ELLIS — Ellis High School Volleyball Senior Night is Tuesday, October 3, at the home triangular against Plainville and Trego.&nbsp; Volleyball action begins at 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; Senior recognition will take place prior to the last match at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Congratulations to our seniors and good luck to the Railroader Volleyball team!&nbsp; Railer Pride!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695920892665.jpeg" alt="Emily James, daughter of Wesley James and Alice Berens; Kylee Pfeifer, daughter of Brandon and Chandra Pfeifer; Jadyn Starns, daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Taylor Seibel, daughter of Craig and Becky Seibel; Braelyn Born, daughter of Brock and Coleen Born; and Kaydawn Haag, daughter of Ron and Latisha Haag." />
 <figcaption>Emily James, daughter of Wesley James and Alice Berens; Kylee Pfeifer, daughter of Brandon and Chandra Pfeifer; Jadyn Starns, daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Taylor Seibel, daughter of Craig and Becky Seibel; Braelyn Born, daughter of Brock and Coleen Born; and Kaydawn Haag, daughter of Ron and Latisha Haag.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedELLIS — Ellis High School Volleyball Senior Night is Tuesday, October 3, at the home triangular against Plainville and Trego.&nbsp; Volleyball action begins at 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; Senior recognition will take place prior to the last match at approximately 6:30 p.m.Congratulations to our seniors and good luck to the Railroader Volleyball team!&nbsp; Railer Pride!

Ellis High School Volleyball senior night is Tuesday

My loving husband, our dad and grandad, was born to Elmer and Frances Penner Boehs in Isabella, Oklahoma on December 4, 1939. He left us for his eternal home on September 29, 2023, reaching the age of eighty three years. Dad often talked of living in a happy home and learning to work at an early age. 

When he was fifteen years old, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and found a peace flooding his soul. His father, Minister Elmer Boehs baptized him into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on February 15, 1955. The faith and the church were precious to him all his life. 

Dad fell in love with our mother, Laverda Jantz and they were joined together in marriage on January 10,1960 at Fredonia, Kansas, by Minister Elmer Boehs. They adored each other through the joys and sorrows of life and were completely devoted for 63 years. 

On February 23,1968, Dad was ordained into the ministry by Minister Harry Wenger at Fairview, Oklahoma. He loved to preach the saving gospel. His compassion and love for the hurting and troubled souls of man inspired him to reach out to them. He desired that everyone would know the hope and freedom from fear that is found in Jesus Christ. Putting his heart into serving on different church boards became an important part of his life. Dad was especially enthused with tent meeting evangelism. 

In 1990, a new chapter in our parents’ lives began by moving to Lakin, Kansas. He raised alfalfa and developed the Quality Hay grinding business. He very much enjoyed western Kansas. The new Lakin congregation brought joy. Just a few weeks ago he gave his testimony in church of the love and thankfulness he felt for the Lakin brotherhood.

Dad valued people. Nothing was better than visiting with family and friends or meeting new ones. It didn’t take long and he was visiting about the serious, important issues of life. Faith in an almighty God and thankfulness were pillars that he held to. 

We as a family knew him as a loving, adoring husband, caring, generous father and a kind, optimistic grandad. He often expressed his love and we leaned on him for guidance and support. Our hearts ache with the separation but we long to be together at Home forever.

Survivors include his loving wife LaVerda , children Melodee and Corwin Smith, Mike and Kristy Boehs, both of Lakin, Kansas; Michele and Doyle Nightingale, Fulton, Kentucky; ten grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, siblings Virginia and Alton Unruh, Greensburg, Kansas; Polly and Robert Schneider,&nbsp;Perrinton, Michigan; Elaine and James Nightingale, Scott City, Kansas; Kendall and Rosanna Boehs, Mountain Grove, Missouri; Maureen and Denton Koehn, Ulysses, Kansas; Mom’s family; Barbara Jantz, Moundridge, Kansas; Harold and June Jantz, Neodesha, Kansas; Roland Schmidt, Brooksville, Mississippi; Marilyn and Gaylord Schmidt, Galva, Kansas.

Preceding him in death were his parents, parents-in-law, one sister, one brother, four sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the Lakin Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the Lakin Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday at Garnand Funeral Home in Lakin, Kansas. 

The family suggests memorials given to Gospel Tract Bible Society in care of the funeral home. 

Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.  

