By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays is known for relatively high land prices for development.&nbsp;

City Manager Toby Dougherty said Thursday that's not always a bad thing.

A perfect example was the unanimous approval by city commissioners for the KWCI Addition final plat in the 24oo block of Canterbury.

It's a plat on the site of the former St. John’s Nursing Home, which was razed when Via Christi was built south of that location.

"Look at tonight's agenda and this property where water, sewer, and streets already exist. It's a good infill development," Dougherty said, "and the city doesn't have the expense of building utilities."

Infill development is&nbsp;the process of developing vacant or under-utilized properties within existing urban areas that are already largely developed.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"If you go down Main Street you're going to see a former attorney's building being converted into a new business.&nbsp;

"Right next to the First Care Clinic, there's another building being converted.

"If you drive around this part of town (city hall is at 1507 Main), you're gonna see a lot of dilapidated houses that were torn down and rebuilt."

Dougherty pointed out other locations in Hays where business infill has occurred, the Brian Ruder Agency at 27th and Indian Trail and Scooters Coffee on Vine Street.

"I think a lot of that was a result of high land prices. Just want to make sure you guys are thinking about the big picture perspective," he told commissioners.

The proposed KWCI plat includes six total lots ranging in size from 7,400 square feet to 28,000 square feet, allowing for future development of multi-family housing on the property owned by KC Western Investments.&nbsp;

The Hays Area Planning Commission had already approved the final plat.

Commissioners also approved $94,608 for fiber optic cabling services by Nex-Tech, Hays, to provide connectivity to the new fire station being built at 41st and Post Road.&nbsp;

The project is being done in coordination with Ellis County and the construction of its new public works facility, lowering costs for both entities.&nbsp;The county's share of $144,866 is larger because of the further distance to the new public works building.

The new fire station will also house the city's data server center. Most of the city's servers are in city hall, which lies in the flood plain and has previously flooded and had leaks in its flat roof during hard rains.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commissioners also agreed to a request from the owner of Big Creek Crossing, Brooklyn, New York, for an extension to the first amendment of the 2014 Community Improvement District development agreement dated March 24, 2022. The extension will allow the owner an additional 18 months to gather qualifying expenses for the appropriation of the Community Improvement District funds to help further improve the property.&nbsp;

The Big Creek Crossing owner has indicated they'll be using a portion of the remaining funds to upgrade additional HVAC systems and expend funds for the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/27adb74c-594a-47e0-95f1-cdb3fda5a561">newly signed tenant, AutoZone</a>, which will be leasing the spot that previously housed the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1121bbfc-8add-4b0d-97f3-d973ab1c1ec5">Habitat for Humanity ReStore</a>.&nbsp;

Prior to the meeting, Mayor Shaun Musil signed a proclamation for observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October in a ceremony with representatives of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence. Services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696002587729.jpeg" alt="KWCI Addition, 2400 block of Canterbury, Hays. Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>KWCI Addition, 2400 block of Canterbury, Hays. Photos and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="City approves final plat on multi-housing infill development in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=e43vi-14ba6ed-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays is known for relatively high land prices for development.&nbsp;City Manager Toby Dougherty said Thursday that's not always a bad thing.A perfect example was the unanimous approval by city commissioners for the KWCI Addition final plat in the 24oo block of Canterbury.It's a plat on the site of the former St. John’s Nursing Home, which was razed when Via Christi was built south of that location.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/apq6fryLfbk" title="Hays City Mngr Toby Dougherty on infill development and high land prices" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"Look at tonight's agenda and this property where water, sewer, and streets already exist. It's a good infill development," Dougherty said, "and the city doesn't have the expense of building utilities."Infill development is&nbsp;the process of developing vacant or under-utilized properties within existing urban areas that are already largely developed.&nbsp; &nbsp;"If you go down Main Street you're going to see a former attorney's building being converted into a new business.&nbsp;"Right next to the First Care Clinic, there's another building being converted."If you drive around this part of town (city hall is at 1507 Main), you're gonna see a lot of dilapidated houses that were torn down and rebuilt."Dougherty pointed out other locations in Hays where business infill has occurred, the Brian Ruder Agency at 27th and Indian Trail and Scooters Coffee on Vine Street."I think a lot of that was a result of high land prices. Just want to make sure you guys are thinking about the big picture perspective," he told commissioners.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696008000572.png" alt="KCWI Addition's six lots to be developed for multi-family housing. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>KCWI Addition's six lots to be developed for multi-family housing. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The proposed KWCI plat includes six total lots ranging in size from 7,400 square feet to 28,000 square feet, allowing for future development of multi-family housing on the property owned by KC Western Investments.&nbsp;The Hays Area Planning Commission had already approved the final plat.Commissioners also approved $94,608 for fiber optic cabling services by Nex-Tech, Hays, to provide connectivity to the new fire station being built at 41st and Post Road.&nbsp;The project is being done in coordination with Ellis County and the construction of its new public works facility, lowering costs for both entities.&nbsp;The county's share of $144,866 is larger because of the further distance to the new public works building.The new fire station will also house the city's data server center. Most of the city's servers are in city hall, which lies in the flood plain and has previously flooded and had leaks in its flat roof during hard rains.&nbsp;&nbsp;Commissioners also agreed to a request from the owner of Big Creek Crossing, Brooklyn, New York, for an extension to the first amendment of the 2014 Community Improvement District development agreement dated March 24, 2022. The extension will allow the owner an additional 18 months to gather qualifying expenses for the appropriation of the Community Improvement District funds to help further improve the property.&nbsp;The Big Creek Crossing owner has indicated they'll be using a portion of the remaining funds to upgrade additional HVAC systems and expend funds for the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/27adb74c-594a-47e0-95f1-cdb3fda5a561">newly signed tenant, AutoZone</a>, which will be leasing the spot that previously housed the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1121bbfc-8add-4b0d-97f3-d973ab1c1ec5">Habitat for Humanity ReStore</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696007115202.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners Alaina Cunningham, Shaun Musil, Mason Ruder, Sandy Jacobs and Reese Barrick with Options Executive Director&nbsp;Jennifer Hecker and Director of Client Services&nbsp;Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, center, with Options' therapy dog Fonzie. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners Alaina Cunningham, Shaun Musil, Mason Ruder, Sandy Jacobs and Reese Barrick with Options Executive Director&nbsp;Jennifer Hecker and Director of Client Services&nbsp;Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, center, with Options' therapy dog Fonzie. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Prior to the meeting, Mayor Shaun Musil signed a proclamation for observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October in a ceremony with representatives of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence. Services.

🎙️🎥 City approves final plat on housing development in Hays

The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting nine meetings across the state in October as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) Local Consult process. KDOT holds Local Consult meetings every two years to discuss regional transportation project priorities with Kansans.

Attendees will have an opportunity to share their region’s transportation priorities, hear about investments being made in transportation in their area and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.

These meetings are an important step in collecting public input for the IKE program – the state’s current 10-year transportation improvement program. They are open to all Kansans.

Local Consult locations, dates and times:

• Northeast Region (KDOT District 1)&nbsp;– Tuesday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. – noon, Four Points by Sheraton in Manhattan.&nbsp;

• Southwest Region (KDOT District 6)&nbsp;– Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. – noon, Clarion Inn in Garden City.&nbsp;

•South Central Region (KDOT District 5)&nbsp;– Thursday, Oct. 5., 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Merdian Center in Newton.&nbsp;

•&nbsp;Northwest Region (KDOT District 3)&nbsp;– Tuesday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. – noon, Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.&nbsp;

• North Central Region (KDOT District 2)&nbsp;– Wednesday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. – noon, Hilton Garden Inn in Salina.&nbsp;

• Southeast Region (KDOT District 4)&nbsp;– Thursday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. – noon, Bowlus Fine Arts Center in Iola.&nbsp;

• KC Metro&nbsp;– Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Lenexa Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center in Lenexa.&nbsp;

• Wichita Metro&nbsp;– Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – noon, WSU Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex in Wichita.&nbsp;

•&nbsp;Virtual Meeting&nbsp;– Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, they may attend a virtual meeting on Zoom. Please register here&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uppjMsHdaOpjIXnRlJQV-xQrcEpb1A" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uppjMsHdaOpjIXnRlJQV-xQrcEpb1A</a>&nbsp;

