WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI made an arrest on Thursday in its nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-pipe-bombs-fbi-washington-ea85b6fe5fe9140f1c75b7ee8c0554b2">5-year-old investigation</a>&nbsp;into pipe bombs placed outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington on the eve of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan. 6, 2021, riot</a>&nbsp;at the Capitol. He was charged with an explosives offense, prosecutors said.

The arrest marks the first time investigators have identified a suspect in an act that had long vexed law enforcement, spawned a multitude of conspiracy theories and remained an enduring mystery in the shadow of the dark chapter of American history that is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeumZ2aHDug">the violent Capitol siege</a>.

The suspect in custody has been identified as Brian Cole Jr., according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. He has been charged with the use of an explosive device and more charges are possible as part of the ongoing investigation.

“Let me be clear: There was no new tip, there was no new witness. Just good diligent police work and prosecutorial work,” Bondi said.

Calls to relatives of Cole listed in public records were not immediately returned on Thursday. Hours after Cole was taken into custody, unmarked law enforcement vehicles lined the cul-de-sac where Cole’s home is while FBI agents helped shoo away onlookers. Authorities were seen entering the house and examining the trunk of a car nearby.

FBI says the bombs could have killed people

The pipe bombs were placed on the evening of Jan. 5, 2021, near the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees. Nobody was hurt before the bombs were rendered safe, but the FBI has said both devices could have been lethal.

In the years since, investigators have sought the public’s help in identifying a shadowy subject seen on surveillance camera even as they struggled to determine answers to basic questions, including the person’s gender and motive and whether the act had a clear connection to the riot at the Capitol a day later when supporters of President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">stormed the building</a>&nbsp;in a bid to halt the certification of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">the Republican's 2020 election loss</a>&nbsp;to Democrat Joe Biden.

Seeking a breakthrough, the FBI last January&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-pipe-bombs-fbi-washington-ea85b6fe5fe9140f1c75b7ee8c0554b2">publicized additional information</a>&nbsp;about the investigation, including an estimate that the suspect was about 5 feet, 7 inches tall, as well as previously unreleased video of the suspect placing one of the bombs.

The bureau had for years struggled to pinpoint a suspect despite hundreds of tips, a review of tens of thousands of video files and a significant number of interviews.

Lack of evidence spawns conspiracy theories

In the absence of harder evidence, Republican lawmakers and right-wing media outlets promoted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-cassidy-hutchinson-capitol-188ee6406b93f42eb946d28f5213de3d">conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;about the pipe bombs.&nbsp;<a href="https://cha.house.gov/_cache/files/d/9/d96ba6ce-03fb-4fc8-a4a7-5b5daf19d064/4F510144C1F427873D3298D955C8E19F.initial-findings-report.pdf">House Republicans</a>&nbsp;also criticized security lapses, questioning how law enforcement failed to detect the bombs for 17 hours. Dan Bongino, the current FBI deputy director, floated the possibility last year before being tapped for his job that the act was an “inside job” and involved a “massive cover-up.”

The FBI’s top two leaders, Bongino and Director Kash Patel, sought to breathe new life into the investigation despite having openly disparaged the bureau’s broader approach to the Jan. 6 siege and despite Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-jan-6-pardons-trump-justice-department-8ce8b2a8f8cb602d5eaf85ac7b969606">pardons on his first day back in office</a>&nbsp;of the rioters who stormed the Capitol, including those who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">violently attacked police</a>&nbsp;with poles and other makeshift weapons.

In a long Nov. 13 post on X, Bongino wrote that the FBI had brought in new personnel to examine the case and "dramatically increased investigative resources" along with the public reward for information “to utilize crowd-sourcing leads.” He said in the same post, addressed to Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., that “a week of near 24-hour work on RECENT open source leads in the case has yet to produce a break through.”

Public attention over the years had centered in part on surveillance video taken the night before the riot showing the suspect spending close to an hour moving through the surrounding blocks, pausing on a park bench, cutting through an alley and stopping again as a dog walker passed.

The person wore a light sweatshirt, dark pants and sneakers, with a dark backpack slung over one shoulder. Investigators have long said the gait suggested the person was a man, but a surgical mask and hood rendered the face all but impossible to see.

Agents paired their video review with a broad sweep of digital records. They gathered cell tower data showing which phones were active in the neighborhood at the time and issued subpoenas to several tech companies, including Google, for location information.

Investigators also analyzed credit card transactions from hobby shops and major retailers to identify customers who had purchased components resembling those used in the two explosive devices — each roughly 1 foot (0.3 meters) long and packed with gunpowder and metal, according to two law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation.

Another avenue of the investigation centered on the suspect’s shoes, believed to be Nike Air Max Speed Turfs. After learning from Nike that thousands of pairs had been distributed through more than two dozen retailers, agents filed subpoenas for credit card records from Foot Locker and other chains as they worked to narrow down potential buyers. Still, for years, they had no solid breakthroughs.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI made an arrest on Thursday in its nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-pipe-bombs-fbi-washington-ea85b6fe5fe9140f1c75b7ee8c0554b2">5-year-old investigation</a>&nbsp;into who placed pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan. 6, 2021, riot</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

The arrest marks the first time investigators have settled on a suspect in an act that had long vexed law enforcement, spawned a multitude of conspiracy theories and remained an enduring mystery in the shadow of the dark chapter of American history that is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeumZ2aHDug">the violent Capitol siege</a>.

The arrest took place Thursday morning, and the suspect is a man, the official said. He was arrested in Virginia, according to another person familiar with the matter. No other details were immediately available, including the charges the man might face. The people who described the arrest were not authorized to publicly discuss a case that has not yet been made public and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The pipe bombs were placed on the evening of Jan. 5, 2021, near the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees in the District of Columbia. Nobody was hurt before the bombs were rendered safe, but the FBI has said both devices could have been lethal.

Seeking a breakthrough, the FBI last January&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-pipe-bombs-fbi-washington-ea85b6fe5fe9140f1c75b7ee8c0554b2">publicized additional information</a>&nbsp;about the investigation, including an estimate that the suspect was about 5-foot-7, as well as previously unreleased video of the suspect placing one of the bombs.