<h2>Milton Eugene Boehs</h2>December 4, 1939 - September 29, 2023My loving husband, our dad and grandad, was born to Elmer and Frances Penner Boehs in Isabella, Oklahoma on December 4, 1939. He left us for his eternal home on September 29, 2023, reaching the age of eighty three years. Dad often talked of living in a happy home and learning to work at an early age. When he was fifteen years old, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and found a peace flooding his soul. His father, Minister Elmer Boehs baptized him into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on February 15, 1955. The faith and the church were precious to him all his life. Dad fell in love with our mother, Laverda Jantz and they were joined together in marriage on January 10,1960 at Fredonia, Kansas, by Minister Elmer Boehs. They adored each other through the joys and sorrows of life and were completely devoted for 63 years. On February 23,1968, Dad was ordained into the ministry by Minister Harry Wenger at Fairview, Oklahoma. He loved to preach the saving gospel. His compassion and love for the hurting and troubled souls of man inspired him to reach out to them. He desired that everyone would know the hope and freedom from fear that is found in Jesus Christ. Putting his heart into serving on different church boards became an important part of his life. Dad was especially enthused with tent meeting evangelism. In 1990, a new chapter in our parents’ lives began by moving to Lakin, Kansas. He raised alfalfa and developed the Quality Hay grinding business. He very much enjoyed western Kansas. The new Lakin congregation brought joy. Just a few weeks ago he gave his testimony in church of the love and thankfulness he felt for the Lakin brotherhood.Dad valued people. Nothing was better than visiting with family and friends or meeting new ones. It didn’t take long and he was visiting about the serious, important issues of life. Faith in an almighty God and thankfulness were pillars that he held to. We as a family knew him as a loving, adoring husband, caring, generous father and a kind, optimistic grandad. He often expressed his love and we leaned on him for guidance and support. Our hearts ache with the separation but we long to be together at Home forever.Survivors include his loving wife LaVerda , children Melodee and Corwin Smith, Mike and Kristy Boehs, both of Lakin, Kansas; Michele and Doyle Nightingale, Fulton, Kentucky; ten grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, siblings Virginia and Alton Unruh, Greensburg, Kansas; Polly and Robert Schneider,&nbsp;Perrinton, Michigan; Elaine and James Nightingale, Scott City, Kansas; Kendall and Rosanna Boehs, Mountain Grove, Missouri; Maureen and Denton Koehn, Ulysses, Kansas; Mom’s family; Barbara Jantz, Moundridge, Kansas; Harold and June Jantz, Neodesha, Kansas; Roland Schmidt, Brooksville, Mississippi; Marilyn and Gaylord Schmidt, Galva, Kansas.Preceding him in death were his parents, parents-in-law, one sister, one brother, four sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the Lakin Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the Lakin Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday at Garnand Funeral Home in Lakin, Kansas. The family suggests memorials given to Gospel Tract Bible Society in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.

  Milton Eugene Boehs

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke threw four-hit ball into the sixth inning for his 225th win and, backed by a trio of home runs, helped the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees 5-2 on Sunday to end their season and quite possibly his own 20-year big league career.

Greinke (2-15) had just allowed a leadoff walk when Matt Quatraro walked to the mound. The six-time All-Star tried to give his manager the ball but Quatraro gave it right back, and the 39-year-old Greinke stuck it in his pocket as he walked off the mound to a standing ovation — one that required the famously reserved Greinke to come out for a curtain call.

Greinke can become free agent after this season, and while he has yet to announce whether he will retire, the 2009 Cy Young Award winner has had a challenging year. Greinke's only other win this season game May 3 against the Baltimore Orioles.

Michael King (4-8) had a forgettable finale to an otherwise excellent end of the year for New York. He'd allowed one earned run or fewer in his previous seven starts before serving up a trio of homers among eight hits that led to four runs Sunday.

Late-season revelation James McArthur got the final six outs for Kansas City for his fourth save.

The Royals went 56-106, matching the franchise record for losses in a season. The Yankees finished 82-80, clinching a winning record for the 31st straight season with their win Saturday but still their worst since 76-86 in 1992. Star Aaron Judge, who did not play, stood at the dugout rail and stared at the field following the final out.

The Yankees also had their 15-series winning streak against the Royals snapped on Sunday, which dated to May 15, 2015. That was their second-longest streak against any team after a 21-series run against the Boston Red Sox from 1930-33.

MJ Melendez tagged the first of the Royals' homers, all of which rode an early October breeze to left field, leading off the second inning. Nick Pratto drove in Dairon Blanco later in the inning to stake Kansas City to a 2-0 lead.

Edward Oliveras and Blanco added their home runs off King one batter apart in the fourth inning, and the Royals made it 5-0 in the fifth when Bobby Witt Jr. tripled leading off and Salvador Perez followed with a sacrifice fly.

The Yankees got two runs back in the sixth on Isiah Kiner-Falefa's two-out single off Taylor Clarke, but the Kansas City bullpen shut them down the rest of the way.

Judge said before the game he's talked with owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman about what could change before next season. Judge also said he supports manager Aaron Boone leading the club.

“We have a good group of guys in here. I’m excited to build off what we’ve got here," Judge said, "and if we can add a couple of more pieces down the road this winter, then we’ll be in a good spot.”

Witt became the first Royals player in the 30-30 club when he hit his 30th homer in the series opener, but he finished one steal short of becoming the fourth player ever in the 30-50 club. Witt was thrown out trying to steal second Saturday, then picked off first base Sunday, leaving him with 49 steals for the season.

The Royals had 1,307,052 attend home games this season, the third-worst total in the majors behind Miami and Oakland. Thanks in part to the pitch clock, and improved pace of play, that total still exceeded their attendance of 1,277,686 last season.

