WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says his $300 million White House ballroom will be paid for “100% by me and some friends of mine.”

The White House released a list of 37 donors, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cryptocurrency">crypto</a>&nbsp;billionaires, charitable organizations, sports team owners, powerful financiers, tech and tobacco giants, media companies, longtime supporters of Republican causes and several of the president’s neighbors in Palm Beach, Florida.

It’s incomplete. Among others, the list doesn’t include Carrier Group, which offered to donate an HVAC system for the ballroom, and artificial intelligence chipmaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nvidia-corp">Nvidia</a>, whose CEO,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-trillion-ai-apple-huang-trump-xi-c9bbf5cfa017dadaf248a4d197763cb9">Jensen Huang</a>, publicly discussed its donation.

The White House hasn’t said how much each donor is giving, and almost none was willing to divulge that. Very few commented on their contributions when contacted by The Associated Press.

A senior White House official said the list has grown since it was first released in October, but some companies don’t want to be publicly named until required to do so by financial disclosure regulations. No foreign individuals or entities were among the donors, according to the official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details that haven’t been made public.

Amazon Background: Trump was once highly critical of company founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeff-bezos">Jeff Bezos</a>, who also owns The Washington Post, but has been much less so lately.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/amazoncom-inc">Amazon</a>&nbsp;donated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-meta-zuckerberg-inauguration-donation-c540bf7c638def11b8428e633965c718">$1 million to Trump’s inauguration</a>, an event attended by Bezos. Its video streaming service paid $40 million to license a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-documentary-amazon-ratner-bezos-fc36fc99e3eff0a18ef8b72335af88f6">documentary about first lady Melania Trump</a>. Its cloud-based computing operation, Amazon Web Services, is a major government contractor.

Apple Background: After an up-and-down relationship during Trump’s first term, CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-cook">Tim Cook</a>&nbsp;has sought to improve his standing with the president this time. Before returning to the White House, Trump hosted Cook at his Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago, and said he had spoken with Cook about the company’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-european-union-tech-b1575db8c8c03e5ac8dcd32f94f7984f">long-running tax battles with the European Union.</a>&nbsp;Cook also donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund. In the spring, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariff-apple-iphone-tax-170021e8fad22878d0183b5d48971087">threatened the computing giant</a>&nbsp;with tariffs after Apple announced plans to build manufacturing facilities in India. In August, Cook presented the president with a customized glass plaque with a gold base as the CEO announced plans to bring Apple’s total investment commitment in U.S. manufacturing over four years to $600 billion.

Google Background: During his first term, Trump’s administration sued Google for antitrust violations. While a candidate last year, Trump suggested he might seek to break up the search engine behemoth. Once Trump won the election, Google donated $1 million to his inauguration, and its CEO,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sundar-pichai">Sundar Pichai</a>, joined other major tech executives in attending the ceremony. Google’s subsidiary, YouTube, agreed in September to pay $24.5 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-youtube-google-settlement-january-6-01275f67afed84402fcff0118ce698a5">to settle a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;with Trump after it suspended his account following the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol</a>. According to court filings, $22 million of that went to the Trust for the National Mall, which can help pay for ballroom construction.

HP Background: An original Silicon Valley stalwart, the company donated to Trump’s inaugural fund.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hp-inc">HP</a>&nbsp;‘s CEO, Enrique Lores, participated in a White House roundtable event in September. Lores also previously met with President Joe Biden at the White House on multiple occasions as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-congress-tom-linebarger-c80b2d5a060270e54561900bfd58880b">top CEOs endorsed</a>&nbsp;that administration’s economic plans.

Meta Background: Founder and CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-zuckerberg">Mark Zuckerberg</a>&nbsp;had been critical of Trump going back to 2016, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/facebook">Facebook</a>&nbsp;suspended Trump for years after the Jan. 6 insurrection. This time around, Meta contributed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-meta-zuckerberg-inauguration-donation-c540bf7c638def11b8428e633965c718">$1 million to Trump’s inauguration</a>, and Zuckerberg attended.

Micron Technology Background: The producer of advanced memory computer chips&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/micron-biden-trump-schumer-chips-computer-ab9eeef7636262177e7b1aabbd6d1245">announced</a>&nbsp;an April 2024 agreement with the Biden administration to provide $6.1 billion in government support for Micron to make chips domestically. Then, in June, Micron pledged $200 billion for U.S. memory chip manufacturing expansion under Trump. But at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-investment-trillions-economy-jobs-eb4ca4b9ed632bd12c559c1ec5fd5764">least $120 billion of that involved holdovers first announced during Biden’s administration</a>.

Microsoft Background: The company donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, twice what it spent for Biden’s or for Trump’s first inauguration. CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/satya-nadella">Satya Nadella</a>&nbsp;has also met with Trump numerous times, as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/microsoft-corp">Microsoft</a>&nbsp;has supported the administration’s relaxation of regulations on artificial intelligence. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-modi-state-visit-tim-cook-sundar-pichai-6bbdc208ed532d0344cfc09347f9c401">met</a>&nbsp;previously with Biden, too. Trump has called for Microsoft’s president of global affairs, Lisa Monaco, to be fired because she was a deputy attorney general under Biden when the Justice Department led several investigations against Trump.

Palantir Technologies Background: Co-founded by billionaire libertarian&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-thiel">Peter Thiel</a>, the firm concentrates on artificial intelligence and machine learning. It has seen profits soar thanks to lucrative defense and other federal contracts.

Coinbase Background: The major&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crypto-treasury-strategy-bitcoin-tron-trump-f288fa3040cb48486f2f8a0c1886f7d0">cryptocurrency</a>&nbsp;exchange was founded by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crypto-top-names-3b88647472efd8a5fe7b6e98c9a1442f">Brian Armstrong</a>, a top donor to a political action committee that helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crypto-campaign-spending-sherrod-brown-ohio-senate-cea29489a717c9babc234f7f6b7d46f1">Trump and other pro-crypto candidates in 2024</a>. Armstrong attended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crypto-summit-bitcoin-sacks-c87505c8cf0aaef3398bf0bb1139b420">first crypto summit at the White House</a>&nbsp;in March. Coinbase also hired Trump’s co-campaign manager, Chris LaCivita, to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crypto-coinbase-democrats-plouffe-a450a4a8dc8fac1fd94856f952c6263f">its Global Advisory Council</a>.

Ripple Background: In March, the Securities and Exchange Commission dropped a lawsuit filed during Trump’s first term, which accused the company of violating securities laws by selling XRP crypto coins without a securities registration. In his second term, Trump has eased regulations on digital assets, repealing an SEC accounting rule and a previous presidential executive order mandating more federal study and proposed changes to crypto regulations.

Tether Background: A cryptocurrency company and major&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crypto-stablecoin-regulations-trump-a1266b6a9b30edf59d73f835251fa23f">stablecoin</a>&nbsp;issuer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/circle-ipo-stablecoin-usdc-tether-nyse-b39736690f28824bdd06cfd2ad98dcf3">Tether</a>&nbsp;paid fines for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-commodity-futures-trading-commission-82e9e2375eac8ba0495f1c7838080b35">misleading investors</a>. CEO Paolo Ardoino has been to Trump’s White House, and, in April, the company hired former Trump administration crypto policy official Bo Hines to lead its domestic expansion efforts.

Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss Background: Each Winklevoss twin is listed as a separate donor. Best known as Zuckerberg’s chief antagonists in “The Social Network,” the brothers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crypto-top-names-3b88647472efd8a5fe7b6e98c9a1442f">founded</a>&nbsp;the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange. Biden’s SEC sued Gemini for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-southeastern-conference-united-states-government-business-lawsuits-55f5beeff6a66a7301ab4d02f66cd6ae">selling unregistered securities</a>, but the case has been paused under Trump.