In a long post on X last month, Bongino wrote that the FBI had brought in new personnel to examine the case and "dramatically increased investigative resources" along with the public award for information “to utilize crowd-sourcing leads.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735867762680.png" alt="FBI poster seeking a suspect who allegedly placed pipe bombs in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>FBI poster seeking a suspect who allegedly placed pipe bombs in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI made an arrest on Thursday in its nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-pipe-bombs-fbi-washington-ea85b6fe5fe9140f1c75b7ee8c0554b2">5-year-old investigation</a>&nbsp;into pipe bombs placed outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington on the eve of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan. 6, 2021, riot</a>&nbsp;at the Capitol. He was charged with an explosives offense, prosecutors said.The arrest marks the first time investigators have identified a suspect in an act that had long vexed law enforcement, spawned a multitude of conspiracy theories and remained an enduring mystery in the shadow of the dark chapter of American history that is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeumZ2aHDug">the violent Capitol siege</a>.The suspect in custody has been identified as Brian Cole Jr., according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. He has been charged with the use of an explosive device and more charges are possible as part of the ongoing investigation.“Let me be clear: There was no new tip, there was no new witness. Just good diligent police work and prosecutorial work,” Bondi said.Calls to relatives of Cole listed in public records were not immediately returned on Thursday. Hours after Cole was taken into custody, unmarked law enforcement vehicles lined the cul-de-sac where Cole’s home is while FBI agents helped shoo away onlookers. Authorities were seen entering the house and examining the trunk of a car nearby.<h2>FBI says the bombs could have killed people</h2>The pipe bombs were placed on the evening of Jan. 5, 2021, near the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees. Nobody was hurt before the bombs were rendered safe, but the FBI has said both devices could have been lethal.In the years since, investigators have sought the public’s help in identifying a shadowy subject seen on surveillance camera even as they struggled to determine answers to basic questions, including the person’s gender and motive and whether the act had a clear connection to the riot at the Capitol a day later when supporters of President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">stormed the building</a>&nbsp;in a bid to halt the certification of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">the Republican's 2020 election loss</a>&nbsp;to Democrat Joe Biden.Seeking a breakthrough, the FBI last January&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-pipe-bombs-fbi-washington-ea85b6fe5fe9140f1c75b7ee8c0554b2">publicized additional information</a>&nbsp;about the investigation, including an estimate that the suspect was about 5 feet, 7 inches tall, as well as previously unreleased video of the suspect placing one of the bombs.The bureau had for years struggled to pinpoint a suspect despite hundreds of tips, a review of tens of thousands of video files and a significant number of interviews.<h2>Lack of evidence spawns conspiracy theories</h2>In the absence of harder evidence, Republican lawmakers and right-wing media outlets promoted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-cassidy-hutchinson-capitol-188ee6406b93f42eb946d28f5213de3d">conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;about the pipe bombs.&nbsp;<a href="https://cha.house.gov/_cache/files/d/9/d96ba6ce-03fb-4fc8-a4a7-5b5daf19d064/4F510144C1F427873D3298D955C8E19F.initial-findings-report.pdf">House Republicans</a>&nbsp;also criticized security lapses, questioning how law enforcement failed to detect the bombs for 17 hours. Dan Bongino, the current FBI deputy director, floated the possibility last year before being tapped for his job that the act was an “inside job” and involved a “massive cover-up.”The FBI’s top two leaders, Bongino and Director Kash Patel, sought to breathe new life into the investigation despite having openly disparaged the bureau’s broader approach to the Jan. 6 siege and despite Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-jan-6-pardons-trump-justice-department-8ce8b2a8f8cb602d5eaf85ac7b969606">pardons on his first day back in office</a>&nbsp;of the rioters who stormed the Capitol, including those who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">violently attacked police</a>&nbsp;with poles and other makeshift weapons.In a long Nov. 13 post on X, Bongino wrote that the FBI had brought in new personnel to examine the case and "dramatically increased investigative resources" along with the public reward for information “to utilize crowd-sourcing leads.” He said in the same post, addressed to Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., that “a week of near 24-hour work on RECENT open source leads in the case has yet to produce a break through.”<h2>Investigators hunt for clues</h2>Public attention over the years had centered in part on surveillance video taken the night before the riot showing the suspect spending close to an hour moving through the surrounding blocks, pausing on a park bench, cutting through an alley and stopping again as a dog walker passed.The person wore a light sweatshirt, dark pants and sneakers, with a dark backpack slung over one shoulder. Investigators have long said the gait suggested the person was a man, but a surgical mask and hood rendered the face all but impossible to see.Agents paired their video review with a broad sweep of digital records. They gathered cell tower data showing which phones were active in the neighborhood at the time and issued subpoenas to several tech companies, including Google, for location information.Investigators also analyzed credit card transactions from hobby shops and major retailers to identify customers who had purchased components resembling those used in the two explosive devices — each roughly 1 foot (0.3 meters) long and packed with gunpowder and metal, according to two law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation.Another avenue of the investigation centered on the suspect’s shoes, believed to be Nike Air Max Speed Turfs. After learning from Nike that thousands of pairs had been distributed through more than two dozen retailers, agents filed subpoenas for credit card records from Foot Locker and other chains as they worked to narrow down potential buyers. Still, for years, they had no solid breakthroughs.---------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI made an arrest on Thursday in its nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-pipe-bombs-fbi-washington-ea85b6fe5fe9140f1c75b7ee8c0554b2">5-year-old investigation</a>&nbsp;into who placed pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan. 6, 2021, riot</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.The arrest marks the first time investigators have settled on a suspect in an act that had long vexed law enforcement, spawned a multitude of conspiracy theories and remained an enduring mystery in the shadow of the dark chapter of American history that is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeumZ2aHDug">the violent Capitol siege</a>.The arrest took place Thursday morning, and the suspect is a man, the official said. He was arrested in Virginia, according to another person familiar with the matter. No other details were immediately available, including the charges the man might face. The people who described the arrest were not authorized to publicly discuss a case that has not yet been made public and spoke on the condition of anonymity.The pipe bombs were placed on the evening of Jan. 5, 2021, near the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees in the District of Columbia. Nobody was hurt before the bombs were rendered safe, but the FBI has said both devices could have been lethal.In the years since, investigators have sought the public’s help in identifying a shadowy subject seen on surveillance camera even as they struggled to determine answers to basic questions, including the person’s gender and motive and whether the act had a clear connection to the riot at the Capitol a day later when supporters of President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">stormed the building</a>&nbsp;in a bid to halt the certification of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">the Republican's 2020 election loss</a>&nbsp;to Democrat Joe Biden.Seeking a breakthrough, the FBI last January&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-pipe-bombs-fbi-washington-ea85b6fe5fe9140f1c75b7ee8c0554b2">publicized additional information</a>&nbsp;about the investigation, including an estimate that the suspect was about 5-foot-7, as well as previously unreleased video of the suspect placing one of the bombs.The bureau had for years struggled to pinpoint a suspect despite hundreds of tips, a review of tens of thousands of video files and a significant number of interviews.In the absence of harder evidence, Republican lawmakers and right-wing media outlets promoted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-cassidy-hutchinson-capitol-188ee6406b93f42eb946d28f5213de3d">conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;about the pipe bombs.&nbsp;<a href="https://cha.house.gov/_cache/files/d/9/d96ba6ce-03fb-4fc8-a4a7-5b5daf19d064/4F510144C1F427873D3298D955C8E19F.initial-findings-report.pdf">House Republicans</a>&nbsp;also criticized security lapses, questioning how law enforcement failed to detect the bombs for 17 hours. Dan Bongino, the current FBI deputy director, floated the possibility last year before being tapped for his job that the act was an “inside job” and involved a “massive cover-up.”The FBI’s top two leaders, Bongino and Director Kash Patel, sought to breathe new life into the investigation despite having openly disparaged the bureau’s broader approach to the Jan. 6 siege and despite Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-jan-6-pardons-trump-justice-department-8ce8b2a8f8cb602d5eaf85ac7b969606">pardons on his first day back in office</a>&nbsp;of the rioters who stormed the Capitol, including those who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">violently attacked police</a>&nbsp;with poles and other makeshift weapons.In a long post on X last month, Bongino wrote that the FBI had brought in new personnel to examine the case and "dramatically increased investigative resources" along with the public award for information “to utilize crowd-sourcing leads.”

Arrest made in pipe bombs placed in DC on eve of Jan. 6 Capitol riot

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-messaging-app-attack-plans-f8581bcb447b91d2e7f9cb7809ae0f06">The Pentagon’s watchdog</a>&nbsp;found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">used the Signal messaging app</a>&nbsp;to convey sensitive information about a military strike against Yemen's Houthi militants, two people familiar with the findings said Wednesday.

Hegseth, however, has the ability to declassify material and the report did not find he did so improperly, according to one of the people familiar with the findings who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the information. That person also said the report concluded that Hegseth violated Pentagon policy by using his personal device for official business and it recommended better training for all Pentagon officials.

Hegseth declined to sit for an interview with the Pentagon's inspector general but provided a written statement, that person said. The defense secretary asserted that he was permitted to declassify information as he saw fit and only communicated details he thought would not endanger the mission.

The initial findings, which were first reported by CNN,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-hegseth-boat-strikes-e68621ec48c7886215359c0110d6d9ca">ramp up the pressure</a>&nbsp;on the former Fox News Channel host after lawmakers called for the independent inquiry into his use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/signal-app-atlantic-war-plans-32699da142c5209b845e57f690df4925">commercially available app</a>.

Lawmakers also just opened investigations into a news report that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-hegseth-maduro-512c66b99b2a13e9d1a3ed2699e78228">a follow-up strike</a>&nbsp;on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea in September killed survivors after Hegseth issued a verbal order to “kill everybody."

Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-trump-venezuela-540ae279827e02105e089f1bd5af37a6">defended the strike as emerging in the “fog of war</a>,” saying he didn’t see any survivors but also “didn’t stick around” for the rest of the mission and that the admiral in charge “made the right call” in ordering the second strike. He also did not admit fault following the Signal revelations, asserting that the information was unclassified.

“The Inspector General review is a TOTAL exoneration of Secretary Hegseth and proves what we knew all along — no classified information was shared,” Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman said in a statement. “This matter is resolved, and the case is closed.”

President Donald Trump “stands by” Hegseth, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, adding that the probe affirms that “no classified information was leaked, and operational security was not compromised.”

Journalist was added to a chat where sensitive plans were shared

In at least two separate Signal chats, Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop — before the men and women carrying out those attacks on behalf of the United States were airborne.

