SEDGWICK COUNTY—Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona was sentenced Thursday in Sedgwick County District Court for the 2022 vehicular crash that resulted in the death of Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter.

Judge William Woolley sentenced Burgett to 3 and one half year or&nbsp; 42 months in prison after previously pleading no contest to one count of Involuntary Manslaughter while driving under the influence of THC.

In October of 2022, a&nbsp;2016 Dodge Charger driven by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, Bel Aire, was southbound on 135th Street at 29th Street north one mile west of Northwest Wichita and Maize responding to a disturbance, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

A westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Burgett failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the drivers side of the Dodge Charger, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Deputy Carter was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Burgett to a local hospital.

Deputy Carter had only worked in the field alone for a week, according to Sheriff Easter. She began field training in the summer of 2022 and completed that training Oct. 1.&nbsp;

Deputy Carter had served the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for one and a half years in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau in February 2022. She graduated the Law Enforcement Academy on July 21, 2022.&nbsp;

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Woolley also ordered Burgett to serve 36 months of post-release supervision.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A driver involved in a&nbsp;&nbsp;fatal crash that killed a Kansas Sheriff's Deputy expected to learn his fate Thursday.

Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona is scheduled for a sentencing hearing in Judge William Wooley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In July Burgett pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter, according to the district attorneys office.

He was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and&nbsp; driving while suspended, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680091672733.png" alt="Burgett photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Burgett photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona was sentenced Thursday in Sedgwick County District Court for the 2022 vehicular crash that resulted in the death of Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter.Judge William Woolley sentenced Burgett to 3 and one half year or&nbsp; 42 months in prison after previously pleading no contest to one count of Involuntary Manslaughter while driving under the influence of THC.In October of 2022, a&nbsp;2016 Dodge Charger driven by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, Bel Aire, was southbound on 135th Street at 29th Street north one mile west of Northwest Wichita and Maize responding to a disturbance, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.A westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Burgett failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the drivers side of the Dodge Charger, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Deputy Carter was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Burgett to a local hospital.Deputy Carter had only worked in the field alone for a week, according to Sheriff Easter. She began field training in the summer of 2022 and completed that training Oct. 1.&nbsp;Deputy Carter had served the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for one and a half years in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau in February 2022. She graduated the Law Enforcement Academy on July 21, 2022.&nbsp;During the sentencing hearing, Judge Woolley also ordered Burgett to serve 36 months of post-release supervision.-------------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A driver involved in a&nbsp;&nbsp;fatal crash that killed a Kansas Sheriff's Deputy expected to learn his fate Thursday.Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona is scheduled for a sentencing hearing in Judge William Wooley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In July Burgett pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter, according to the district attorneys office.He was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and&nbsp; driving while suspended, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665249753989.png" alt="Deputy Sidnee Carter" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Sidnee Carter</figcaption>
 </figure>In October of 2022, a&nbsp;2016 Dodge Charger driven by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, Bel Aire, was southbound on 135th Street at 29th Street north one mile west of Northwest Wichita and Maize responding to a disturbance, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.A westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Burgett failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the drivers side of the Dodge Charger, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Deputy Carter was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Burgett to a local hospital.Deputy Carter had only worked in the field alone for a week, according to Sheriff Easter. She began field training in the summer of 2022 and completed that training Oct. 1.&nbsp;Deputy Carter had served the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for one and a half years in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau in February 2022. She graduated the Law Enforcement Academy on July 21, 2022.&nbsp;

Driver in crash that killed Kansas deputy learns his fate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that the U.S. military carried out another strike on a boat he said was carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing all four people aboard the vessel, as the Trump administration pursues its divisive campaign against drug cartels in the waters off South America.

Hegseth said in a social media post that intelligence determined the craft was “transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics.” He said the strike was conducted in international waters and no U.S. forces were harmed.

A video posted by Hegseth shows a boat exploding into flames and smoke.

The Trump administration has been conducting a nearly two-month campaign in the waters off of South America, while building up U.S. military forces in the region. This has fueled speculation that the moves are aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dhs-plan-capture-maduro-pilot-planes-7915d5a0819ceb518a8ca2b47da8b2e5" rel="nofollow">ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>, whom the U.S. has accused of narcoterrorism.

The Trump administration has shown no evidence to support its claims about the boats that have been struck, their connection to drug cartels, or even the identity of the people killed in the strikes that began in early September.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that the U.S. military carried out another strike on a boat he said was carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing all four people aboard the vessel, as the Trump administration pursues its divisive campaign against drug cartels in the waters off South America.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Earlier today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on yet another narco-trafficking vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) in the Eastern Pacific. This vessel, like all the others, was known by our… <a href="https://t.co/mBOLA5RYQe">pic.twitter.com/mBOLA5RYQe</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1983676996220588093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hegseth said in a social media post that intelligence determined the craft was “transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics.” He said the strike was conducted in international waters and no U.S. forces were harmed.A video posted by Hegseth shows a boat exploding into flames and smoke.The Trump administration has been conducting a nearly two-month campaign in the waters off of South America, while building up U.S. military forces in the region. This has fueled speculation that the moves are aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dhs-plan-capture-maduro-pilot-planes-7915d5a0819ceb518a8ca2b47da8b2e5" rel="nofollow">ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>, whom the U.S. has accused of narcoterrorism.The Trump administration has shown no evidence to support its claims about the boats that have been struck, their connection to drug cartels, or even the identity of the people killed in the strikes that began in early September.

🎥US military kills 4 in new strike on drug-running boat

TMP-Marian sophomore Brynn Schoepf earned 3-2-1A honorable
mention all-state honors Monday by the Kansas Golf Coaches Association. 

Schoepf earned her <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/69a69251-95e6-4e6f-a738-bd49dc70d8ae">second straight state tournament appearance
</a>this past season and finished 8th at the 3-2-1 girls’ state golf
tournament at the Salina Municipal Golf Course with a two-day total of 170.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761133791060.png" alt="TMP-Marian's Brynn Schoepf and coach Dave Ward at the 3-2-1A state golf tournament in Salina, Kan. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>TMP-Marian's Brynn Schoepf and coach Dave Ward at the 3-2-1A state golf tournament in Salina, Kan. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsTMP-Marian sophomore Brynn Schoepf earned 3-2-1A honorable
mention all-state honors Monday by the Kansas Golf Coaches Association. Schoepf earned her <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/69a69251-95e6-4e6f-a738-bd49dc70d8ae">second straight state tournament appearance
</a>this past season and finished 8th at the 3-2-1 girls’ state golf
tournament at the Salina Municipal Golf Course with a two-day total of 170.

⛳ TMP's Schoepf earns All-State selection

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board discussed the five-year capital outlay plan during its work session on Monday.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said although the district has made significant investments in the bond, there are still regular capital needs and maintenance that will need to continue.

Wilson explained that the plan is revised frequently as needs change.

The district has an annual 8-mill capital improvement levy. The three-year revenue average is $4.7 million.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district must keep reserves in the capital outlay fund. It can't spend the fund to zero.

The district receives half of its funding at the beginning of the year and the rest halfway through the fiscal year. The district must maintain cash on hand to continue paying lease payments and other expenses.

Hipp said of the five-year plan, "This is not a budget. It's an outlook and a map."

The district has three lease purchase agreements that it will continue to pay on through fiscal year 2029. These include Early Childhood Complex Renovation, which will be paid off in 2029, Roosevelt HVAC, and a lease agreement for turf, lighting, and past work at Wilson Elementary School.

The plan's operations line items include transportation and the annual technology replacement program.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/37908b9e-982b-42eb-becc-c7409b030396">The district contracted with Enterprise last fall to manage its nonbus vehicle fleet.</a> The fleet contract is budgeted at $125,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, with an estimated $295,000 in subsequent years.

Bus replacement is also on a rotation, but on a separate line item.&nbsp;

The district also has listed priorities broken down by building.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9c9d8521-815b-4f1d-8bf6-ddea11091306">O'Loughlin Elementary School is undergoing a renovation and expansion as part of the bond projects.</a>&nbsp;

From the capital outlay fund, the district has budgeted $45,000 for the removal of asbestos flooring from the building, $100,000 for furniture and equipment for fiscal year 2026 and $220,000 to replace the school's parking lot in FY27.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4c2d3e85-7231-4f36-a2e0-a75c7231637b">With the opening of the new Hays High School in August, the district is remodeling the former high school for use as the new middle school.</a>

Students and teachers are set to move into the renovated school in January.