The Yankees play their spring training opener Feb. 24 against Detroit in Lakeland, Florida. The Royals play their spring opener the same day against Texas in Surprise, Arizona.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696198645150.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke is congratulated by teammates after coming out of the Royals' final game of the season during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke is congratulated by teammates after coming out of the Royals' final game of the season during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke threw four-hit ball into the sixth inning for his 225th win and, backed by a trio of home runs, helped the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees 5-2 on Sunday to end their season and quite possibly his own 20-year big league career.Greinke (2-15) had just allowed a leadoff walk when Matt Quatraro walked to the mound. The six-time All-Star tried to give his manager the ball but Quatraro gave it right back, and the 39-year-old Greinke stuck it in his pocket as he walked off the mound to a standing ovation — one that required the famously reserved Greinke to come out for a curtain call.Greinke can become free agent after this season, and while he has yet to announce whether he will retire, the 2009 Cy Young Award winner has had a challenging year. Greinke's only other win this season game May 3 against the Baltimore Orioles.Michael King (4-8) had a forgettable finale to an otherwise excellent end of the year for New York. He'd allowed one earned run or fewer in his previous seven starts before serving up a trio of homers among eight hits that led to four runs Sunday.Late-season revelation James McArthur got the final six outs for Kansas City for his fourth save.The Royals went 56-106, matching the franchise record for losses in a season. The Yankees finished 82-80, clinching a winning record for the 31st straight season with their win Saturday but still their worst since 76-86 in 1992. Star Aaron Judge, who did not play, stood at the dugout rail and stared at the field following the final out.The Yankees also had their 15-series winning streak against the Royals snapped on Sunday, which dated to May 15, 2015. That was their second-longest streak against any team after a 21-series run against the Boston Red Sox from 1930-33.MJ Melendez tagged the first of the Royals' homers, all of which rode an early October breeze to left field, leading off the second inning. Nick Pratto drove in Dairon Blanco later in the inning to stake Kansas City to a 2-0 lead.Edward Oliveras and Blanco added their home runs off King one batter apart in the fourth inning, and the Royals made it 5-0 in the fifth when Bobby Witt Jr. tripled leading off and Salvador Perez followed with a sacrifice fly.The Yankees got two runs back in the sixth on Isiah Kiner-Falefa's two-out single off Taylor Clarke, but the Kansas City bullpen shut them down the rest of the way.RENDERING JUDGMENTJudge said before the game he's talked with owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman about what could change before next season. Judge also said he supports manager Aaron Boone leading the club.“We have a good group of guys in here. I’m excited to build off what we’ve got here," Judge said, "and if we can add a couple of more pieces down the road this winter, then we’ll be in a good spot.”BOBBY'S BUMMERWitt became the first Royals player in the 30-30 club when he hit his 30th homer in the series opener, but he finished one steal short of becoming the fourth player ever in the 30-50 club. Witt was thrown out trying to steal second Saturday, then picked off first base Sunday, leaving him with 49 steals for the season.HOME ATTENDANCEThe Royals had 1,307,052 attend home games this season, the third-worst total in the majors behind Miami and Oakland. Thanks in part to the pitch clock, and improved pace of play, that total still exceeded their attendance of 1,277,686 last season.UP NEXTThe Yankees play their spring training opener Feb. 24 against Detroit in Lakeland, Florida. The Royals play their spring opener the same day against Texas in Surprise, Arizona.

⚾ Greinke pitches Royals to win over Yankees in what could be his career finale

Anna Marie Kauten, 100, of Norton, KS passed away September 30, 2023 at the Andbe Home in Norton. She was born August 30, 1923 in Norton, KS to Clarence and Hattie (Hill) Thompson in Norton, KS.

Anna grew up in Norton and was a 1941 graduate of Norton Community High School. 

She married Willis Kauten on November 20, 1952 in Norton. To their union, two children were born, Sue and Jim. 

Anna worked as a secretary for the Kansas Department of Transportation in Norton. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Norton, American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, and the Monday Federated Study Club. She enjoyed bowling, reading, loved cats, and truly enjoyed her time outside gardening or working in her yard. Most of all, Anna loved spending time with her family.

Anna is survived by her children: Jim (Patty) Kauten of Norton and Sue (Ed) Stacey of Bentonville, AR; four grandchildren, Brandy Kauten, Logan (Ashley) Kauten, Morgan (Spencer) Reeves, and Josh (Jenna) Stacey; 2 step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willis; twin granddaughters, Kandis and Kayla Kauten and siblings, Ione (Sandy) Jordan, Thelma (Owen) Watkins, Erma (Louie) McDougal, and Harold (Maxine) Thompson.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023 in the Norton Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Public Library or First United Methodist Church of Norton and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. 

Condolences may be left for the family at www.plumergobber.com.