Hegseth’s use of the app came to light when a journalist,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic</a>, was inadvertently added to a Signal text chain by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-rubio-national-security-hegseth-d787db43d45922668ad0c1c62e608f85">then-national security adviser Mike Waltz</a>. It included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and others, brought together to discuss March 15 military operations against the Iran-backed Houthis.

Hegseth had created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-houthis-attack-8dbf9dd6c711796438a5c1c84831c40b">another Signal chat</a>&nbsp;with 13 people that included his wife and brother where he shared similar details of the same strike, The Associated Press reported.

Signal is encrypted but is not authorized for carrying classified information and is not part of the Pentagon’s secure communications network.

Hegseth previously has said none of the information shared in the chats was classified. Multiple current and former military officials have told the AP there was no way details with that specificity, especially before a strike took place, would have been OK to share on an unsecured device.

The review was delivered to lawmakers, who were able to review the report in a classified facility at the Capitol. A partially redacted version of the report was expected to be released publicly later this week.

Hegseth said he viewed the investigation as a partisan exercise and did not trust the inspector general, according to one of the people familiar with the report’s findings. The review had to rely on screenshots of the Signal chat published by the Atlantic because Hegseth could not provide more than a small handful of his Signal messages, the person said.

When asked about the investigation in August, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told reporters that "we believe that this is a witch hunt and a total sham and being conducted in bad faith.”

Lawmakers had called for inspector general to investigate

The revelations sparked intense scrutiny, with Democratic lawmakers and a small number of Republicans saying Hegseth posting the information to the Signal chats before the military jets had reached their targets&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-pentagon-trump-30dc4c3d0e75a89f3fd883f38b26afff">potentially put those pilots’ lives at risk</a>. They said lower-ranking members of the military would have been fired for such a lapse.

Some Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees suggested Wednesday that Hegseth’s actions would be a fireable offense for anyone else.

“This was not an isolated lapse. It reflects a broader pattern of recklessness and poor judgment from a secretary who has repeatedly shown he is in over his head,” Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said in a statement.

The inspector general had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-messaging-app-attack-plans-f8581bcb447b91d2e7f9cb7809ae0f06">opened its investigation</a>&nbsp;into Hegseth at the request of the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, and the committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island.

It all ties back to the campaign against Yemen’s Houthis

The Houthi rebels had started launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-israel-hamas-red-sea-shipping-ab6fee82e73170b7e2edbab90ed6c14c">missile and drone attacks</a>&nbsp;against commercial and military ships in late 2023 in what their leadership had described as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">effort to end</a>&nbsp;Israel’s offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Their campaign greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually.

The U.S.-led campaign against the Houthis in 2024 turned into the most intense running sea battle the Navy had faced since World War II.

A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war had begun in January before falling apart in March. The U.S. then launched a broad assault against the Houthis that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-houthis-end-of-bombing-yemen-israel-e2f08ac04024ef3d6409b4ce97092489">ended weeks later</a>&nbsp;when Trump said they pledged to stop attacking ships. The latest Gaza ceasefire began in October.

Following the disclosure of Hegseth’s Signal chat that included the Atlantic’s editor, the magazine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">released the entire thread</a>&nbsp;in late March. Hegseth had posted multiple details about an impending strike, using military language and laying out when a “strike window” starts, where a “target terrorist” was located, the time elements around the attack and when various weapons and aircraft would be used in the strike. He mentioned that the U.S. was “currently clean” on operational security.

Hegseth told Fox News Channel in April that what he shared over Signal was “informal, unclassified coordinations, for media coordinations and other things.”

Associated Press writer Stephen Groves, Konstantin Toropin, Michelle L. Price and David Klepper contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742996748555.png" alt="Image Signal app" />
 <figcaption>Image Signal app</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-messaging-app-attack-plans-f8581bcb447b91d2e7f9cb7809ae0f06">The Pentagon’s watchdog</a>&nbsp;found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">used the Signal messaging app</a>&nbsp;to convey sensitive information about a military strike against Yemen's Houthi militants, two people familiar with the findings said Wednesday.Hegseth, however, has the ability to declassify material and the report did not find he did so improperly, according to one of the people familiar with the findings who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the information. That person also said the report concluded that Hegseth violated Pentagon policy by using his personal device for official business and it recommended better training for all Pentagon officials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758823087918.png" alt="File photo Secretary of War Pete Hegseth- CSPAN image" />
 <figcaption>File photo Secretary of War Pete Hegseth- CSPAN image</figcaption>
 </figure>Hegseth declined to sit for an interview with the Pentagon's inspector general but provided a written statement, that person said. The defense secretary asserted that he was permitted to declassify information as he saw fit and only communicated details he thought would not endanger the mission.The initial findings, which were first reported by CNN,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-hegseth-boat-strikes-e68621ec48c7886215359c0110d6d9ca">ramp up the pressure</a>&nbsp;on the former Fox News Channel host after lawmakers called for the independent inquiry into his use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/signal-app-atlantic-war-plans-32699da142c5209b845e57f690df4925">commercially available app</a>.Lawmakers also just opened investigations into a news report that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-hegseth-maduro-512c66b99b2a13e9d1a3ed2699e78228">a follow-up strike</a>&nbsp;on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea in September killed survivors after Hegseth issued a verbal order to “kill everybody."Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-trump-venezuela-540ae279827e02105e089f1bd5af37a6">defended the strike as emerging in the “fog of war</a>,” saying he didn’t see any survivors but also “didn’t stick around” for the rest of the mission and that the admiral in charge “made the right call” in ordering the second strike. He also did not admit fault following the Signal revelations, asserting that the information was unclassified.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">No classified information. Total exoneration. Case closed. Houthis bombed into submission. Thank you for your attention to this IG report. <a href="https://t.co/eQPO5iPIRc">https://t.co/eQPO5iPIRc</a>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1996368824397094925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The Inspector General review is a TOTAL exoneration of Secretary Hegseth and proves what we knew all along — no classified information was shared,” Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman said in a statement. “This matter is resolved, and the case is closed.”President Donald Trump “stands by” Hegseth, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, adding that the probe affirms that “no classified information was leaked, and operational security was not compromised.”<h2>Journalist was added to a chat where sensitive plans were shared</h2>In at least two separate Signal chats, Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop — before the men and women carrying out those attacks on behalf of the United States were airborne.Hegseth’s use of the app came to light when a journalist,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic</a>, was inadvertently added to a Signal text chain by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-rubio-national-security-hegseth-d787db43d45922668ad0c1c62e608f85">then-national security adviser Mike Waltz</a>. It included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and others, brought together to discuss March 15 military operations against the Iran-backed Houthis.Hegseth had created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-houthis-attack-8dbf9dd6c711796438a5c1c84831c40b">another Signal chat</a>&nbsp;with 13 people that included his wife and brother where he shared similar details of the same strike, The Associated Press reported.Signal is encrypted but is not authorized for carrying classified information and is not part of the Pentagon’s secure communications network.Hegseth previously has said none of the information shared in the chats was classified. Multiple current and former military officials have told the AP there was no way details with that specificity, especially before a strike took place, would have been OK to share on an unsecured device.The review was delivered to lawmakers, who were able to review the report in a classified facility at the Capitol. A partially redacted version of the report was expected to be released publicly later this week.Hegseth said he viewed the investigation as a partisan exercise and did not trust the inspector general, according to one of the people familiar with the report’s findings. The review had to rely on screenshots of the Signal chat published by the Atlantic because Hegseth could not provide more than a small handful of his Signal messages, the person said.When asked about the investigation in August, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told reporters that "we believe that this is a witch hunt and a total sham and being conducted in bad faith.”<h2>Lawmakers had called for inspector general to investigate</h2>The revelations sparked intense scrutiny, with Democratic lawmakers and a small number of Republicans saying Hegseth posting the information to the Signal chats before the military jets had reached their targets&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-chat-pentagon-trump-30dc4c3d0e75a89f3fd883f38b26afff">potentially put those pilots’ lives at risk</a>. They said lower-ranking members of the military would have been fired for such a lapse.Some Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees suggested Wednesday that Hegseth’s actions would be a fireable offense for anyone else.“This was not an isolated lapse. It reflects a broader pattern of recklessness and poor judgment from a secretary who has repeatedly shown he is in over his head,” Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said in a statement.The inspector general had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-signal-messaging-app-attack-plans-f8581bcb447b91d2e7f9cb7809ae0f06">opened its investigation</a>&nbsp;into Hegseth at the request of the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, and the committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island.<h2>It all ties back to the campaign against Yemen’s Houthis</h2>The Houthi rebels had started launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-israel-hamas-red-sea-shipping-ab6fee82e73170b7e2edbab90ed6c14c">missile and drone attacks</a>&nbsp;against commercial and military ships in late 2023 in what their leadership had described as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">effort to end</a>&nbsp;Israel’s offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Their campaign greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually.The U.S.-led campaign against the Houthis in 2024 turned into the most intense running sea battle the Navy had faced since World War II.A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war had begun in January before falling apart in March. The U.S. then launched a broad assault against the Houthis that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-houthis-end-of-bombing-yemen-israel-e2f08ac04024ef3d6409b4ce97092489">ended weeks later</a>&nbsp;when Trump said they pledged to stop attacking ships. The latest Gaza ceasefire began in October.Following the disclosure of Hegseth’s Signal chat that included the Atlantic’s editor, the magazine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">released the entire thread</a>&nbsp;in late March. Hegseth had posted multiple details about an impending strike, using military language and laying out when a “strike window” starts, where a “target terrorist” was located, the time elements around the attack and when various weapons and aircraft would be used in the strike. He mentioned that the U.S. was “currently clean” on operational security.Hegseth told Fox News Channel in April that what he shared over Signal was “informal, unclassified coordinations, for media coordinations and other things.”___Associated Press writer Stephen Groves, Konstantin Toropin, Michelle L. Price and David Klepper contributed to this report.