HMS projects in the 2026 capital budget include: • Classroom/bathroom renovation-$200,000 • Grandstands and fencing at game field-$160,000 • Parking lot-$120,000 • Furniture and equipment-$120,000

The fiscal year '27 budget includes roof work and further classroom renovations, with even more classroom renovations in FY28. The district is also planning on parking lot work at that location in FY28 and FY29.

Work will begin in January to renovate what is now Hays Middle School into a new four-section elementary school, Felten Elementary School.

Wilson is set to close as an elementary school at the end of the school year.

Although $3.8 million in bond funds has been budgeted for the Felten renovations, additional work at the school will be funded with capital outlay money.

The following projects will be funded out of the FY26 capital outlay budget: •&nbsp;Asbestos removal-$175,000 •&nbsp;Signage update-$50,000 •&nbsp;Classroom renovation-$50,000 • Furniture and equipment-$300,000. Some of this funding will be used to add storage in classrooms. •&nbsp;Playground relocation upgrades-$150,000 • Change football field to buffalo grass-$10,000. The grass change is being made to eliminate the need to water that field, Wilson said.

Once Wilson is vacated as an elementary school, the district offices will move into that building.

The district has budgeted $750,000 in 2027 and 2028 to renovate the former classrooms into offices. An additional $150,000 is budgeted in FY27 to equip a new boardroom in that building with audio and visual capabilities.

The district has budgeted $90,000 for grass seeding around the new Hays High building this year.&nbsp;

Wilson said the district hopes to eventually add another storage building on the Hays High grounds, but the project may be moved if other needs arise.

The board discussed adding bleachers to the Hays High football stadium. The stadium was built for 2,500, but crowds have been exceptionally large this season, with attendance estimates as high as 5,000.

Wilson said additional bleachers are not included in the capital outlay plan at this time.

The district is considering selling property north of the current Hays Middle School football field. The district also plans to sell the Rockwell property once all of the bond projects are complete.

The school board will make the final decision on the properties' fate. The revenue from the sale of property would be placed in the capital outlay fund.

Wilson said if the district had additional revenue from property sales, it could be used to fund bleachers.

The turf on the new fields at the high school will need to be replaced in the next 10 years, and Wilson said administrators will begin working on a schedule to work that maintenance into the capital outlay plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761670529490.jpeg" alt="Construction at O'Loughlin Elementary School. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Construction at O'Loughlin Elementary School. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: As bond projects near completion, Hays board hears report on capital outlay plan" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=urx8e-19a80f7-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board discussed the five-year capital outlay plan during its work session on Monday.Superintendent Ron Wilson said although the district has made significant investments in the bond, there are still regular capital needs and maintenance that will need to continue.Wilson explained that the plan is revised frequently as needs change.The district has an annual 8-mill capital improvement levy. The three-year revenue average is $4.7 million.Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district must keep reserves in the capital outlay fund. It can't spend the fund to zero.The district receives half of its funding at the beginning of the year and the rest halfway through the fiscal year. The district must maintain cash on hand to continue paying lease payments and other expenses.Hipp said of the five-year plan, "This is not a budget. It's an outlook and a map."The district has three lease purchase agreements that it will continue to pay on through fiscal year 2029. These include Early Childhood Complex Renovation, which will be paid off in 2029, Roosevelt HVAC, and a lease agreement for turf, lighting, and past work at Wilson Elementary School.The plan's operations line items include transportation and the annual technology replacement program.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/37908b9e-982b-42eb-becc-c7409b030396">The district contracted with Enterprise last fall to manage its nonbus vehicle fleet.</a> The fleet contract is budgeted at $125,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, with an estimated $295,000 in subsequent years.Bus replacement is also on a rotation, but on a separate line item.&nbsp;The district also has listed priorities broken down by building.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9c9d8521-815b-4f1d-8bf6-ddea11091306">O'Loughlin Elementary School is undergoing a renovation and expansion as part of the bond projects.</a>&nbsp;From the capital outlay fund, the district has budgeted $45,000 for the removal of asbestos flooring from the building, $100,000 for furniture and equipment for fiscal year 2026 and $220,000 to replace the school's parking lot in FY27.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4c2d3e85-7231-4f36-a2e0-a75c7231637b">With the opening of the new Hays High School in August, the district is remodeling the former high school for use as the new middle school.</a>Students and teachers are set to move into the renovated school in January.HMS projects in the 2026 capital budget include: • Classroom/bathroom renovation-$200,000 • Grandstands and fencing at game field-$160,000 • Parking lot-$120,000 • Furniture and equipment-$120,000 The fiscal year '27 budget includes roof work and further classroom renovations, with even more classroom renovations in FY28. The district is also planning on parking lot work at that location in FY28 and FY29.Work will begin in January to renovate what is now Hays Middle School into a new four-section elementary school, Felten Elementary School.Wilson is set to close as an elementary school at the end of the school year.Although $3.8 million in bond funds has been budgeted for the Felten renovations, additional work at the school will be funded with capital outlay money.The following projects will be funded out of the FY26 capital outlay budget: •&nbsp;Asbestos removal-$175,000 •&nbsp;Signage update-$50,000 •&nbsp;Classroom renovation-$50,000 • Furniture and equipment-$300,000. Some of this funding will be used to add storage in classrooms. •&nbsp;Playground relocation upgrades-$150,000 • Change football field to buffalo grass-$10,000. The grass change is being made to eliminate the need to water that field, Wilson said.Once Wilson is vacated as an elementary school, the district offices will move into that building.The district has budgeted $750,000 in 2027 and 2028 to renovate the former classrooms into offices. An additional $150,000 is budgeted in FY27 to equip a new boardroom in that building with audio and visual capabilities.The district has budgeted $90,000 for grass seeding around the new Hays High building this year.&nbsp;Wilson said the district hopes to eventually add another storage building on the Hays High grounds, but the project may be moved if other needs arise.The board discussed adding bleachers to the Hays High football stadium. The stadium was built for 2,500, but crowds have been exceptionally large this season, with attendance estimates as high as 5,000.Wilson said additional bleachers are not included in the capital outlay plan at this time.The district is considering selling property north of the current Hays Middle School football field. The district also plans to sell the Rockwell property once all of the bond projects are complete.The school board will make the final decision on the properties' fate. The revenue from the sale of property would be placed in the capital outlay fund.Wilson said if the district had additional revenue from property sales, it could be used to fund bleachers.The turf on the new fields at the high school will need to be replaced in the next 10 years, and Wilson said administrators will begin working on a schedule to work that maintenance into the capital outlay plan.

🎙 As bond projects near completion, Hays board hears report on capital outlay plan

Wednesday, Oct. 29 Annual Fort Hays State University Agriculture Department Halloween Hoedown Trunk or Treat, 4 to 6 p.m., University Farm, Andrew D. Riegel Building. Free.

Trunk or Treat, 5:30 to 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh St. Free.

Thursday, Oct. 30 Sternberg Museum: Monster Mash, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.,&nbsp;3000 Sternberg Drive. $10 general admission, $8 for members, and children 2 and younger are free.

Friday, Oct. 31 Trick or Treat on the Bricks, 3 to 5 p.m., Main Street. Free.

Trick or Treating at The Northridge Plaza, 3 to 5 p.m., North Ridge Plaza.

Trick or Treat on the Bricks at Hays Public Library, 3 to 5 p.m.,&nbsp;1205 Main St.

Trick-R-Treating at Big Creek Crossing, 3 to 5 p.m., 2918 Vine St.&nbsp;

Trick or Treat at Centennial Towers, 3 to 7 p.m., 2502 Sherman Ave.

Trunk or Treat at North Oak Community Church, 5:30 to 7 p.m., 3000 Oak St.

