OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A basketball player at a junior college in Oklahoma who was injured during a game has died, school officials said.

Connors State College sophomore Ethan Dietz died Tuesday after he was injured during the second half of a game Saturday in Texas, the school said in a statement posted to its Facebook page. A spokesperson for the college, Shannon Rigsby, said initial reports indicate Dietz suffered some kind of head injury, but that she didn’t have any more information.

“Ethan exemplified what it means to be a Cowboy, to value hard work and being part of a team,” according to the statement from the school. “While the team and the Cowboy community are processing our own grief, our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

Messages seeking comment were left Wednesday with the college’s athletic director and men’s basketball coach.

Several of the college’s men’s and women’s basketball games were canceled following Dietz’s death.

Dietz was a 6-foot-8 forward from Vilonia, Arkansas, who was averaging 11 points per game through eight games so far this season. He had eight points and four rebounds in 20 minutes of playing time Saturday before he was injured.

A vigil in his honor was scheduled for Dec. 1 at the college’s campus in Warner, Oklahoma.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A basketball player at a junior college in Oklahoma who was injured during a game has died, school officials said.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid04mYf7chAo7Kq3sxiZWmDfsRBLuPFS1MdwR75AonAXeBtikyJ1QEYC8ibFUZbCimUl%26id%3D100075543713196&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="574" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Connors State College sophomore Ethan Dietz died Tuesday after he was injured during the second half of a game Saturday in Texas, the school said in a statement posted to its Facebook page. A spokesperson for the college, Shannon Rigsby, said initial reports indicate Dietz suffered some kind of head injury, but that she didn’t have any more information.“Ethan exemplified what it means to be a Cowboy, to value hard work and being part of a team,” according to the statement from the school. “While the team and the Cowboy community are processing our own grief, our hearts go out to his family and friends.”Messages seeking comment were left Wednesday with the college’s athletic director and men’s basketball coach.Several of the college’s men’s and women’s basketball games were canceled following Dietz’s death.Dietz was a 6-foot-8 forward from Vilonia, Arkansas, who was averaging 11 points per game through eight games so far this season. He had eight points and four rebounds in 20 minutes of playing time Saturday before he was injured.A vigil in his honor was scheduled for Dec. 1 at the college’s campus in Warner, Oklahoma.

College basketball player in Oklahoma dies after injured during game

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Texas woman was arrested on Nov. 17 in Hays after she allegedly cut off a 26-year-old driver from Quinter in traffic and later allegedly pulled out a handgun when confronted.

Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers arrested 31-year-old Racheal Shyann West of Wichita Falls, Texas, after she allegedly cut the man off in a roundabout.

Greenwood said the incident occurred at 8:40 a.m. at 41st and Vine Street. The Quinter driver followed West to the Comfort Inn &amp; Suites, 1001 E. 41st St., where he attempted to speak with her about her driving.

Greenwood said the driver had already called police to report being cut off before approaching West.

Greenwood said an argument then allegedly broke out between the reporting driver, West and the people she was there to pick up at the hotel. West and her friends alleged that the man was blocking her vehicle with his own, Greenwood said.

Greenwood said that as the man began to move his vehicle out of the way, West allegedly exited her car with a handgun and “cycled the action” to intimidate him. Greenwood said West had a child in her car at the time.

Officers arrived and interviewed all parties before West was arrested for alleged aggravated assault with the use of a deadly weapon.

Greenwood said interviews indicated the Quinter man was not verbally confrontational, but he was advised that following someone to their destination could be perceived as confrontational.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Texas woman was arrested on Nov. 17 in Hays after she allegedly cut off a 26-year-old driver from Quinter in traffic and later allegedly pulled out a handgun when confronted.Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers arrested 31-year-old Racheal Shyann West of Wichita Falls, Texas, after she allegedly cut the man off in a roundabout.Greenwood said the incident occurred at 8:40 a.m. at 41st and Vine Street. The Quinter driver followed West to the Comfort Inn &amp; Suites, 1001 E. 41st St., where he attempted to speak with her about her driving.Greenwood said the driver had already called police to report being cut off before approaching West.Greenwood said an argument then allegedly broke out between the reporting driver, West and the people she was there to pick up at the hotel. West and her friends alleged that the man was blocking her vehicle with his own, Greenwood said.Greenwood said that as the man began to move his vehicle out of the way, West allegedly exited her car with a handgun and “cycled the action” to intimidate him. Greenwood said West had a child in her car at the time.Officers arrived and interviewed all parties before West was arrested for alleged aggravated assault with the use of a deadly weapon.Greenwood said interviews indicated the Quinter man was not verbally confrontational, but he was advised that following someone to their destination could be perceived as confrontational.

Texas woman arrested after alleged gun threat in Hays traffic dispute

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">National Guard members</a>&nbsp;who deployed to the nation’s capital were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence that the mayor described as a targeted attack.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/muriel-bowser-washington-dc-trump-0e9f3cfc668fd70faa9820c8bfb4e7a3">Mayor Muriel Bowser</a>&nbsp;said they were hospitalized in critical condition.

The rare shooting of National Guard members comes as the presence of the troops in the nation’s capital and other cities around the country has been a flashpoint issue for months, fueling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-dc-deployment-c1c2b13a7102632632267bf1262506ff">court fights</a>&nbsp;and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.

Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief, said investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant “came around the corner” and immediately started firing at the troops, citing video reviewed by investigators.

“This was a targeted shooting,” Bowser said.

Two law enforcement officials and a person familiar with the matter said the suspect was believed to be an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in September 2021 and has been living in Washington state.

The suspect has been identified by law enforcement officials as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, but authorities were still working to fully confirm his background, they said. The people could not discuss details of an ongoing investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had died, but he later walked that statement back to say his office was “receiving conflicting reports” about their condition.

A suspect who was in custody also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following the shooting. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump asked him to send the extra troops.

Nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update.

The shooting happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station.

After hearing gunfire, other troops in the area ran over and held down the gunman after he was shot, Carroll said.

“It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard,” Carroll said, adding that it was not clear whether one of the guard members or a law enforcement officer shot the suspect.

“At this point we have no other suspects,” Carroll said at a news conference.