Caterpillar Background: The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caterpillar-tariff-trump-7b682153761b68d98e4b9b1486ff912f">equipment maker</a>&nbsp;‘s PAC has donated to candidates from both parties, but given more to Republicans. It has also said publicly that Trump’s tariffs, some of which the administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/markets-stocks-rates-trump-china-0a5c13b5a515a7af0d108c7375995511">now eased</a>, could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caterpillar-tariff-trump-7b682153761b68d98e4b9b1486ff912f">increase its costs</a>&nbsp;and hurt earnings.

NextEra Energy Background: NextEra is the world’s largest electric utility holding company. Trump says he’ll work to ensure tech giants can secure their own sources of electricity to power data centers, especially as they expand energy-hogging artificial intelligence operations. Google recently entered into&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.nexteraenergy.com/NextEra-Energy-and-Google-Announce-New-Collaboration-to-Accelerate-Nuclear-Energy-Deployment-in-the-U-S?l=12" target="_blank">an agreement</a>&nbsp;to buy power from a shuttered nuclear power plant in Iowa owned by NextEra, which the company plans to bring back online in 2029.

Paolo Tiramani Background: An American industrial designer who has donated to Trump’s political campaigns. Tiramani, with his son, runs BOXABL, a firm specializing in modular, prefabricated homes.

Union Pacific Background: Trump has endorsed the company’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-norfolk-southern-transcontinental-railroad-merger-b15664ec5cc55b985a0a32a1bf990d41">proposed $85 billion acquisition</a>&nbsp;of Norfolk Southern, which would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/smarttd-union-pacific-norfolk-southern-railroad-merger-39d0c6237856f96a78446c1f4cb80bd4">largest-ever rail merger</a>. It also will be up to the president to appoint two more Republican members of the Surface Transportation Board, who will ultimately decide whether to approve the merger. In August, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/primus-stb-trump-surface-transportation-board-up-809f0e78d0e428cf9fd04c919b4ef950">fired</a>&nbsp;one of the two Democratic members of the board.

Adelson Family Foundation Background: Founded to strengthen the state of Israel and the Jewish people, the foundation was created by Miriam Adelson, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miriam-adelson-mark-cuban-dallas-mavericks-las-vegas-6cc268d924dc4083161322753efe5ceb">majority owner</a>&nbsp;of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, close Trump ally and longtime GOP megadonor. She’s also the widow of Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire founder and owner of Las Vegas Sands.

Betty Wold Johnson Foundation Background: Based in Palm Beach, the foundation supports health, arts and culture initiatives, as well as environmental and educational programs. It’s named in honor of the mother of New York Jets owner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/woody-johnson">Woody Johnson</a>, who served as Trump’s ambassador to the United Kingdom during his first term.

Laura &amp; Isaac Perlmutter Foundation Background: The nonprofit based in Lake Worth Beach, near Palm Beach, focuses on promoting health care, social justice, the arts and community initiatives. Isaac is an Israeli American businessman and financier and former chair of Marvel Entertainment. He and his wife have donated to Trump’s presidential campaigns and affiliated PACs.

Benjamin Leon Jr. Background: The Cuban American founder of Miami-based Leon Medical Centers is Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Spain.

Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher Background: A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kelly-loeffler-sba-trump-cabinet-41c2a57e7098d75653eeb28a959f4d16">former Republican senator from Georgia</a>, Loeffler heads Trump’s Small Business Administration. Her husband is CEO of the energy market Intercontinental Exchange Inc. and chairs the New York Stock Exchange. The couple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/sen-loeffler-to-sell-stock-holdings-after-trading-scrutiny-546bae3a28f1710613d931d73d30f23c">faced scrutiny</a>&nbsp;in 2020 for dumping substantial portions of their portfolio and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/georgia-sen-loeffler-gets-renewed-scrutiny-over-stock-moves-aec6dbbe22ef74db94e5833b4f31a7ed">purchasing new stocks</a>, including in firms making protective equipment, after Congress received briefings on the severity of the coming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus pandemic</a>.

Lutnick Family Background:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/howard-lutnick-trump-crypto-economy-elon-musk-a03d95e323f7d2d4b722184d83e7b388">Howard Lutnick</a>&nbsp;is Trump’s commerce secretary. A crypto enthusiast, he once headed the brokerage and investment bank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-lutnick-weather-service-privatization-conflicts-9892de853c283468e6fb970cfd898d96">Cantor Fitzgerald</a>.

Comcast Background: The mass media and telecom conglomerate has often been criticized by Trump, including in April, when the president posted that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/comcast-corp">Comcast</a>&nbsp;was a “disgrace to the integrity of broadcasting.” The company owns NBC and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/msnbc-nbc-tv-news-media-dc47bd203e163ea79553d16976b1efa3">spinning off</a>&nbsp;MSNBC. It could be interested in acquiring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/warner-bros-discovery-paramount-addec120019b49a63f3200a0c236e80e">Warner Bros. Discover,</a>&nbsp;and that would leave Comcast looking for government approval.

Hard Rock International Background: A Florida-based gaming and tourism concern owned by the Seminole Tribe, the company operates a number of casinos, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/atlantic-city-business-gambling-d31dabecec5f1d708e6832bd8bfd8a8c">former Trump Taj Mahal casino</a>&nbsp;in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Trump has for decades criticized federal exemptions allowing tribes to operate casinos.

T-Mobile Background: The wireless carrier is indirectly linked to Trump Mobile, which the president’s family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mobile-phone-white-house-business-361455bb3c65593bade7d4edfe4da7e9">controls</a>&nbsp;and offers gold phones and cell service in a licensing deal. Trump Mobile uses Liberty Mobile Wireless, a small, Florida-based network that T-Mobile says runs its operations on T-Mobile’s network. T-Mobile says that is unrelated to its decision to donate to Trump’s ballroom, which it says is meant to “restore and enrich the historic landmarks that define our nation’s capital.”

Altria Group Background: The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/juul-altria-vaping-cigarette-njoy-b376515ea25e08ddc4372ace214c86a3">tobacco giant</a>&nbsp;controls Philip Morris USA, maker of Marlboro. It has pressed for federal crackdowns on counterfeit and illegal vaping products. The company donated $50,000 to Trump’s inauguration.

Reynolds American Background: With brands including Lucky Strike and Camel,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-tennessee-memphis-winston-salem-clarksville-91151635f0d563f6fbfc1ad101c3490b">the company</a>&nbsp;has been active in lobbying to steer the Trump administration away from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menthol-cigarettes-fda-ban-white-house-bb9395ecb0921affd589e6a9cfcd8fb1">Biden-proposed ban on menthol cigarettes</a>.

Booz Allen Hamilton Background: A major defense and national security technology firm with extensive government contracts, it paid fines to settle lawsuits with the Justice Department under Biden. Booz Allen Hamilton&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/booz-allen-agrees-pay-37745-million-settle-false-claims-act-allegations#:~:text=Booz%20Allen%20Agrees%20to%20Pay%20$377.45%20Million%20to%20Settle%20False%20Claims%20Act%20Allegations,-Friday%2C%20July%2021&amp;text=Booz%20Allen%20Hamilton%20Holding%20Corporation,costs%20to%20its%20government%20contracts." target="_blank">agreed</a>&nbsp;to pay more than $377 million in 2023 to settle allegations that it improperly billing costs to its government contracts. In January, it paid&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gsaig.gov/news/booz-allen-agrees-pay-15875m-settle-false-claims-act-allegations#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20GSA%20Office%20of%20Inspector,been%20no%20determination%20of%20liability." target="_blank">nearly $16 million</a>&nbsp;to settle allegations that it submitted fraudulent claims in connection with government contracts.