Paisley Pear hosts: Dancin' Stew, 8 to 10 p.m.,&nbsp;1100 Main St.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761574481686.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Wednesday, Oct. 29 Annual Fort Hays State University Agriculture Department Halloween Hoedown Trunk or Treat, 4 to 6 p.m., University Farm, Andrew D. Riegel Building. Free.Trunk or Treat, 5:30 to 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh St. Free.Thursday, Oct. 30 Sternberg Museum: Monster Mash, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.,&nbsp;3000 Sternberg Drive. $10 general admission, $8 for members, and children 2 and younger are free.Friday, Oct. 31 Trick or Treat on the Bricks, 3 to 5 p.m., Main Street. Free.Trick or Treating at The Northridge Plaza, 3 to 5 p.m., North Ridge Plaza.Trick or Treat on the Bricks at Hays Public Library, 3 to 5 p.m.,&nbsp;1205 Main St.Trick-R-Treating at Big Creek Crossing, 3 to 5 p.m., 2918 Vine St.&nbsp;Trick or Treat at Centennial Towers, 3 to 7 p.m., 2502 Sherman Ave.Trunk or Treat at North Oak Community Church, 5:30 to 7 p.m., 3000 Oak St.Paisley Pear hosts: Dancin' Stew, 8 to 10 p.m.,&nbsp;1100 Main St.

Halloween events in Hays, starting tonight

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. - The Fort Hays State men's golf team wrapped up the fall season with an 11th-place finish out of 20 teams at the Tulsa Cup Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 27-28). The Tigers finished the week at 20-over as a team, their lowest-ever total in five trips to the Tulsa Cup and tied for their second-best score to par for a tournament this season.

Fort Hays State opened the week with a blistering 7-under 281, with all four counting scores coming in at-or-under par. That performance put the Tigers in third place through 18 holes, two shots back of the lead. It was FHSU's first round under par this season.

The Black and Gold backed that up with a 6-over 294 in the second round, finishing day one at 1-under to sit in eighth place with 18 holes to go. Then battling wind, rain and a 70-minute rain delay, FHSU finished the week with a round of 21-over 309 in round three.

Cooper Scheck cracked the top 10 with a three-round total of 2-under 214, finishing in solo 10th. The senior led the field in birdies, racking up 14 for the week. He opened with an even-par 72 before firing a 4-under 68 with six birdies in round two. He recorded two birdies on his last four holes to finish the final round at 2-over 74.

Chutithep Rungpajchim and Colby Hays finished in a tie for 44th place with a total of 6-over 222. Rungpajchim was incredibly consistent to open the event, posting a bogey-free 2-under 70 in round one. He then shot rounds of 3-over 75 and 5-over 77 to finish the week. Hays was second on the team with nine birdies on the week, posting rounds of even-par 72, 2-over 74 and 4-over 76. Neither Hays nor Rungpajchim recorded anything worse than bogey on the week.

JD Dintino opened the week on fire, carding six birdies and one eagle en route to an opening-round 5-under 67 which is tied for the lowest round in relation to par by a Tiger this season. The sophomore followed that up with a 5-over 77 in the second round before posting an 11-over 83 in the final round to finish the week 11-over, placing t-69th. Jordan McCaslin rounded out the lineup in a tie for 91st at 18-over after rounds of 1-over 73, 79 and 82.

Central Missouri took home the team title at 12-under 852, beating Harding by two shots. The Bison would have defeated the Mules by two shots, but one of their players was assessed a four-stroke penalty after playing multiple holes in the opening round with more than 14 clubs in his bag.

Harding's Jose Arzu secured the individual title after defeating UCM's CJ Phillips in a playoff. The pair both finished the week at 8-under 208.

The Tigers conclude the fall season with a team stroke average of 294.0, a total that would be the lowest in recorded team history. FHSU finished last season with a stroke average of 294.73 after posting an average of 295.88 in the fall.

Fort Hays State will return to action in March when they head back to Oklahoma for the Hillcat Classic March 9-10 at Bailey Ranch Golf Club in Owasso.

Full FHSU Results 11th - Fort Hays State - 281 - 294 - 309 -- 884 +20

10th - Cooper Scheck - 72 - 68 - 74 -- 214 -2 T44th - Colby Hays - 72 - 74 - 76 -- 222 +6 T44th - Chutithep Rungpajchim - 70 - 75 - 77 -- 222 +6 T69th - JD Dintino - 67 - 77 - 83 -- 227 +11 T91st - Jordan McCaslin - 73 - 79 - 82 -- 234 +18

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761742779714.png" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsBROKEN ARROW, Okla. - The Fort Hays State men's golf team wrapped up the fall season with an 11th-place finish out of 20 teams at the Tulsa Cup Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 27-28). The Tigers finished the week at 20-over as a team, their lowest-ever total in five trips to the Tulsa Cup and tied for their second-best score to par for a tournament this season.Fort Hays State opened the week with a blistering 7-under 281, with all four counting scores coming in at-or-under par. That performance put the Tigers in third place through 18 holes, two shots back of the lead. It was FHSU's first round under par this season.The Black and Gold backed that up with a 6-over 294 in the second round, finishing day one at 1-under to sit in eighth place with 18 holes to go. Then battling wind, rain and a 70-minute rain delay, FHSU finished the week with a round of 21-over 309 in round three.Cooper Scheck cracked the top 10 with a three-round total of 2-under 214, finishing in solo 10th. The senior led the field in birdies, racking up 14 for the week. He opened with an even-par 72 before firing a 4-under 68 with six birdies in round two. He recorded two birdies on his last four holes to finish the final round at 2-over 74.Chutithep Rungpajchim and Colby Hays finished in a tie for 44th place with a total of 6-over 222. Rungpajchim was incredibly consistent to open the event, posting a bogey-free 2-under 70 in round one. He then shot rounds of 3-over 75 and 5-over 77 to finish the week. Hays was second on the team with nine birdies on the week, posting rounds of even-par 72, 2-over 74 and 4-over 76. Neither Hays nor Rungpajchim recorded anything worse than bogey on the week.JD Dintino opened the week on fire, carding six birdies and one eagle en route to an opening-round 5-under 67 which is tied for the lowest round in relation to par by a Tiger this season. The sophomore followed that up with a 5-over 77 in the second round before posting an 11-over 83 in the final round to finish the week 11-over, placing t-69th. Jordan McCaslin rounded out the lineup in a tie for 91st at 18-over after rounds of 1-over 73, 79 and 82.Central Missouri took home the team title at 12-under 852, beating Harding by two shots. The Bison would have defeated the Mules by two shots, but one of their players was assessed a four-stroke penalty after playing multiple holes in the opening round with more than 14 clubs in his bag.Harding's Jose Arzu secured the individual title after defeating UCM's CJ Phillips in a playoff. The pair both finished the week at 8-under 208.The Tigers conclude the fall season with a team stroke average of 294.0, a total that would be the lowest in recorded team history. FHSU finished last season with a stroke average of 294.73 after posting an average of 295.88 in the fall.Fort Hays State will return to action in March when they head back to Oklahoma for the Hillcat Classic March 9-10 at Bailey Ranch Golf Club in Owasso.Full FHSU Results 11th - Fort Hays State - 281 - 294 - 309 -- 884 +20 10th - Cooper Scheck - 72 - 68 - 74 -- 214 -2 T44th - Colby Hays - 72 - 74 - 76 -- 222 +6 T44th - Chutithep Rungpajchim - 70 - 75 - 77 -- 222 +6 T69th - JD Dintino - 67 - 77 - 83 -- 227 +11 T91st - Jordan McCaslin - 73 - 79 - 82 -- 234 +18

⛳ FHSU men's concludes fall season in Tulsa

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved up to No. 4 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. Now at 12-0-3 overall for the season, the Tigers remained in the top five for a second-straight week and now match their second-highest ranking ever in the poll, just one spot shy of the program high.

Fort Hays State remains unbeaten through 15 matches this season. They are 8-0-1 so far in GAC play and have three matches remaining for the season, all in conference play. Fort Hays State will be on the road for those final three matches, starting with a road trip to Arkansas this week to face Ouachita Baptist (Thursday) and Harding (Saturday).

This is the longest unbeaten streak to start a season in program history and 15 matches is the second-longest unbeaten streak in program history at any point of a season. The program record is 16, set by the 2018 team that made the national semifinals.