Sec. of War responds to Pentagon watchdog report on his use of Signal app

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Nancy Jeter of the Women Who Lead board about the organization's holiday projects on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
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 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Women Who Lead" 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=pu9c4-19dce88-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 Nancy Jeter of the Women Who Lead board about the organization's holiday projects on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Women Who Lead celebrate holidays through giving, service

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/five-state" target="_blank">Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk</a>&nbsp;will be presented from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.&nbsp;Most of the exhibits are in downtown Hays and at Fort Hays State University.

From ceramics to photography, and authors to live music, you'll find a wide mix of visual, literary and performance arts, said&nbsp;Chandler Reich, Hays Arts Council executive director.

The 5-State Photography Competition and Exhibition, in its 42nd year, will anchor the art walk at the Hays Arts Center.&nbsp;

The exhibition is the result of a juried, competitive exhibition open to any photographer living in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado. &nbsp;

This year, 648 photos were entered, with 150 selected for exhibition by juror John Finch, a longtime wildlife photographer who has worked around the world. He also determined cash awards totaling $1,500.

Finch told Reich he may have been a little more critical in judging the landscape and wildlife photography because of his background.

"He told us he starts just by looking at the pictures, and then he starts selecting based on his first impression," Reich said.&nbsp; "Once he gets that narrowed down, he starts looking at the technical things.

"I'm really excited for everything to be up and for people to see his choices."

The 5-State Exhibition will be on display through February 2026.

There are 17 venues to visit during Saturday's art walk.&nbsp;

Reich said having the event on Saturday makes it easier for most people, including out-of-town visitors, to view all the exhibits.

For the youngest participants, a children's art show and hot cocoa will be offered at the K-State Cottonwood Extension Office, sponsored by Little Explorers Daycare.

Many art students from Fort Hays State University and Hays High School will showcase their work, including ceramics, paintings, printmaking and sculpture.&nbsp;

The Hays High Orchestra will be performing in the Downtown Pavilion in Union Pacific Park from 10 a.m. to noon.

Fort Hays State University sculpture professor Toby Flores will show his own sculpture and forged works in his gallery at 708 Main.

More live music can be enjoyed from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hays Public Library by the Sweet Remedy Band, where authors Kale Link and Jeanne Riedel will talk about their books, and photography by Chris Schmidt will be featured.

Christmas music by Buffalo Bridge 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. will be presented at Custom Creations.

Handmade holiday creations from Bethesda Place, in conjunction with the WeKan Center, will be available for purchase at the Bethesda Place Christmas Store, 126 W. Ninth.

There will be one exhibit outside the downtown Hays area.

Fiber arts by Micki Armstrong and Kari Schultz and show quilting by Phyllis Marcum will be featured at the Sew Easy Stitch Lounge, 2506 Vine.&nbsp;

There is no fee to attend the art walk.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795825302.jpeg" alt="The 5-State Photo Competition and Exhibition anchors Saturday' Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The 5-State Photo Competition and Exhibition anchors Saturday' Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: 5-State Photo anchors Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk on Saturday" 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=exy2q-19de707-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 PostThe&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/five-state" target="_blank">Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk</a>&nbsp;will be presented from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.&nbsp;Most of the exhibits are in downtown Hays and at Fort Hays State University.From ceramics to photography, and authors to live music, you'll find a wide mix of visual, literary and performance arts, said&nbsp;Chandler Reich, Hays Arts Council executive director.The 5-State Photography Competition and Exhibition, in its 42nd year, will anchor the art walk at the Hays Arts Center.&nbsp;The exhibition is the result of a juried, competitive exhibition open to any photographer living in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795885597.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This year, 648 photos were entered, with 150 selected for exhibition by juror John Finch, a longtime wildlife photographer who has worked around the world. He also determined cash awards totaling $1,500.Finch told Reich he may have been a little more critical in judging the landscape and wildlife photography because of his background."He told us he starts just by looking at the pictures, and then he starts selecting based on his first impression," Reich said.&nbsp; "Once he gets that narrowed down, he starts looking at the technical things."I'm really excited for everything to be up and for people to see his choices."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795912327.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 5-State Exhibition will be on display through February 2026.There are 17 venues to visit during Saturday's art walk.&nbsp;Reich said having the event on Saturday makes it easier for most people, including out-of-town visitors, to view all the exhibits.For the youngest participants, a children's art show and hot cocoa will be offered at the K-State Cottonwood Extension Office, sponsored by Little Explorers Daycare.Many art students from Fort Hays State University and Hays High School will showcase their work, including ceramics, paintings, printmaking and sculpture.&nbsp;The Hays High Orchestra will be performing in the Downtown Pavilion in Union Pacific Park from 10 a.m. to noon.Fort Hays State University sculpture professor Toby Flores will show his own sculpture and forged works in his gallery at 708 Main.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764795942497.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>More live music can be enjoyed from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hays Public Library by the Sweet Remedy Band, where authors Kale Link and Jeanne Riedel will talk about their books, and photography by Chris Schmidt will be featured.Christmas music by Buffalo Bridge 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. will be presented at Custom Creations.Handmade holiday creations from Bethesda Place, in conjunction with the WeKan Center, will be available for purchase at the Bethesda Place Christmas Store, 126 W. Ninth.There will be one exhibit outside the downtown Hays area.Fiber arts by Micki Armstrong and Kari Schultz and show quilting by Phyllis Marcum will be featured at the Sew Easy Stitch Lounge, 2506 Vine.&nbsp;There is no fee to attend the art walk.&nbsp;<figure>
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🎙 5-State Photo anchors Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk on Saturday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Center Stage Theater Camp has been an annual event that allows Hays-area residents who have developmental disabilities to be seen.

This year, in addition to comedic skits and song, some of the actors will take on a more serious subject—disability rights.

The camp was founded by Annie Wasinger of Hays seven years ago when she was in high school. Wasinger graduated from Wichita State University in May and is now employed with the Disability Rights Center of Kansas in Topeka. She returned to Hays this week to lead the camp.

The performance will include an homage to two pivotal moments in disability rights history.

This year is the 60th anniversary of the publication of "Christmas in Purgatory." Advocates went undercover in institutions and photographed the atrocities there. They published a photo essay that helped spark the disability rights movement and the deinstitutionalization of people who have intellectual disabilities, Wasinger said.

"It really made a call to action to the general public to consider, 'What are we doing here? Are we really going to allow citizens of the United States to live in these conditions?" Wasinger said.

The second anniversary is the 1975 passage of the Developmental Disabilities Act, which includes a bill of rights.

The act created a protection advocacy system in each state, and they are charged with investigating any acts of neglect or abuse in any facility or area where a person with a disability participates, Wasinger said.