To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29326472&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1696020381.77.0.1696020592.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29326472&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1696020381.77.0.1696020592.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Anna, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29326472&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1696020381.77.0.1696020592.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Anna Marie Kauten, Norton</h2>August 30, 1923 - September 30, 2023Anna Marie Kauten, 100, of Norton, KS passed away September 30, 2023 at the Andbe Home in Norton. She was born August 30, 1923 in Norton, KS to Clarence and Hattie (Hill) Thompson in Norton, KS.Anna grew up in Norton and was a 1941 graduate of Norton Community High School. She married Willis Kauten on November 20, 1952 in Norton. To their union, two children were born, Sue and Jim. Anna worked as a secretary for the Kansas Department of Transportation in Norton. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Norton, American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, and the Monday Federated Study Club. She enjoyed bowling, reading, loved cats, and truly enjoyed her time outside gardening or working in her yard. Most of all, Anna loved spending time with her family.Anna is survived by her children: Jim (Patty) Kauten of Norton and Sue (Ed) Stacey of Bentonville, AR; four grandchildren, Brandy Kauten, Logan (Ashley) Kauten, Morgan (Spencer) Reeves, and Josh (Jenna) Stacey; 2 step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willis; twin granddaughters, Kandis and Kayla Kauten and siblings, Ione (Sandy) Jordan, Thelma (Owen) Watkins, Erma (Louie) McDougal, and Harold (Maxine) Thompson.Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023 in the Norton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Public Library or First United Methodist Church of Norton and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left for the family at www.plumergobber.com.To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29326472&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1696020381.77.0.1696020592.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29326472&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1696020381.77.0.1696020592.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Anna, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=29326472&amp;tag=&amp;tn=V2MSticky|FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1696020381.77.0.1696020592.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

Anna Marie Kauten

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents deleted a quarter-billion dollars Thursday from the extraordinary budget increase sought by public state universities in an effort to prepare a politically credible higher education spending plan for consideration by Gov. Laura Kelly and the 2024 Legislature.

The heavy lift gleaned more than $270 million from budget enhancements envisioned by six universities in the fiscal year starting in July 2024. The higher education system of universities, community colleges and technical colleges was left with a $301 million proposal, with nearly half the amount viewed as one-time allocations.

The amendment process included replacement of a $150 million proposal to supercharge faculty and staff recruiting and retention at research universities in Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita with a miniaturized $10 million initiative that wouldn’t be part of this budget request but would be sought individually through the legislative process. 

An $18 million earmark for the regional universities in Hays, Pittsburg and Emporia was sliced in half rather than discarded.

The budget outline to be submitted to the governor’s office in October would raise university spending by $30 million for building improvement or demolition, $15 million for IT cybersecurity and $7 million for rising operational expenditures. There also would be $14 million for need-based student aid, $9.5 million for student academic success initiatives and $5 million for a rural Kansas education program.

Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents and a Wichita businessman, said the board’s how-sausage-was-made vetting process involved articulation of diverse aspirational proposals and subjected to refinement by the board before inserted into the legislative arena.

“The regents had a vigorous and productive discussion about funding priorities and developed an ask focused on the most impactful projects for Kansas families and businesses,” Rolph said. “We’ve got to hold ourselves accountable. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of Kansas and its communities.”

Board members intend to submit a special request in January for restoration of $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars stripped from $142 million dedicated to the proposed Wichita Biomedical Campus. It is to be operated by Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. The money for the facility was temporarily withdrawn after the 2023 Legislature redirected too many ARPA dollars to other projects.

Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state senator from Lawrence, said the unprioritized $570 million spending hike offered by the 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges for review by the board would be dead on arrival at the Capitol if forwarded without revision.

“I can tell you that many people in the Legislature would look at that and say, ‘What are they thinking?'” Winter said. “I’m concerned that we’re not doing our job by sending over a budget that is $570 million without any indication from us about which of these items are the most important.”

“Most, if not all of that request, would be dismissed. Our advocacy is muted if we send over a budget request that we know is nowhere close to being that which will be funded,” he said.

State lawmakers appropriated slightly more than $1 billion in the current year’s higher education budget. The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor embraced a $220 million increase in spending for higher education. In the previous budget year, the increase in state aid was $162 million. Both were adopted during a period in which the state treasury was flush with surplus tax revenue.

Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, pleaded with the Board of Regents not to discard the $18 million sought by Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and ESU to deal with financial problems associated with stagnant or declining enrollment. PSU president Dan Shipp urged the board to submit a request for $9 million in the upcoming year and seek a second installment of $9 million in the subsequent year for the three universities.

“This is about stabilization,” said Hush, who faces a deep enrollment drop at ESU tied to controversial realignment of academic programs. “Enrollment is declining nationwide. We’ve all talked about it. This is truly about stabilization and the initiatives that we need.”

Hush did win endorsement by the Board of Regents for three budget requests valued at $17 million, with more than half that total tied to state assistance repaying loans for housing and other obligations that no longer could be repaid through fee assessments.

The Board of Regents endorsed funding for the state’s two-year colleges: $14.3 million for business and industry apprenticeships, $10.5 million for technical college operating grants, $6.5 million for IT cybersecurity, $5 million for state aid of technical education capital projects.

Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance at Kansas State University, received approval from the board for $25 million to support new or renovated buildings that would be tied to an agriculture innovation center dedicated to beef, dairy and grain science research and instruction. This appropriation would be set up as a one-to-one match from the private sector. The land-grant university has identified $133 million for the agricultural development project budgeted at $208 million, he said.

Kansas State earned support from the Board of Regents for $5 million in state tax dollars to create a water research institute to tackle quality and quantity challenges. The institute would delve into water scarcity as well as food production and urban planning for benefit of the state, he said.

“We have to do this,” said Marshall Stewart, a senior vice president at KSU. “It’s a top priority for the state of Kansas.”

KU was granted approval for $75 million in state funding for construction of a new regional cancer research and clinical treatment facility on the medical center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. The funding would be matched by private foundations that have expressed interest in supporting the cancer center project, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.

“We believe we’ve got some champions in the Legislature to carry the water on this one,” Girod said.

The cancer center project could cost as much as $500 million, a Board of Regents document said. In June, KU announced a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and allocation of $43 million in federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility.

Wichita State convinced the Board of Regents to endorse a $5 million appeal for support of student retention and workforce development through creation of workplace learning opportunities with businesses that go beyond a traditional internship. WSU officials had sought $10 million for this item.

“I think we should be investing in things that we already know is working,” said WSU president Rick Muma.

Fort Hays State would gain access to $15 million for a nursing workforce development facility for benefit of western Kansas.

Meanwhile, Pittsburg State would receive $5 million in state support to improve science laboratories on campus. The proposal also would collaborate with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on construction of a criminology center on the campus in southeast Kansas. The specific budget request by the KBI for the center hasn’t been made public. In 2015, KBI opened a $55 million forensic science laboratory and classroom facility at Washburn University in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695387001249.png" alt="Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, led colleagues and higher education officials through a discussion Wednesday to reduce requests for $570 million in new state funding to a more palatable amount. The full board is expected to vote Thursday on a unified higher education budget proposal. (Screen capture from the Kansas Board of Regents livestream)" />
 <figcaption>Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, led colleagues and higher education officials through a discussion Wednesday to reduce requests for $570 million in new state funding to a more palatable amount. The full board is expected to vote Thursday on a unified higher education budget proposal. (Screen capture from the Kansas Board of Regents livestream)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents deleted a quarter-billion dollars Thursday from the extraordinary budget increase sought by public state universities in an effort to prepare a politically credible higher education spending plan for consideration by Gov. Laura Kelly and the 2024 Legislature.The heavy lift gleaned more than $270 million from budget enhancements envisioned by six universities in the fiscal year starting in July 2024. The higher education system of universities, community colleges and technical colleges was left with a $301 million proposal, with nearly half the amount viewed as one-time allocations.The amendment process included replacement of a $150 million proposal to supercharge faculty and staff recruiting and retention at research universities in Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita with a miniaturized $10 million initiative that wouldn’t be part of this budget request but would be sought individually through the legislative process. An $18 million earmark for the regional universities in Hays, Pittsburg and Emporia was sliced in half rather than discarded.The budget outline to be submitted to the governor’s office in October would raise university spending by $30 million for building improvement or demolition, $15 million for IT cybersecurity and $7 million for rising operational expenditures. There also would be $14 million for need-based student aid, $9.5 million for student academic success initiatives and $5 million for a rural Kansas education program.Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents and a Wichita businessman, said the board’s how-sausage-was-made vetting process involved articulation of diverse aspirational proposals and subjected to refinement by the board before inserted into the legislative arena.“The regents had a vigorous and productive discussion about funding priorities and developed an ask focused on the most impactful projects for Kansas families and businesses,” Rolph said. “We’ve got to hold ourselves accountable. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of Kansas and its communities.”Board members intend to submit a special request in January for restoration of $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars stripped from $142 million dedicated to the proposed Wichita Biomedical Campus. It is to be operated by Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. The money for the facility was temporarily withdrawn after the 2023 Legislature redirected too many ARPA dollars to other projects.Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state senator from Lawrence, said the unprioritized $570 million spending hike offered by the 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges for review by the board would be dead on arrival at the Capitol if forwarded without revision.“I can tell you that many people in the Legislature would look at that and say, ‘What are they thinking?'” Winter said. “I’m concerned that we’re not doing our job by sending over a budget that is $570 million without any indication from us about which of these items are the most important.”“Most, if not all of that request, would be dismissed. Our advocacy is muted if we send over a budget request that we know is nowhere close to being that which will be funded,” he said.State lawmakers appropriated slightly more than $1 billion in the current year’s higher education budget. The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor embraced a $220 million increase in spending for higher education. In the previous budget year, the increase in state aid was $162 million. Both were adopted during a period in which the state treasury was flush with surplus tax revenue.Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, pleaded with the Board of Regents not to discard the $18 million sought by Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and ESU to deal with financial problems associated with stagnant or declining enrollment. PSU president Dan Shipp urged the board to submit a request for $9 million in the upcoming year and seek a second installment of $9 million in the subsequent year for the three universities.“This is about stabilization,” said Hush, who faces a deep enrollment drop at ESU tied to controversial realignment of academic programs. “Enrollment is declining nationwide. We’ve all talked about it. This is truly about stabilization and the initiatives that we need.”Hush did win endorsement by the Board of Regents for three budget requests valued at $17 million, with more than half that total tied to state assistance repaying loans for housing and other obligations that no longer could be repaid through fee assessments.The Board of Regents endorsed funding for the state’s two-year colleges: $14.3 million for business and industry apprenticeships, $10.5 million for technical college operating grants, $6.5 million for IT cybersecurity, $5 million for state aid of technical education capital projects.Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance at Kansas State University, received approval from the board for $25 million to support new or renovated buildings that would be tied to an agriculture innovation center dedicated to beef, dairy and grain science research and instruction. This appropriation would be set up as a one-to-one match from the private sector. The land-grant university has identified $133 million for the agricultural development project budgeted at $208 million, he said.Kansas State earned support from the Board of Regents for $5 million in state tax dollars to create a water research institute to tackle quality and quantity challenges. The institute would delve into water scarcity as well as food production and urban planning for benefit of the state, he said.“We have to do this,” said Marshall Stewart, a senior vice president at KSU. “It’s a top priority for the state of Kansas.”KU was granted approval for $75 million in state funding for construction of a new regional cancer research and clinical treatment facility on the medical center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. The funding would be matched by private foundations that have expressed interest in supporting the cancer center project, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.“We believe we’ve got some champions in the Legislature to carry the water on this one,” Girod said.The cancer center project could cost as much as $500 million, a Board of Regents document said. In June, KU announced a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and allocation of $43 million in federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility.Wichita State convinced the Board of Regents to endorse a $5 million appeal for support of student retention and workforce development through creation of workplace learning opportunities with businesses that go beyond a traditional internship. WSU officials had sought $10 million for this item.“I think we should be investing in things that we already know is working,” said WSU president Rick Muma.Fort Hays State would gain access to $15 million for a nursing workforce development facility for benefit of western Kansas.Meanwhile, Pittsburg State would receive $5 million in state support to improve science laboratories on campus. The proposal also would collaborate with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on construction of a criminology center on the campus in southeast Kansas. The specific budget request by the KBI for the center hasn’t been made public. In 2015, KBI opened a $55 million forensic science laboratory and classroom facility at Washburn University in Topeka.