Fort Hays State and Rogers State continue as the two teams from the GAC represented in the Top 25. The Hillcats are No. 18 in the latest poll with an overall record of 9-2-4. Rogers State's only two losses this year were to Fort Hays State. Northeastern State is among the receiving votes section of the latest poll.

Fort Hays State is one of six teams in the top 10 this week that remain unbeaten for the season. There are seven total teams in the top 25 without a loss this season.

Fort Hays State is the national leader in total points (128), total assists (44), points per match (8.53), goal differential (+36), assists per match (2.93), and corner kicks per match (8.4). The Tigers rank second nationally in scoring offense (2.8 goals per match), shutout percentage (.733), total goals (42), and won-loss-tie percentage (.900).

United Soccer Coaches Top 25 for October 28, 2025. Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	California State University Stanislaus	1	13-0-1 2	University of Charleston	2	12-0-3 3	Palm Beach Atlantic University	3	11-0-1 4	Fort Hays State University	5	12-0-3 5	Anderson University (S.C.)	4	8-0-4 6	Southern New Hampshire University	14	11-1-2 7	Lynn University	6	9-2-1 8	Cedarville University	9	10-0-5 9	Midwestern State University	12	9-3-3 10	California State University-Dominguez Hills	16	9-2-3 11	Bentley University	7	9-1-3 12	Young Harris College	8	10-1-3 13	Fort Lewis College	19	6-3-4 14	Point Loma Nazarene University	10	9-3-1 15	Lincoln University (Mo.)	21	10-0-4 16	Gannon University	24	8-2-4 17	Florida Tech	15	7-1-6 18	Rogers State University	17	9-2-4 19	University of North Georgia	20	9-3-4 20	Rockhurst University	18	10-3-2 21	University of Texas-Dallas	NR	10-3-2 22	Bloomsburg University	13	6-1-6 23	Adelphi University	NR	7-3-3 T24	University of West Florida	23	8-1-4 T24	Seattle Pacific University	NR	9-2-4

Receiving Votes:  Northeastern State University, Lander University, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Mississippi College, Post University, Tiffin University, Cal Poly Pomona, Colorado State University-Pueblo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761709886638.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved up to No. 4 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. Now at 12-0-3 overall for the season, the Tigers remained in the top five for a second-straight week and now match their second-highest ranking ever in the poll, just one spot shy of the program high.Fort Hays State remains unbeaten through 15 matches this season. They are 8-0-1 so far in GAC play and have three matches remaining for the season, all in conference play. Fort Hays State will be on the road for those final three matches, starting with a road trip to Arkansas this week to face Ouachita Baptist (Thursday) and Harding (Saturday).This is the longest unbeaten streak to start a season in program history and 15 matches is the second-longest unbeaten streak in program history at any point of a season. The program record is 16, set by the 2018 team that made the national semifinals.Fort Hays State and Rogers State continue as the two teams from the GAC represented in the Top 25. The Hillcats are No. 18 in the latest poll with an overall record of 9-2-4. Rogers State's only two losses this year were to Fort Hays State. Northeastern State is among the receiving votes section of the latest poll.Fort Hays State is one of six teams in the top 10 this week that remain unbeaten for the season. There are seven total teams in the top 25 without a loss this season.Fort Hays State is the national leader in total points (128), total assists (44), points per match (8.53), goal differential (+36), assists per match (2.93), and corner kicks per match (8.4). The Tigers rank second nationally in scoring offense (2.8 goals per match), shutout percentage (.733), total goals (42), and won-loss-tie percentage (.900).United Soccer Coaches Top 25 for October 28, 2025. Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	California State University Stanislaus	1	13-0-1 2	University of Charleston	2	12-0-3 3	Palm Beach Atlantic University	3	11-0-1 4	Fort Hays State University	5	12-0-3 5	Anderson University (S.C.)	4	8-0-4 6	Southern New Hampshire University	14	11-1-2 7	Lynn University	6	9-2-1 8	Cedarville University	9	10-0-5 9	Midwestern State University	12	9-3-3 10	California State University-Dominguez Hills	16	9-2-3 11	Bentley University	7	9-1-3 12	Young Harris College	8	10-1-3 13	Fort Lewis College	19	6-3-4 14	Point Loma Nazarene University	10	9-3-1 15	Lincoln University (Mo.)	21	10-0-4 16	Gannon University	24	8-2-4 17	Florida Tech	15	7-1-6 18	Rogers State University	17	9-2-4 19	University of North Georgia	20	9-3-4 20	Rockhurst University	18	10-3-2 21	University of Texas-Dallas	NR	10-3-2 22	Bloomsburg University	13	6-1-6 23	Adelphi University	NR	7-3-3 T24	University of West Florida	23	8-1-4 T24	Seattle Pacific University	NR	9-2-4Receiving Votes: Northeastern State University, Lander University, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Mississippi College, Post University, Tiffin University, Cal Poly Pomona, Colorado State University-Pueblo.

⚽ Tigers up to No. 4 in United Soccer Coaches rankings

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that the U.S. military has carried out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-drug-boat-strike-ffb1b720fa018336316238463924b78a">strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean</a>&nbsp;on four boats accused of carrying drugs, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor in the deadliest single day since the Trump administration began its divisive campaign against drug trafficking in the waters off South America.

It was the first time multiple strikes were announced in a single day as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the pace of the attacks</a>&nbsp;has escalated. The nearly two-month campaign and U.S. military buildup have strained ties with allies in the region and opened speculation that the moves are aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dhs-plan-capture-maduro-pilot-planes-7915d5a0819ceb518a8ca2b47da8b2e5">ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>, whom the U.S. has accused of narcoterrorism.

A statement provided by a Pentagon official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss the operation, said the strikes were conducted Monday off the coast of Colombia.

Following one attack on a boat, the military spotted a person in the water clinging to some wreckage. The military passed the survivor’s precise location to the U.S. Coast Guard and a Mexican military aircraft that was operating in the area, the official said.

However, the Mexican navy says it is searching about 400 miles southwest of the Pacific city of Acapulco, suggesting the possibility that the strike may have taken place far away from Colombia and closer to Mexico’s coast. It wasn’t immediately clear exactly where the strike took place, and the Pentagon did not give more details.

Mexico is still conducting a search for the survivor and criticizes the strikes

Hegseth said Mexican search and rescue authorities “assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue” of the sole survivor but didn’t say if that person was successfully rescued or would stay in Mexico’s custody or be handed over to the U.S.

Mexico's navy still was attempting a search and rescue operation, the military said in a statement Tuesday, a day after the strikes occurred. The American attacks drew renewed criticism from the regional ally.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference that she asked the foreign affairs secretary and the navy to meet with the U.S. ambassador in Mexico to discuss the issue because “we do not agree with these attacks.”

“We want all international treaties to be respected,” she said.

The strikes also have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-colombia-petro-sanctions-drug-trafficking-1b6ead338ec266b3df40859db6ee2d8d">strained ties with other historic allies</a>&nbsp;like Colombia, a country whose intelligence is crucial to American anti-narcotics operations in the region. In an escalating clash between the Republican U.S. president and Colombia’s first leftist leader, the Trump administration imposed sanctions Friday on Colombian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gustavo-petro">Gustavo Petro</a>, his family and a member of his government over accusations of involvement in the global drug trade. Petro vehemently denies the allegations.

In a strike earlier this month with two survivors, the U.S. military rescued the pair and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-military-strikes-drugs-caribbean-ecuador-colombia-c1d4c025e1dfe21cc7ee67d7aa4e05bd">repatriated them to Colombia and Ecuador</a>. Authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-strike-caribbean-trump-fentanyl-colombia-venezuela-0f8f1c004064857046398b388ddb8df5">released the Ecuadorian man</a>&nbsp;after prosecutors said they had no evidence he committed a crime in Ecuador.

Hegseth posted footage of the latest strikes to social media in which two boats can be seen moving through the water in separate clips. One is visibly laden with a large amount of parcels or bundles. Both then suddenly explode and are seen in flames.

The third strike appears to have been conducted on a pair of boats that were stationary in the water alongside each other. They appear to be largely empty, with at least two people seen moving before an explosion engulfs both boats.

Hegseth said “the four vessels were known by our intelligence apparatus, transiting along known narco-trafficking routes, and carrying narcotics.”