The opportunity to be seen and heard has a great effect on the campers, Wasigner said.

"Even reading that third script today, Ryan Hoag started tearing up," Wasinger said.

"To know that just 60 years ago someone had to sneak themselves and a camera belt into an institution and then publish 100s of photos to show the world that there was something wrong," Wasinger said, "that there was something to be seen and there were people being treated in appalling conditions, for no other reason than our national policy was out of sight out of mind."

Wasinger said there is no greater gift human beings can give each other than to see each other.

"The thesis for camp for me is to place those people you would look away from in the spotlight and let them show you who they are on their terms," she said.

The Disability Rights Center is sponsoring the show this year and offering packets of information to attendees on disability rights and the history of the movement.

Wasinger was inspired to start the camp because she grew up alongside a young man with disability, Joel, whom she considers her brother. He has participated in the camp each year.

This year, 35 people are participating in the camp. In addition to preparing for a free show at 7 p.m. Saturday at Celebration Community Church, the campers play theater-themed games, including improv and learning stage directions.

The Saturday performance is open to the public.

Camp is not all serious. The participants spend plenty of time laughing and socializing.&nbsp;

Camper Jimmy said he gets to be silly at camp, be with his friends and drink a pop.

Camper Dallas said he gets nervous about being on stage in front of people, but he likes seeing his friends and singing.

Both Jimmy and Dallas said they liked Annie, and she is a good teacher.

Some of the campers have participated in all seven years of the camp, and Wasinger said some of the more seasoned performers have begun taking leadership roles in the group.

Volunteers assist the campers, but fellow campers also help each other, she said.

"It's really cool to see the people who have stuck it out for five or seven years to see how talented they have become," Wasinger said. "The goal is always integration. I want people to have the skills to audition for a community theater show or audition for something online."

Wasinger wrote all three sections of the performance, including the two comedic skits that will lead off the show. The first involves a comedic interaction with carolers who show up at the house of a family who is trying to celebrate Christmas quietly. Chaos ensues.

The second scene is titled "Too Many Santas," during which too many mall Santas show up on the scene.

Other sponsors include Gone Logo, Kiwanis of Hays, Celebration Community Church, DSNWK and Wendy Stein.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764780764339.jpeg" alt="A Center Stage Theater Camp participant pretends to be a jester during a Pass the Hat game this week at Celebration Community Church. The camp will culminate with a free public performance at 7 p.m. Saturday at the church. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A Center Stage Theater Camp participant pretends to be a jester during a Pass the Hat game this week at Celebration Community Church. The camp will culminate with a free public performance at 7 p.m. Saturday at the church. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Center Stage Theater Camp has been an annual event that allows Hays-area residents who have developmental disabilities to be seen.They also have some fun in the process.This year, in addition to comedic skits and song, some of the actors will take on a more serious subject—disability rights.The camp was founded by Annie Wasinger of Hays seven years ago when she was in high school. Wasinger graduated from Wichita State University in May and is now employed with the Disability Rights Center of Kansas in Topeka. She returned to Hays this week to lead the camp.The performance will include an homage to two pivotal moments in disability rights history.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764780889587.jpeg" alt="Annie Wasinger, formerly of Hays, founded the Center Stage Theater Camp when she was in high school. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Annie Wasinger, formerly of Hays, founded the Center Stage Theater Camp when she was in high school. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>This year is the 60th anniversary of the publication of "Christmas in Purgatory." Advocates went undercover in institutions and photographed the atrocities there. They published a photo essay that helped spark the disability rights movement and the deinstitutionalization of people who have intellectual disabilities, Wasinger said."It really made a call to action to the general public to consider, 'What are we doing here? Are we really going to allow citizens of the United States to live in these conditions?" Wasinger said.The second anniversary is the 1975 passage of the Developmental Disabilities Act, which includes a bill of rights.The act created a protection advocacy system in each state, and they are charged with investigating any acts of neglect or abuse in any facility or area where a person with a disability participates, Wasinger said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764780942367.jpeg" alt="A camper receives a hug from a camp volunteer. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A camper receives a hug from a camp volunteer. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The opportunity to be seen and heard has a great effect on the campers, Wasigner said."Even reading that third script today, Ryan Hoag started tearing up," Wasinger said."To know that just 60 years ago someone had to sneak themselves and a camera belt into an institution and then publish 100s of photos to show the world that there was something wrong," Wasinger said, "that there was something to be seen and there were people being treated in appalling conditions, for no other reason than our national policy was out of sight out of mind."Wasinger said there is no greater gift human beings can give each other than to see each other.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764780988155.jpeg" alt="A camper shows off a big grin during the Center Stage Theater Camp this week in Hays. Campers who have developmental disabilities have the opportunity to play theater-inspired games and spend time with friends. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A camper shows off a big grin during the Center Stage Theater Camp this week in Hays. Campers who have developmental disabilities have the opportunity to play theater-inspired games and spend time with friends. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"The thesis for camp for me is to place those people you would look away from in the spotlight and let them show you who they are on their terms," she said.The Disability Rights Center is sponsoring the show this year and offering packets of information to attendees on disability rights and the history of the movement.Wasinger was inspired to start the camp because she grew up alongside a young man with disability, Joel, whom she considers her brother. He has participated in the camp each year.This year, 35 people are participating in the camp. In addition to preparing for a free show at 7 p.m. Saturday at Celebration Community Church, the campers play theater-themed games, including improv and learning stage directions.The Saturday performance is open to the public.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764781157283.jpeg" alt="Center Stage campers play a camp called Four Corners during which they learn stage directions. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Center Stage campers play a camp called Four Corners during which they learn stage directions. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Camp is not all serious. The participants spend plenty of time laughing and socializing.&nbsp;Camper Jimmy said he gets to be silly at camp, be with his friends and drink a pop.Camper Dallas said he gets nervous about being on stage in front of people, but he likes seeing his friends and singing.Both Jimmy and Dallas said they liked Annie, and she is a good teacher."She is nice to us," Jimmy said.Some of the campers have participated in all seven years of the camp, and Wasinger said some of the more seasoned performers have begun taking leadership roles in the group.Volunteers assist the campers, but fellow campers also help each other, she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764781428087.jpeg" alt="Camper Jimmy, right, takes a turn at Pass the Hat as fellow camper Dallas looks on. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Camper Jimmy, right, takes a turn at Pass the Hat as fellow camper Dallas looks on. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's really cool to see the people who have stuck it out for five or seven years to see how talented they have become," Wasinger said. "The goal is always integration. I want people to have the skills to audition for a community theater show or audition for something online."Wasinger wrote all three sections of the performance, including the two comedic skits that will lead off the show. The first involves a comedic interaction with carolers who show up at the house of a family who is trying to celebrate Christmas quietly. Chaos ensues.The second scene is titled "Too Many Santas," during which too many mall Santas show up on the scene.Other sponsors include Gone Logo, Kiwanis of Hays, Celebration Community Church, DSNWK and Wendy Stein.

Hays Center Stage theater camp sheds light on disability rights

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Police investigating a fatal Thanksgiving weekend crash have identified the victim as 65-year-old&nbsp;Toby Maestas of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas police.

&nbsp;just before 7a.m. Saturday, an SUV driven by Maestro was northbound in the 1300 Block of N 38th Street. The vehicle veered off the road into a parking lot and struck two posts.

First responders pronounced Maestro deceased at the scene.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation by the KCK Police Traffic division.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Police investigating a fatal Thanksgiving weekend crash have identified the victim as 65-year-old&nbsp;Toby Maestas of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas police.&nbsp;just before 7a.m. Saturday, an SUV driven by Maestro was northbound in the 1300 Block of N 38th Street. The vehicle veered off the road into a parking lot and struck two posts.First responders pronounced Maestro deceased at the scene.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation by the KCK Police Traffic division.

Police ID Kansas man who died in parking lot crash

By JONATHAN ZWEYGRDT Hays Post

The TMP-Marian Monarchs basketball teams are set to open the
season Thursday night in the first round of the Hays City Shootout against the
host Hays High Indians.

The two programs start the season in two different positions.

The girls' program, led by second-year head coach John Linn,
are coming off the seventh state tournament appearance in program history,
suffering a first-round loss to Moundridge.

They must replace their leading scorer and rebounder. 

TMP’s lone returing scorer is senior Claire Schippers.