Lockheed Martin Corporation Background: The massive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lockheed-martin-corp">defense contractor</a>&nbsp;has huge government contracts. It said in a statement that it “is grateful for the opportunity to help bring the President’s vision to reality and make this addition to the People’s House.”

Stefan E. Brodie Background: A biotech entrepreneur and co-founder of the chemical manufacturing company Purolite, Brodie and his family donated to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and affiliated committees. Brodie and his brother, Donald, were&nbsp;<a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/403/123/561333/" target="_blank">convicted</a>&nbsp;in 2002 of circumventing U.S. sanctions on Cuba.

Charles and Marissa Cascarilla Background: Charles Cascarilla is co‑founder of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-technology-business-blockchain-lifestyle-e0b51430d7b3c4853cd4618984b7d484">blockchain</a>&nbsp;firm Paxos. He and his wife are philanthropists who have advocated for financial technology sector deregulation.

J. Pepe and Emilia Fanjul Background: Longtime Republican donors and Palm Beach residents, the couple controls U.S. sugar refining interests that includes the Domino brand.

Edward and Shari Glazer Background: Members of the family that owns the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/man-united-joel-glazer-jim-ratcliffe-ten-hag-40ac2bfec5cb820b1b105569c0e832c9">controlling stake</a>&nbsp;in the Manchester United football club, the couple donated to Trump’s campaign. Edward is the founder and CEO of US Property Trust, which operates shopping centers, and the car dealership company US Auto Trust.

Harold Hamm Background: The billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-north-dakota-sd-state-wire-harold-hamm-e74d548496715888921c8454f8935e31">oil tycoon</a>&nbsp;and pioneer of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hydraulic-fracturing">hydraulic fracturing</a>&nbsp;heads the oil producer Continental Resources. He’s praised the Trump administration for aggressively moving to purchase oil to replenish the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-opec-business-government-and-politics-climate-environment-59aa11307b222550d48fb42ff0c3bd59">Strategic Petroleum Reserve</a>&nbsp;stockpile.

Stephen A. Schwarzman Background: A Palm Beach resident and chair and CEO of the Blackstone Group, a global private equity firm he helped establish in 1985. Schwarzman has donated to Trump and his PACs previously and&nbsp;<a href="http://blackstone.com/news/press/president-elect-trump-establishes-the-president-s-strategic-and-policy-forum/" target="_blank">led</a>&nbsp;his first-term President’s Strategic and Policy Forum.

Konstantin Sokolov Background: Born in Russia, he immigrated to the U.S. and now heads the Chicago-based private equity firm IJS Investments. Sokolov has donated to many educational and charitable causes in the past, and to Trump’s political campaigns.

These are the donors helping pay for Trump’s $300 million White House ballroom

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fetterman-hospitalized-ventricular-fibrillation-cbbab8f44a228142a9ae0f7c8ed65e66">Sen. John Fetterman</a>&nbsp;says he has returned home to his family in Pennsylvania after being hospitalized due to what his office said was a ventricular fibrillation flare-up that caused him to feel light-headed and fall during an early morning walk Thursday.

Fetterman, D-Pa., posted a picture Saturday on X that showed the aftereffects to his nose and forehead, saying “20 stitches later and a full recovery, I’m back home” with his wife, Gisele, and their children.

The smiling Fetterman also said he was grateful for the medical team in Pittsburgh that “put me back together.”

Ventricular fibrillation is the most serious form of abnormal heartbeat and can lead to cardiac arrest — when the heart suddenly stops beating — and sudden cardiac death, according to the American Heart Association.

Ventricular fibrillation occurs in the heart’s lower chambers, and the heart association says its causes include cardiomyopathy, which Fetterman was diagnosed with in 2022. Cardiomyopathy can impede blood flow and potentially cause heartbeats so irregular they can be fatal.

Fetterman, 56, disclosed that he was diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-pennsylvania-government-and-politics-0c413bfeb7b00ceae5c172c7fa33007e">cardiomyopathy</a>&nbsp;and another type of abnormal heartbeat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-stroke-campaigns-congress-2216e12ec0d031d89d5343cf4f24d42c">atrial fibrillation</a>, after he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-government-and-politics-congress-0bedb2673ca27915afcbc84e36f42cfe">had a stroke</a>&nbsp;during his 2022 campaign.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fetterman-hospitalized-ventricular-fibrillation-cbbab8f44a228142a9ae0f7c8ed65e66">Sen. John Fetterman</a>&nbsp;says he has returned home to his family in Pennsylvania after being hospitalized due to what his office said was a ventricular fibrillation flare-up that caused him to feel light-headed and fall during an early morning walk Thursday.Fetterman, D-Pa., posted a picture Saturday on X that showed the aftereffects to his nose and forehead, saying “20 stitches later and a full recovery, I’m back home” with his wife, Gisele, and their children.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">20 stitches later and a full recovery, I’m back home with <a href="https://twitter.com/giselefetterman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@giselefetterman</a> and the kids. I’m overwhelmed + profoundly grateful for all the well-wishes. Truly. Grateful for <a href="https://twitter.com/UPMC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UPMC</a> for the incredible medical care that put me back together. THANK YOU SO MUCH. See you back in DC. <a href="https://t.co/j81LXZGLBx">pic.twitter.com/j81LXZGLBx</a>&mdash; U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenFettermanPA/status/1989784336170684880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The smiling Fetterman also said he was grateful for the medical team in Pittsburgh that “put me back together.”“See you back in DC,” he concluded.Ventricular fibrillation is the most serious form of abnormal heartbeat and can lead to cardiac arrest — when the heart suddenly stops beating — and sudden cardiac death, according to the American Heart Association.Ventricular fibrillation occurs in the heart’s lower chambers, and the heart association says its causes include cardiomyopathy, which Fetterman was diagnosed with in 2022. Cardiomyopathy can impede blood flow and potentially cause heartbeats so irregular they can be fatal.Fetterman, 56, disclosed that he was diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-pennsylvania-government-and-politics-0c413bfeb7b00ceae5c172c7fa33007e">cardiomyopathy</a>&nbsp;and another type of abnormal heartbeat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-stroke-campaigns-congress-2216e12ec0d031d89d5343cf4f24d42c">atrial fibrillation</a>, after he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-government-and-politics-congress-0bedb2673ca27915afcbc84e36f42cfe">had a stroke</a>&nbsp;during his 2022 campaign.

U.S. Senator shares graphic photo after heart rhythm scare

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

What began as an unexpected opportunity quickly became a calling as Krystan Stinemetz now leads a Hays school dedicated to nurturing young minds.

Owner Stinemetz of The Learning Academy first entered the child care field through her catering business, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EatSleepDreamCheese/">Grater&nbsp;Whey</a>, which provided meals to several local child care centers. Before long, the academy’s founder, Crystal Lonsdale, approached her with a chance at something new.

"That's kind of how I became the owner of a preschool. It just all kind of fell together in a weird way," Stinmetz said.

The academy operates out of the Hadley Center, 205 E. 7th St., and plans to reopen its Via Christi site in early spring, bringing its total licensed capacity to 48 children.

Stinemetz said the Hadley location currently serves 12 children, with another 12 spots available.

Stinemetz manages the administrative and operational side of the business, while Lonsdale oversees the classroom. The academy serves children ages 2 1/2 to 5, with drop-off beginning at 6:30 a.m. and pick-up available until 5:45 p.m.

Stinemetz said she’s been in the child care industry for just two years and that navigating licensing and setup over the past year has been challenging as she works to make child care more affordable for local families.