The Trump administration has shown no evidence to support its claims about the boats, their connection to drug cartels, or even the identity of the people killed in the strikes that began in early September and had been spaced weeks apart.

Fatalities rise as speculation swirls about the US campaign

The death toll from the 13 disclosed strikes has increased to at least 57 people. The Trump administration said several of the strikes have been off the coast of Venezuela or blamed them on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-strike-caribbean-rubio-trump-tren-de-aragua-9e0dac7dee5a3fb14a16370508fc460d">Tren de Aragua gang</a>, which originated in a Venezuelan prison and has been declared a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.

After the Pentagon announced Friday that it was dispatching an aircraft carrier to join&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">the eight warships and thousands of troops</a>&nbsp;already in the region, Maduro said the U.S. government was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-warship-maduro-uss-gerald-ford-21cc3ac03f755a657c0541667246c007">“fabricating” a war against him</a>.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rubio-gaza-ceasefire-colombia-venezuela-82eb1929a74955f2c9be1339602176dd">U.S. is taking part in a counterdrug operation</a>, while also accusing Maduro’s government of allowing and participating in the shipment of narcotics.

The U.S. military also flew a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-supersonic-bombers-03b246ca6cf7ed9fa6d39e1f716b1754">supersonic heavy bombers up to the coast</a>&nbsp;of Venezuela.

President Donald Trump has said he has the “legal authority” to carry out the attacks on the alleged drug-carrying boats and suggested similar strikes could be done on land.

In his announcement of the latest strikes, Hegseth continued to draw parallels between the military’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">actions against drug trafficking and the war on terrorism</a>&nbsp;following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

He claimed that cartels “have killed more Americans than Al-Qaeda, and they will be treated the same."

Trump has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">an “armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;and proclaiming the criminal organizations to be unlawful combatants, relying on the same legal authority used by President George W. Bush’s administration for the war on terrorism.

Associated Press writers María Verza and Megan Janetsky in Mexico City contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. military carried out three strikes Monday in the waters of the Eastern Pacific against boats suspected of carrying drugs, killing 14 and leaving one survivor.

The announcement made on social media Tuesday, marks a continued escalation in the pace of the strikes, which began in early September spaced weeks apart. This was the first time multiple strikes were announced in a single day.

Hegseth said Mexican search and rescue authorities “assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue” of the sole survivor but didn’t say if that person would stay in their custody or be handed over to the U.S.

In a strike earlier in October which had two survivors, the U.S. military rescued the pair and later repatriated them to Colombia and Ecuador.

Hegseth posted footage of the strikes to social media in which two boats can be seen moving at speed through the water. One is visibly laden with a large amount of parcels or bundles. Both then suddenly explode and are seen aflame.

The third strike appears to have been conducted on a pair of boats that were stationary in the water alongside each other. They appear to be largely empty with at least two people seen moving before an explosion engulfs both boats.

The death toll from the 13 disclosed strikes since early September is now at least 57 people.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that the U.S. military has carried out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-drug-boat-strike-ffb1b720fa018336316238463924b78a">strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean</a>&nbsp;on four boats accused of carrying drugs, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor in the deadliest single day since the Trump administration began its divisive campaign against drug trafficking in the waters off South America.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Yesterday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out three lethal kinetic strikes on four vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations (DTO) trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific. The four vessels were known by our intelligence… <a href="https://t.co/UhoFlZ3jPG">pic.twitter.com/UhoFlZ3jPG</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1983164355999883548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It was the first time multiple strikes were announced in a single day as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the pace of the attacks</a>&nbsp;has escalated. The nearly two-month campaign and U.S. military buildup have strained ties with allies in the region and opened speculation that the moves are aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dhs-plan-capture-maduro-pilot-planes-7915d5a0819ceb518a8ca2b47da8b2e5">ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>, whom the U.S. has accused of narcoterrorism.A statement provided by a Pentagon official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss the operation, said the strikes were conducted Monday off the coast of Colombia.Following one attack on a boat, the military spotted a person in the water clinging to some wreckage. The military passed the survivor’s precise location to the U.S. Coast Guard and a Mexican military aircraft that was operating in the area, the official said.However, the Mexican navy says it is searching about 400 miles southwest of the Pacific city of Acapulco, suggesting the possibility that the strike may have taken place far away from Colombia and closer to Mexico’s coast. It wasn’t immediately clear exactly where the strike took place, and the Pentagon did not give more details.<h2>Mexico is still conducting a search for the survivor and criticizes the strikes</h2>Hegseth said Mexican search and rescue authorities “assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue” of the sole survivor but didn’t say if that person was successfully rescued or would stay in Mexico’s custody or be handed over to the U.S.Mexico's navy still was attempting a search and rescue operation, the military said in a statement Tuesday, a day after the strikes occurred. The American attacks drew renewed criticism from the regional ally.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference that she asked the foreign affairs secretary and the navy to meet with the U.S. ambassador in Mexico to discuss the issue because “we do not agree with these attacks.”“We want all international treaties to be respected,” she said.The strikes also have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-colombia-petro-sanctions-drug-trafficking-1b6ead338ec266b3df40859db6ee2d8d">strained ties with other historic allies</a>&nbsp;like Colombia, a country whose intelligence is crucial to American anti-narcotics operations in the region. In an escalating clash between the Republican U.S. president and Colombia’s first leftist leader, the Trump administration imposed sanctions Friday on Colombian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gustavo-petro">Gustavo Petro</a>, his family and a member of his government over accusations of involvement in the global drug trade. Petro vehemently denies the allegations.In a strike earlier this month with two survivors, the U.S. military rescued the pair and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-military-strikes-drugs-caribbean-ecuador-colombia-c1d4c025e1dfe21cc7ee67d7aa4e05bd">repatriated them to Colombia and Ecuador</a>. Authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-strike-caribbean-trump-fentanyl-colombia-venezuela-0f8f1c004064857046398b388ddb8df5">released the Ecuadorian man</a>&nbsp;after prosecutors said they had no evidence he committed a crime in Ecuador.Hegseth posted footage of the latest strikes to social media in which two boats can be seen moving through the water in separate clips. One is visibly laden with a large amount of parcels or bundles. Both then suddenly explode and are seen in flames.The third strike appears to have been conducted on a pair of boats that were stationary in the water alongside each other. They appear to be largely empty, with at least two people seen moving before an explosion engulfs both boats.Hegseth said “the four vessels were known by our intelligence apparatus, transiting along known narco-trafficking routes, and carrying narcotics.”The Trump administration has shown no evidence to support its claims about the boats, their connection to drug cartels, or even the identity of the people killed in the strikes that began in early September and had been spaced weeks apart.<h2>Fatalities rise as speculation swirls about the US campaign</h2>The death toll from the 13 disclosed strikes has increased to at least 57 people. The Trump administration said several of the strikes have been off the coast of Venezuela or blamed them on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-strike-caribbean-rubio-trump-tren-de-aragua-9e0dac7dee5a3fb14a16370508fc460d">Tren de Aragua gang</a>, which originated in a Venezuelan prison and has been declared a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.After the Pentagon announced Friday that it was dispatching an aircraft carrier to join&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">the eight warships and thousands of troops</a>&nbsp;already in the region, Maduro said the U.S. government was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-warship-maduro-uss-gerald-ford-21cc3ac03f755a657c0541667246c007">“fabricating” a war against him</a>.Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rubio-gaza-ceasefire-colombia-venezuela-82eb1929a74955f2c9be1339602176dd">U.S. is taking part in a counterdrug operation</a>, while also accusing Maduro’s government of allowing and participating in the shipment of narcotics.The U.S. military also flew a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-supersonic-bombers-03b246ca6cf7ed9fa6d39e1f716b1754">supersonic heavy bombers up to the coast</a>&nbsp;of Venezuela.President Donald Trump has said he has the “legal authority” to carry out the attacks on the alleged drug-carrying boats and suggested similar strikes could be done on land.In his announcement of the latest strikes, Hegseth continued to draw parallels between the military’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">actions against drug trafficking and the war on terrorism</a>&nbsp;following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.He claimed that cartels “have killed more Americans than Al-Qaeda, and they will be treated the same."Trump has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">an “armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;and proclaiming the criminal organizations to be unlawful combatants, relying on the same legal authority used by President George W. Bush’s administration for the war on terrorism.___Associated Press writers María Verza and Megan Janetsky in Mexico City contributed to this report.-----------------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. military carried out three strikes Monday in the waters of the Eastern Pacific against boats suspected of carrying drugs, killing 14 and leaving one survivor.The announcement made on social media Tuesday, marks a continued escalation in the pace of the strikes, which began in early September spaced weeks apart. This was the first time multiple strikes were announced in a single day.Hegseth said Mexican search and rescue authorities “assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue” of the sole survivor but didn’t say if that person would stay in their custody or be handed over to the U.S.In a strike earlier in October which had two survivors, the U.S. military rescued the pair and later repatriated them to Colombia and Ecuador.Hegseth posted footage of the strikes to social media in which two boats can be seen moving at speed through the water. One is visibly laden with a large amount of parcels or bundles. Both then suddenly explode and are seen aflame.The third strike appears to have been conducted on a pair of boats that were stationary in the water alongside each other. They appear to be largely empty with at least two people seen moving before an explosion engulfs both boats.The death toll from the 13 disclosed strikes since early September is now at least 57 people.

