocked face emoji in response to the photo of Clinton in the hot tub.Angel Ureña, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in an X post that “this isn’t about Bill Clinton” and accused the White House of trying to protect others.“There are two types of people here,” he wrote. “The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships with him after. We’re in the first.”Clinton has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/at-trumps-urging-bondi-says-us-will-investigate-epsteins-ties-to-clinton-and-other-political-foes-e7cafcf6e6c44656a0d0b38637042d5f">never been accused of wrongdoing</a>&nbsp;in connection with Epstein, and the mere inclusion of someone’s name or images in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise.<h2>No new revelations about Trump or others</h2>To some exploring the records released Friday, the most interesting parts were which high-profile figures appeared scarcely — or not at all.For example, Trump is minimally referenced in the files, and the small number of photos that do show him appear to have been in the public domain for decades.The release does include at least one photo of the former Prince Andrew, who appears in a tuxedo lying on the laps of what appear to be several women who are seated, dressed in formalwear. One of Epstein’s accusers, Virginia Giuffre, accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with men, including the prince.Marina Lacerda, one of the women who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-survivors-react-a7cceac935feda8d94b8fa59e13b01fa">says she survived sexual assault</a>&nbsp;by Epstein, beginning when she was 14 years old, said Friday she wanted to see greater transparency from the Justice Department and expressed frustration over redactions and the incomplete release.“Just put out the files,” she said. “And stop redacting names that don’t need to be redacted.”<h2>Partial release upsets some lawmakers</h2>Several lawmakers blasted the Trump administration for failing to produce all the documents required under the law.Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., had introduced what is known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-house-sex-trafficking-investigation-c46716743f6f65f2f3b74906365da58b">a discharge petition,</a>&nbsp;which eventually led to the congressional vote that forced the release of the Epstein files. On Friday, both took to social media to criticize the partial release.Massie wrote that it “grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law.” Khanna called the release so far “disappointing.”“We’re going to push for the actual documents,” he said.Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said that by disregarding the deadline, the administration was denying justice to Epstein’s victims. He added he was “exploring all avenues and legal tools to get justice for the victims and transparency for the American people.”If Democratic lawmakers so choose, they could go to court to force the Justice Department to comply with the law, but that would almost certainly be a lengthy process that plays out while the department releases more files.Separately, the House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena for the Epstein files. That could give Congress another avenue to force the release of more information to the committee, but it would require Republicans to join them in contempt-of-Congress proceedings against a Republican administration.