"That really became one of my main focuses. Now that we are set up to really focus on being a community asset," she said.

Stinemetz said she’s offering discounts to employees of HaysMed, High Plains Mental Health Center, the City of Hays and other first responders to boost enrollment and reduce costs for families.

The academy also employs three part-time staff members who assist with child care. Its play-based curriculum focuses on social and emotional development, as screen time is nearly nonexistent at the center.

"We've taken the use of devices completely out. It really is back to basic learning where they're physically writing their name versus on a tablet," Stinmetz said.

Stinemetz said the academy also plans to offer summer care for school-age children.

Originally from Colorado, Stinemetz moved to Hays about 10 years ago and is a mother of five. She said she was both surprised and honored to be named October’s Child Care Champion.

"It's been very difficult to get going. I feel like it's slowly starting to become a full circle," she said. "We have a great program and I'm glad that somebody recognized that we can be part of this community and help however we need to."

You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574102998958">The Learning Academy</a> on Facebook and visit its <a href="https://www.childcarehays.com/">website </a>for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763063595650.jpeg" alt="Krystan Stinemetz of The Learning Academy. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Krystan Stinemetz of The Learning Academy. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostWhat began as an unexpected opportunity quickly became a calling as Krystan Stinemetz now leads a Hays school dedicated to nurturing young minds.Owner Stinemetz of The Learning Academy first entered the child care field through her catering business, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EatSleepDreamCheese/">Grater&nbsp;Whey</a>, which provided meals to several local child care centers. Before long, the academy’s founder, Crystal Lonsdale, approached her with a chance at something new."That's kind of how I became the owner of a preschool. It just all kind of fell together in a weird way," Stinmetz said.The academy operates out of the Hadley Center, 205 E. 7th St., and plans to reopen its Via Christi site in early spring, bringing its total licensed capacity to 48 children.Stinemetz said the Hadley location currently serves 12 children, with another 12 spots available.Stinemetz manages the administrative and operational side of the business, while Lonsdale oversees the classroom. The academy serves children ages 2 1/2 to 5, with drop-off beginning at 6:30 a.m. and pick-up available until 5:45 p.m.Stinemetz said she’s been in the child care industry for just two years and that navigating licensing and setup over the past year has been challenging as she works to make child care more affordable for local families."That really became one of my main focuses. Now that we are set up to really focus on being a community asset," she said.Stinemetz said she’s offering discounts to employees of HaysMed, High Plains Mental Health Center, the City of Hays and other first responders to boost enrollment and reduce costs for families.The academy also employs three part-time staff members who assist with child care. Its play-based curriculum focuses on social and emotional development, as screen time is nearly nonexistent at the center."We've taken the use of devices completely out. It really is back to basic learning where they're physically writing their name versus on a tablet," Stinmetz said.Stinemetz said the academy also plans to offer summer care for school-age children.Originally from Colorado, Stinemetz moved to Hays about 10 years ago and is a mother of five. She said she was both surprised and honored to be named October’s Child Care Champion."It's been very difficult to get going. I feel like it's slowly starting to become a full circle," she said. "We have a great program and I'm glad that somebody recognized that we can be part of this community and help however we need to."You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574102998958">The Learning Academy</a> on Facebook and visit its <a href="https://www.childcarehays.com/">website </a>for more information.

Child Care Champion unexpectedly finds her calling 

CARBONDALE, Kan. (AP) — Four law enforcement officers were shot Saturday morning while responding to a residence in a rural area south of Topeka, Kansas.

(Click below to watch the news conference with&nbsp;KBI Director Tony Mattivi)

The shooting was around 10:30 a.m. Three Osage County sheriff’s deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper were shot, Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.

Their conditions are “still very fluid,” Underwood said.

A male suspect died from gunshot wounds, leaders from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and state Highway Patrol said. One other male was injured and taken to a hospital and is in stable condition, officials said.

Deputies and troopers were responding to a domestic violence incident north of Carbondale. They were on scene for several minutes when gunfire erupted, authorities said.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded immediately to the call of the shooting, officials said.

The area of the shooting is a rural region close to U.S. Highway 75. There is no active threat to the public, Underwood said.

--------------- OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to a fatal officer-involved shooting where multiple law enforcement officers were shot.&nbsp;

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., at a residence north of 113th Street and S Topeka Boulevard, just north of Carbondale in Osage County, according to a media release from the KBI.

 The injured officers include three Osage County Sheriff's deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.&nbsp;&nbsp;The deputies and the State Trooper were transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka. The Trooper was later transferred to the University of Kansas Medical Center for further treatment.

One male suspect in the home died. A second individual in the home was wounded. The KBI did not release the names of those involved.

This is a developing story. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763236712505.png" alt="Photo by Aja Carter courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Aja Carter courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>CARBONDALE, Kan. (AP) — Four law enforcement officers were shot Saturday morning while responding to a residence in a rural area south of Topeka, Kansas.(Click below to watch the news conference with&nbsp;KBI Director Tony Mattivi)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKBIKansas%2Fvideos%2F1352056169782758%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The shooting was around 10:30 a.m. Three Osage County sheriff’s deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper were shot, Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.Their conditions are “still very fluid,” Underwood said.A male suspect died from gunshot wounds, leaders from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and state Highway Patrol said. One other male was injured and taken to a hospital and is in stable condition, officials said.Deputies and troopers were responding to a domestic violence incident north of Carbondale. They were on scene for several minutes when gunfire erupted, authorities said.Multiple law enforcement agencies responded immediately to the call of the shooting, officials said.The area of the shooting is a rural region close to U.S. Highway 75. There is no active threat to the public, Underwood said.--------------- OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to a fatal officer-involved shooting where multiple law enforcement officers were shot.&nbsp;The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., at a residence north of 113th Street and S Topeka Boulevard, just north of Carbondale in Osage County, according to a media release from the KBI. The injured officers include three Osage County Sheriff's deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.&nbsp;&nbsp;The deputies and the State Trooper were transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka. The Trooper was later transferred to the University of Kansas Medical Center for further treatment.One male suspect in the home died. A second individual in the home was wounded. The KBI did not release the names of those involved.This is a developing story. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

🎥New details in shooting that injured 3 deputies, KHP Trooper

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Economic development incentive requests approved by the Hays City Commission Thursday will help move forward several housing and business developments.

 Commissioners approved the issue of industrial revenue bonds for the 24/7 Travel Store truck stop planned for the Interstate 70 Exit 157.

The city commission has already created a tax increment financing district on the property. The developer, Triplett, Salina, will also request a community improvement district from the city in the future.

Most of Hays' general fund operations are financed by the local retail sales tax.&nbsp;

The project cost is about $11.1 million, with estimated annual retail sales of $5 million and fuel sales of $20 million.&nbsp;

The issuance of industrial revenue bonds was also approved for Agiliti Hays, the medical equipment manufacturer on south Commerce Parkway, which plans to buy, renovate and expand its campus buildings.

A total 140 new jobs would be added in phases to the current 91 positions. The company also has a site in Ellis which employs about 60 people and will remain open.

The estimated sales tax benefit is $101,036. Utilization of the industrial revenue bonds, which have no taxpayer commitment, also&nbsp;allows a property tax abatement for up to 10 years for the $6.55-million project.&nbsp;

During a public hearing, Eddie Herrman, HaysMed president and CEO, talked about how the hospital would have a closer partnership with Agiliti as it begins building medical beds.&nbsp;

Larry Askew, based in Kansas City with Agiliti, said the company had many options nationwide in locating a new manufacturing facility.

"All of the incentives that we have sought and are acquiring with the state are all performance-based," Askew said.