🎥US military kills 14 in 4 more strikes on drug-running boats 

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

By 9 a.m. this morning, Hays received .35 inches of rain. Hays has received 2.09 inches in the month of October, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

The Eagle Media Center received .45 inches at the studios from overnight.

Hays has received 24.63 inches of moisture year-to-date.

On average, Hays receives 2.18 inches of rain in October and 22.50 inches of moisture year-to-date by the end of October.

The forecast for today is mostly sunny and windy, with a high of 57 and a low of 32. Sunny skies are expected for the rest of the week, with highs remaining in the 50s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758565387898.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostBy 9 a.m. this morning, Hays received .35 inches of rain. Hays has received 2.09 inches in the month of October, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.The Eagle Media Center received .45 inches at the studios from overnight.Hays has received 24.63 inches of moisture year-to-date.On average, Hays receives 2.18 inches of rain in October and 22.50 inches of moisture year-to-date by the end of October.The forecast for today is mostly sunny and windy, with a high of 57 and a low of 32. Sunny skies are expected for the rest of the week, with highs remaining in the 50s.

Hays receives rain; sunny skies expected this week

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Ellen Riedel of Ellis and her husband transformed a long-vacant building into an event venue to breathe new life into town, but now she says they were hit with a tax bill that almost quadrupled overnight.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DolceVitaEllis/">Dolce Vita</a>, 203 E. Second St., has become a modern venue for weddings, corporate events, reunions and other community gatherings.

"Rather than just driving by this eyesore day after day, we purchased and invested in the property to give this community some pride," Riedel said.

However, Riedel said after investing in repairs, including new wiring, plumbing and roofing, their property taxes increased from $3,510 to $20,810, about a 492% increase.

In addition, the venue has two wet bars, a catering kitchen, and a 15-by-50-foot state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.

Riedel said Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, reached out to inform her about <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2022/b2021_22/measures/sb13/">Senate Bill 13</a>. Ridel said she appealed the assessment to the county appraiser, who determined that her improvements did not qualify as maintenance. She added that the valuation dropped slightly before increasing again.

The bill states that it prohibits an increase in the appraised property value resulting from regular repair, replacement, or maintenance of existing structures, equipment, or other improvements on the property.

"Everything is supposed to remain revenue neutral, but our property taxes continue to skyrocket out of control," she said.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktnbjGVOf6k">On Oct. 13, Riedel addressed the Kansas Special Committee on Taxation</a>, saying she has heard from many Kansas taxpayers who feel overwhelmed by rising property taxes.

Riedel and her husband purchased the roughly 10,000-square-foot building in 2022 after it had remained empty for two decades, saying that she has not given up on the city of Ellis and its population of about 1,900.

"My husband turned it into a beautiful venue, and what was our reward? Massive tax increases," she said.

Riedel said commercial and residential properties should be distinguished, as both generate property tax revenue. However, commercial properties also generate sales and employment taxes. She suggested placing a lower cap on valuation increases for commercial properties.

Riedel told Hays Post property owners are caught in a game of finger-pointing between county officials and mill levies. She is pushing for a statewide 3% cap on property valuation increases.

Riedel also said Senate Bill 13 needs stronger enforcement and that counties should be held accountable for “breaking the law.”

"Protect community revitalization rather than punishing people for improving their properties," she said to the committee.

Riedel said that residential valuations in Ellis County increased, citing CEO Dave Trabert of the Kansas Policy Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank that provides non-profit research.

"I promise you the voters in your counties are going to be slapping you high fives, patting you on the back, and you are going to be heroes," Riedel said to the committee. "I know that you can change our lives by implementing tax reform."

Riedel referred to Oklahoma as evidence that limiting annual property valuation increases can be effective.

Oklahoma attorney Wayne Allison told Topeka lawmakers his state limits annual valuation increases to 3% for homestead and agricultural properties and 5% for commercial properties, with any revenue hikes requiring voter approval.

Allison said the caps did not hurt local funding and Oklahoma relies more on sales tax to fund operations.

Riedel also raised concerns with the committee that seniors are being taxed out of their homes because property taxes now exceed their former mortgage payments. She also pushed for a 100% exemption for qualifying veterans.

Sedgwick County Commissioner Jeff Blubaugh also testified that Kansas’s property valuation system is inconsistent and flawed, drawing on his own experiences to support his statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761151772877.jpeg" alt="The Dolce Vita building in Ellis, 203 E. Second St. It was a bowling alley. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Dolce Vita building in Ellis, 203 E. Second St. It was a bowling alley. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostEllen Riedel of Ellis and her husband transformed a long-vacant building into an event venue to breathe new life into town, but now she says they were hit with a tax bill that almost quadrupled overnight.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DolceVitaEllis/">Dolce Vita</a>, 203 E. Second St., has become a modern venue for weddings, corporate events, reunions and other community gatherings."Rather than just driving by this eyesore day after day, we purchased and invested in the property to give this community some pride," Riedel said.However, Riedel said after investing in repairs, including new wiring, plumbing and roofing, their property taxes increased from $3,510 to $20,810, about a 492% increase.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761151881681.jpeg" alt="A view of Dolce Vita's stage and lower level. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A view of Dolce Vita's stage and lower level. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, the venue has two wet bars, a catering kitchen, and a 15-by-50-foot state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.Riedel said Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, reached out to inform her about <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2022/b2021_22/measures/sb13/">Senate Bill 13</a>. Ridel said she appealed the assessment to the county appraiser, who determined that her improvements did not qualify as maintenance. She added that the valuation dropped slightly before increasing again.The bill states that it prohibits an increase in the appraised property value resulting from regular repair, replacement, or maintenance of existing structures, equipment, or other improvements on the property."Everything is supposed to remain revenue neutral, but our property taxes continue to skyrocket out of control," she said.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktnbjGVOf6k">On Oct. 13, Riedel addressed the Kansas Special Committee on Taxation</a>, saying she has heard from many Kansas taxpayers who feel overwhelmed by rising property taxes.Riedel and her husband purchased the roughly 10,000-square-foot building in 2022 after it had remained empty for two decades, saying that she has not given up on the city of Ellis and its population of about 1,900."My husband turned it into a beautiful venue, and what was our reward? Massive tax increases," she said.Riedel said commercial and residential properties should be distinguished, as both generate property tax revenue. However, commercial properties also generate sales and employment taxes. She suggested placing a lower cap on valuation increases for commercial properties.Riedel told Hays Post property owners are caught in a game of finger-pointing between county officials and mill levies. She is pushing for a statewide 3% cap on property valuation increases.Riedel also said Senate Bill 13 needs stronger enforcement and that counties should be held accountable for “breaking the law.”"Protect community revitalization rather than punishing people for improving their properties," she said to the committee.Riedel said that residential valuations in Ellis County increased, citing CEO Dave Trabert of the Kansas Policy Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank that provides non-profit research."I promise you the voters in your counties are going to be slapping you high fives, patting you on the back, and you are going to be heroes," Riedel said to the committee. "I know that you can change our lives by implementing tax reform."Riedel referred to Oklahoma as evidence that limiting annual property valuation increases can be effective.Oklahoma attorney Wayne Allison told Topeka lawmakers his state limits annual valuation increases to 3% for homestead and agricultural properties and 5% for commercial properties, with any revenue hikes requiring voter approval.Allison said the caps did not hurt local funding and Oklahoma relies more on sales tax to fund operations.Riedel also raised concerns with the committee that seniors are being taxed out of their homes because property taxes now exceed their former mortgage payments. She also pushed for a 100% exemption for qualifying veterans.Sedgwick County Commissioner Jeff Blubaugh also testified that Kansas’s property valuation system is inconsistent and flawed, drawing on his own experiences to support his statement.