At least one of the guard members exchanged gunfire with the shooter, said another law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders performing CPR on one of the troops and treating the other on a glass-covered sidewalk.

Stacy Walters said she was in a car when she heard two gunshots and saw people running. Almost instantly, law enforcement swarmed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this? And we’re getting ready for the holidays?”

Emma McDonald, who exited a metro station just after the shots were fired, said she and a friend sought safety with others in a cafe. McDonald told AP that minutes later she saw first responders rolling a stretcher carrying a National Guard member whose head was covered in blood.

More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to Washington in August. Last week about 160 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year, while the others returned to West Virginia just over a week ago.

Police tape cordoned off the scene, and fire and police vehicle lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were there, and National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

The president, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guard members “will pay a very steep price.”

“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

In Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance urged “everybody who’s a person of faith” to pray for the two guard members. He cautioned that much remained unknown, including the motive.

“I think it’s a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they’re active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” Vance said as he delivered a Thanksgiving message to troops.

Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, scrapped plans to spend the holiday with troops at Guantanamo Bay in order to travel to D.C. and be with guard members there instead. “We are devastated by this senseless act of violence,” he said in a video posted on the social platform X.

Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later, but the troops remained.

Last week a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.

The guard members have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and been assigned to pick up trash and guard sports events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764188250922.png" alt="Photo courtesy WTTG" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WTTG</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">National Guard members</a>&nbsp;who deployed to the nation’s capital were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence that the mayor described as a targeted attack.FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/muriel-bowser-washington-dc-trump-0e9f3cfc668fd70faa9820c8bfb4e7a3">Mayor Muriel Bowser</a>&nbsp;said they were hospitalized in critical condition.The rare shooting of National Guard members comes as the presence of the troops in the nation’s capital and other cities around the country has been a flashpoint issue for months, fueling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-dc-deployment-c1c2b13a7102632632267bf1262506ff">court fights</a>&nbsp;and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief, said investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant “came around the corner” and immediately started firing at the troops, citing video reviewed by investigators.“This was a targeted shooting,” Bowser said.Two law enforcement officials and a person familiar with the matter said the suspect was believed to be an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in September 2021 and has been living in Washington state.The suspect has been identified by law enforcement officials as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, but authorities were still working to fully confirm his background, they said. The people could not discuss details of an ongoing investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had died, but he later walked that statement back to say his office was “receiving conflicting reports” about their condition.A suspect who was in custody also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following the shooting. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump asked him to send the extra troops.Nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update.<h2>Troops held down the shooter</h2>The shooting happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station.After hearing gunfire, other troops in the area ran over and held down the gunman after he was shot, Carroll said.“It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard,” Carroll said, adding that it was not clear whether one of the guard members or a law enforcement officer shot the suspect.“At this point we have no other suspects,” Carroll said at a news conference.At least one of the guard members exchanged gunfire with the shooter, said another law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders performing CPR on one of the troops and treating the other on a glass-covered sidewalk.<h2>Witnesses saw people fleeing</h2>Stacy Walters said she was in a car when she heard two gunshots and saw people running. Almost instantly, law enforcement swarmed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this? And we’re getting ready for the holidays?”Emma McDonald, who exited a metro station just after the shots were fired, said she and a friend sought safety with others in a cafe. McDonald told AP that minutes later she saw first responders rolling a stretcher carrying a National Guard member whose head was covered in blood.More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to Washington in August. Last week about 160 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year, while the others returned to West Virginia just over a week ago.Police tape cordoned off the scene, and fire and police vehicle lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were there, and National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.<h2>Trump vows that shooter will pay</h2>The president, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guard members “will pay a very steep price.”“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”In Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance urged “everybody who’s a person of faith” to pray for the two guard members. He cautioned that much remained unknown, including the motive.“I think it’s a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they’re active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” Vance said as he delivered a Thanksgiving message to troops.Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, scrapped plans to spend the holiday with troops at Guantanamo Bay in order to travel to D.C. and be with guard members there instead. “We are devastated by this senseless act of violence,” he said in a video posted on the social platform X.Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later, but the troops remained.Last week a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.The guard members have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and been assigned to pick up trash and guard sports events.___

Alleged shooter of National Guard Troops in DC identified

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia National Guard members who deployed to the nation’s capital were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Guard members were hospitalized in critical condition. Bowser said they were victims of a ”targeted shooting.”

The West Virginia governor initially said the troops had died, but later walked back the statement to say his office was “receiving conflicting reports" about their condition. The governor’s office did not immediately respond to questions about the attack and the condition of the troops.

"We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues," Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.

Law enforcement was reviewing surveillance video from the scene and believed the suspect approached the soldiers and pulled out a gun, said another law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

At least one of the soldiers exchanged gunfire with the shooter, the official said. Investigators were trying to determine the gunman's motive, including whether the suspect was targeting the troops for any specific reason, the official said.

The shooting happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House.

Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders attempting CPR on one of the soldiers and treating the other on a glass-covered sidewalk. Other officers could be seen steps away restraining an individual on the ground.

Stacy Walters said she was in a car near the scene car when she heard two gunshots and saw people running. Almost instantly, law enforcement swarmed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this, and we’re getting ready for the holidays?”

Emergency medical responders transported all three people to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services.

The presence of the National Guard in the nation’s capital has been a flashpoint issue for months, fueling a court fight and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.

More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to Washington in August. Last week, about 160 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia just over a week ago.

Police tape cordoned off the scene where fire and police vehicle lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

President Donald Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”

“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

In Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance urged “everybody who’s a person of faith” to pray for the two Guardsmen. He cautioned that much remained unknown, including the motive of the shooter.

A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said local leaders were actively monitoring the situation. Bowser had spent the morning at a Thanksgiving event at the Convention Center and then held a news conference to explain why she was not seeking reelection.

The soldiers have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and also have been assigned to trash pickup and to guard sports events.

Last week, a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia National Guard members shot Wednesday near the White House have died, the state’s governor said.

Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed their deaths in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/wvgovernor/status/1993782336056357214?s=20">a social media post</a>.

"We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues," he said.