More information about the Local Consult process is available online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://ike.ksdot.gov/projects/local-consult-process" target="_blank">ike.ksdot.gov/local-consult-process</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695911236985.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting nine meetings across the state in October as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) Local Consult process. KDOT holds Local Consult meetings every two years to discuss regional transportation project priorities with Kansans.Attendees will have an opportunity to share their region’s transportation priorities, hear about investments being made in transportation in their area and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.These meetings are an important step in collecting public input for the IKE program – the state’s current 10-year transportation improvement program. They are open to all Kansans.Local Consult locations, dates and times:• Northeast Region (KDOT District 1)&nbsp;– Tuesday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. – noon, Four Points by Sheraton in Manhattan.&nbsp;• Southwest Region (KDOT District 6)&nbsp;– Wednesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. – noon, Clarion Inn in Garden City.&nbsp;•South Central Region (KDOT District 5)&nbsp;– Thursday, Oct. 5., 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Merdian Center in Newton.&nbsp;•&nbsp;Northwest Region (KDOT District 3)&nbsp;– Tuesday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. – noon, Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.&nbsp;• North Central Region (KDOT District 2)&nbsp;– Wednesday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. – noon, Hilton Garden Inn in Salina.&nbsp;• Southeast Region (KDOT District 4)&nbsp;– Thursday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. – noon, Bowlus Fine Arts Center in Iola.&nbsp;• KC Metro&nbsp;– Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Lenexa Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center in Lenexa.&nbsp;• Wichita Metro&nbsp;– Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – noon, WSU Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex in Wichita.&nbsp;•&nbsp;Virtual Meeting&nbsp;– Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, they may attend a virtual meeting on Zoom. Please register here&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uppjMsHdaOpjIXnRlJQV-xQrcEpb1A" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uppjMsHdaOpjIXnRlJQV-xQrcEpb1A</a>&nbsp;More information about the Local Consult process is available online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://ike.ksdot.gov/projects/local-consult-process" target="_blank">ike.ksdot.gov/local-consult-process</a>.&nbsp;

Hays to host KDOT Local Consult meeting for northwest Kansas

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Some 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers walked off the job Wednesday in multiple states, kicking off a major health care strike in an extraordinary year for U.S. labor organizing and work stoppages.

Kaiser Permanente is one of the country’s larger insurers and health care system operators, serving nearly 13 million people. The nonprofit company, based in Oakland, California, said its 39 hospitals, including emergency rooms, will remain open during the picketing, though appointments and non-urgent procedures could be delayed.

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, representing about 85,000 of the health system's employees nationally, approved a strike for three days in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, and for one day in Virginia and Washington, D.C.

“They’re not listening to the frontline health care workers,” said Mikki Fletchall, a licensed vocational nurse based in a Kaiser medical office in Camarillo, California. “We’re striking because of our patients.”

Early Wednesday, workers at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center cheered as the strike deadline arrived. The strikers include licensed vocational nurses, home health aides and ultrasound sonographers, as well as technicians in the radiology, X-ray, surgical, pharmacy and emergency departments.

Brittany Everidge, a ward clerk transcriber in the medical center's maternal child health department, was among those on the picket line. She said because of staffing shortages, pregnant people in active labor can be stuck waiting for hours to be checked in. Other times, too few transcribers can lead to delays in creating and updating charts for new babies.

“We don’t ever want to be in a situation where the nurses have to do our job," she said.

Doctors are not participating in the strike, and Kaiser said it was bringing in thousands of temporary workers.

The strike comes in a year when there have been work stoppages within multiple industries, including,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-strike-union-contract-negotiations-deadline-7be8c3d04e043d6b653f563075a6a39f">transportation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-deal-hollywood-vote-actors-d3119d670a4fd3449773bf8f4026fb2b">entertainment</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-hotel-workers-strike-unite-here-0858937937766b75a1bfd10e9e41525f">hospitality</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-new-york-city-nursing-care-strikes-covid-4c1c337dbd9727118be6975cf868a626">health care</a>&nbsp;industry alone has been hit by several strikes this year as it confronts burnout from heavy workloads — problems that were exacerbated greatly by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unions representing Kaiser workers in August asked for a $25 hourly minimum wage, as well as increases of 7% each year in the first two years and 6.25% each year in the two years afterward.

Union members say understaffing is boosting the hospital system’s profits but hurting patients, and executives have been bargaining in bad faith during negotiations.

Tonya Harris, who was on the picket line in Irvine, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Los Angeles in Orange County, said medical assistants like her are often asked to double up with doctors – each of whom has up to 20 patients – instead of working one-to-one.

“You’re running around and you’re trying to basically keep up with the flow,” she said, wearing her strike captain vest over her scrubs.

The single mother with two kids going into college said she also can’t afford to live in Orange County on her current pay.

Kaiser has proposed minimum hourly wages of between $21 and $23 next year depending on the location.

Since 2022, the hospital system has hired 51,000 workers and has plans to add 10,000 more people by the end of the month.

Kaiser Permanente reported $2.1 billion in net income for this year’s second quarter on more than $25 billion in operating revenue. But the company said it still was dealing with cost headwinds and challenges from inflation and labor shortages.

Kaiser executive Michelle Gaskill-Hames defended the company and said its practices, compensation and retention are better than its competitors, even as the entire sector faces the same challenges.

“Our focus, for the dollars that we bring in, are to keep them invested in value-based care,” said Gaskill-Hames, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of Southern California and Hawaii.

She added that Kaiser only faces 7% turnover compared to the industry standard of 21%, despite the effects of the pandemic.

“I think coming out of the pandemic, health care workers have been completely burned out," she said. "The trauma that was felt caring for so many COVID patients, and patients that died, was just difficult.”

The workers’ last contract was negotiated in 2019, before the pandemic.

Hospitals generally have struggled in recent years with high labor costs, staffing shortages and rising levels of uncompensated care, according to Rick Gundling, a senior vice president with the Healthcare Financial Management Association, a nonprofit that works with health care finance executives.

Most of their revenue is fixed, coming from government-funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid, Gundling noted. He said that means revenue growth is “only possible by increasing volumes, which is difficult even under the best of circumstances.”

Meanwhile, workers calling for higher wages, better working conditions and job security, especially since the end of the pandemic, have been increasingly willing to walk out on the job as employers face a greater need for workers.

The California legislature has sent Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom a bill that would increase the minimum wage for the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fast-food-health-care-workers-wage-increase-3c1e3b2815523816b5e5d1ffc535aaad">455,000 health care workers to $25 per hour</a>&nbsp;over the next decade. The governor has until Oct. 14 to decide whether to sign or veto it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696442008096.png" alt="photo courtesy SEIU" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy SEIU</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Some 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers walked off the job Wednesday in multiple states, kicking off a major health care strike in an extraordinary year for U.S. labor organizing and work stoppages.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To all healthcare workers on ULP strike to demand Kaiser bargain in good faith: we have your backs! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SolidaritySeason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SolidaritySeason</a> ✊ <a href="https://t.co/seL2vCsehE">pic.twitter.com/seL2vCsehE</a>&mdash; Mary Kay Henry (@MaryKayHenry) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryKayHenry/status/1709556729191731327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kaiser Permanente is one of the country’s larger insurers and health care system operators, serving nearly 13 million people. The nonprofit company, based in Oakland, California, said its 39 hospitals, including emergency rooms, will remain open during the picketing, though appointments and non-urgent procedures could be delayed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Today, we stand in solidarity with the 75,000 members of our union family who are on strike at Kaiser. Whether you work in a hospital, or behind a desk, or on an assembly line, your fight is our fight. We all deserve dignity on and off the job. We all deserve a future for our… <a href="https://t.co/Fd5MiLzNBN">pic.twitter.com/Fd5MiLzNBN</a>&mdash; UAW (@UAW) <a href="https://twitter.com/UAW/status/1709620453365465594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, representing about 85,000 of the health system's employees nationally, approved a strike for three days in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, and for one day in Virginia and Washington, D.C.“They’re not listening to the frontline health care workers,” said Mikki Fletchall, a licensed vocational nurse based in a Kaiser medical office in Camarillo, California. “We’re striking because of our patients.”Early Wednesday, workers at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center cheered as the strike deadline arrived. The strikers include licensed vocational nurses, home health aides and ultrasound sonographers, as well as technicians in the radiology, X-ray, surgical, pharmacy and emergency departments.Brittany Everidge, a ward clerk transcriber in the medical center's maternal child health department, was among those on the picket line. She said because of staffing shortages, pregnant people in active labor can be stuck waiting for hours to be checked in. Other times, too few transcribers can lead to delays in creating and updating charts for new babies.“We don’t ever want to be in a situation where the nurses have to do our job," she said.Doctors are not participating in the strike, and Kaiser said it was bringing in thousands of temporary workers.The strike comes in a year when there have been work stoppages within multiple industries, including,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-strike-union-contract-negotiations-deadline-7be8c3d04e043d6b653f563075a6a39f">transportation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-deal-hollywood-vote-actors-d3119d670a4fd3449773bf8f4026fb2b">entertainment</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-hotel-workers-strike-unite-here-0858937937766b75a1bfd10e9e41525f">hospitality</a>.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-new-york-city-nursing-care-strikes-covid-4c1c337dbd9727118be6975cf868a626">health care</a>&nbsp;industry alone has been hit by several strikes this year as it confronts burnout from heavy workloads — problems that were exacerbated greatly by the COVID-19 pandemic.Unions representing Kaiser workers in August asked for a $25 hourly minimum wage, as well as increases of 7% each year in the first two years and 6.25% each year in the two years afterward.Union members say understaffing is boosting the hospital system’s profits but hurting patients, and executives have been bargaining in bad faith during negotiations.Tonya Harris, who was on the picket line in Irvine, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Los Angeles in Orange County, said medical assistants like her are often asked to double up with doctors – each of whom has up to 20 patients – instead of working one-to-one.“You’re running around and you’re trying to basically keep up with the flow,” she said, wearing her strike captain vest over her scrubs.The single mother with two kids going into college said she also can’t afford to live in Orange County on her current pay.Kaiser has proposed minimum hourly wages of between $21 and $23 next year depending on the location.Since 2022, the hospital system has hired 51,000 workers and has plans to add 10,000 more people by the end of the month.Kaiser Permanente reported $2.1 billion in net income for this year’s second quarter on more than $25 billion in operating revenue. But the company said it still was dealing with cost headwinds and challenges from inflation and labor shortages.Kaiser executive Michelle Gaskill-Hames defended the company and said its practices, compensation and retention are better than its competitors, even as the entire sector faces the same challenges.“Our focus, for the dollars that we bring in, are to keep them invested in value-based care,” said Gaskill-Hames, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of Southern California and Hawaii.She added that Kaiser only faces 7% turnover compared to the industry standard of 21%, despite the effects of the pandemic.“I think coming out of the pandemic, health care workers have been completely burned out," she said. "The trauma that was felt caring for so many COVID patients, and patients that died, was just difficult.”The workers’ last contract was negotiated in 2019, before the pandemic.Hospitals generally have struggled in recent years with high labor costs, staffing shortages and rising levels of uncompensated care, according to Rick Gundling, a senior vice president with the Healthcare Financial Management Association, a nonprofit that works with health care finance executives.Most of their revenue is fixed, coming from government-funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid, Gundling noted. He said that means revenue growth is “only possible by increasing volumes, which is difficult even under the best of circumstances.”Meanwhile, workers calling for higher wages, better working conditions and job security, especially since the end of the pandemic, have been increasingly willing to walk out on the job as employers face a greater need for workers.The California legislature has sent Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom a bill that would increase the minimum wage for the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fast-food-health-care-workers-wage-increase-3c1e3b2815523816b5e5d1ffc535aaad">455,000 health care workers to $25 per hour</a>&nbsp;over the next decade. The governor has until Oct. 14 to decide whether to sign or veto it.___