"This is not an attempt at a grab or to do anything other than grow organically in a very healthy way in the community."&nbsp;

"Regarding the abatements and benefits we're giving up, there's so much economic benefit that we are gaining through this expansion with Agiliti to our own communities, that it's very valuable," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner.

"When companies look at whether they want to bring retail into this town, they look at how many jobs are here, how many houses are being built," said Commissioner Reese Barrick.

"These are families coming in. It's going to affect our schools' growth. I think this is a huge win."

A Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID)  was approved for the former Lincoln School, 1906 Ash.

The incentive district would finance the project on a pay-as-you-go basis over 25 years, estimated to generate $1.3 million in incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site. Eligible project costs are estimated to be about $4.3 million.

Hays developer Michael Graham plans to renovate the building into a 26-unit multi-family housing facility and to construct seven additional structures on the property, each with four units.&nbsp;

Graham was at the meeting and thanked the city commissioners for their support.&nbsp;

Other agenda items approved by the commission included

• Concurrence with a bid solicited from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for construction of the north side multi-use path from 41st and Hall east to Sternberg Museum. The&nbsp;low bid came from Morgan Brothers of La Crosse for $1.6 million.&nbsp;The city will pay $387,000, and KDOT will pay the remaining $1.2 million.

• Financing of a Midwest Energy utilities agreement for the Tallgrass Phase 4 housing development in east Hays. The city earlier agreed to finance infrastructure costs. The total amount is $797,457 to be funded with bond proceeds offset by Reinvestment Housing Incentive District revenues.

• Approved the renewal of the Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan for city employees in 2026. The premium increase was 12.8%, below the national average, said Erin Giebler, human resources director.&nbsp;

• Presentation of awards to city employees for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763139470015.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners approved several economic development incentive requests from housing and retail business developers Thursday. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners approved several economic development incentive requests from housing and retail business developers Thursday. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostEconomic development incentive requests approved by the Hays City Commission Thursday will help move forward several housing and business developments. Commissioners approved the issue of industrial revenue bonds for the 24/7 Travel Store truck stop planned for the Interstate 70 Exit 157.The city commission has already created a tax increment financing district on the property. The developer, Triplett, Salina, will also request a community improvement district from the city in the future.Most of Hays' general fund operations are financed by the local retail sales tax.&nbsp;The project cost is about $11.1 million, with estimated annual retail sales of $5 million and fuel sales of $20 million.&nbsp;The issuance of industrial revenue bonds was also approved for Agiliti Hays, the medical equipment manufacturer on south Commerce Parkway, which plans to buy, renovate and expand its campus buildings.A total 140 new jobs would be added in phases to the current 91 positions. The company also has a site in Ellis which employs about 60 people and will remain open.The estimated sales tax benefit is $101,036. Utilization of the industrial revenue bonds, which have no taxpayer commitment, also&nbsp;allows a property tax abatement for up to 10 years for the $6.55-million project.&nbsp;During a public hearing, Eddie Herrman, HaysMed president and CEO, talked about how the hospital would have a closer partnership with Agiliti as it begins building medical beds.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763144477555.jpeg" alt="Larry Askew, Agiliti, Kansas City, talks about expansion of the medical equipment manufacturer in Hays, which plans to hire 140 more people. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Larry Askew, Agiliti, Kansas City, talks about expansion of the medical equipment manufacturer in Hays, which plans to hire 140 more people. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Larry Askew, based in Kansas City with Agiliti, said the company had many options nationwide in locating a new manufacturing facility."All of the incentives that we have sought and are acquiring with the state are all performance-based," Askew said."This is not an attempt at a grab or to do anything other than grow organically in a very healthy way in the community."&nbsp;"Regarding the abatements and benefits we're giving up, there's so much economic benefit that we are gaining through this expansion with Agiliti to our own communities, that it's very valuable," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner."When companies look at whether they want to bring retail into this town, they look at how many jobs are here, how many houses are being built," said Commissioner Reese Barrick."These are families coming in. It's going to affect our schools' growth. I think this is a huge win."A Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) was approved for the former Lincoln School, 1906 Ash.The incentive district would finance the project on a pay-as-you-go basis over 25 years, estimated to generate $1.3 million in incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site. Eligible project costs are estimated to be about $4.3 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763145748378.jpeg" alt="Michael Graham, Hays developer, talks about his latest project to renovate the 100-year-old former Lincoln Elementary School building for multi-family housing. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Michael Graham, Hays developer, talks about his latest project to renovate the 100-year-old former Lincoln Elementary School building for multi-family housing. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays developer Michael Graham plans to renovate the building into a 26-unit multi-family housing facility and to construct seven additional structures on the property, each with four units.&nbsp;Graham was at the meeting and thanked the city commissioners for their support.&nbsp;Other agenda items approved by the commission included• Concurrence with a bid solicited from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for construction of the north side multi-use path from 41st and Hall east to Sternberg Museum. The&nbsp;low bid came from Morgan Brothers of La Crosse for $1.6 million.&nbsp;The city will pay $387,000, and KDOT will pay the remaining $1.2 million.• Financing of a Midwest Energy utilities agreement for the Tallgrass Phase 4 housing development in east Hays. The city earlier agreed to finance infrastructure costs. The total amount is $797,457 to be funded with bond proceeds offset by Reinvestment Housing Incentive District revenues.• Approved the renewal of the Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan for city employees in 2026. The premium increase was 12.8%, below the national average, said Erin Giebler, human resources director.&nbsp;• Presentation of awards to city employees for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.&nbsp;

🎙Hays City Commission moves forward with housing, business developments   

Check out more on Fuzzy's, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/edda42da-da40-4171-88e0-b59145b22d82">CLICK HERE</a>!

It's 5 p.m., and you can't decide where in Hays to eat. The family needs a fun activity for the weekend or you need a new stylist or someone to look at your brakes.

The Hays Post is launching an exciting new product to help you find businesses in your community.

The Hays Place tab, which can be found as a dropdown menu on the Hays Post, is a new video directory of places to shop, play and find services in Hays and the surrounding area.

See videos on featured businesses, find links to websites and Facebook pages for your favorite Hays haunts, and find hours and other key information to connect with businesses.

Hays businesses that wish to purchase a listing on the directory can contact Jordan Schaeffer at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;sca_esv=aebc663c531febdd&amp;rls=en&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zrmZbrAzvKjxVChGRNtowTajxHLQA:1741210424019&amp;q=eagle+media+hays+phone+number&amp;spell=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj587Wm8vOLAxX6HDQIHU-zKIkQBSgAegQICxAB&amp;biw=1750&amp;bih=918&amp;dpr=1#">785-301-2211</a>&nbsp;or your local Eagle marketing representative.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wBrC8pRlWdY?si=cSFgcG8isPDu3ntn" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Check out more on Fuzzy's, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/edda42da-da40-4171-88e0-b59145b22d82">CLICK HERE</a>!It's 5 p.m., and you can't decide where in Hays to eat. The family needs a fun activity for the weekend or you need a new stylist or someone to look at your brakes.The Hays Post is launching an exciting new product to help you find businesses in your community.The Hays Place tab, which can be found as a dropdown menu on the Hays Post, is a new video directory of places to shop, play and find services in Hays and the surrounding area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645809249574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>See videos on featured businesses, find links to websites and Facebook pages for your favorite Hays haunts, and find hours and other key information to connect with businesses.The directory is free for our readers.Hays businesses that wish to purchase a listing on the directory can contact Jordan Schaeffer at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;sca_esv=aebc663c531febdd&amp;rls=en&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zrmZbrAzvKjxVChGRNtowTajxHLQA:1741210424019&amp;q=eagle+media+hays+phone+number&amp;spell=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj587Wm8vOLAxX6HDQIHU-zKIkQBSgAegQICxAB&amp;biw=1750&amp;bih=918&amp;dpr=1#">785-301-2211</a>&nbsp;or your local Eagle marketing representative.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762811695083.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Hays' season ends with loss at Great Bend

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

SMITH CENTER — #5 Smith Center leaned on its power running game and a 97-yard go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter to outlast Moundridge 22-14 on Friday night in a 1A sectional playoff matchup, advancing to the state semifinals and moving to 11-0 on the season.