A suspect who was in custody also was shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. One National Guard member was shot in the head, according to a person familiar with the details of the incident who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

The shooting happened at the corner of 17th and H Streets in the northwest quadrant of the city, roughly two blocks northwest of the White House.

Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services. The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they responded to the incident after reports of the shooting. The Metropolitan Police Department also said they were on-scene.

Police tape cordoned off the scene where emergency fire and police vehicles’ lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

President Donald Trump, who is in Florida celebrating Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on social media that he was “closely monitoring” the shooting and that his “heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting.”

A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said that local leaders were actively monitoring the situation. Bowser had spent the morning at a Thanksgiving event at the Convention Center and then held a press conference to explain why she was not seeking reelection.

Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later but the troops remained.

Associated Press reporters Konstantin Toropin, Seung Min Kim, Safiyah Riddle, Matt Brown, Mike Balsamo, Eric Tucker and Jesse Bedayn contributed.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-dc-c5785dd8920d2d1ac7d71fab769faf5f" target="_blank">WASHINGTON (AP) —Two National Guard members were shot</a>&nbsp;Wednesday near the White House and are in critical condition, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

A suspect, now in custody, was also shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, the source said.

Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services.

President Donald Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf course when the shooting took place.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A suspect is in custody in the shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, police said.

Two guard soldiers were shot near the White House and their conditions aren’t immediately known, according to two law enforcement officials not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Emergency vehicles were seen responding to the area and at least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they were responding to an incident in the vicinity of the White House in the movements after reports of the shooting. However, the spokesperson wouldn’t immediately confirm or deny if any National Guard members had been shot.

The Metropolitan Police Department said they were responding to a shooting but didn’t immediately provide more information.

A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said that local leaders were actively monitoring the situation. The mayor was in the city when the incident occurred.

“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Hundreds of National Guard members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-trump-deployment-washington-cbae3a840cec29b0d361413fbe162e14">from the district</a>&nbsp;and several states have been patrolling the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump in August issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in the capital, federalizing the local police force and sending in the guard from eight states and the District of Columbia.

Two National Guard soldiers shot near the White House

Today and Thanksgiving Day, the forecast calls for sunny skies and highs in the 40s.

However, after a high of 50 on Friday, a cold front is forecast to move in with a 20 percent chance of showers after midnight in Hays.

The National Weather Service calls for a chance of rain and snow showers before noon Saturday, and then a slight chance of snow showers. The high is forecast to be near 43, with wind. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

The forecast calls for a 20% chance of snow showers on Sunday, a 30% chance of snow showers on Sunday night, and a 20% chance of snow showers on Monday, with a high of 33.

The Kansas Department of Transportation issued the following press release today about the upcoming weather and travel precautions.

Kansas Department of Transportation

Early weather forecasts from different weather services are showing the possibility of inclement weather affecting parts of Kansas as well as several northern and western states this holiday weekend.

If inclement weather does impact the highways, the Kansas Department of Transportation is ready to treat roadways as needed. KDOT employees have been preparing since September: Salt, sand and brine materials have been ordered, trucks and other equipment have undergone preventive maintenance and crews have completed training courses.

“Whatever the obstacle, KDOT crew members work together and find a way to get the job done,” said Director of Field Operations Ron Hall. “Our crews always do their best to serve the public in their efforts to clear the highways.”

Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed&nbsp;shared a reminder for all travelers: “Check on road conditions and weather forecasts in advance and possibly delay travel plans. It’s important to stay informed, plan ahead and travel safe.”

Resources and safety reminders for motorists:

Kansas maintains about 9,500 miles of highways, including more than 25,000 total lane and ramp miles. Clearing snow from these highways takes time, especially while the snow is still falling.

Secretary Reed emphasized the importance of safety for the crews working to keep roads open.

“KDOT employees work challenging 12-hour shifts to remove snow and ice from the highways,” said Secretary Reed. “Don’t drive in their blind spots and give them space to work so they can focus on the job.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764175131813.png" alt="Courrtesy of the National Weather Service in Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>Courrtesy of the National Weather Service in Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostToday and Thanksgiving Day, the forecast calls for sunny skies and highs in the 40s.However, after a high of 50 on Friday, a cold front is forecast to move in with a 20 percent chance of showers after midnight in Hays.The National Weather Service calls for a chance of rain and snow showers before noon Saturday, and then a slight chance of snow showers. The high is forecast to be near 43, with wind. The chance of precipitation is 30%.The forecast calls for a 20% chance of snow showers on Sunday, a 30% chance of snow showers on Sunday night, and a 20% chance of snow showers on Monday, with a high of 33.----The Kansas Department of Transportation issued the following press release today about the upcoming weather and travel precautions.Kansas Department of TransportationEarly weather forecasts from different weather services are showing the possibility of inclement weather affecting parts of Kansas as well as several northern and western states this holiday weekend.If inclement weather does impact the highways, the Kansas Department of Transportation is ready to treat roadways as needed. KDOT employees have been preparing since September: Salt, sand and brine materials have been ordered, trucks and other equipment have undergone preventive maintenance and crews have completed training courses.“Whatever the obstacle, KDOT crew members work together and find a way to get the job done,” said Director of Field Operations Ron Hall. “Our crews always do their best to serve the public in their efforts to clear the highways.”Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed&nbsp;shared a reminder for all travelers: “Check on road conditions and weather forecasts in advance and possibly delay travel plans. It’s important to stay informed, plan ahead and travel safe.”Resources and safety reminders for motorists:<ul>
 <li>Road conditions:&nbsp;Before traveling, check&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019ac0f199eb-73b7a58c-c7fc-4287-a50d-aa211c57d494-000000/UGI8InHtiKWQM1Mm9uWK4BvWgjmTVtH3UZTcM5IoyEU=433">KanDrive.gov</a>, KDOT’s road condition website, which is available 24/7 and provides camera views to see current conditions. Travelers can also download the KanDrive app in the App Store or Google Play.</li><li>Keep an eye on forecasts:&nbsp;Forecasts will change up to and throughout the holiday weekend. Check weather sources for updated forecasts.</li><li>Emergency kit:&nbsp;Motorists are reminded to travel with a stocked emergency kit in their vehicle.</li><li>Emergency contacts:&nbsp;Travelers who are stranded or need assistance can call the Kansas Highway Patrol dispatch at *47 or the Kansas Turnpike Authority at *KTA if using the turnpike. If it’s an emergency, call 911.</li>
 </ul>Kansas maintains about 9,500 miles of highways, including more than 25,000 total lane and ramp miles. Clearing snow from these highways takes time, especially while the snow is still falling.Secretary Reed emphasized the importance of safety for the crews working to keep roads open.“KDOT employees work challenging 12-hour shifts to remove snow and ice from the highways,” said Secretary Reed. “Don’t drive in their blind spots and give them space to work so they can focus on the job.”