🎥US health care workers on strike in multiple states over wages, staff shortages

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue&nbsp; investigating a suspect in connection with Sept. 24,&nbsp; hit-and-run accident that left a bicyclist in critical condition.

Montez Glasgow, 30, Wichita, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, no valid driver’s license and fail to yield right of way on a left turn.  The license crime is a misdemeanor, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 7p.m. Sept. 24, police were dispatched to a hit-and-run involving a car and a bicyclist at the intersection of McCormick and Meridian, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located the bicyclist lying on the street with critical injuries. EMS transported the bicyclist to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Police had no update on the victim Monday.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect later identified as 30-year-old&nbsp; Montrez Glasgow was driving west on McCormick and turned south onto Meridian striking the bicyclist.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=260277"> Glasgow </a>left the scene prior to the officer’s arrival.

While officers and detectives were on the scene investigating, Glasgow returned and was arrested. He is no longer in custody but is scheduled for a preliminary hearing&nbsp; October 10, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695671550419.png" alt="Glasgow-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Glasgow-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue&nbsp; investigating a suspect in connection with Sept. 24,&nbsp; hit-and-run accident that left a bicyclist in critical condition.Montez Glasgow, 30, Wichita, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, no valid driver’s license and fail to yield right of way on a left turn. The license crime is a misdemeanor, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 7p.m. Sept. 24, police were dispatched to a hit-and-run involving a car and a bicyclist at the intersection of McCormick and Meridian, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695724649977.png" alt="Police on the scene of the crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located the bicyclist lying on the street with critical injuries. EMS transported the bicyclist to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Police had no update on the victim Monday.Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect later identified as 30-year-old&nbsp; Montrez Glasgow was driving west on McCormick and turned south onto Meridian striking the bicyclist.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=260277"> Glasgow </a>left the scene prior to the officer’s arrival.While officers and detectives were on the scene investigating, Glasgow returned and was arrested. He is no longer in custody but is scheduled for a preliminary hearing&nbsp; October 10, according to the district attorney's office.

Police: Kan. driver who struck bicyclist did not have driver's license

WACONDA — It’s the 8th&nbsp;annual Wakonda Indian Festival on Saturday, October 7 at Glen Elder State Park from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.&nbsp; There will be award winning native American dancers, traditional native food, a teepee set up, and native silver jewelry and artwork.&nbsp; 

To see a schedule of events at the Wakonda Indian Festival, go to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064358155147">Waconda Cultural Association</a> Facebook pages, or call 785-738-8035.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695744337497.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWACONDA — It’s the 8th&nbsp;annual Wakonda Indian Festival on Saturday, October 7 at Glen Elder State Park from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.&nbsp; There will be award winning native American dancers, traditional native food, a teepee set up, and native silver jewelry and artwork.&nbsp; To see a schedule of events at the Wakonda Indian Festival, go to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064358155147">Waconda Cultural Association</a> Facebook pages, or call 785-738-8035.

Wakonda Indian Festival is Oct. 7 at Glen Elder State Park 

Logan resident, Brandon Hogan passed away Oct. 2, 2023. &nbsp;He was born January 19, 1985 in Hays, KS.

He is survived by his mother, Marla Hogan of Logan.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 6 at 10:30 a.m. in the Logan Christian Church with Pastor Troy Buss officiating. &nbsp;The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. &nbsp;Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery.

Visitation will be from noon to 9:00 Thursday at the Logan Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 7:00.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Christian Church or the Logan Life Center.

<h2>Brandon Hogan, Logan</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696367783857.jpeg" alt="Brandon Hogan" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Hogan</figcaption>
 </figure>January 19, 1985 - October 2, 2023Logan resident, Brandon Hogan passed away Oct. 2, 2023. &nbsp;He was born January 19, 1985 in Hays, KS.He is survived by his mother, Marla Hogan of Logan.Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 6 at 10:30 a.m. in the Logan Christian Church with Pastor Troy Buss officiating. &nbsp;The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. &nbsp;Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery.Visitation will be from noon to 9:00 Thursday at the Logan Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 7:00.Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Christian Church or the Logan Life Center.

Brandon Hogan

By CASEY QUINLAN,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>

Complaints about student debt relief scams are increasing as the date approaches for borrowers to restart payment on their student loans after more than a three-year pause.

Consumer protection advocates say that the Biden administration’s student debt relief efforts, the subsequent halting of those policies by the courts, and the restart of student loan payments have bred confusion that allow companies to take advantage of borrowers.

“There is sort of this perfect storm out there that I think is allowing these fraudsters to prey on people,” said Dan Zibel, vice president, chief counsel, and co-founder of Student Defense, a nonprofit focused on student rights.

Zibel said that there has been a lot of policy and legal news on student debt relief for borrowers to absorb in a couple years.

“There is news about repayment plans, news about cancellation, different types of cancellation, whether it’s public service loan forgiveness or fraud-based cancellation, the COVID pause, and then the courts get involved. Debt forgiveness is happening. Debt forgiveness is not happening. There’s new debt forgiveness,” he said. “ … I think that sows confusion for a lot of people.”

And with 44 million owing more than $1.7 trillion — the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/pro-take-auto-loans-pass-student-loans-in-consumer-debt-load-fed-data-shows-b3a4a53#:~:text=Auto%20loans%20have%20squeaked%20past,the%20largest%20debt%20for%20consumers.">third highest consumer debt</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.&nbsp;— the appetite for relief is great and makes many easy prey for scammers.

Many of the debt relief scams often start with a telemarketing call where borrowers are promised debt relief if they pay a regular fee. The callers ask for sensitive personal information, and mislead borrowers about being affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education and student loan servicers. Some mention “Biden Loan Forgiveness.”

The number of complaints coming to the FTC about student debt relief scams has steadily risen in the past few months as the restart of student loan payments approaches, from 385 in June to 562 in July and 610 in August. And the FTC and Department of Justice&nbsp; have been cracking down on the scammers. In August, the agencies returned $9 million to people who paid up to $800 in upfront fees to Ameritech Financial, to take part in what they thought was a federal loan assistance program. The scam also led borrowers to believe that their membership fees would help pay their student loan balance. Arete Financial Group, which said it was affiliated with the Department of Education, had a similar scam that convinced people to make upfront payments. The FTC sent $3.3 million to those consumers in June.