The TMP boys return all five starters from last season and
11 players who have varsity experience. 

Coach Bill Meagher enters his fifth season as Monarchs head
coach and returns 2A All-State selection and leading scorer Ty Schmeidler.
Jacob Seib and Grant Nehls also earned all-MCL honors a year ago.

The Monarchs boys and girls tipoff against Hays High at 6:30
p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Thursday night against Hays High at Hays High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680362998724.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGRDT Hays PostThe TMP-Marian Monarchs basketball teams are set to open the
season Thursday night in the first round of the Hays City Shootout against the
host Hays High Indians.The two programs start the season in two different positions.The girls' program, led by second-year head coach John Linn,
are coming off the seventh state tournament appearance in program history,
suffering a first-round loss to Moundridge.They must replace their leading scorer and rebounder. TMP’s lone returing scorer is senior Claire Schippers.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2223665582&color=%234d4d8a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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/tmp-girls-basketball-coach-john-linn" title="TMP girls basketball coach John Linn" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP girls basketball coach John Linn</a></div></div>The TMP boys return all five starters from last season and
11 players who have varsity experience. Coach Bill Meagher enters his fifth season as Monarchs head
coach and returns 2A All-State selection and leading scorer Ty Schmeidler.
Jacob Seib and Grant Nehls also earned all-MCL honors a year ago.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2223665933&color=%234d4d8a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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/tmp-boys-basketball-coach-bill-meagher" title="TMP boys basketball coach Bill Meagher" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP boys basketball coach Bill Meagher</a></div></div>The Monarchs boys and girls tipoff against Hays High at 6:30
p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Thursday night against Hays High at Hays High School.

🏀🎧 Monarchs set to open season at Shootout

By Anthony Gorges JC/Little Apple Post

Kansas State Athletics announced on Wednesday that head football coach Chris Klieman was retiring. Klieman, who has spent seven years with the school and is 58 years old, stated that for the first time, he’s putting his family first and looks forward to spending more time with them moving forward. K-State held a press conference at the Vanier Family Football Complex on Wednesday afternoon where Klieman and Athletics Director Gene Taylor spoke about Klieman’s decision.

A full room of media and K-State staff gave Coach Klieman a round of applause as he made his way to the podium. Klieman began his press conference by thanking everyone for being there. “It just goes to show me that the good guys win,” Kansas State head football coach Chris Klieman said. “Doing things the right way, doing it with class and doing it with integrity is the right way. Guys, that’s the K-State way.”

Klieman said despite it being an emotional day, “I am at peace.” He noted that colleagues, former players, and parents of current players reached out to him and congratulated him and his wife, Rhonda. Klieman stated one of the reasons he was in the business of coaching was to have that kind of impact.

Chris Klieman previously served as head coach at North Dakota State before coming to Kansas State to lead the Wildcats. He held many other coaching positions after spending more than thirty years as a coach. “I am one of the lucky ones,” Klieman said. He pointed out that he spent fifteen years at his last two stops and noted that is very rare in the coaching profession. Current Kansas State Athletic Director (AD) Gene Taylor previously served as AD at North Dakota State and was the one who hired Klieman to be a head coach at both schools. Klieman expressed his thanks and gratitude to Taylor at the press conference.

Speaking about his twelve years as a head coach (five at NDSU and seven at K-State), Klieman said, “I am damn proud of the body of work that all of us put together.” He stated that he was up for the challenge of following in the footsteps of legendary K-State coach Bill Snyder, and said, “I think we did a pretty damn good job here.” Klieman closed out the press conference by thanking everyone “for allowing the Kliemans to come into Manhattan and build something here.” As Klieman left the press conference, he and Director of Athletics Gene Taylor shared a hug.

*Highlights for Klieman at K-State include winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship, winning eight or more games for four straight years, and qualifying for a bowl game in six out of seven years. (The only year KSU did not make a bowl game was during the 2020 COVID season.)

K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor spoke after Klieman officially announced his retirement. Taylor was passionate that changes need to be made in the current era of college athletics. Taylor, a very close friend of Klieman, was very emotional when speaking to the media. “You just saw one of the greatest guys in this industry walk out of this room and retire from coaching, from the business that he loves,” Taylor said. He continued, “What really pisses me off is he is doing it because of where we are in this industry.” Taylor is referring to the new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal, among other issues as well. “If we don’t get this thing fixed, and I am a part of that, as is every other AD in the country and conference commissioners, more really, really good guys like Chris Klieman are going to walk away from this business.”

When asked about the timeline of events and when he knew Klieman would retire, Gene Taylor said they met on Monday, where Klieman expressed he needed a few days to think about what he wanted to do. Taylor admitted he was somewhat caught off guard by the retirement talks because he thought they were meeting to discuss the bowl game and potential coaching/staffing changes.

Klieman told Taylor Wednesday morning he was going to retire, and Taylor admitted he had been emotional all day since their discussion. When asked about if Klieman would coach the bowl game, he said it is still being determined. He said he plans to meet with the players on Thursday and discuss it.

As for the rumors and speculation about a new head coach being named, Gene Taylor said at the press conference that he had not had any conversations prior to that moment. He said with the current landscape, the process will certainly move fast, but he wanted to wait and be respectful to Coach Klieman and let him announce his retirement before anything was officially done.

Lastly, Gene Taylor was very complimentary of Klieman’s seven-year run leading the Wildcats and thanked him for what he gave to the Kansas State program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764815483798.jpeg" alt="Chris Klieman officially announcing his retirement at a press conference on Wednesday in the Vanier Family Football Complex.-photo photo" />
 <figcaption>Chris Klieman officially announcing his retirement at a press conference on Wednesday in the Vanier Family Football Complex.-photo photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony Gorges JC/Little Apple PostKansas State Athletics announced on Wednesday that head football coach Chris Klieman was retiring. Klieman, who has spent seven years with the school and is 58 years old, stated that for the first time, he’s putting his family first and looks forward to spending more time with them moving forward. K-State held a press conference at the Vanier Family Football Complex on Wednesday afternoon where Klieman and Athletics Director Gene Taylor spoke about Klieman’s decision.A full room of media and K-State staff gave Coach Klieman a round of applause as he made his way to the podium. Klieman began his press conference by thanking everyone for being there. “It just goes to show me that the good guys win,” Kansas State head football coach Chris Klieman said. “Doing things the right way, doing it with class and doing it with integrity is the right way. Guys, that’s the K-State way.”Klieman said despite it being an emotional day, “I am at peace.” He noted that colleagues, former players, and parents of current players reached out to him and congratulated him and his wife, Rhonda. Klieman stated one of the reasons he was in the business of coaching was to have that kind of impact.Chris Klieman previously served as head coach at North Dakota State before coming to Kansas State to lead the Wildcats. He held many other coaching positions after spending more than thirty years as a coach. “I am one of the lucky ones,” Klieman said. He pointed out that he spent fifteen years at his last two stops and noted that is very rare in the coaching profession. Current Kansas State Athletic Director (AD) Gene Taylor previously served as AD at North Dakota State and was the one who hired Klieman to be a head coach at both schools. Klieman expressed his thanks and gratitude to Taylor at the press conference.Speaking about his twelve years as a head coach (five at NDSU and seven at K-State), Klieman said, “I am damn proud of the body of work that all of us put together.” He stated that he was up for the challenge of following in the footsteps of legendary K-State coach Bill Snyder, and said, “I think we did a pretty damn good job here.” Klieman closed out the press conference by thanking everyone “for allowing the Kliemans to come into Manhattan and build something here.” As Klieman left the press conference, he and Director of Athletics Gene Taylor shared a hug.*Highlights for Klieman at K-State include winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship, winning eight or more games for four straight years, and qualifying for a bowl game in six out of seven years. (The only year KSU did not make a bowl game was during the 2020 COVID season.)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764817709243.jpeg" alt="Gene Taylor speaking at Klieman's retirement press conference.-Post photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Gene Taylor speaking at Klieman's retirement press conference.-Post photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor spoke after Klieman officially announced his retirement. Taylor was passionate that changes need to be made in the current era of college athletics. Taylor, a very close friend of Klieman, was very emotional when speaking to the media. “You just saw one of the greatest guys in this industry walk out of this room and retire from coaching, from the business that he loves,” Taylor said. He continued, “What really pisses me off is he is doing it because of where we are in this industry.” Taylor is referring to the new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal, among other issues as well. “If we don’t get this thing fixed, and I am a part of that, as is every other AD in the country and conference commissioners, more really, really good guys like Chris Klieman are going to walk away from this business.”When asked about the timeline of events and when he knew Klieman would retire, Gene Taylor said they met on Monday, where Klieman expressed he needed a few days to think about what he wanted to do. Taylor admitted he was somewhat caught off guard by the retirement talks because he thought they were meeting to discuss the bowl game and potential coaching/staffing changes.Klieman told Taylor Wednesday morning he was going to retire, and Taylor admitted he had been emotional all day since their discussion. When asked about if Klieman would coach the bowl game, he said it is still being determined. He said he plans to meet with the players on Thursday and discuss it.As for the rumors and speculation about a new head coach being named, Gene Taylor said at the press conference that he had not had any conversations prior to that moment. He said with the current landscape, the process will certainly move fast, but he wanted to wait and be respectful to Coach Klieman and let him announce his retirement before anything was officially done.Lastly, Gene Taylor was very complimentary of Klieman’s seven-year run leading the Wildcats and thanked him for what he gave to the Kansas State program.