Northwest Kansas to see chance of snow during busy travel weekend

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

The free Community Thanksgiving Feast, sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA), will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 200 Main St., Hays.

No reservations are required; the meal is first-come, first-served. There will be no individual carry-out meals. Cheryl Glassman, ECMA president, said that 530 meals have been ordered from the caterer; 225 of those meals will go to Meals on Wheels clients and residents of local shelters and group homes.

On the menu will be roasted turkey, dressing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, a roll, drink, and dessert.

The Union Catering Co. is catering the main meal. The ECMA is seeking desserts from churches and individuals. Desserts may be brought to the office of First Call for Help of Ellis County, 607 E. 13th, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Glassman said volunteers are needed at the dinner, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, to help with set-up, serving plates, slicing pies, cleaning up, and other duties. Volunteers may sign up by calling First Call for Help at 785-623-2800.

One familiar aspect of the dinner will be the grocery give-away. Every household in attendance who wants one will receive a free sack of groceries, Glassman said. One feature that will be new this year is each sack will contain recipe cards featuring the food items in the sack. Last year around 200 sacks were distributed.

Glassman said the ECMA sponsors the free community meal each Thanksgiving because “Thanksgiving is a time for gathering--gathering with family, gathering with community.&nbsp;There are also people who are alone for the holidays .&nbsp;. . We want people to feel welcome. All are invited.”

Tax deductible donations to help with the cost of the dinner may be sent to ECMA, P.O. Box 173, Hays, KS 67601, with proceeds to benefit the ECMA Second Mile Fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763138617300.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays PostThe free Community Thanksgiving Feast, sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA), will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 200 Main St., Hays.No reservations are required; the meal is first-come, first-served. There will be no individual carry-out meals. Cheryl Glassman, ECMA president, said that 530 meals have been ordered from the caterer; 225 of those meals will go to Meals on Wheels clients and residents of local shelters and group homes.On the menu will be roasted turkey, dressing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, a roll, drink, and dessert.The Union Catering Co. is catering the main meal. The ECMA is seeking desserts from churches and individuals. Desserts may be brought to the office of First Call for Help of Ellis County, 607 E. 13th, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Nov. 26.Glassman said volunteers are needed at the dinner, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, to help with set-up, serving plates, slicing pies, cleaning up, and other duties. Volunteers may sign up by calling First Call for Help at 785-623-2800.One familiar aspect of the dinner will be the grocery give-away. Every household in attendance who wants one will receive a free sack of groceries, Glassman said. One feature that will be new this year is each sack will contain recipe cards featuring the food items in the sack. Last year around 200 sacks were distributed.Glassman said the ECMA sponsors the free community meal each Thanksgiving because “Thanksgiving is a time for gathering--gathering with family, gathering with community.&nbsp;There are also people who are alone for the holidays .&nbsp;. . We want people to feel welcome. All are invited.”Tax deductible donations to help with the cost of the dinner may be sent to ECMA, P.O. Box 173, Hays, KS 67601, with proceeds to benefit the ECMA Second Mile Fund.

Free Community Thanksgiving Feast to be held at Hays armory

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews, signaling a possible inquiry into the matter.

It would mark the second investigation tied to the video, coming a day after the Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-mark-kelly-troop-investigation-4882f76b05dcdfa3060c284c2c84dd12">said it was reviewing</a>&nbsp;Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over potential violations of military law. The FBI and Pentagon actions come after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-traitors-sedition-illegal-orders-c5fc3c5bd2fbc6b1204550e4203c24b2">accused the lawmakers of sedition</a>&nbsp;and said it is “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post.

Together, the inquiries mark an extraordinary escalation for federal law enforcement and military institutions that traditionally steer clear of partisan clashes. They also underscore the administration’s willingness to push legal limits against its critics, even when they are sitting members of Congress. Lawmakers in the video urge troops to reject any illegal orders from their superiors, something they are already duty-bound to do.

“President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,” a group of four Democratic House members said in a statement Tuesday. “Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews.”

Democrats call inquiry a ‘scare tactic’

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/slotkin-democratic-response-text-trump-congress-6ba1012264201e715c290da1b8f45bc4">Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin</a>, one of the six Democratic lawmakers in the video, told reporters Tuesday that “last night the counterterrorism division at the FBI sent a note to the members of Congress, saying they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us.” Slotkin called it a “scare tactic by” Trump.

“Whether you agree with the video or don’t agree with the video, the question to me is: is this the appropriate response for a president of the United States to go after and seek to weaponize the federal government against those he disagrees with?” said Slotkin.

The group of four Democratic House members said in their statement that “no amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”

All six of the Democratic lawmakers in the video have served in the military or intelligence community.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska criticized both inquiries on social media, saying that accusing the lawmakers “of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong.”

“The Department of Defense and FBI surely have more important priorities than this frivolous investigation,” wrote Murkowski.

FBI provides no insight into interview requests

The FBI went through the top security officials for the House and Senate to request interviews with each of the six lawmakers. The lawmakers said they had no further information and the FBI has not made clear on what basis they were seeking the interviews.

The FBI declined to comment Tuesday, but Director Kash Patel, in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge, described it as an “ongoing matter” in explaining why he could not discuss details.

Asked for his reaction to the video, Patel said, “What goes through my head is the same thing that goes through my head in any case: is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation, or is there not? And that decision will be made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI.”

In the video, lawmakers said they needed troops to “stand up for our laws … our Constitution.” Kelly, who was a fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and then retiring at the rank of captain, told troops that “you can refuse illegal orders.”

After the Pentagon announced the investigation into Kelly on Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth referred it to the Navy on Tuesday and requested a briefing by Dec. 10.