The FTC also has started working with law enforcement agencies and attorneys general to stop illegal telemarketing calls. Some telemarketing campaigns have included scammers pretending to be the government or businesses, luring unsuspecting student loan borrowers.

The Biden administration has undertaken a number of policy efforts in the past few years to reduce the burden of student loan debt, including a program announced in August 2022 that borrowers who qualified could have up to $20,000 of federal student loans canceled.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/27/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-releases-new-data-showing-26-million-people-in-all-50-states-applied-or-were-automatically-eligible-for-one-time-student-debt-relief/">Twenty-six million people</a>&nbsp;applied or sent enough information to the U.S. Department of Education applying for the relief. However, the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/us/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-biden.html">ruled against</a>&nbsp;the plan in June of this year, finding that the administration did not have the authority to cancel the debt. Since then, the administration returned with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/22/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-administration-launches-the-save-plan-the-most-affordable-student-loan-repayment-plan-ever-to-lower-monthly-payments-for-millions-of-borrowers/#:~:text=Bring%20many%20borrowers%27%20loan%20payments%20to%20%240%20per%20month.&amp;text=The%20Department%20of%20Education%20estimates,needs%20instead%20of%20loan%20payments.">SAVE Plan</a>, a new income-driven repayment plan that allows some lower-income borrowers to pay nothing each month and lets some receive early student loan cancellation, among other benefits. Students who have been defrauded by for-profit colleges are also continuing to receive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-admin-canceling-130m-students-ripped-off-colorado/story?id=101643434">student loan cancellation</a>.

Zibel said that student debt relief scams tend to target borrowers who are the most vulnerable, whether they’re struggling economically or have language barriers that could make people less able to identify fraud.

But anyone could potentially be tricked by these schemes, said Kyra Taylor, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. She said scammers are getting more sophisticated.

“I’ve heard reports from borrowers that scammers spoofed their student loan servicers email. And the only way you could tell that it was a spoof was by rolling your mouse over the links,” she said. “The scammers are so sophisticated and because the student loan system is so complicated, anyone could be vulnerable, especially if you’re getting an email that looks like it’s from your (student loan) servicer on its face. I think it’s getting harder and harder to tell.”

Taylor offers some advice to borrowers who may find themselves wondering whether they’re being scammed. For example, she tells borrowers not to provide sensitive information such as a Social Security number to someone they believe is a student loan servicer.

“We’re getting closer to restarting payment and people are expecting that their servicer is going to reach out to them. The servicer could be calling you but if they’re asking for personally identifiable information, I would hang up and call them back just to make sure that you’re talking to the right person,” she said. “The other piece is that it’s very unusual for the Department of Education to call folks. Any time you’re getting a call from someone saying they’re from the Department of Education, I think folks should be more skeptical.”

Mark Kantrowitz, an expert on financial aid and author of “How to Appeal for More College Financial Aid” told States Newsroom in an email that it’s a bad idea to share your financial student aid ID, which is your username and password, with a third party, because they can make changes you may not be aware of and will end up being responsible for. When borrowers log in, the federal student aid website makes it clear that the use of this information by a third party “for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial gain” is prohibited and subject to criminal prosecution, he added.

Taylor and Zibel said there are things the government can do to reduce the damage done by student debt relief scams. Taylor said that if the government automated relief to borrowers, scammers would have fewer opportunities to insert themselves into the process. Zibel said that the government should continue to educate people as return to payment begins on where to find legitimate sources of information on their student loans.

The FTC also offers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/08/dont-pay-help-your-federal-student-loans">advice</a>&nbsp;on how to spot scams. The agency says it’s a red flag if someone tries to charge you for debt relief services before they have done anything for you as a borrower. Ari Lazarus, a consumer education specialist at the FTC,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/08/dont-pay-help-your-federal-student-loans">explained in</a>&nbsp;an August&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/08/dont-pay-help-your-federal-student-loans">blog</a>, “ …Nobody but a scammer will ever offer you quick loan forgiveness.” Experts on these scams also remind borrowers that no one has to pay for help with student loan relief and advise borrowers to look at the federal student loan website.

Janet Yuen learned too late that she did not have to pay for help. In 2019, after receiving a phone call from A Better Solution Student Loans, or ABS Student Loans, she agreed to pay the company $33 a month to lower her debt.

Yuen, a social worker in Southern California, told States Newsroom that she quit making payments on her student loans because she thought ABS Student Loans was doing so on her behalf. Yuen said she paid $33 a month from October 2019 to November 2021 to ABS Student Loans and provided the company with the username and password to her student loan website.

She has about $263,600 in student loan debt and is out almost $900 —&nbsp; the money she paid ABS Student Loans that she said would have otherwise been spent on financial needs such as paying medical bills.

Yuen said she has contacted the FTC but the agency could not tell States Newsroom whether it is investigating the company because it does not make investigations public.

There is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2023/09/06_StudentLoanDebt.asp#:~:text=Attorney%20General%20Ellison%20opens%20investigation,student%2Dloan%20debt%2Drelief%20companies&amp;text=September%206%2C%202023%20(SAINT%20PAUL,suspected%20of%20violating%20Minnesota%20law.">at least one</a>&nbsp;government investigation into ABS Student Loans through Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office. On Sept. 6, Ellison announced that 52 student debt relief companies are suspected of violating state law by not registering before offering debt settlement services and possibly misrepresenting fees and services, including ABS Student Loans. Deputy chief of staff for the attorney general, John Stiles, told States Newsroom that the office has asked ABS Student Loans how many customers it has in the state but the company has not yet responded.