K-State’s Chris Klieman and AD Gene Taylor discuss Klieman's decision to retire

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump pardoned Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cuellar-bribery-investigation-trial-52ca87ef616e39ef0270733900361c92">a federal bribery and conspiracy case</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, citing what he called a “weaponized” justice system.

Trump, who has argued that his own legal troubles were a partisan witch hunt, said on social media without presenting evidence that Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, were prosecuted because the congressman had been critical of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.

Trump, a Republican, said in a social media post that Cuellar “bravely spoke out against Open Borders” and accused Biden, a Democrat, of going after the congressman and his wife “simply for speaking the TRUTH.”

Federal authorities had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/henry-cuellar-texas-azerbaijan-ddb1dea393ba88d8d823557ec6c0d93a">charged Cuellar</a>&nbsp;and his wife with accepting thousands of dollars in exchange for the congressman advancing the interests of an Azerbaijan-controlled energy company and a bank in Mexico. Cuellar is accused of agreeing to influence legislation favorable to Azerbaijan and deliver a pro-Azerbaijan speech on the floor of the U.S. House.

Cuellar has said he and his wife are innocent. The couple’s trial had been set to begin next April.

“Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight,” Trump wrote in his social media post announcing the pardon. “Your nightmare is finally over!”

The Cuellars' attorneys and a spokesperson for Biden did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Cuellar still faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cuellar-house-ethics-committee-azerbaijan-justice-department-f126c9adcd361b2c8b279974a87abfbc">an Ethics Committee investigation</a>&nbsp;in the House. It began in May 2024 shortly after his indictment and was reauthorized in July. The committee said it was in contact with the Justice Department about mitigating the risks associated with dual investigations while still meeting its obligations to safeguard the integrity of the House.

Cuellar, who has served in Congress for more than 20 years, is a moderate Democrat who represents an area on the Texas-Mexico border and has a history of breaking with his party when it comes to immigration and firearms.

He was among the most vocal critics of the Biden administration’s response to a record number of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. He also is one of the last Democrats in Congress who opposes abortion rights.

Cuellar is not the only Democrat Trump has pardoned this year. In February, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-rod-blagojevich-ea52b9bd10ee8120934c434e5c75e406">pardoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich</a>, five years after he had commuted his sentence in a political corruption case.

Like in Cuellar’s case, Trump suggested that New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, faced federal corruption charges because he made comments critical of Biden’s immigration policies.

Trump did not pardon Adams, but after Trump took office, the Justice Department moved to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-mayor-eric-adams-charges-ff3730a2e870cd219e8fead8899118b1">drop the case</a>&nbsp;against the mayor, who had begun working with the Republican administration on immigration issues.

A top Justice Department official, who was also Trump’s defense lawyer in several of his cases, stepped in to seek dismissal in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764782105173.png" alt="File. photo: Rep. Henry Cuellar-from his social media page" />
 <figcaption>File. photo: Rep. Henry Cuellar-from his social media page</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump pardoned Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cuellar-bribery-investigation-trial-52ca87ef616e39ef0270733900361c92">a federal bribery and conspiracy case</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, citing what he called a “weaponized” justice system.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">I want to thank President Trump for his tremendous leadership and for taking the time to look at the facts. I thank God for standing with my family and I during this difficult time. This decision clears the air and lets us move forward for South Texas. This pardon gives us a… <a href="https://t.co/ajNvHq6rG0">pic.twitter.com/ajNvHq6rG0</a>&mdash; Rep. Henry Cuellar (@RepCuellar) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepCuellar/status/1996254124354986003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump, who has argued that his own legal troubles were a partisan witch hunt, said on social media without presenting evidence that Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, were prosecuted because the congressman had been critical of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.Trump, a Republican, said in a social media post that Cuellar “bravely spoke out against Open Borders” and accused Biden, a Democrat, of going after the congressman and his wife “simply for speaking the TRUTH.”Federal authorities had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/henry-cuellar-texas-azerbaijan-ddb1dea393ba88d8d823557ec6c0d93a">charged Cuellar</a>&nbsp;and his wife with accepting thousands of dollars in exchange for the congressman advancing the interests of an Azerbaijan-controlled energy company and a bank in Mexico. Cuellar is accused of agreeing to influence legislation favorable to Azerbaijan and deliver a pro-Azerbaijan speech on the floor of the U.S. House.Cuellar has said he and his wife are innocent. The couple’s trial had been set to begin next April.“Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight,” Trump wrote in his social media post announcing the pardon. “Your nightmare is finally over!”The Cuellars' attorneys and a spokesperson for Biden did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.Cuellar still faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cuellar-house-ethics-committee-azerbaijan-justice-department-f126c9adcd361b2c8b279974a87abfbc">an Ethics Committee investigation</a>&nbsp;in the House. It began in May 2024 shortly after his indictment and was reauthorized in July. The committee said it was in contact with the Justice Department about mitigating the risks associated with dual investigations while still meeting its obligations to safeguard the integrity of the House.Cuellar, who has served in Congress for more than 20 years, is a moderate Democrat who represents an area on the Texas-Mexico border and has a history of breaking with his party when it comes to immigration and firearms.He was among the most vocal critics of the Biden administration’s response to a record number of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. He also is one of the last Democrats in Congress who opposes abortion rights.Cuellar is not the only Democrat Trump has pardoned this year. In February, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-rod-blagojevich-ea52b9bd10ee8120934c434e5c75e406">pardoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich</a>, five years after he had commuted his sentence in a political corruption case.Like in Cuellar’s case, Trump suggested that New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, faced federal corruption charges because he made comments critical of Biden’s immigration policies.Trump did not pardon Adams, but after Trump took office, the Justice Department moved to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-mayor-eric-adams-charges-ff3730a2e870cd219e8fead8899118b1">drop the case</a>&nbsp;against the mayor, who had begun working with the Republican administration on immigration issues.A top Justice Department official, who was also Trump’s defense lawyer in several of his cases, stepped in to seek dismissal in the case.

Why President Trump just pardoned a Democrat Congressman 

After a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6ffee1b6-588c-4855-aeaf-b62dd3ca9c0b">public poll</a> this spring showed split opinions, Hays city commissioners will review the local ordinance governing the purchase and discharge of fireworks at the Thursday work session.

"We're kind of evaluating our policy since it's been in place for a while," Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, said. "Are we allowing the number of days people would like, or the types of fireworks, things like that?"&nbsp;

The city's fireworks policy allows the sale and use of common fireworks from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2 through July 4, unless suspended due to adverse weather conditions or safety concerns.

Only a few residents speak out each July 4 holiday, and they are passionate, whether for or against.&nbsp;

After the 2025 holiday, one resident brought a box of fireworks refuse he collected from in front of his house to a city commission meeting. He asked that changes be made regarding clean-up enforcement and to limit the number of days fireworks can be shot to just July 4.

Staff has researched other cities' fireworks regulations.

"At this time, staff is not recommending any changes," said Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager.

Other agenda items include discussion of ordinances to authorize the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d49c8ec-b445-4b28-a49c-d154c709104f">Agiliti</a> and Vernie's Trux-N-Equip.