The lawmakers didn’t mention specific circumstances in the video. But at an event Tuesday in Michigan, Slotkin pointed to the Trump administration ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the military to blow up small boats</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean accused of ferrying drugs and continued attempts at deploying National Guard troops into U.S. cities despite some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">legal setbacks</a>.

“It wasn’t that there was any one incident, it was the sheer number of people coming to us and saying, ‘I’m worried. I am being sent to Washington or I’m being sent to LA or Chicago, North Carolina now, and I’m concerned I’m going to be asked to do something that I don’t know if I should do,'” said Slotkin. “So that’s where it came from.”

Troops, especially uniformed commanders, do have specific obligations to reject orders that are unlawful, if they make that determination.

Broad legal precedence also holds that just following orders — colloquially known as the “Nuremberg defense,” as it was used unsuccessfully by senior Nazi officials to justify their actions under Adolf Hitler — doesn’t absolve troops.

Householder reported from Inkster, Michigan. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington also contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764102122289.png" alt="Image of Senator Elissa Slotkin from the controversial video" />
 <figcaption>Image of Senator Elissa Slotkin from the controversial video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews, signaling a possible inquiry into the matter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763674382514.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>It would mark the second investigation tied to the video, coming a day after the Pentagon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-mark-kelly-troop-investigation-4882f76b05dcdfa3060c284c2c84dd12">said it was reviewing</a>&nbsp;Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over potential violations of military law. The FBI and Pentagon actions come after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-traitors-sedition-illegal-orders-c5fc3c5bd2fbc6b1204550e4203c24b2">accused the lawmakers of sedition</a>&nbsp;and said it is “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Joint statement in response to FBI inquiry: <a href="https://t.co/SYPWCnZpjA">pic.twitter.com/SYPWCnZpjA</a>&mdash; Rep. Jason Crow (@RepJasonCrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJasonCrow/status/1993388137431941607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on FBI request for interviews. <a href="https://t.co/o818paJIAf">pic.twitter.com/o818paJIAf</a>&mdash; Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepHoulahan/status/1993387976529776906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/42TxcjdJiK">pic.twitter.com/42TxcjdJiK</a>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today in Nashua <a href="https://twitter.com/RepGoodlander?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepGoodlander</a> talks with <a href="https://twitter.com/WMUR9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WMUR9</a> about a request from the FBI to interview her about her role in the &#39;refuse illegal orders&#39; video posted last week: &quot;I am doing my job. I will not be intimidated. I will not be harassed.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHPolitics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHPolitics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NH02?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NH02</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WMUR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WMUR</a> <a href="https://t.co/TT0Uau2Isn">pic.twitter.com/TT0Uau2Isn</a>&mdash; Adam Sexton (@AdamSextonWMUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSextonWMUR/status/1993448994455048471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Together, the inquiries mark an extraordinary escalation for federal law enforcement and military institutions that traditionally steer clear of partisan clashes. They also underscore the administration’s willingness to push legal limits against its critics, even when they are sitting members of Congress. Lawmakers in the video urge troops to reject any illegal orders from their superiors, something they are already duty-bound to do.“President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,” a group of four Democratic House members said in a statement Tuesday. “Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews.”<h2>Democrats call inquiry a ‘scare tactic’</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/slotkin-democratic-response-text-trump-congress-6ba1012264201e715c290da1b8f45bc4">Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin</a>, one of the six Democratic lawmakers in the video, told reporters Tuesday that “last night the counterterrorism division at the FBI sent a note to the members of Congress, saying they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us.” Slotkin called it a “scare tactic by” Trump.“Whether you agree with the video or don’t agree with the video, the question to me is: is this the appropriate response for a president of the United States to go after and seek to weaponize the federal government against those he disagrees with?” said Slotkin.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Senator Kelly valiantly served our country as an aviator in the U.S. Navy before later completing four space shuttle missions as a NASA astronaut. To accuse him and other lawmakers of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders…&mdash; Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) <a href="https://twitter.com/lisamurkowski/status/1993458701601014111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The group of four Democratic House members said in their statement that “no amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”All six of the Democratic lawmakers in the video have served in the military or intelligence community.Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska criticized both inquiries on social media, saying that accusing the lawmakers “of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong.”“The Department of Defense and FBI surely have more important priorities than this frivolous investigation,” wrote Murkowski.<h2>FBI provides no insight into interview requests</h2>The FBI went through the top security officials for the House and Senate to request interviews with each of the six lawmakers. The lawmakers said they had no further information and the FBI has not made clear on what basis they were seeking the interviews.The FBI declined to comment Tuesday, but Director Kash Patel, in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge, described it as an “ongoing matter” in explaining why he could not discuss details.Asked for his reaction to the video, Patel said, “What goes through my head is the same thing that goes through my head in any case: is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation, or is there not? And that decision will be made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI.”<h2>The video at the heart of the inquiries</h2>In the video, lawmakers said they needed troops to “stand up for our laws … our Constitution.” Kelly, who was a fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and then retiring at the rank of captain, told troops that “you can refuse illegal orders.”After the Pentagon announced the investigation into Kelly on Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth referred it to the Navy on Tuesday and requested a briefing by Dec. 10.The lawmakers didn’t mention specific circumstances in the video. But at an event Tuesday in Michigan, Slotkin pointed to the Trump administration ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the military to blow up small boats</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean accused of ferrying drugs and continued attempts at deploying National Guard troops into U.S. cities despite some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">legal setbacks</a>.“It wasn’t that there was any one incident, it was the sheer number of people coming to us and saying, ‘I’m worried. I am being sent to Washington or I’m being sent to LA or Chicago, North Carolina now, and I’m concerned I’m going to be asked to do something that I don’t know if I should do,'” said Slotkin. “So that’s where it came from.”Troops, especially uniformed commanders, do have specific obligations to reject orders that are unlawful, if they make that determination.Broad legal precedence also holds that just following orders — colloquially known as the “Nuremberg defense,” as it was used unsuccessfully by senior Nazi officials to justify their actions under Adolf Hitler — doesn’t absolve troops.___Householder reported from Inkster, Michigan. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington also contributed to this report.