ABS Student Loans’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://absstudentloans.com/privacy.html">website</a>&nbsp;includes information that it is not affiliated with a government agency and that borrowers do not have to use a third party to apply for student debt relief under a link to its privacy policy at the bottom of its website. The California-based company did not respond to States Newsroom’s multiple requests for information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677600500744.png" alt="Student debt relief advocates gather outside the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.&nbsp;The Supreme Court’s decision that the Biden administration didn’t have the authority to cancel student debt helped sow confusion that scammers are using to their advantage. -White House image" />
 <figcaption>Student debt relief advocates gather outside the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.&nbsp;The Supreme Court’s decision that the Biden administration didn’t have the authority to cancel student debt helped sow confusion that scammers are using to their advantage. -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>By CASEY QUINLAN,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>Complaints about student debt relief scams are increasing as the date approaches for borrowers to restart payment on their student loans after more than a three-year pause.Consumer protection advocates say that the Biden administration’s student debt relief efforts, the subsequent halting of those policies by the courts, and the restart of student loan payments have bred confusion that allow companies to take advantage of borrowers.“There is sort of this perfect storm out there that I think is allowing these fraudsters to prey on people,” said Dan Zibel, vice president, chief counsel, and co-founder of Student Defense, a nonprofit focused on student rights.Zibel said that there has been a lot of policy and legal news on student debt relief for borrowers to absorb in a couple years.“There is news about repayment plans, news about cancellation, different types of cancellation, whether it’s public service loan forgiveness or fraud-based cancellation, the COVID pause, and then the courts get involved. Debt forgiveness is happening. Debt forgiveness is not happening. There’s new debt forgiveness,” he said. “ … I think that sows confusion for a lot of people.”And with 44 million owing more than $1.7 trillion — the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/pro-take-auto-loans-pass-student-loans-in-consumer-debt-load-fed-data-shows-b3a4a53#:~:text=Auto%20loans%20have%20squeaked%20past,the%20largest%20debt%20for%20consumers.">third highest consumer debt</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.&nbsp;— the appetite for relief is great and makes many easy prey for scammers.Many of the debt relief scams often start with a telemarketing call where borrowers are promised debt relief if they pay a regular fee. The callers ask for sensitive personal information, and mislead borrowers about being affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education and student loan servicers. Some mention “Biden Loan Forgiveness.”The number of complaints coming to the FTC about student debt relief scams has steadily risen in the past few months as the restart of student loan payments approaches, from 385 in June to 562 in July and 610 in August. And the FTC and Department of Justice&nbsp; have been cracking down on the scammers. In August, the agencies returned $9 million to people who paid up to $800 in upfront fees to Ameritech Financial, to take part in what they thought was a federal loan assistance program. The scam also led borrowers to believe that their membership fees would help pay their student loan balance. Arete Financial Group, which said it was affiliated with the Department of Education, had a similar scam that convinced people to make upfront payments. The FTC sent $3.3 million to those consumers in June.The FTC also has started working with law enforcement agencies and attorneys general to stop illegal telemarketing calls. Some telemarketing campaigns have included scammers pretending to be the government or businesses, luring unsuspecting student loan borrowers.<h2>How we got here</h2>The Biden administration has undertaken a number of policy efforts in the past few years to reduce the burden of student loan debt, including a program announced in August 2022 that borrowers who qualified could have up to $20,000 of federal student loans canceled.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/27/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-releases-new-data-showing-26-million-people-in-all-50-states-applied-or-were-automatically-eligible-for-one-time-student-debt-relief/">Twenty-six million people</a>&nbsp;applied or sent enough information to the U.S. Department of Education applying for the relief. However, the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/us/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-biden.html">ruled against</a>&nbsp;the plan in June of this year, finding that the administration did not have the authority to cancel the debt. Since then, the administration returned with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/22/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-administration-launches-the-save-plan-the-most-affordable-student-loan-repayment-plan-ever-to-lower-monthly-payments-for-millions-of-borrowers/#:~:text=Bring%20many%20borrowers%27%20loan%20payments%20to%20%240%20per%20month.&amp;text=The%20Department%20of%20Education%20estimates,needs%20instead%20of%20loan%20payments.">SAVE Plan</a>, a new income-driven repayment plan that allows some lower-income borrowers to pay nothing each month and lets some receive early student loan cancellation, among other benefits. Students who have been defrauded by for-profit colleges are also continuing to receive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-admin-canceling-130m-students-ripped-off-colorado/story?id=101643434">student loan cancellation</a>.Zibel said that student debt relief scams tend to target borrowers who are the most vulnerable, whether they’re struggling economically or have language barriers that could make people less able to identify fraud.But anyone could potentially be tricked by these schemes, said Kyra Taylor, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. She said scammers are getting more sophisticated.“I’ve heard reports from borrowers that scammers spoofed their student loan servicers email. And the only way you could tell that it was a spoof was by rolling your mouse over the links,” she said. “The scammers are so sophisticated and because the student loan system is so complicated, anyone could be vulnerable, especially if you’re getting an email that looks like it’s from your (student loan) servicer on its face. I think it’s getting harder and harder to tell.”<h2>How to spot a scam</h2>Taylor offers some advice to borrowers who may find themselves wondering whether they’re being scammed. For example, she tells borrowers not to provide sensitive information such as a Social Security number to someone they believe is a student loan servicer.“We’re getting closer to restarting payment and people are expecting that their servicer is going to reach out to them. The servicer could be calling you but if they’re asking for personally identifiable information, I would hang up and call them back just to make sure that you’re talking to the right person,” she said. “The other piece is that it’s very unusual for the Department of Education to call folks. Any time you’re getting a call from someone saying they’re from the Department of Education, I think folks should be more skeptical.”Mark Kantrowitz, an expert on financial aid and author of “How to Appeal for More College Financial Aid” told States Newsroom in an email that it’s a bad idea to share your financial student aid ID, which is your username and password, with a third party, because they can make changes you may not be aware of and will end up being responsible for. When borrowers log in, the federal student aid website makes it clear that the use of this information by a third party “for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial gain” is prohibited and subject to criminal prosecution, he added.Taylor and Zibel said there are things the government can do to reduce the damage done by student debt relief scams. Taylor said that if the government automated relief to borrowers, scammers would have fewer opportunities to insert themselves into the process. Zibel said that the government should continue to educate people as return to payment begins on where to find legitimate sources of information on their student loans.The FTC also offers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/08/dont-pay-help-your-federal-student-loans">advice</a>&nbsp;on how to spot scams. The agency says it’s a red flag if someone tries to charge you for debt relief services before they have done anything for you as a borrower. Ari Lazarus, a consumer education specialist at the FTC,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/08/dont-pay-help-your-federal-student-loans">explained in</a>&nbsp;an August&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/08/dont-pay-help-your-federal-student-loans">blog</a>, “ …Nobody but a scammer will ever offer you quick loan forgiveness.” Experts on these scams also remind borrowers that no one has to pay for help with student loan relief and advise borrowers to look at the federal student loan website.Janet Yuen learned too late that she did not have to pay for help. In 2019, after receiving a phone call from A Better Solution Student Loans, or ABS Student Loans, she agreed to pay the company $33 a month to lower her debt.Yuen, a social worker in Southern California, told States Newsroom that she quit making payments on her student loans because she thought ABS Student Loans was doing so on her behalf. Yuen said she paid $33 a month from October 2019 to November 2021 to ABS Student Loans and provided the company with the username and password to her student loan website.She has about $263,600 in student loan debt and is out almost $900 —&nbsp; the money she paid ABS Student Loans that she said would have otherwise been spent on financial needs such as paying medical bills.Yuen said she has contacted the FTC but the agency could not tell States Newsroom whether it is investigating the company because it does not make investigations public.There is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2023/09/06_StudentLoanDebt.asp#:~:text=Attorney%20General%20Ellison%20opens%20investigation,student%2Dloan%20debt%2Drelief%20companies&amp;text=September%206%2C%202023%20(SAINT%20PAUL,suspected%20of%20violating%20Minnesota%20law.">at least one</a>&nbsp;government investigation into ABS Student Loans through Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office. On Sept. 6, Ellison announced that 52 student debt relief companies are suspected of violating state law by not registering before offering debt settlement services and possibly misrepresenting fees and services, including ABS Student Loans. Deputy chief of staff for the attorney general, John Stiles, told States Newsroom that the office has asked ABS Student Loans how many customers it has in the state but the company has not yet responded.ABS Student Loans’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://absstudentloans.com/privacy.html">website</a>&nbsp;includes information that it is not affiliated with a government agency and that borrowers do not have to use a third party to apply for student debt relief under a link to its privacy policy at the bottom of its website. The California-based company did not respond to States Newsroom’s multiple requests for information.

Student debt relief scams on the rise. What borrowers need to know

Lewis Duane Mills, peacefully passed to be with his Lord on September 26, 2023 at the age of 86.

Duane was born on February 26, 1937, in Hutchinson, KS. He lived with his parents, John and Eunice Mills and his eight siblings: Donna, MaryAnn, John, Dorothy, Judy, Marty, Jim and Mark.

Duane graduated from high school in Salina, KS in 1955, and joined the Air Force, serving for four years as an airplane mechanic. He then attended Fort Hays State where he played college football. There, he met his college sweetheart, Charon Lower, and they were married on Christmas Eve of 1961. He received his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts. He later received two master’s degrees, one from Fort Hays in education and the second master’s in educational administration from Wichita, KS.

Duane worked as a high school English teacher, auto mechanics teacher, and football coach. He later worked as a high school counselor and counselor for the troubled youth at the Larned State Hospital. He taught for 32 years. 

Duane was a voracious reader, loved teaching and coaching, loved his family, and had a heart for the underdog. Duane was a faithful disciple for his family and children, and taught them to love the Lord and led by Godly example. &nbsp;He enjoyed his home improvement projects, gardening, playing games with his family, and playing ping pong and tennis. &nbsp;He loved Jamoca shakes, pepperoni sausage pizza from Pizza Hut, and Mom’s cooking.

Duane was predeceased by his parents, John and Eunice Mills, his two brothers, John Mills and Mark Mills, and his sister, Dorothy Engle.

 He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Charon Mills, and is lovingly remembered by his five children: son, Darrel and his wife, Debra Mills; daughters: Chalena and her husband, Larry Sandahl, Karon and her husband, Joe Henderson, Melisa Neill, and Jeanette and her husband, Troy Hockersmith; twelve grandchildren: Austin, Alec Mills and Katie Dobbs; Matthew, Brian and Melanie (spouse) Starseed and Nathan Sandahl, Miranda and Stephen (spouse) Caldwell and Kara Henderson, and Drs. Kayla and Nick (spouse) Hanna, Jordan and Barbara (spouse) Hockersmith and Kenzie Hockersmith and Andrew Neill; his eight great-great-grandchildren: Isaiah and Elijah Dobbs, Saphire and Harmony Starseed: Blayke and Bently Caldwell; Aubrey and Barrett Hanna.&nbsp;

A memorial graveside service with military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 21 at Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock, Kansas.&nbsp;

Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Lewis Duane Mills, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.beckwithmortuary.com/obituary/lewis-duane-mills/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Lewis Duane Mills</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696339182121.jpeg" alt="Lewis Duane Mills" />
 <figcaption>Lewis Duane Mills</figcaption>
 </figure>February 26, 1937 - September 26, 2023Lewis Duane Mills, peacefully passed to be with his Lord on September 26, 2023 at the age of 86.Duane was born on February 26, 1937, in Hutchinson, KS. He lived with his parents, John and Eunice Mills and his eight siblings: Donna, MaryAnn, John, Dorothy, Judy, Marty, Jim and Mark.Duane graduated from high school in Salina, KS in 1955, and joined the Air Force, serving for four years as an airplane mechanic. He then attended Fort Hays State where he played college football. There, he met his college sweetheart, Charon Lower, and they were married on Christmas Eve of 1961. He received his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts. He later received two master’s degrees, one from Fort Hays in education and the second master’s in educational administration from Wichita, KS.Duane worked as a high school English teacher, auto mechanics teacher, and football coach. He later worked as a high school counselor and counselor for the troubled youth at the Larned State Hospital. He taught for 32 years. Duane was a voracious reader, loved teaching and coaching, loved his family, and had a heart for the underdog. Duane was a faithful disciple for his family and children, and taught them to love the Lord and led by Godly example. &nbsp;He enjoyed his home improvement projects, gardening, playing games with his family, and playing ping pong and tennis. &nbsp;He loved Jamoca shakes, pepperoni sausage pizza from Pizza Hut, and Mom’s cooking.Duane was predeceased by his parents, John and Eunice Mills, his two brothers, John Mills and Mark Mills, and his sister, Dorothy Engle. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Charon Mills, and is lovingly remembered by his five children: son, Darrel and his wife, Debra Mills; daughters: Chalena and her husband, Larry Sandahl, Karon and her husband, Joe Henderson, Melisa Neill, and Jeanette and her husband, Troy Hockersmith; twelve grandchildren: Austin, Alec Mills and Katie Dobbs; Matthew, Brian and Melanie (spouse) Starseed and Nathan Sandahl, Miranda and Stephen (spouse) Caldwell and Kara Henderson, and Drs. Kayla and Nick (spouse) Hanna, Jordan and Barbara (spouse) Hockersmith and Kenzie Hockersmith and Andrew Neill; his eight great-great-grandchildren: Isaiah and Elijah Dobbs, Saphire and Harmony Starseed: Blayke and Bently Caldwell; Aubrey and Barrett Hanna.&nbsp;A memorial graveside service with military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 21 at Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock, Kansas.&nbsp;Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Lewis Duane Mills, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.beckwithmortuary.com/obituary/lewis-duane-mills/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Lewis Duane Mills

This week at TMP-M is Military Appreciation, and we would like to give thanks to all active duty and former military members along with all SJMA Cadets. 

We would like to invite all SJMA cadets and military personnel to join us for a delicious meal alongside Coach Stephenson and the rest of the Monarch football team in the TMP-M cafeteria at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 5. After the meal please stick around for the presentation of special SJMA Cadet jerseys. If you are planning on attending please fill out the RSVP link below.

Also due to a rule change, we had to purchase new SJMA jerseys to be worn on Military Appreciation Night. We are hosting an auction for the game-worn SJMA Jerseys. Please feel free to bid high and bid often, as the proceeds from the auction go toward replacing the jerseys and the Victory Gates restoration fund. The auction will close on Friday, October 6 at 11:59 p.m. Winners of the auction will be contacted on Monday, October 9 for pickup or delivery options.&nbsp;

On Friday, October 6, we invite all Cadets and military personnel to be recognized on the field at half-time. All cadets and military personnel will get into the game free of charge just by mentioning it at the gate.&nbsp;

<a href="https://eml-pusa01.app.blackbaud.net/intv2/j/DD6939E2-F094-4CF2-8BC5-87FDEA5890CF/r/DD6939E2-F094-4CF2-8BC5-87FDEA5890CF_599c2405-f896-4518-9c24-6ad6dc69743c/l/29CCB589-83AB-4E16-BEC0-A860B84EF09F/c" target="_blank">RSVP FOR DINNER HERE:</a>

<a href="https://eml-pusa01.app.blackbaud.net/intv2/j/DD6939E2-F094-4CF2-8BC5-87FDEA5890CF/r/DD6939E2-F094-4CF2-8BC5-87FDEA5890CF_599c2405-f896-4518-9c24-6ad6dc69743c/l/1D5B45D3-EB3B-4D6A-A693-0E12059A6B6B/c" target="_blank">SJMA JERSEY AUCTION LINK:</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696342329028.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThis week at TMP-M is Military Appreciation, and we would like to give thanks to all active duty and former military members along with all SJMA Cadets. We would like to invite all SJMA cadets and military personnel to join us for a delicious meal alongside Coach Stephenson and the rest of the Monarch football team in the TMP-M cafeteria at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 5. After the meal please stick around for the presentation of special SJMA Cadet jerseys. If you are planning on attending please fill out the RSVP link below.Also due to a rule change, we had to purchase new SJMA jerseys to be worn on Military Appreciation Night. We are hosting an auction for the game-worn SJMA Jerseys. Please feel free to bid high and bid often, as the proceeds from the auction go toward replacing the jerseys and the Victory Gates restoration fund. The auction will close on Friday, October 6 at 11:59 p.m. Winners of the auction will be contacted on Monday, October 9 for pickup or delivery options.&nbsp;On Friday, October 6, we invite all Cadets and military personnel to be recognized on the field at half-time. All cadets and military personnel will get into the game free of charge just by mentioning it at the gate.&nbsp;<a href="https://eml-pusa01.app.blackbaud.net/intv2/j/DD6939E2-F094-4CF2-8BC5-87FDEA5890CF/r/DD6939E2-F094-4CF2-8BC5-87FDEA5890CF_599c2405-f896-4518-9c24-6ad6dc69743c/l/29CCB589-83AB-4E16-BEC0-A860B84EF09F/c" target="_blank">RSVP FOR DINNER HERE:</a><a href="https://eml-pusa01.app.blackbaud.net/intv2/j/DD6939E2-F094-4CF2-8BC5-87FDEA5890CF/r/DD6939E2-F094-4CF2-8BC5-87FDEA5890CF_599c2405-f896-4518-9c24-6ad6dc69743c/l/1D5B45D3-EB3B-4D6A-A693-0E12059A6B6B/c" target="_blank">SJMA JERSEY AUCTION LINK:</a>

9th annual Military Appreciation Night at TMP-M is this week

Jerry D. Borgstadter, dedicated husband and father, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the age of 88. He was in the care of the Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed Unit in La Crosse, Kansas.

Jerry was born January 30, 1935, in Lincoln, Kansas. He was the son of George Herman and Bertha Mae (Shafer) Borgstadter. 

He graduated from Lincoln County High School in 1952.

In August 1963, he married Nina Kohls. They later divorced. On February 14, 2004, he married Dolores (Solomon) Pokorny at the First United Methodist Church in La Crosse, Kansas. This union brought joy and companionship to his life, and they shared many experiences and memories together.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life of hunting and fishing with friends, Edward Fischer and Bob Cooper. In addition to his love for the outdoors, he was a skilled pool player, and spent time teaching trick shots to others. Jerry enjoyed football, especially K-State football and the local high school team. He also enjoyed spending time in his shop creating special woodworking projects for family and friends.

Professionally, Jerry was a senior engineering technician and land surveyor, a career that reflected his attention to detail. During the 43 years of his career, he traveled the western part of Kansas creating many lifelong friendships.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores Borgstadter, La Crosse, Kansas; son, Darin Borgstadter (Holly Galloway), Salem, Oregon; daughter, Valerie (Borgstadter) Nixon, Prineville, Oregon; stepson, John Pokorny, M.D., Hays, Kansas; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Nixon, Eugene, Oregon and Dallen Nixon, Monmouth, Oregon; stepgrandchildren, Ryan Pokorny, Richmond, Virginia and Jill (Pokorny) Stolz, Omaha, Nebraska, and stepgreat-grandchild, Aspen Elaine Stolz, Omaha, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son in law, Dale Nixon, and brother, Gerald Borgstadter.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas.

Funeral service will be Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas.

Interment will be Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Cemetery, Lincoln, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed, La Crosse, Kansas, or the Jerry Borgstadter Football Scholarship, La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P.O. Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785 222-2517.

<h2>Jerry D. Borgstadter</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696342057691.jpeg" alt="Jerry D.&nbsp;Borgstadter, " />
 <figcaption>Jerry D.&nbsp;Borgstadter, </figcaption>
 </figure>January 30, 1935 - September 27, 2023Jerry D. Borgstadter, dedicated husband and father, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the age of 88. He was in the care of the Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed Unit in La Crosse, Kansas.Jerry was born January 30, 1935, in Lincoln, Kansas. He was the son of George Herman and Bertha Mae (Shafer) Borgstadter. He graduated from Lincoln County High School in 1952.In August 1963, he married Nina Kohls. They later divorced. On February 14, 2004, he married Dolores (Solomon) Pokorny at the First United Methodist Church in La Crosse, Kansas. This union brought joy and companionship to his life, and they shared many experiences and memories together.He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life of hunting and fishing with friends, Edward Fischer and Bob Cooper. In addition to his love for the outdoors, he was a skilled pool player, and spent time teaching trick shots to others. Jerry enjoyed football, especially K-State football and the local high school team. He also enjoyed spending time in his shop creating special woodworking projects for family and friends.Professionally, Jerry was a senior engineering technician and land surveyor, a career that reflected his attention to detail. During the 43 years of his career, he traveled the western part of Kansas creating many lifelong friendships.Survivors include his wife, Dolores Borgstadter, La Crosse, Kansas; son, Darin Borgstadter (Holly Galloway), Salem, Oregon; daughter, Valerie (Borgstadter) Nixon, Prineville, Oregon; stepson, John Pokorny, M.D., Hays, Kansas; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Nixon, Eugene, Oregon and Dallen Nixon, Monmouth, Oregon; stepgrandchildren, Ryan Pokorny, Richmond, Virginia and Jill (Pokorny) Stolz, Omaha, Nebraska, and stepgreat-grandchild, Aspen Elaine Stolz, Omaha, Nebraska.He was preceded in death by his parents, son in law, Dale Nixon, and brother, Gerald Borgstadter.Visitation will be Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas.Funeral service will be Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas.Interment will be Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Cemetery, Lincoln, Kansas.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed, La Crosse, Kansas, or the Jerry Borgstadter Football Scholarship, La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P.O. Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785 222-2517.