Moundridge (8-3) struck first after forcing a three-and-out on the opening possession. Quarterback Kaizer Kanitz broke free for a 39-yard gain, then scored on the next play from 16 yards out to put the Wildcats up 7-0 with 9:01 left in the first quarter. Smith Center responded with its signature ball control, marching 18 plays for 80 yards before quarterback Parker Hutchinson powered in from five yards out. The Redmen added the two-point conversion to take an 8-7 lead with one second left in the opening period.

Smith Center held the ball for 21 plays in the first quarter, while Moundridge ran just three—yet the Wildcats trailed by only one.

Early in the second, senior fullback Brant Wilson broke loose for a 61-yard touchdown to extend Smith Center’s lead to 14-7. Moundridge’s defense then settled in, forcing a fumble and two punts, but the Wildcats couldn’t convert, turning it over on downs twice. At halftime, Smith Center maintained its seven-point lead despite being outplayed in time of possession.

Moundridge opened the third quarter with its most methodical drive of the night, going 16 plays for 85 yards and tying the game on a 10-yard touchdown run by Paul Grill. The Redmen mustered only 30 yards in the quarter as momentum swung toward the Wildcats.

Pinned at their own 3-yard line in the middle of the fourth, Smith Center delivered the defining sequence of the game. Hutchinson engineered a 10-play, 97-yard drive, capping it with an 8-yard touchdown run and adding the two-point conversion for a 22-14 lead with 1:50 remaining.

Moundridge mounted one final push, moving 57 yards in 12 plays to the Smith Center 14-yard line. With one second left, Kanitz’s final pass fell incomplete, sealing the Redmen’s return to the 1A semifinals.

Smith Center finished with 295 total yards, including 261 on the ground. Hutchinson rushed for 111 yards and two scores while throwing for 34 yards. Wilson added 103 yards and a touchdown. Moundridge totaled 286 yards, led by Kanitz’s 216 yards of offense and Grill’s 72 yards from scrimmage.

Smith Center will play next week at #2 Sterling for a spot in the 1A state championship game.

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsSMITH CENTER — #5 Smith Center leaned on its power running game and a 97-yard go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter to outlast Moundridge 22-14 on Friday night in a 1A sectional playoff matchup, advancing to the state semifinals and moving to 11-0 on the season.Moundridge (8-3) struck first after forcing a three-and-out on the opening possession. Quarterback Kaizer Kanitz broke free for a 39-yard gain, then scored on the next play from 16 yards out to put the Wildcats up 7-0 with 9:01 left in the first quarter. Smith Center responded with its signature ball control, marching 18 plays for 80 yards before quarterback Parker Hutchinson powered in from five yards out. The Redmen added the two-point conversion to take an 8-7 lead with one second left in the opening period.Smith Center held the ball for 21 plays in the first quarter, while Moundridge ran just three—yet the Wildcats trailed by only one.Early in the second, senior fullback Brant Wilson broke loose for a 61-yard touchdown to extend Smith Center’s lead to 14-7. Moundridge’s defense then settled in, forcing a fumble and two punts, but the Wildcats couldn’t convert, turning it over on downs twice. At halftime, Smith Center maintained its seven-point lead despite being outplayed in time of possession.Moundridge opened the third quarter with its most methodical drive of the night, going 16 plays for 85 yards and tying the game on a 10-yard touchdown run by Paul Grill. The Redmen mustered only 30 yards in the quarter as momentum swung toward the Wildcats.Pinned at their own 3-yard line in the middle of the fourth, Smith Center delivered the defining sequence of the game. Hutchinson engineered a 10-play, 97-yard drive, capping it with an 8-yard touchdown run and adding the two-point conversion for a 22-14 lead with 1:50 remaining.Moundridge mounted one final push, moving 57 yards in 12 plays to the Smith Center 14-yard line. With one second left, Kanitz’s final pass fell incomplete, sealing the Redmen’s return to the 1A semifinals.Smith Center finished with 295 total yards, including 261 on the ground. Hutchinson rushed for 111 yards and two scores while throwing for 34 yards. Wilson added 103 yards and a touchdown. Moundridge totaled 286 yards, led by Kanitz’s 216 yards of offense and Grill’s 72 yards from scrimmage.Smith Center will play next week at #2 Sterling for a spot in the 1A state championship game.

🏈 Redmen survive late threat, outlast Moundridge to reach 1A semifinals

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">20th strike on a boat</a>&nbsp;accused of transporting drugs has killed four people in the Caribbean Sea, the U.S. military said Friday, coming as the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-ford-aircraft-carrier-drugs-military-trump-a86ddc6f5f51e12c87cbd9c55978c911">escalates its campaign</a>&nbsp;in South American waters.

The latest strike happened Monday, according to a social media post on Friday by U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the Caribbean and Latin America. The latest strike brings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-boat-strikes-drugs-cocaine-trafficking-95b54a3a5efec74f12f82396a79617ea">the death toll</a>&nbsp;from the attacks that began in September to 80, with the Mexican Navy suspending its search for a survivor of a strike in late October after four days.

Southern Command's post on X shows a boat speeding over water before it's engulfed in flames. The command said intelligence confirmed the vessel “was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics.”

Southern Command's post marked a shift away from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's practice of typically announcing the attacks on social media, although he quickly reposted Southern Command's statement.

Hegseth had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drug-boats-strikes-hegseth-trump-a31326b981ad622b53e918c11b2ecac5">announced the previous two strikes</a>&nbsp;on Monday after they had been carried out on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is expanding the U.S. military's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">already large presence</a>&nbsp;in the region by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carriers-trump-venezuela-middle-east-a458b9c4f1a5690e19d7c532dd6b7fd7">bringing in the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier</a>. The nation's most advanced warship is expected to arrive in the coming days after traveling from the Mediterranean Sea.

Hegseth on Thursday formally named the mission “Operation Southern Spear,” emphasizing the growing significance and permanence of the military’s presence in the region. Once the Ford arrives, the mission will encompass nearly a dozen Navy ships as well about 12,000 sailors and Marines.

The Trump administration has insisted that the buildup of warships is focused on stopping the flow of drugs into the U.S., but it has released no evidence to support its assertions that those killed in the boats were “narcoterrorists.” The strikes have targeted vessels largely in the Caribbean Sea but also have taken place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-drug-boat-strike-ffb1b720fa018336316238463924b78a">in the eastern Pacific Ocean</a>, where much of the cocaine from the world’s largest producers is smuggled.

Some observers say the aircraft carrier is a big new tool of intimidation against Venezuelan President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S. Experts disagree on whether American warplanes may bomb land targets to pressure Maduro to step down.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. doesn’t recognize Maduro, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-tally-sheets-actas-oas-carter-center-41d1000926d0ab99e522e53bf6c2b916">widely accused of stealing last year’s election</a>, as the leader of Venezuela and has called the government a “transshipment organization” that openly cooperates with those trafficking drugs toward the U.S.

Maduro has said the U.S. government is “fabricating” a war against him. Venezuela’s government this week touted a “massive” mobilization of troops and civilians to defend against possible U.S. attacks.

Trump has justified the attacks by saying the United States is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;and claiming the boats are operated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-foreign-terrorist-organizations-eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50">foreign terror organizations</a>&nbsp;that are flooding America’s cities with drugs.