What Dem lawmakers are saying about FBI inquiry of their alleged sedition video 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Cathleen Kroeger of Ellis is looking for children to enroll in her Cat's Child Care in Ellis.

Kroeger, 38, became a child care provider in 2020. She was working as a children's librarian at the Hays Public Library, but was facing the challenge of enrolling three of her children in child care. She said that it did not seem practical at the time.

"It was pretty boring only having three kids to take care of," she said.

"Child care seemed like the perfect fit," she said. "I was able to work with kids again, having more kids to take care of and do some of the things I think are fun along with my kids."

Kroeger has six children. Her step-daughter is 12, and she also has children aged 11, 9, 7, 1, and 2 months.

Kroeger said she has always loved working with children.

She has a degree in psychology from Kansas State University and took many courses in early childhood development while working on her degree.

Although Kroerger does not have a formalized preschool curriculum, she said she focuses on developing creativity and problem-solving skills through play.

"My favorite part is when you are working with a kid, and they get it," she said. "You worked on it, worked on it, worked on it, and you've seen the kid go through all of the frustration and then getting some proficiency and then all of a sudden they get that proficiency, and they get that mastery level, and they are just so proud of themselves."

She said she tries to help the children build life skills, such as putting on their shoes or zipping their jackets.&nbsp;

Even very young children can help pick up a toy. She thanks the child and praises them for being helpful.

"I try to pick moments to tell them about things," she said. "When we are out on a walk, I'll hand them some leaves and talk about how this feels cruncky and 'Look at the color. That's brown.' They're learning things naturally.

"They're little sponges. If you engage them in conversation about things over and over throughout the whole day, they pick up a lot."

She said these daily life lessons help build kindergarten readiness. The students who leave her child care to go to kindergarten generally know their colors and have started to learn numbers and some letters.

"I don't have them sitting down doing worksheets. It's not like a curriculum or institution-type setting. It's learning through play and their own curiosity."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Being in a child care home rather than a center, Kroeger said, allows her to focus more on the individual needs and development of children.

She said she loves to take the children on field trips. They go to parks in Ellis and Hays, the swimming pool, the Sternberg Museum, the Hays and Ellis libraries, and even out of town to the zoo.

Kroeger tends to have school-age children during the summer. She asks on the parent form what types of activities the children would like to do and what their interests are.

One child was interested in the solar system. Kroeger obtained appliance boxes from the hardware store, and the children created a spaceship.

They used sidewalk chalk to draw the layers of the atmosphere, then "flew" their spaceship through the atmosphere into space.

Kroeger, who rides a motorcycle, likes to take the children on bicycle rides. She has several toddler balance bikes for the younger children.

"I have a really cute picture from one summer. I was full. I had 10 kids. There was a line of all 10 of them on the little bikes. We stopped, and they looked back at me, and I snapped the photo. I always said that was my little biker gang," she said.

On another occasion, she took a group of seven boys outside to play after the rain. They all jumped into a giant mud puddle.

"Those boys had a blast," she said. "They were covered in mud. ... I try to keep those things alive—the everyday things that you would get to do as a kid, especially some of those things as parents we don't enjoy because it makes a big mess.

"I had several parents comment at pick up, 'I'm glad they got to do that with you and not at my house,'" she said.

Kroeger also brings some of her experience from working as a librarian into her child care home, including reading books and singing songs.

Her favorite book is "Nuts: Sing and Dance in Your Polka Dot Pants" by Eric Litwin. He performed at the Hays Public Library during her tenure there, and she was able to visit with him about his books.

She attended a special training session for librarians on physical exercise, along with learning math and literacy skills, which can help children build connections between the two hemispheres of their brains and better retain these skills.

She is also certified as an instructor in noncorrosive potty training and elimination communication. She starts potty training at 18 months old in the child care. The children in her care are usually reliably potty-trained and wearing underwear by age 2.

Kroeger said her most significant challenge, at the moment, is finding children to fill her child care slots. She currently has no children enrolled. She said she has an opening for one infant in addition to older children.

You can contact Kroeger at 785-477-1277 or&nbsp;catsdaycarehome@gmail.com or follow Cat's Day Care on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575732934259">Facebook</a>.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f64ddb1-ba92-40fa-a22f-94a557aaf629">Nominate a Child Care Champion here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764015926354.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostCathleen Kroeger of Ellis is looking for children to enroll in her Cat's Child Care in Ellis.Kroeger, 38, became a child care provider in 2020. She was working as a children's librarian at the Hays Public Library, but was facing the challenge of enrolling three of her children in child care. She said that it did not seem practical at the time."It was pretty boring only having three kids to take care of," she said."Child care seemed like the perfect fit," she said. "I was able to work with kids again, having more kids to take care of and do some of the things I think are fun along with my kids."Kroeger has six children. Her step-daughter is 12, and she also has children aged 11, 9, 7, 1, and 2 months.Kroeger said she has always loved working with children.She has a degree in psychology from Kansas State University and took many courses in early childhood development while working on her degree.Although Kroerger does not have a formalized preschool curriculum, she said she focuses on developing creativity and problem-solving skills through play."My favorite part is when you are working with a kid, and they get it," she said. "You worked on it, worked on it, worked on it, and you've seen the kid go through all of the frustration and then getting some proficiency and then all of a sudden they get that proficiency, and they get that mastery level, and they are just so proud of themselves."She said she tries to help the children build life skills, such as putting on their shoes or zipping their jackets.&nbsp;Even very young children can help pick up a toy. She thanks the child and praises them for being helpful."I try to pick moments to tell them about things," she said. "When we are out on a walk, I'll hand them some leaves and talk about how this feels cruncky and 'Look at the color. That's brown.' They're learning things naturally."They're little sponges. If you engage them in conversation about things over and over throughout the whole day, they pick up a lot."She said these daily life lessons help build kindergarten readiness. The students who leave her child care to go to kindergarten generally know their colors and have started to learn numbers and some letters."I don't have them sitting down doing worksheets. It's not like a curriculum or institution-type setting. It's learning through play and their own curiosity."&nbsp;&nbsp;Being in a child care home rather than a center, Kroeger said, allows her to focus more on the individual needs and development of children.She said she loves to take the children on field trips. They go to parks in Ellis and Hays, the swimming pool, the Sternberg Museum, the Hays and Ellis libraries, and even out of town to the zoo.Kroeger tends to have school-age children during the summer. She asks on the parent form what types of activities the children would like to do and what their interests are.One child was interested in the solar system. Kroeger obtained appliance boxes from the hardware store, and the children created a spaceship.They used sidewalk chalk to draw the layers of the atmosphere, then "flew" their spaceship through the atmosphere into space.Kroeger, who rides a motorcycle, likes to take the children on bicycle rides. She has several toddler balance bikes for the younger children."I have a really cute picture from one summer. I was full. I had 10 kids. There was a line of all 10 of them on the little bikes. We stopped, and they looked back at me, and I snapped the photo. I always said that was my little biker gang," she said.On another occasion, she took a group of seven boys outside to play after the rain. They all jumped into a giant mud puddle."Those boys had a blast," she said. "They were covered in mud. ... I try to keep those things alive—the everyday things that you would get to do as a kid, especially some of those things as parents we don't enjoy because it makes a big mess."I had several parents comment at pick up, 'I'm glad they got to do that with you and not at my house,'" she said.Kroeger also brings some of her experience from working as a librarian into her child care home, including reading books and singing songs.Her favorite book is "Nuts: Sing and Dance in Your Polka Dot Pants" by Eric Litwin. He performed at the Hays Public Library during her tenure there, and she was able to visit with him about his books.She attended a special training session for librarians on physical exercise, along with learning math and literacy skills, which can help children build connections between the two hemispheres of their brains and better retain these skills.She is also certified as an instructor in noncorrosive potty training and elimination communication. She starts potty training at 18 months old in the child care. The children in her care are usually reliably potty-trained and wearing underwear by age 2.Kroeger said her most significant challenge, at the moment, is finding children to fill her child care slots. She currently has no children enrolled. She said she has an opening for one infant in addition to older children.You can contact Kroeger at 785-477-1277 or&nbsp;catsdaycarehome@gmail.com or follow Cat's Day Care on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575732934259">Facebook</a>.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f64ddb1-ba92-40fa-a22f-94a557aaf629">Nominate a Child Care Champion here.</a>