Jerry D. Borgstadter

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Yvonne Critchfield, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=29370633&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1696271142.90.1.1696274039.57.0.0&amp;mtph=1">Tree Store.</a>

<h2>Yvonne Critchfield</h2>November 16, 1928 - October 1, 2023Obituary and service pending.To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Yvonne Critchfield, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=29370633&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1696271142.90.1.1696274039.57.0.0&amp;mtph=1">Tree Store.</a>

Yvonne Critchfield

WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-mccarthy">Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;is facing an extraordinary referendum on his leadership of the House after a conservative member of his own Republican majority, a longtime critic, moved to launch a vote to oust him from the helm.

Late Monday, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., rose in the chamber as the House was almost done for the day to file the motion — a resolution that would set a snap vote in coming days that even Gaetz acknowledged may not have enough support to remove the speaker from the job.

“I have enough Republicans where at this point next week, one of two things will happen: Kevin McCarthy won’t be the speaker of the House or he’ll be the speaker of the House working at the pleasure of the Democrats," Gaetz told reporters afterward outside the Capitol.

McCarthy responded minutes later on social media, “Bring it on.”

Gaetz soon retorted in a post, “Just did.”

It’s a historic moment: the first time in more than 100 years that a lawmaker may actually force a vote using the legislative tool that has been threatened against other House speakers, including in 2015, but never fully employed to try to remove them.

The bold strike to confront McCarthy carries potentially dire ramifications if enough lawmakers decide to remove his hold on the gavel, but also for Gaetz if it fizzles out. It also puts on stark display the warring factions that have roiled the Republican majority this year in the House and beyond.

So far, despite the deep divides over McCarthy's leadership, only a handful of hard-right Republicans have signaled they are willing to vote to remove him. Others who have aligned with Gaetz on spending cuts or other priorities are parting ways with him on this one.

“It’s a really bad idea,” said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., one of the more conservative lawmakers in the House.

Gaetz has for months threatened to use the procedural tool — called a motion to vacate — to try to strip McCarthy of his office. Those threats escalated over the weekend after McCarthy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8">relied on Democrats</a>&nbsp;to provide the necessary votes to fund the government.

That decision has set McCarthy up for what will likely be the ultimate test of his leadership and may force him to again look across the aisle to Democrats for support. But how the vote will ultimately unfold remains unclear as Democrats weigh whether to help McCarthy, join the effort to oust him, or simply withhold their votes or rely on parliamentary maneuvering that could sway the outcome.

“Do we side with a sociopath or an incompetent?” said Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., a progressive leader. “I don’t know?”

And allies of McCarthy have said for weeks they were ready for a motion to come.

Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said he has spoken privately to some Democrats who have told him they would vote to help McCarthy remain in office. “I’m sure Mr. Gaetz will have some allies who will go with him. But I don’t see enough.”

The vote ahead could result in humiliation — the first speaker ever ousted from the job through such a motion — or newfound strength as he overcomes yet another obstacle while trying to lead a narrow, unwieldy majority.

Conservative critics have been hounding McCarthy from the start, denying him votes and thwarting his plans. But McCarthy has leaned into the fight and suggested it’s an opportunity to set aside his critics once and for all.

Gaetz acknowledged the effort is likely to fail. He responded to questions about what he hoped to accomplish by saying Americans need to know who's in charge.

In a speech on the House floor earlier in the day, Gaetz accused McCarthy of making a deal with the White House during funding negotiations to bring forward legislation to help fund Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Brushing off the threat, McCarthy told reporters earlier at the Capitol, “I’m focused on doing the work that has to be done.” He added that there was “no side deal” on Ukraine, noting he has not spoken to Biden.

A motion to vacate is a rare and strong procedural tool that has only been used twice in the past century against Republican speakers. But in recent years, conservatives have wielded the motion as a weapon against their leaders.

In January, McCarthy, hoping to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-office-of-congressional-ethics-pandemics-60b4f098523b982b549823f4b3e8f9e4">appease some on the hard right</a>&nbsp;like Gaetz as he fought to gain their vote for speaker, agreed to give as few as five Republican members the ability to initiate a vote to remove him. But when that wasn’t good enough for his critics, he agreed to reduce that threshold to one — the system that historically has been the norm.

The motion Gaetz introduced is a privileged resolution, a designation that gives it priority over other measures. The next step is for House leaders to schedule a vote on the resolution within two legislative days.

It would take a simple majority of the House — 218 votes, when no seats are vacant — to remove McCarthy from his post.

However, there are several procedural motions that members of either party could introduce to slow down or stop the process altogether.

But among McCarthy's detractors, passions run deep.

Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., who has long wanted McCarthy gone, said the speaker’s weekend deal with Democrats to keep the government running without any of the conservative priorities is just another reason he will be voting for the ouster.

Still, other far-right members and allies of Gaetz as they fought the spending deal and other issues were less sure. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., said his position on the motion was “to be determined.”

Showing the tough road ahead to win over conservative support for ousting the speaker, Massie said the real history-making moment has been the House working through its regular job of trying to pass spending bills, and he worries this effort will quash all that.

“If you’re asking how I feel, I am sad that this might be the end of that experiment,” he said.

Democrats were largely treating the moment as another episode in a Republican-led House that has been full of chaotic twists since the start of the year, and declining to say whether they would work to help McCarthy keep his job or vote to oust him.

“Another day at the show,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-mccarthy">Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;is facing an extraordinary referendum on his leadership of the House after a conservative member of his own Republican majority, a longtime critic, moved to launch a vote to oust him from the helm.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed a motion to vacate the chair, setting up a vote to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) within two legislative days. <a href="https://t.co/lBOdFJqp6c">pic.twitter.com/lBOdFJqp6c</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1708989259732885711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Late Monday, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., rose in the chamber as the House was almost done for the day to file the motion — a resolution that would set a snap vote in coming days that even Gaetz acknowledged may not have enough support to remove the speaker from the job.“I have enough Republicans where at this point next week, one of two things will happen: Kevin McCarthy won’t be the speaker of the House or he’ll be the speaker of the House working at the pleasure of the Democrats," Gaetz told reporters afterward outside the Capitol.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Just did. <a href="https://t.co/zdQk3GblbV">https://t.co/zdQk3GblbV</a>&mdash; Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/1708991508458639420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>McCarthy responded minutes later on social media, “Bring it on.”Gaetz soon retorted in a post, “Just did.”It’s a historic moment: the first time in more than 100 years that a lawmaker may actually force a vote using the legislative tool that has been threatened against other House speakers, including in 2015, but never fully employed to try to remove them.The bold strike to confront McCarthy carries potentially dire ramifications if enough lawmakers decide to remove his hold on the gavel, but also for Gaetz if it fizzles out. It also puts on stark display the warring factions that have roiled the Republican majority this year in the House and beyond.So far, despite the deep divides over McCarthy's leadership, only a handful of hard-right Republicans have signaled they are willing to vote to remove him. Others who have aligned with Gaetz on spending cuts or other priorities are parting ways with him on this one.“It’s a really bad idea,” said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., one of the more conservative lawmakers in the House.Gaetz has for months threatened to use the procedural tool — called a motion to vacate — to try to strip McCarthy of his office. Those threats escalated over the weekend after McCarthy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8">relied on Democrats</a>&nbsp;to provide the necessary votes to fund the government.That decision has set McCarthy up for what will likely be the ultimate test of his leadership and may force him to again look across the aisle to Democrats for support. But how the vote will ultimately unfold remains unclear as Democrats weigh whether to help McCarthy, join the effort to oust him, or simply withhold their votes or rely on parliamentary maneuvering that could sway the outcome.“Do we side with a sociopath or an incompetent?” said Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., a progressive leader. “I don’t know?”And allies of McCarthy have said for weeks they were ready for a motion to come.Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said he has spoken privately to some Democrats who have told him they would vote to help McCarthy remain in office. “I’m sure Mr. Gaetz will have some allies who will go with him. But I don’t see enough.”The vote ahead could result in humiliation — the first speaker ever ousted from the job through such a motion — or newfound strength as he overcomes yet another obstacle while trying to lead a narrow, unwieldy majority.Conservative critics have been hounding McCarthy from the start, denying him votes and thwarting his plans. But McCarthy has leaned into the fight and suggested it’s an opportunity to set aside his critics once and for all.Gaetz acknowledged the effort is likely to fail. He responded to questions about what he hoped to accomplish by saying Americans need to know who's in charge.In a speech on the House floor earlier in the day, Gaetz accused McCarthy of making a deal with the White House during funding negotiations to bring forward legislation to help fund Ukraine in its war against Russia.Brushing off the threat, McCarthy told reporters earlier at the Capitol, “I’m focused on doing the work that has to be done.” He added that there was “no side deal” on Ukraine, noting he has not spoken to Biden.A motion to vacate is a rare and strong procedural tool that has only been used twice in the past century against Republican speakers. But in recent years, conservatives have wielded the motion as a weapon against their leaders.In January, McCarthy, hoping to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-office-of-congressional-ethics-pandemics-60b4f098523b982b549823f4b3e8f9e4">appease some on the hard right</a>&nbsp;like Gaetz as he fought to gain their vote for speaker, agreed to give as few as five Republican members the ability to initiate a vote to remove him. But when that wasn’t good enough for his critics, he agreed to reduce that threshold to one — the system that historically has been the norm.The motion Gaetz introduced is a privileged resolution, a designation that gives it priority over other measures. The next step is for House leaders to schedule a vote on the resolution within two legislative days.It would take a simple majority of the House — 218 votes, when no seats are vacant — to remove McCarthy from his post.However, there are several procedural motions that members of either party could introduce to slow down or stop the process altogether.But among McCarthy's detractors, passions run deep.Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., who has long wanted McCarthy gone, said the speaker’s weekend deal with Democrats to keep the government running without any of the conservative priorities is just another reason he will be voting for the ouster.“We got nothing,” he said Monday.Still, other far-right members and allies of Gaetz as they fought the spending deal and other issues were less sure. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., said his position on the motion was “to be determined.”Showing the tough road ahead to win over conservative support for ousting the speaker, Massie said the real history-making moment has been the House working through its regular job of trying to pass spending bills, and he worries this effort will quash all that.“If you’re asking how I feel, I am sad that this might be the end of that experiment,” he said.Democrats were largely treating the moment as another episode in a Republican-led House that has been full of chaotic twists since the start of the year, and declining to say whether they would work to help McCarthy keep his job or vote to oust him.“Another day at the show,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y.