Lawmakers, including Republicans, have pressed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-boat-strikes-trump-cartels-democrats-briefing-40cd5b30897ba97de824af7b76f22b46">more information on who is being targeted</a>&nbsp;and the legal justification for the strikes.

Rubio and Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-congress-6163b24e940dd74005fc3cb78751f92a">met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers</a>&nbsp;who oversee national security issues last week, providing one of the first high-level glimpses into the legal rationale and strategy behind the strikes.

Senate Republicans voted a day later to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-strikes-congress-6c0061bf5a9c417e66f76fcc6ee57405">reject legislation that would have put a check</a>&nbsp;on Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela without congressional authorization.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">20th strike on a boat</a>&nbsp;accused of transporting drugs has killed four people in the Caribbean Sea, the U.S. military said Friday, coming as the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-ford-aircraft-carrier-drugs-military-trump-a86ddc6f5f51e12c87cbd9c55978c911">escalates its campaign</a>&nbsp;in South American waters.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On Nov. 10, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,… <a href="https://t.co/eptSZvVF6x">pic.twitter.com/eptSZvVF6x</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/1989457355214409783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The latest strike happened Monday, according to a social media post on Friday by U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the Caribbean and Latin America. The latest strike brings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-boat-strikes-drugs-cocaine-trafficking-95b54a3a5efec74f12f82396a79617ea">the death toll</a>&nbsp;from the attacks that began in September to 80, with the Mexican Navy suspending its search for a survivor of a strike in late October after four days.Southern Command's post on X shows a boat speeding over water before it's engulfed in flames. The command said intelligence confirmed the vessel “was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics.”Southern Command's post marked a shift away from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's practice of typically announcing the attacks on social media, although he quickly reposted Southern Command's statement.Hegseth had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drug-boats-strikes-hegseth-trump-a31326b981ad622b53e918c11b2ecac5">announced the previous two strikes</a>&nbsp;on Monday after they had been carried out on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is expanding the U.S. military's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">already large presence</a>&nbsp;in the region by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carriers-trump-venezuela-middle-east-a458b9c4f1a5690e19d7c532dd6b7fd7">bringing in the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier</a>. The nation's most advanced warship is expected to arrive in the coming days after traveling from the Mediterranean Sea.Hegseth on Thursday formally named the mission “Operation Southern Spear,” emphasizing the growing significance and permanence of the military’s presence in the region. Once the Ford arrives, the mission will encompass nearly a dozen Navy ships as well about 12,000 sailors and Marines.The Trump administration has insisted that the buildup of warships is focused on stopping the flow of drugs into the U.S., but it has released no evidence to support its assertions that those killed in the boats were “narcoterrorists.” The strikes have targeted vessels largely in the Caribbean Sea but also have taken place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-drug-boat-strike-ffb1b720fa018336316238463924b78a">in the eastern Pacific Ocean</a>, where much of the cocaine from the world’s largest producers is smuggled.Some observers say the aircraft carrier is a big new tool of intimidation against Venezuelan President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a>, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S. Experts disagree on whether American warplanes may bomb land targets to pressure Maduro to step down.Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. doesn’t recognize Maduro, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-tally-sheets-actas-oas-carter-center-41d1000926d0ab99e522e53bf6c2b916">widely accused of stealing last year’s election</a>, as the leader of Venezuela and has called the government a “transshipment organization” that openly cooperates with those trafficking drugs toward the U.S.Maduro has said the U.S. government is “fabricating” a war against him. Venezuela’s government this week touted a “massive” mobilization of troops and civilians to defend against possible U.S. attacks.Trump has justified the attacks by saying the United States is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;and claiming the boats are operated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-foreign-terrorist-organizations-eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50">foreign terror organizations</a>&nbsp;that are flooding America’s cities with drugs.Lawmakers, including Republicans, have pressed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-boat-strikes-trump-cartels-democrats-briefing-40cd5b30897ba97de824af7b76f22b46">more information on who is being targeted</a>&nbsp;and the legal justification for the strikes.Rubio and Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-congress-6163b24e940dd74005fc3cb78751f92a">met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers</a>&nbsp;who oversee national security issues last week, providing one of the first high-level glimpses into the legal rationale and strategy behind the strikes.Senate Republicans voted a day later to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-strikes-congress-6c0061bf5a9c417e66f76fcc6ee57405">reject legislation that would have put a check</a>&nbsp;on Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela without congressional authorization.

🎥US military's 20th strike on alleged drug-running boat kills 4 

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission continued discussions on future major improvement projects and those costs during its Wednesday meeting.

John Herman and Jason Gillig from Hutton presented preliminary project scopes and budget estimates for the following, which the county lacks sufficient funds to complete in full:

• Sheriff's office and communications department renovation, estimated cost of $2,486,097 • Combined EMS/fire facility in Ellis, estimated cost of $3,511,122 • Administrative Building fan coil units replacement, estimated cost of $2,609,524 • Courthouse HVAC replacement, estimated at $4,079,863 • Fire storage building at public works, estimated at $711,873 • Landfill transfer station expansion, estimated at $1,089,755

The total estimated cost is $14,488,254, which Commissioner Michael Berges said was higher than he initially thought.

"We want to do these projects without necessarily raising taxes; we want to do it with the reserves, sales tax and other bonds. The $14 to 15 million might breach that intent, but again, this is just a starting point," Berges said.

Gillig provided an overview of several county projects.

The Sheriff’s Office and communications renovation will include reconfigured offices, additional security, a new dispatch room, and a shared training and break area.

The new EMS and fire facility will span about 11,500 square feet and can be expanded by an additional 3,000 square feet to accommodate two more vehicle bays. The building will feature bunk rooms and a training area.

Plans for the County Public Works storage building include space that could later be converted into a classroom. The transfer station will undergo a rework of its floors and chutes to improve operations.

Joe Glassman, president/CEO of Glassman Corp., spoke with the commission about problems with the courthouse’s Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and cooling system, which was installed in 2014.

"The system has been problematic since day one," Glassman said. "If it's zero degrees or below outside, it can't keep up because the heat pump is undersized and because it's going into a defrost cycle too often."

Glassman said the county will need to decide whether to continue investing in the current system, now halfway through its 20-year lifespan, or replace it with a water-to-air heat-pump system expected to last up to 40 years. He added that both options are similar in cost.

Commissioner Neal Younger asked how long the water-to-air heat pump systems Glassman helped install have lasted. Glassman replied that one he installed in Kinsley has been running for about 16 years without any breakdowns.