Agiliti, a&nbsp;medical equipment manufacturer on south Commerce Parkway,&nbsp; plans to buy, renovate and expand its campus buildings.&nbsp;A total 140 new jobs would be added in phases to the current 91 positions.

The utilization of industrial revenue bonds, which have no taxpayer commitment, allows a property tax abatement for up to 10 years for the $6.55-million project.

The new location of Vernie's Trux-N-Equip is on six acres northwest of the&nbsp;intersection of 48th Street and General Hays Road, the site of the former Hays Livestock sales barn.

The developer is asking for the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for the $2.2 million project. No property tax abatement is requested. A&nbsp;community improvement district is also sought.

Construction engineering services contract

Tom Howie, project manager, will present a bid from Driggs Design Group for the Interstate 70, Exit 161, infrastructure project. Driggs had the low bid of $38,632. The project will be funded from general obligation bonds.

The initial new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to 8 acres, for commercial and residential development on the city-owned property.

Following a review of its pool season operation, the Hays Recreation Commission will request a 50% reimbursement from the city for the operating loss. The city would pay $25,501 to the recreation commission&nbsp; from the 2025 General Fund Pool Budget.

The complete Dec. 4 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12042025-1584">here</a>.

The work session starts 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 PostAfter a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6ffee1b6-588c-4855-aeaf-b62dd3ca9c0b">public poll</a> this spring showed split opinions, Hays city commissioners will review the local ordinance governing the purchase and discharge of fireworks at the Thursday work session."We're kind of evaluating our policy since it's been in place for a while," Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, said. "Are we allowing the number of days people would like, or the types of fireworks, things like that?"&nbsp;The city's fireworks policy allows the sale and use of common fireworks from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2 through July 4, unless suspended due to adverse weather conditions or safety concerns.Only a few residents speak out each July 4 holiday, and they are passionate, whether for or against.&nbsp;After the 2025 holiday, one resident brought a box of fireworks refuse he collected from in front of his house to a city commission meeting. He asked that changes be made regarding clean-up enforcement and to limit the number of days fireworks can be shot to just July 4.Staff has researched other cities' fireworks regulations."At this time, staff is not recommending any changes," said Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager.Industrial Revenue BondsOther agenda items include discussion of ordinances to authorize the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d49c8ec-b445-4b28-a49c-d154c709104f">Agiliti</a> and Vernie's Trux-N-Equip.Agiliti, a&nbsp;medical equipment manufacturer on south Commerce Parkway,&nbsp; plans to buy, renovate and expand its campus buildings.&nbsp;A total 140 new jobs would be added in phases to the current 91 positions.The utilization of industrial revenue bonds, which have no taxpayer commitment, allows a property tax abatement for up to 10 years for the $6.55-million project.The new location of Vernie's Trux-N-Equip is on six acres northwest of the&nbsp;intersection of 48th Street and General Hays Road, the site of the former Hays Livestock sales barn.The developer is asking for the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for the $2.2 million project. No property tax abatement is requested. A&nbsp;community improvement district is also sought.Construction engineering services contractTom Howie, project manager, will present a bid from Driggs Design Group for the Interstate 70, Exit 161, infrastructure project. Driggs had the low bid of $38,632. The project will be funded from general obligation bonds.The initial new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to 8 acres, for commercial and residential development on the city-owned property.Pool reimbursement requestFollowing a review of its pool season operation, the Hays Recreation Commission will request a 50% reimbursement from the city for the operating loss. The city would pay $25,501 to the recreation commission&nbsp; from the 2025 General Fund Pool Budget.The complete Dec. 4 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12042025-1584">here</a>.The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission to examine fireworks policy

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson about the district's bond projects on episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4906798e-f3ac-4473-a4cb-4899a08613e3">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Middle, O'Loughlin Elementary on schedule</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763502408793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: USD 489 - Ron Wilson" 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=9cnq2-19d2691-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></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson about the district's bond projects on episode of the Hays Post Podcast.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4906798e-f3ac-4473-a4cb-4899a08613e3">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Middle, O'Loughlin Elementary on schedule</a>

🎙 Hays USD 489 superintendent gives bond update

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man found guilty in the murder of a woman in Wichita is going to prison.

On Wednesday, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 25-year-old Jose Velazquez-Carillo to&nbsp;165 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He must also serve 3-years of post release supervision and pay $16,000 in restitution

In October, a jury convicted Velazquez-Carillo of second degree murder.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man found guilty in the murder of a woman in Wichita will learn his fate Wednesday.

Jose Velazquez-Carillo, now 25, will appear in Judge Jeffrey Goering's courtroom for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In October, a jury convicted Velazquez-Carillo of second degree murder.

In February of 2024, police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of South George Washington Blvd. in&nbsp; Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses

The victim, identified as 42-year-old Candace Amack of Wichita, was found outside of a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was&nbsp; was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Employing FLOCK, cutting-edge technology, Wichita Police Officers were able to identify a possible suspect vehicle leaving the area after the reported shooting.

Officers quickly identified and located the vehicle at a residence in the 1300 block of North Jackson in Wichita.&nbsp; Just before 8p.m., in collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol air section, the Wichita Police Department coordinated efforts resulting in the safe apprehension of&nbsp; Velazquez-Carillo and 33-year-old Martin Velazquez-Villa during a vehicle stop near 13th and Hydraulic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708119236620.png" alt="Velazquez-Carillo-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Velazquez-Carillo-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man found guilty in the murder of a woman in Wichita is going to prison.On Wednesday, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 25-year-old Jose Velazquez-Carillo to&nbsp;165 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He must also serve 3-years of post release supervision and pay $16,000 in restitutionIn October, a jury convicted Velazquez-Carillo of second degree murder.----------------SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man found guilty in the murder of a woman in Wichita will learn his fate Wednesday.Jose Velazquez-Carillo, now 25, will appear in Judge Jeffrey Goering's courtroom for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In October, a jury convicted Velazquez-Carillo of second degree murder.In February of 2024, police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of South George Washington Blvd. in&nbsp; Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764762680804.png" alt="Candace Amack-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Candace Amack-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The victim, identified as 42-year-old Candace Amack of Wichita, was found outside of a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was&nbsp; was pronounced deceased on the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764762200935.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Employing FLOCK, cutting-edge technology, Wichita Police Officers were able to identify a possible suspect vehicle leaving the area after the reported shooting.Officers quickly identified and located the vehicle at a residence in the 1300 block of North Jackson in Wichita.&nbsp; Just before 8p.m., in collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol air section, the Wichita Police Department coordinated efforts resulting in the safe apprehension of&nbsp; Velazquez-Carillo and 33-year-old Martin Velazquez-Villa during a vehicle stop near 13th and Hydraulic.

Sentencing Day for murder of Kan. woman found outside her home

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fort Hays State University lit up Sheridan Hall, marking the start of a festive evening.

FHSU held its annual tree-lighting ceremony Tuesday, giving students and families a chance to enjoy carriage rides, crafts, glide on a glice rink, sip hot chocolate and hand their Christmas lists to Santa Claus.

Brett Meyer,&nbsp;FHSU director of student engagement, kicked off the event. Cade Becker and Star Parham, 2025 FHSU homecoming king and queen, shared their experience as tigers during the holidays.

President Tisa Mason also addressed attendees, emphasizing that the event was about more than just festive lights as students head into their fall finals.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764728524286.jpeg" alt="The Christmas tree located outside of Fort Hays State University's Sheridan Hall. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Christmas tree located outside of Fort Hays State University's Sheridan Hall. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University lit up Sheridan Hall, marking the start of a festive evening.FHSU held its annual tree-lighting ceremony Tuesday, giving students and families a chance to enjoy carriage rides, crafts, glide on a glice rink, sip hot chocolate and hand their Christmas lists to Santa Claus.Brett Meyer,&nbsp;FHSU director of student engagement, kicked off the event. Cade Becker and Star Parham, 2025 FHSU homecoming king and queen, shared their experience as tigers during the holidays.President Tisa Mason also addressed attendees, emphasizing that the event was about more than just festive lights as students head into their fall finals."The holidays invite us to reflect not only on the challenges that we face, but also on the many accomplishments that we have celebrated together, both individually and as a community," Mason said. "Let us embrace the spirit of gratitude and togetherness as we move into a new year with renewed hope and determination."Carolers also lifted their voices, leading the crowd in a rendition of “Silent Night.”<figure>
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