Child Care Champion: Provider seeks to foster creativity through play

LYON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Monday on the Kansas Turnpike Lyon Coutny.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Peterbilt semi driven by Pedro Ocampo, 64, Berwyn, Illinois, was southbound on Interstate 35 approaching the entry ramp for Interstate 335.&nbsp; The driver failed to use caution, according to the patrol.&nbsp; The vehicle entered the curve too fast. The semi left the road, struck three posts and overturned into a ditch.

Ocampo was pronounced deceased and was transported to&nbsp;Roberts Blue Funeral Home. The KHP released no additional details.

LYON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Monday on the Kansas Turnpike Lyon Coutny.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Peterbilt semi driven by Pedro Ocampo, 64, Berwyn, Illinois, was southbound on Interstate 35 approaching the entry ramp for Interstate 335.&nbsp; The driver failed to use caution, according to the patrol.&nbsp; The vehicle entered the curve too fast. The semi left the road, struck three posts and overturned into a ditch.Ocampo was pronounced deceased and was transported to&nbsp;Roberts Blue Funeral Home. The KHP released no additional details.

KHP IDs driver who died in Turnpike semi crash 

The Associated Press national player of the week in men’s college basketball for Week 3 of the season:

The 6-foot-4 junior guard had a huge week, averaging 31.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists in three games.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2025/11/24/mens-basketball-haggerty-named-big-12-player-of-the-week">Big 12 player of the week</a>&nbsp;started with 31 points and 10 rebounds in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tulsa-kansas-state-basketball-score-791d4b6e5ca906587854e9adfcd12a53">win over Tulsa</a>, becoming the first Wildcats player to post a 30/10 double-double since freshman star Michael Beasley in 2008. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-st-kansas-st-score-88d719700c9116fc86bf10d082153dcc">followed with 37 points</a>, seven rebounds and eight assists in a win over Mississippi State to start the Hall of Fame Classic.

He closed with 27 points, six rebounds and seven assists in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-nebraska-basketball-score-513d72fb583c5a2f2af69791b51d90de">loss to Nebraska</a>&nbsp;in the Classic's championship game.

He made 34 of 59 shots (.576) for the week and is the first Kansas State player to open a season with six straight games of 20 or more points, making him the nation's leading scorer (28.0) as of Monday's games.

Utah State's M.J. Collins Jr. and SMU's B.J. Edwards.

Collins, a 6-4 senior,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-state-davidson-score-mj-collins-f88ef8750757ad4afaeaab5b5f4835f1">had 40 points in a win</a>&nbsp;over Davidson to help the Aggies win the Lowcountry bracket of the Charleston Classic. In 28 minutes, he made 14 of 19 shots, 8 of 12 3-pointers and all four of his free throws. That marked one of two 40-point games in Division I last week, coming after the Mountain West player of the week had 21 points to open the tournament with a win against Tulane.

Edwards, a 6-3 senior, had 24 points, 13 assists and 10 steals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-state-smu-basketball-score-4a4251b6b1bd2b9cb6ec5fb053d42cd5">in a win against Arkansas State</a>, marking only the second triple-double in Atlantic Coast Conference history involving 10 steals. The ACC player of the week made 9 of 13 shots and 3 of 6 3-pointers and had five rebounds with just two turnovers while playing 34 minutes. The 13 assists were tied for the most in Division I last week, while he's the only player all year to reach 10 steals. Edwards also had 11 points, nine assists and five rebounds in a win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-butler-score-greenbrier-classic-cb3df7409a7ec1013e2a1026c376df90">Michael Ajayi, Butler</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-uconn-score-811662356a2fc78c94269faae11e2169">Jaden Bradley, No. 2 Arizona</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-illinois-score-8263574af8f888887875be74e8ec7421">Labaron Philon Jr., No. 8 Alabama</a>.