The commission's agenda for Wednesday included a proposal to use bond financing to help fund the projects, spreading costs over several years to ease budget impacts. Although not discussed during the meeting, the plan outlines repayment through sales tax revenue and reserves, with the first payment scheduled for 2027.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763144420648.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission continued discussions on future major improvement projects and those costs during its Wednesday meeting.John Herman and Jason Gillig from Hutton presented preliminary project scopes and budget estimates for the following, which the county lacks sufficient funds to complete in full:• Sheriff's office and communications department renovation, estimated cost of $2,486,097 • Combined EMS/fire facility in Ellis, estimated cost of $3,511,122 • Administrative Building fan coil units replacement, estimated cost of $2,609,524 • Courthouse HVAC replacement, estimated at $4,079,863 • Fire storage building at public works, estimated at $711,873 • Landfill transfer station expansion, estimated at $1,089,755The total estimated cost is $14,488,254, which Commissioner Michael Berges said was higher than he initially thought."We want to do these projects without necessarily raising taxes; we want to do it with the reserves, sales tax and other bonds. The $14 to 15 million might breach that intent, but again, this is just a starting point," Berges said.Gillig provided an overview of several county projects.The Sheriff’s Office and communications renovation will include reconfigured offices, additional security, a new dispatch room, and a shared training and break area.The new EMS and fire facility will span about 11,500 square feet and can be expanded by an additional 3,000 square feet to accommodate two more vehicle bays. The building will feature bunk rooms and a training area.Plans for the County Public Works storage building include space that could later be converted into a classroom. The transfer station will undergo a rework of its floors and chutes to improve operations.Joe Glassman, president/CEO of Glassman Corp., spoke with the commission about problems with the courthouse’s Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and cooling system, which was installed in 2014."The system has been problematic since day one," Glassman said. "If it's zero degrees or below outside, it can't keep up because the heat pump is undersized and because it's going into a defrost cycle too often."Glassman said the county will need to decide whether to continue investing in the current system, now halfway through its 20-year lifespan, or replace it with a water-to-air heat-pump system expected to last up to 40 years. He added that both options are similar in cost.Commissioner Neal Younger asked how long the water-to-air heat pump systems Glassman helped install have lasted. Glassman replied that one he installed in Kinsley has been running for about 16 years without any breakdowns.The commission's agenda for Wednesday included a proposal to use bond financing to help fund the projects, spreading costs over several years to ease budget impacts. Although not discussed during the meeting, the plan outlines repayment through sales tax revenue and reserves, with the first payment scheduled for 2027.

Multiple Ellis County projects estimated to cost more than $1 million

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted to sex crimes involving a runaway teen learned his fate on Friday.

Judge Quentin Pittman sentenced 22-year-old Samuel Loredo to 174 months in prison with Lifetime Post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted to sex crimes involving a runaway teen will learn his fate on Friday.

Samuel Loredo, 22, will appear in&nbsp;Judge Quentin Pittman courtroom for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's ofice.

In October, Loredo pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sodomy and one count each of indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated interference with parental custody, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just after noon November 18, 2024 law enforcement in Murray, Kentucky informed the Wichita Police Department that a 14-year-old runaway may be in Wichita based on their investigation, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

Wichita police responded to the area of 2300 N Woodlawn in Wichita where it was believed that the child may have been. Patrol and Investigations began working together to find additional information to locate the juvenile and determine the circumstances around their presence in Wichita.

Throughout the afternoon and the evening detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked to conduct additional interviews. Through those interviews, detectives determined that Loredo was communicating with the 14-year-old and arranged for the juvenile to travel to Wichita.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested&nbsp; Loredo, and booked him into Sedgwick County Jail.

Officers with the Wichita Police Department NET team located the juvenile wandering the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732208663228.png" alt="Loredo photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Loredo photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted to sex crimes involving a runaway teen learned his fate on Friday.Judge Quentin Pittman sentenced 22-year-old Samuel Loredo to 174 months in prison with Lifetime Post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.---------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted to sex crimes involving a runaway teen will learn his fate on Friday.Samuel Loredo, 22, will appear in&nbsp;Judge Quentin Pittman courtroom for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's ofice.In October, Loredo pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sodomy and one count each of indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated interference with parental custody, according to the District Attorney's office.Just after noon November 18, 2024 law enforcement in Murray, Kentucky informed the Wichita Police Department that a 14-year-old runaway may be in Wichita based on their investigation, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.Wichita police responded to the area of 2300 N Woodlawn in Wichita where it was believed that the child may have been. Patrol and Investigations began working together to find additional information to locate the juvenile and determine the circumstances around their presence in Wichita.Throughout the afternoon and the evening detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked to conduct additional interviews. Through those interviews, detectives determined that Loredo was communicating with the 14-year-old and arranged for the juvenile to travel to Wichita.As a result of the investigation, police arrested&nbsp; Loredo, and booked him into Sedgwick County Jail.Officers with the Wichita Police Department NET team located the juvenile wandering the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sentencing day for Kan. man in sex assault of runaway 14-year-old

Ellis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp said implementing a property valuation cap, such as a 3% limit, could lead to disparities in local housing markets.

Rupp discussed proposed state legislation with the Ellis County Commission during its Wednesday meeting that would cap property valuation increases.

"The end result of an appraised valuation or assessed value cap is that tax bills are no longer distributed fairly and equally, as a resulting tax shift will cause some property owners to pay more than their fair share, while others pay less," Rupp said.

Rupp presented a chart showing five homes valued at $250,000, each increasing in value at different rates from 0% to 8%, which he labeled as fair market value.

New market values ranged from $250,000 to $270,000. Using an established mill levy of 133.780 to raise $20,000 in taxes, the taxes owed from each home ranged from $3,846 to $4,154.

In a second chart, Rupp showed that a 3% value cap limits how much each property’s value can increase, even when new market values increase beyond that limit.

Homes four and five, which increased 6% and 8% in market value, were capped at 3%. To maintain the same $20,000 in total revenue, the mill levy had to be raised to 136.135 mills.

As a result, homes one through three now pay more in taxes due to the higher mill levy, while the higher-valued homes pay less because of the cap.

"Homeowner one is now paying an extra $68 in taxes they would not have paid if a valuation cap were not in place. The same goes for homeowner two, who's paying $69 more in taxes. Property three is a little less because they're closer to that 3% bar," Rupp said.

"Then what happens is homes four and five are actually worth a little bit more. Home four is getting a tax break and paying $46 less than they normally would, and the same for home number five, they're paying $123 less," he said.

Rupp discussed expanding programs like the Safe Senior or Homestead tax relief options, or increasing the state school levy exemption, as fairer methods for tax relief that the Legislature should pursue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748874047174.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostEllis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp said implementing a property valuation cap, such as a 3% limit, could lead to disparities in local housing markets.Rupp discussed proposed state legislation with the Ellis County Commission during its Wednesday meeting that would cap property valuation increases."The end result of an appraised valuation or assessed value cap is that tax bills are no longer distributed fairly and equally, as a resulting tax shift will cause some property owners to pay more than their fair share, while others pay less," Rupp said.Rupp presented a chart showing five homes valued at $250,000, each increasing in value at different rates from 0% to 8%, which he labeled as fair market value.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763053594438.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>New market values ranged from $250,000 to $270,000. Using an established mill levy of 133.780 to raise $20,000 in taxes, the taxes owed from each home ranged from $3,846 to $4,154.In a second chart, Rupp showed that a 3% value cap limits how much each property’s value can increase, even when new market values increase beyond that limit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763053609446.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Homes four and five, which increased 6% and 8% in market value, were capped at 3%. To maintain the same $20,000 in total revenue, the mill levy had to be raised to 136.135 mills.As a result, homes one through three now pay more in taxes due to the higher mill levy, while the higher-valued homes pay less because of the cap."Homeowner one is now paying an extra $68 in taxes they would not have paid if a valuation cap were not in place. The same goes for homeowner two, who's paying $69 more in taxes. Property three is a little less because they're closer to that 3% bar," Rupp said."Then what happens is homes four and five are actually worth a little bit more. Home four is getting a tax break and paying $46 less than they normally would, and the same for home number five, they're paying $123 less," he said.Rupp discussed expanding programs like the Safe Senior or Homestead tax relief options, or increasing the state school levy exemption, as fairer methods for tax relief that the Legislature should pursue.Commissioner Michael Berges said taxation is a "three-legged stool," and when you make changes to one, it destabilizes everything else."When people see things like this 3% cap, they initially think it seems like a good idea to save taxpayers," Berges said.Darin Myers, county administrator, added the scenarios Rupp provided create the false perception that homeowners' taxes are staying lower while others pay more.Berges said discussions will continue on the role of sales taxes, possibly offsetting property taxes.