Ellis owner testifies in Topeka on steep property tax hike after revitalizing property

TOKYO (AP) — President Donald Trump began one of his busiest days of his Asia trip on Tuesday by warmly greeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-japan-takaichi-trade-ford-trucks-e7be33728c7c3fdb6c314780c8a9a533">the new Japanese prime minister</a>, and taking her with him as he spoke to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier.

Although Trump is visiting one of America’s most steadfast allies in Asia, there’s no shortage of uncertainty while he’s there. Sanae Takaichi, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-prime-minister-takaichi-21224ba4c4429ffad1639e9fcc4abd4a">became the country’s first female prime minister</a>&nbsp;only days ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-takaichi-trump-us-china-asean-apec-29fc81ff026a1d4c257d1383b46d35f6">must solidify her relationship with Trump</a>&nbsp;while defending her country’s economic interests. Trump is trying to nail down $550 billion in Japanese investment as part of a trade agreement.

As Trump and Takaichi met on Tuesday, they shook hands and he paid her a compliment: “That’s a very strong handshake."

In return, Takaichi talked about watching the third game of the U.S. World Series before the event. She added that Japan would give Washington 250 cherry trees next year to honor America's 250th anniversary, as well as fireworks from Akita Prefecture for July 4 celebrations.

She used her early remarks to mention former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, her archconservative mentor who forged a strong bond with Trump during his first term through their shared interest of golf.

“As a matter of fact, Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy,” she said.

Trump called her role as Japan's first woman prime minister as a “big deal,” putting an emphasis on the U.S. commitment to Japan. While the president in the past has publicly scolded his foreign counterparts, he had nothing but praise for Takaichi.

“Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said. “We are an ally at the strongest level.”

Takaichi is primed for a charm offensive, including a potential purchase of Ford F-150 trucks. Reporters arriving for the event were hustled past a gold-hued Ford F-150 as well as what appeared to be white American-made Toyota vehicles parked outside the Akasaka Palace, which is Tokyo's guest house for visiting foreign leaders.

Trump has often complained that Japan doesn’t buy American vehicles, which are often too wide to be practical on narrow Japanese streets.

The Japanese delegation also made the strategic choice to serve American beef and rice during a working lunch that was mixed with Japanese ingredients, at which the two leaders also discussed efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Takaichi also gave Trump a putter used by Abe, the former prime minister, and a golf bag signed by the professional golfer Hideki Matsuyama, according to a post on X by White House aide Margo Martin. They signed black “Japan is Back” baseball caps that resembled Trump’s own red “Make America Great Again” caps.

Agreements vow a ‘golden age’ for alliance and cooperation on critical minerals

Both leaders signed the implementation of an agreement for the “golden age” of their nations' alliance. When the document was held up after signing, it ran to less than one page and reaffirmed the earlier framework by which the U.S. would tax goods imported from Japan at 15% and the creation of a $550 billion fund for Japan to invest in the U.S.

Trump and Takaichi then signed a second agreement, this one laying out a U.S.-Japan framework for securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earths. That agreement suggested that some of the investment dollars would go to the development of rare earths needed for advanced technologies.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Takaichi would be nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The two leaders also met with people whose family members were abducted by North Korea.

Trump talks to troops on US aircraft carrier

Although Trump has focused his foreign policy toward Asia around tariffs and trade, he also spoke aboard the USS George Washington, an aircraft carrier docked at an American naval base near Tokyo. The president brought Takaichi with him and she also spoke.

The president talked about individual units on the aircraft carrier, his political opponents, national security and the U.S. economy, saying that Takaichi had told him that Toyota would be investing $10 billion in auto plants in America.

Trump arrived in Tokyo on Monday, when he met with the emperor in a ceremonial visit. He was previously in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he participated in the annual summit of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/association-of-southeast-asian-nations">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a>.

The gathering was an opportunity for Trump to celebrate an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which skirmished along their disputed border earlier this year. Trump had pressured them to stop fighting by threatening to withhold trade agreements.

There were also signs that tensions between the U.S. and China were cooling off ahead of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-asia-trip-malaysia-japan-south-korea-890b52697f86c15e3e196c521d564449">planned meeting</a>&nbsp;between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which is expected to take place in South Korea later this week. Top negotiators from each country said a trade deal was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-asia-malaysia-china-japan-55a147dce68e6d8fa70c2b858249c7ec">coming together</a>, which could prevent a potentially damaging confrontation between the world’s two largest economies.

Details were scarce, and it was unclear how much any agreement would resolve long-standing issues, or if it would return the relationship to the status quo before recent confrontations. China has restructured the export of rare earth elements that are critical for high-tech manufacturing, and Trump responded by threatening tariffs that even he admits would be unsustainable.