🎥 Power struggle: Historic move to oust House Speaker 

LOGAN — The Hansen Museum takes great pride in hosting a two-day watercolor painting workshop with Laurie Albin at the Hansen Museum, 110 W. Main, Logan.&nbsp;This workshop will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 5 and 6,  with a lunch break each day.

&nbsp;Join instructor Laurie Albin as she introduces watercolor techniques for beginners and goes ‘beyond the basics’ for the intermediate painter. Instruction will be geared for each participant’s personal growth during this two-day workshop. 

Come enjoy a fun learning environment where ideas are shared in a positive and fun setting.

Instructor Laurie Albin is a Kansas Watercolor Society Signature member and has been painting watercolors for more than 40 years. Laurie is an experienced instructor. For ten years, she had a teaching studio in WaKeeney and worked as a public-school art instructor for many years. 

To view Laurie’s art, go to <a href="https://www.albinstudio.com/">www.albinstudio.com</a>.

Pre-registration is required. Call the museum to register or find the registration form on our website (<a href="http://hansenmuseum.org/">hansenmuseum.org</a>) under Classes &amp; Workshops. The cost for registration is $120.00. Discounts are available for Patron and Sustaining Hansen Museum Members.

This enjoyable learning opportunity is brought to you through the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program, underwritten by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. 

For more information, please call 785-689-4846.

The museum is open weekdays 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 and 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The museum is handicap-accessible and thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, there is never an admission fee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695674964235.png" alt="'Rise Above'&nbsp; by Laura Albin" />
 <figcaption>'Rise Above'&nbsp; by Laura Albin</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLOGAN — The Hansen Museum takes great pride in hosting a two-day watercolor painting workshop with Laurie Albin at the Hansen Museum, 110 W. Main, Logan.&nbsp;This workshop will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 5 and 6, with a lunch break each day.&nbsp;Join instructor Laurie Albin as she introduces watercolor techniques for beginners and goes ‘beyond the basics’ for the intermediate painter. Instruction will be geared for each participant’s personal growth during this two-day workshop. Come enjoy a fun learning environment where ideas are shared in a positive and fun setting.Instructor Laurie Albin is a Kansas Watercolor Society Signature member and has been painting watercolors for more than 40 years. Laurie is an experienced instructor. For ten years, she had a teaching studio in WaKeeney and worked as a public-school art instructor for many years. To view Laurie’s art, go to <a href="https://www.albinstudio.com/">www.albinstudio.com</a>.Pre-registration is required. Call the museum to register or find the registration form on our website (<a href="http://hansenmuseum.org/">hansenmuseum.org</a>) under Classes &amp; Workshops. The cost for registration is $120.00. Discounts are available for Patron and Sustaining Hansen Museum Members.This enjoyable learning opportunity is brought to you through the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program, underwritten by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information, please call 785-689-4846.The museum is open weekdays 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 and 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The museum is handicap-accessible and thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, there is never an admission fee.

Watercolor painting workshop with Laurie Albin upcoming at Hansen Museum

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities on Monday announced the successful resolution of a longstanding Cold Case Homicide investigation, thanks to cutting-edge technology and invaluable partnerships within the law enforcement community.

On October 2, 1989, tragedy struck when Krista Martin was discovered beaten to death in her apartment in the 500 block of South Osage Street in Wichita.

 Initial efforts included the collection of DNA evidence, although, at the time, DNA testing and CODIS systems were not available. Nonetheless, the DNA evidence was carefully preserved.

Despite conducting numerous interviews and analyzing the available evidence, investigators were unable to identify a suspect. Undeterred, they continued to scrutinize the evidence and gather new leads over the ensuing years. DNA samples were collected from multiple individuals for comparison with the evidence from the scene, yet no match was found.

Between 1990 and 1992, the original case detective sent evidence to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) crime lab in hopes of identifying a suspect, but unfortunately, this effort yielded no results, leaving the case unsolved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696270618168.png" alt="​On October 2, 1989 Krista Martin (20 years old) was found beaten to death in her apartment at 506 S. Osage after having been struck in the back of the head with a blunt object.-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>​On October 2, 1989 Krista Martin (20 years old) was found beaten to death in her apartment at 506 S. Osage after having been struck in the back of the head with a blunt object.-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities on Monday announced the successful resolution of a longstanding Cold Case Homicide investigation, thanks to cutting-edge technology and invaluable partnerships within the law enforcement community.On October 2, 1989, tragedy struck when Krista Martin was discovered beaten to death in her apartment in the 500 block of South Osage Street in Wichita. Initial efforts included the collection of DNA evidence, although, at the time, DNA testing and CODIS systems were not available. Nonetheless, the DNA evidence was carefully preserved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696271713104.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Despite conducting numerous interviews and analyzing the available evidence, investigators were unable to identify a suspect. Undeterred, they continued to scrutinize the evidence and gather new leads over the ensuing years. DNA samples were collected from multiple individuals for comparison with the evidence from the scene, yet no match was found.Between 1990 and 1992, the original case detective sent evidence to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) crime lab in hopes of identifying a suspect, but unfortunately, this effort yielded no results, leaving the case unsolved.In 2009, the DNA evidence was submitted to the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, resulting in the development of a potential suspect profile. This profile was uploaded to CODIS, but once again, it did not lead to any matches. Further DNA sampling from potential suspects also proved unsuccessful.In 2020, the Wichita Police Department, leveraging advanced technology, again sought the assistance of the FBI to re-evaluate the DNA evidence collected in 1989.In 2021, a dedicated team consisting of a Wichita Police Homicide Detective and an FBI Special Agent embarked on a journey to Alabama and Arkansas, collaborating with additional Federal Agents working in Maryland. Their mission was to conduct extensive interviews and gather additional evidence to break the case.The investigation persisted into 2022, and Wichita Police joined forces with private industry genealogists to scrutinize DNA profiles and attempt to identify a suspect. Finally, in April of 2023, a possible suspect, Paul Hart, emerged. It was discovered Hart died in a traffic collision in Memphis, Tennessee, in March of 1999.In June of 2023, the WPD homicide detective and FBI Special Agent traveled to Arkansas, where they collected additional DNA samples from direct relatives of Hart. They continued to conduct interviews and submitted DNA evidence for further analysis.In collaboration with the FBI, an Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Team, Othram and the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, investigators were able to utilize IGG techniques to confirm that Hart was the suspect in the 1989 homicide of Krista Martin.Upon presenting the facts of the case to Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett, it was determined that charges would be filed if&nbsp; Hart were still alive. As he is deceased, this case is now considered cleared.