Myron “MJ” Amey Jr., Loyola Marymount. The 6-2 redshirt senior was West Coast Conference player of the week in helping the Lions start 6-0 before Monday's loss to Florida Atlantic in the Sunshine Slam. He had 29 points and five rebounds while making 6 of 7 3-pointers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rodney-brown-jr-college-basketball-college-sports-mens-college-basketball-loyola-marymount-lions-872f059d74c84d2dbee743f211697054">in last week's comeback from 14 down to beat UCSB in overtime</a>. He's leading the team in scoring (16.1) and shooting 41.2% from behind the arc.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764120731741.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4) looks to pass around Nebraska guard Jamarques Lawrence (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4) looks to pass around Nebraska guard Jamarques Lawrence (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Associated Press national player of the week in men’s college basketball for Week 3 of the season:<h2>P.J. Haggerty, Kansas State</h2>The 6-foot-4 junior guard had a huge week, averaging 31.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists in three games.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2025/11/24/mens-basketball-haggerty-named-big-12-player-of-the-week">Big 12 player of the week</a>&nbsp;started with 31 points and 10 rebounds in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tulsa-kansas-state-basketball-score-791d4b6e5ca906587854e9adfcd12a53">win over Tulsa</a>, becoming the first Wildcats player to post a 30/10 double-double since freshman star Michael Beasley in 2008. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-st-kansas-st-score-88d719700c9116fc86bf10d082153dcc">followed with 37 points</a>, seven rebounds and eight assists in a win over Mississippi State to start the Hall of Fame Classic.He closed with 27 points, six rebounds and seven assists in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-nebraska-basketball-score-513d72fb583c5a2f2af69791b51d90de">loss to Nebraska</a>&nbsp;in the Classic's championship game.He made 34 of 59 shots (.576) for the week and is the first Kansas State player to open a season with six straight games of 20 or more points, making him the nation's leading scorer (28.0) as of Monday's games.<h2>Runner-up (tie)</h2>Utah State's M.J. Collins Jr. and SMU's B.J. Edwards.Collins, a 6-4 senior,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-state-davidson-score-mj-collins-f88ef8750757ad4afaeaab5b5f4835f1">had 40 points in a win</a>&nbsp;over Davidson to help the Aggies win the Lowcountry bracket of the Charleston Classic. In 28 minutes, he made 14 of 19 shots, 8 of 12 3-pointers and all four of his free throws. That marked one of two 40-point games in Division I last week, coming after the Mountain West player of the week had 21 points to open the tournament with a win against Tulane.Edwards, a 6-3 senior, had 24 points, 13 assists and 10 steals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-state-smu-basketball-score-4a4251b6b1bd2b9cb6ec5fb053d42cd5">in a win against Arkansas State</a>, marking only the second triple-double in Atlantic Coast Conference history involving 10 steals. The ACC player of the week made 9 of 13 shots and 3 of 6 3-pointers and had five rebounds with just two turnovers while playing 34 minutes. The 13 assists were tied for the most in Division I last week, while he's the only player all year to reach 10 steals. Edwards also had 11 points, nine assists and five rebounds in a win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.<h2>Honorable mention</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-butler-score-greenbrier-classic-cb3df7409a7ec1013e2a1026c376df90">Michael Ajayi, Butler</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-uconn-score-811662356a2fc78c94269faae11e2169">Jaden Bradley, No. 2 Arizona</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-illinois-score-8263574af8f888887875be74e8ec7421">Labaron Philon Jr., No. 8 Alabama</a>.<h2>Keep an eye on</h2>Myron “MJ” Amey Jr., Loyola Marymount. The 6-2 redshirt senior was West Coast Conference player of the week in helping the Lions start 6-0 before Monday's loss to Florida Atlantic in the Sunshine Slam. He had 29 points and five rebounds while making 6 of 7 3-pointers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rodney-brown-jr-college-basketball-college-sports-mens-college-basketball-loyola-marymount-lions-872f059d74c84d2dbee743f211697054">in last week's comeback from 14 down to beat UCSB in overtime</a>. He's leading the team in scoring (16.1) and shooting 41.2% from behind the arc.

🏀 Kansas State's P.J. Haggerty is AP men's player of the week after averaging 31.7 points in 3 games

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post Sports

Hays High will have to blend together experience and youth
in the upcoming basketball season. The Indians have just two players on the
roster that saw time in all 22 games. Seniors Trey Oakley and Izaac Fox are
joined by fellow senior Dawson Ruder who played in 21 games. No other returning
players appeared in more than 11 games. Those three are leaned on by fourth
year head coach Sean Dreiling to show the young guys the way of Hays High
basketball.

Through the first week of practice Dreiling learned that his
team is competitive. “It’s bodies colliding and that’s really encouraging. We
are really competing, getting after it, and getting better day by day.”

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post SportsHays High will have to blend together experience and youth
in the upcoming basketball season. The Indians have just two players on the
roster that saw time in all 22 games. Seniors Trey Oakley and Izaac Fox are
joined by fellow senior Dawson Ruder who played in 21 games. No other returning
players appeared in more than 11 games. Those three are leaned on by fourth
year head coach Sean Dreiling to show the young guys the way of Hays High
basketball.Through the first week of practice Dreiling learned that his
team is competitive. “It’s bodies colliding and that’s really encouraging. We
are really competing, getting after it, and getting better day by day.”Dreiling also is looking for his team to be more versatile
on defense while still leaning heavy on the man-to-man defense. “I thought we
played hard last year. But at the end of the day the ball for the other team
went in the basket too many times.” Last year Hays fell one game short of the state tournament
and finished 13-9. The Indians return 57% of the their scoring and 54% of their
rebounding from a team that averaged 53 points and 28 rebounds per game.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2218427651&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/sean-dreiling-preseason-2025" title="Sean Dreiling Preseason 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Sean Dreiling Preseason 2025</a></div></div>Prior to the season opening on Thursday, December 4th
with the Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout, Dreiling says his team needs to
improve on putting the ball in the basket. “It’s been competitive. It’s been
really physical. It’s been tough. There’s no officials out there. But the ball
hasn’t gone in a lot this first week. Once we slow down, get our spacing
correct, get the ball to the guys we need to get the ball to, things will look
better.”Hays opens their season against TMP. The games between the
Indians and Monarchs will be the first basketball games held on the Maroon
gymnasium floor. The first two games of the tournament will be played in the
Gold gym.