Trump is scheduled to leave Wednesday for South Korea, which is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761615314155.png" alt="Photo courtesy White House video" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>TOKYO (AP) — President Donald Trump began one of his busiest days of his Asia trip on Tuesday by warmly greeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-japan-takaichi-trade-ford-trucks-e7be33728c7c3fdb6c314780c8a9a533">the new Japanese prime minister</a>, and taking her with him as he spoke to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier.Although Trump is visiting one of America’s most steadfast allies in Asia, there’s no shortage of uncertainty while he’s there. Sanae Takaichi, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-prime-minister-takaichi-21224ba4c4429ffad1639e9fcc4abd4a">became the country’s first female prime minister</a>&nbsp;only days ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-takaichi-trump-us-china-asean-apec-29fc81ff026a1d4c257d1383b46d35f6">must solidify her relationship with Trump</a>&nbsp;while defending her country’s economic interests. Trump is trying to nail down $550 billion in Japanese investment as part of a trade agreement.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> arrives at Akasaka Palace and is greeted by the Prime Minister of Japan 🇺🇸🇯🇵 <a href="https://t.co/PTdTzvErbZ">pic.twitter.com/PTdTzvErbZ</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1982973115346120878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Welcome ceremony at Akasaka Palace for President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>! 🇺🇸🇯🇵 <a href="https://t.co/CLez54dOTt">pic.twitter.com/CLez54dOTt</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1982975243523334578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 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://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> to PM Takaichi: &quot;Shinzo Abe was a great friend of mine... He spoke so well of you, long before we met, and I&#39;m not surprised to see that you are now the Prime Minister — and he would be very happy to know that, and I congratulate you on behalf of the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/2Gi4YZjuX9">pic.twitter.com/2Gi4YZjuX9</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1982977645550956780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PM Takaichi gifts President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> a golf bag signed by Hideki Matsuyama and Prime Minister Abe’s putter ❤️⛳️ <a href="https://t.co/YlaYnfr846">pic.twitter.com/YlaYnfr846</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1982993837921579232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump delivers a toast before lunch 🇺🇸🇯🇵 <a href="https://t.co/qkdeXav9oY">pic.twitter.com/qkdeXav9oY</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1982996429087093173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> arrives to deliver remarks to U.S. troops aboard USS George Washington at Yokosuka Naval Base 🇺🇸🇯🇵 <a href="https://t.co/R4etKv4d7H">pic.twitter.com/R4etKv4d7H</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1983075951228436931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">GOD BLESS OUR NAVY! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/5kxIVsc7nj">pic.twitter.com/5kxIVsc7nj</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1983078481484238967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Commander-in-Chief on the USS George Washington at Yokosuka Naval Base 🇺🇸🇯🇵 <a href="https://t.co/JmG5ABWaVX">pic.twitter.com/JmG5ABWaVX</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1983080910250528954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump dance with our U.S. Navy in Japan! 😂🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/Gsm3XJT1ot">pic.twitter.com/Gsm3XJT1ot</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1983093838152335585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump meets with Mrs. Abe and is gifted a beautiful piece of art that she created with a message of PEACE for the Peacemaker ❤️🕊️ <a href="https://t.co/LWH3BMSoue">pic.twitter.com/LWH3BMSoue</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1983111640741752914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Trump and Takaichi swap warm words</h2>As Trump and Takaichi met on Tuesday, they shook hands and he paid her a compliment: “That’s a very strong handshake."In return, Takaichi talked about watching the third game of the U.S. World Series before the event. She added that Japan would give Washington 250 cherry trees next year to honor America's 250th anniversary, as well as fireworks from Akita Prefecture for July 4 celebrations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Japanese PM <a href="https://twitter.com/takaichi_sanae?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@takaichi_sanae</a> congratulates <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on securing peace around the world: &quot;Mr. President succeeded in securing a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia... also, the deal you have recently achieved in the Middle East is an unprecedented, historic achievement.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/sh6acTs7nV">pic.twitter.com/sh6acTs7nV</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1982976563898462638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>She used her early remarks to mention former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, her archconservative mentor who forged a strong bond with Trump during his first term through their shared interest of golf.“As a matter of fact, Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy,” she said.Trump called her role as Japan's first woman prime minister as a “big deal,” putting an emphasis on the U.S. commitment to Japan. While the president in the past has publicly scolded his foreign counterparts, he had nothing but praise for Takaichi.“Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said. “We are an ally at the strongest level.”Takaichi is primed for a charm offensive, including a potential purchase of Ford F-150 trucks. Reporters arriving for the event were hustled past a gold-hued Ford F-150 as well as what appeared to be white American-made Toyota vehicles parked outside the Akasaka Palace, which is Tokyo's guest house for visiting foreign leaders.Trump has often complained that Japan doesn’t buy American vehicles, which are often too wide to be practical on narrow Japanese streets.The Japanese delegation also made the strategic choice to serve American beef and rice during a working lunch that was mixed with Japanese ingredients, at which the two leaders also discussed efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.Takaichi also gave Trump a putter used by Abe, the former prime minister, and a golf bag signed by the professional golfer Hideki Matsuyama, according to a post on X by White House aide Margo Martin. They signed black “Japan is Back” baseball caps that resembled Trump’s own red “Make America Great Again” caps.<h2>Agreements vow a ‘golden age’ for alliance and cooperation on critical minerals</h2>Both leaders signed the implementation of an agreement for the “golden age” of their nations' alliance. When the document was held up after signing, it ran to less than one page and reaffirmed the earlier framework by which the U.S. would tax goods imported from Japan at 15% and the creation of a $550 billion fund for Japan to invest in the U.S.Trump and Takaichi then signed a second agreement, this one laying out a U.S.-Japan framework for securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earths. That agreement suggested that some of the investment dollars would go to the development of rare earths needed for advanced technologies.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Takaichi would be nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The two leaders also met with people whose family members were abducted by North Korea.<h2>Trump talks to troops on US aircraft carrier</h2>Although Trump has focused his foreign policy toward Asia around tariffs and trade, he also spoke aboard the USS George Washington, an aircraft carrier docked at an American naval base near Tokyo. The president brought Takaichi with him and she also spoke.The president talked about individual units on the aircraft carrier, his political opponents, national security and the U.S. economy, saying that Takaichi had told him that Toyota would be investing $10 billion in auto plants in America.Trump arrived in Tokyo on Monday, when he met with the emperor in a ceremonial visit. He was previously in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he participated in the annual summit of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/association-of-southeast-asian-nations">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a>.The gathering was an opportunity for Trump to celebrate an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which skirmished along their disputed border earlier this year. Trump had pressured them to stop fighting by threatening to withhold trade agreements.There were also signs that tensions between the U.S. and China were cooling off ahead of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-asia-trip-malaysia-japan-south-korea-890b52697f86c15e3e196c521d564449">planned meeting</a>&nbsp;between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which is expected to take place in South Korea later this week. Top negotiators from each country said a trade deal was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-asia-malaysia-china-japan-55a147dce68e6d8fa70c2b858249c7ec">coming together</a>, which could prevent a potentially damaging confrontation between the world’s two largest economies.Details were scarce, and it was unclear how much any agreement would resolve long-standing issues, or if it would return the relationship to the status quo before recent confrontations. China has restructured the export of rare earth elements that are critical for high-tech manufacturing, and Trump responded by threatening tariffs that even he admits would be unsustainable.Trump is scheduled to leave Wednesday for South Korea, which is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Golf gift among highlights of Trump's visit with Japan's new prime minister

It's holiday time on The Bricks in Downtown Hays. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Lee Ann June, executive director, about Trick or Treat on the Bricks on Oct. 31 and the 25th year of Frost Fest.

Trick or Treat on the Bricks is 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 for participating businesses and groups in downtown Hays.&nbsp;

This is the 25th year of the Frost Fest Christmas holiday parade with the theme "Timeless Traditions" on Dec. 7. Entries are available <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepyRYf01QSgB_HmUbYoQQbZneMJ4GbB-4gswHhfGLkEIrVJA/viewform">online</a>.&nbsp;

A new committee was formed in April to come up with ideas for the silver anniversary.

"This was an initiative they thought so important to bring more to downtown Hays from the holiday lighting and decorations to events," said Lee Ann June, executive director. "We have amazing sponsors that are making it possible."

More custom lighting which can be used each year will be added inside the pavilion and throughout the Union Pacific Railroad Park, 10th and Main.&nbsp;

Other "Christmas Magic on Main Street" sponsors will help with new special events, including a holiday movie at The Fox, horse-and-buggy rides throughout downtown, children's activities, and a soup and chili feed for 500 people. All the events are free.&nbsp;

"It's so wonderful to see so many groups come together across Hays and make it a warm holiday season," June said.&nbsp;

The "Jubilee," the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony to kick off the special season, will be on Nov. 29 and include photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their sleigh.&nbsp;

Special coupon sales from downtown businesses will begin Nov. 13, featuring entries for the Downtown Dollars Giveaway.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We'll have weekends where you get two entry tickets when you shop locally, which we love," June said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: It's holiday time on The Bricks in Downtown Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=4wtm5-1988648-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>It's holiday time on The Bricks in Downtown Hays. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Lee Ann June, executive director, about Trick or Treat on the Bricks on Oct. 31 and the 25th year of Frost Fest.Trick or Treat on the Bricks is 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 for participating businesses and groups in downtown Hays.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761151132550.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761151365137.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761151398585.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>This is the 25th year of the Frost Fest Christmas holiday parade with the theme "Timeless Traditions" on Dec. 7. Entries are available <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepyRYf01QSgB_HmUbYoQQbZneMJ4GbB-4gswHhfGLkEIrVJA/viewform">online</a>.&nbsp;A new committee was formed in April to come up with ideas for the silver anniversary.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761232931365.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"This was an initiative they thought so important to bring more to downtown Hays from the holiday lighting and decorations to events," said Lee Ann June, executive director. "We have amazing sponsors that are making it possible."More custom lighting which can be used each year will be added inside the pavilion and throughout the Union Pacific Railroad Park, 10th and Main.&nbsp;Other "Christmas Magic on Main Street" sponsors will help with new special events, including a holiday movie at The Fox, horse-and-buggy rides throughout downtown, children's activities, and a soup and chili feed for 500 people. All the events are free.&nbsp;"It's so wonderful to see so many groups come together across Hays and make it a warm holiday season," June said.&nbsp;The "Jubilee," the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony to kick off the special season, will be on Nov. 29 and include photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their sleigh.&nbsp;Special coupon sales from downtown businesses will begin Nov. 13, featuring entries for the Downtown Dollars Giveaway.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We'll have weekends where you get two entry tickets when you shop locally, which we love," June said.&nbsp;On Dec. 20, $4,000 in Downtown Dollars will be given away.&nbsp;A special Nov. 7 Chamber Chat with The Chamber in Hays will focus on the downtown holiday events.