Kansas Board of Regents sculpt $300 million plan for boosting state aid to public higher education

Awesome Osborne County events to enjoy in October

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff" target="_blank">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open with little time to spare after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal.

The package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against" target="_blank">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2" target="_blank">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.

After chaotic days of turmoil in the House, Speaker Kevin McCarthy abruptly abandoned demands for steep spending cuts from his right flank and instead relied on Democrats to pass the bill, at risk to his own job. The Senate followed with final passage closing a whirlwind day at the Capitol.

“This is good news for the American people,” Biden said in a statement.

He also said the United States “cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted” and expected McCarthy “will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment.”

It’s been a sudden head-spinning turn of events in Congress ahead of the midnight funding deadline after grueling days in the House pushed the government to the brink of a disruptive federal shutdown.

The outcome ends, for now, the threat of a shutdown, but the reprieve may be short-lived. Congress will again need to fund the government in coming weeks risking a crisis as views are hardening, particularly among the right-flank lawmakers whose demands were ultimately swept aside this time in favor of a more bipartisan approach.

“We’re going to do our job,” McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.”

If no deal was in place before Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5" target="_blank">federal workers would have faced furloughs</a>, more than 2 million active-duty and reserve military troops would have had to work without pay and programs and services that Americans rely on from coast to coast would have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c" target="_blank">begun to face shutdown disruptions</a>.

“It has been a day full of twists and turns, but the American people can breathe a sigh of relief: There will be no government shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The package funds government at current 2023 levels until mid-November, and also extends other provisions, including for the Federal Aviation Administration. The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting. Senate passage came by an 88-9 vote.&nbsp;Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voted in favor of the measure along with Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall voted against the bill.

But the loss of Ukraine aid was devastating for lawmakers of both parties vowing to support President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3" target="_blank">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;after his recent Washington visit. The Senate bill included $6 billion for Ukraine, and both chambers came to a standstill Saturday as lawmakers assessed their options.

“The American people deserve better,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, warning in a lengthy floor speech that “extreme” Republicans were risking a shutdown.

For the House package to be approved, McCarthy was forced to rely on Democrats because the speaker’s hard-right flank has said it will oppose any short-term funding measure, denying him the votes needed from his slim majority. It’s a move that is sure to intensify calls for his ouster.

After leaving the conservative holdouts behind, McCarthy is almost certain to be facing a motion to try to remove him from office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker. Most Republicans voted for the package Saturday while 90 opposed.

“If somebody wants to remove me because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” McCarthy said of the threat to oust him. “But I think this country is too important.”

The White House was tracking the developments on Capitol Hill and aides were briefing the president, who was spending the weekend in Washington.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who has championed Ukraine aid despite resistance from his own ranks, is expected to keep pursuing U.S. support for Kyiv in the fight against Russia.

“I have agreed to keep fighting for more economic and security aid for Ukraine,” McConnell, R-Ky., said before the vote.

Late at night, the Senate stalled when Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., held up the vote, seeking assurances Ukraine funds would be reconsidered.

“I know important moments are like this, for the United States, to lead the rest of the world,” Bennet said, noting his mother was born in Poland in 1938 and survived the Holocaust. “We can’t fail.”

The House’s quick pivot comes after the collapse Friday of McCarthy’s earlier plan to pass a Republican-only bill with steep spending cuts up to 30% to most government agencies and strict border provisions that the White House and Democrats rejected as too extreme. A faction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-votes-mccarthy-gop-caucus-gaetz-585c82607c00c2cfc45768faff6e1cda" target="_blank">21 hard-right Republican holdouts</a>&nbsp;opposed it.

“Our options are slipping away every minute,” said one senior Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.

The federal government had been heading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff" target="_blank">straight into a shutdown</a>&nbsp;that posed grave uncertainty for federal workers in states all across America and the people who depend on them — from troops to border control agents to office workers, scientists and others.

Families that rely on Head Start for children, food benefits and countless other programs large and small were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c" target="_blank">confronting potential interruptions or outright closures</a>. At the airports, Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers had been expected to work without pay, but travelers could have faced delays in updating their U.S. passports or other travel documents.

The White House has brushed aside McCarthy’s overtures to meet with Biden after the speaker walked away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053#:~:text=Washington%20News-,Biden%20signs%20debt%20ceiling%20bill%20that%20pulls,from%20brink%20of%20unprecedented%20default&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20With%20just,on%20the%20federal%20government's%20debt." target="_blank">debt deal</a>&nbsp;they brokered earlier this year that set budget levels.

Catering to his hard-right flank, McCarthy had made multiple concessions including returning to the spending limits the conservatives demanded back in January as part of the deal-making to help him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15" target="_blank">become the House speaker</a>.

But it was not enough as the conservatives insisted the House follow regular rules, and debate and approve each of the 12 separate spending bills needed to fund the government agencies, typically a months-long process. In the Senate, all the no votes against the package came from Republicans.

McCarthy’s chief Republican critic, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, has warned he will file a motion calling a vote to oust the speaker.

Some of the Republican holdouts, including Gaetz, are allies of former President Donald Trump, who is Biden’s chief rival in the 2024 race. Trump has been encouraging the Republicans to fight hard for their priorities and even to “shut it down.”

At an early closed-door meeting at the Capitol, several House Republicans, particularly those facing tough reelections next year, urged their colleagues to find a way to prevent a shutdown.

“All of us have a responsibility to lead and to govern,” said Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York.

The lone House Democrat to vote against the package, Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said, “Protecting Ukraine is in our national interest.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696162456881.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff" target="_blank">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open with little time to spare after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal.The package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against" target="_blank">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2" target="_blank">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tonight, Congress voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans. This is good news, but I want to be clear: we should never have been in this position in the first place. <a href="https://t.co/U28kaX11Rq">pic.twitter.com/U28kaX11Rq</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1708290185505419283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After chaotic days of turmoil in the House, Speaker Kevin McCarthy abruptly abandoned demands for steep spending cuts from his right flank and instead relied on Democrats to pass the bill, at risk to his own job. The Senate followed with final passage closing a whirlwind day at the Capitol.“This is good news for the American people,” Biden said in a statement.He also said the United States “cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted” and expected McCarthy “will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment.”It’s been a sudden head-spinning turn of events in Congress ahead of the midnight funding deadline after grueling days in the House pushed the government to the brink of a disruptive federal shutdown.The outcome ends, for now, the threat of a shutdown, but the reprieve may be short-lived. Congress will again need to fund the government in coming weeks risking a crisis as views are hardening, particularly among the right-flank lawmakers whose demands were ultimately swept aside this time in favor of a more bipartisan approach.“We’re going to do our job,” McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.”If no deal was in place before Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5" target="_blank">federal workers would have faced furloughs</a>, more than 2 million active-duty and reserve military troops would have had to work without pay and programs and services that Americans rely on from coast to coast would have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c" target="_blank">begun to face shutdown disruptions</a>.“It has been a day full of twists and turns, but the American people can breathe a sigh of relief: There will be no government shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.The package funds government at current 2023 levels until mid-November, and also extends other provisions, including for the Federal Aviation Administration. The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting. Senate passage came by an 88-9 vote.&nbsp;Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voted in favor of the measure along with Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall voted against the bill.But the loss of Ukraine aid was devastating for lawmakers of both parties vowing to support President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3" target="_blank">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;after his recent Washington visit. The Senate bill included $6 billion for Ukraine, and both chambers came to a standstill Saturday as lawmakers assessed their options.“The American people deserve better,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, warning in a lengthy floor speech that “extreme” Republicans were risking a shutdown.For the House package to be approved, McCarthy was forced to rely on Democrats because the speaker’s hard-right flank has said it will oppose any short-term funding measure, denying him the votes needed from his slim majority. It’s a move that is sure to intensify calls for his ouster.After leaving the conservative holdouts behind, McCarthy is almost certain to be facing a motion to try to remove him from office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker. Most Republicans voted for the package Saturday while 90 opposed.“If somebody wants to remove me because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” McCarthy said of the threat to oust him. “But I think this country is too important.”The White House was tracking the developments on Capitol Hill and aides were briefing the president, who was spending the weekend in Washington.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who has championed Ukraine aid despite resistance from his own ranks, is expected to keep pursuing U.S. support for Kyiv in the fight against Russia.“I have agreed to keep fighting for more economic and security aid for Ukraine,” McConnell, R-Ky., said before the vote.Late at night, the Senate stalled when Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., held up the vote, seeking assurances Ukraine funds would be reconsidered.“I know important moments are like this, for the United States, to lead the rest of the world,” Bennet said, noting his mother was born in Poland in 1938 and survived the Holocaust. “We can’t fail.”The House’s quick pivot comes after the collapse Friday of McCarthy’s earlier plan to pass a Republican-only bill with steep spending cuts up to 30% to most government agencies and strict border provisions that the White House and Democrats rejected as too extreme. A faction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-votes-mccarthy-gop-caucus-gaetz-585c82607c00c2cfc45768faff6e1cda" target="_blank">21 hard-right Republican holdouts</a>&nbsp;opposed it.“Our options are slipping away every minute,” said one senior Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.The federal government had been heading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff" target="_blank">straight into a shutdown</a>&nbsp;that posed grave uncertainty for federal workers in states all across America and the people who depend on them — from troops to border control agents to office workers, scientists and others.Families that rely on Head Start for children, food benefits and countless other programs large and small were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c" target="_blank">confronting potential interruptions or outright closures</a>. At the airports, Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers had been expected to work without pay, but travelers could have faced delays in updating their U.S. passports or other travel documents.The White House has brushed aside McCarthy’s overtures to meet with Biden after the speaker walked away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053#:~:text=Washington%20News-,Biden%20signs%20debt%20ceiling%20bill%20that%20pulls,from%20brink%20of%20unprecedented%20default&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20With%20just,on%20the%20federal%20government's%20debt." target="_blank">debt deal</a>&nbsp;they brokered earlier this year that set budget levels.Catering to his hard-right flank, McCarthy had made multiple concessions including returning to the spending limits the conservatives demanded back in January as part of the deal-making to help him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15" target="_blank">become the House speaker</a>.But it was not enough as the conservatives insisted the House follow regular rules, and debate and approve each of the 12 separate spending bills needed to fund the government agencies, typically a months-long process. In the Senate, all the no votes against the package came from Republicans.McCarthy’s chief Republican critic, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, has warned he will file a motion calling a vote to oust the speaker.Some of the Republican holdouts, including Gaetz, are allies of former President Donald Trump, who is Biden’s chief rival in the 2024 race. Trump has been encouraging the Republicans to fight hard for their priorities and even to “shut it down.”At an early closed-door meeting at the Capitol, several House Republicans, particularly those facing tough reelections next year, urged their colleagues to find a way to prevent a shutdown.“All of us have a responsibility to lead and to govern,” said Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York.The lone House Democrat to vote against the package, Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said, “Protecting Ukraine is in our national interest.”<h2>___</h2>

Biden signs bill to keep government funded through Nov. 17

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The New York Yankees clinched their 31st straight winning season by beating the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

They'd rather be clinching something more important.

But the chances of that evaporated long ago, when the Yankees scuffled so badly through the middle part of the season that many wondered whether they would finish with a losing record. With a 5-2 victory in which Frankie Montas got the win out of the bullpen in his season debut, the second-longest streak in major league history at least remained intact.

“I mean, we're going home tomorrow. That's inevitably kind of the takeaway from our season,” countered Yankees manager Aaron Boone, whose club has finished strong after floundering six games below .500 last month. "We expect to be playing in October and the fact that we're not going to be doing that beyond tomorrow is tough."

So much for celebrating a feel-good, come-from-behind win over the Royals.

Montas had surgery on his labrum in late February and spent all season working his way back, even though he will be a free agent after the season and easily could have called it a year. But the long hours of rehab work paid off when Montas walked out of the bullpen and proceeded to retire four hitters while allowing two hits and a walk.

“So many emotions going on,” he said after his first big league appearance since last October's AL Championship Series opener. “It was just like my first time pitching.”

Montas earned the win thanks in part to Gleyber Torres, who drove in a pair of runs during a three-run sixth inning. Oswaldo Cabrera, Everson Pereira and Estevan Florial also drove in runs for New York.

Clay Holmes pitched a perfect ninth for his 24th save in 27 chances.

“You know,” Boone said, “we've been through a lot this year and I'm super, super pleased with how these guys have shown up and continued to get after it day-in and day-out. I'm glad we're finishing this way, and playing with purpose, and playing with meaning, because that wasn't always the case."

Alec Marsh (3-9) replaced opener Steven Cruz and allowed three runs, six hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings for Kansas City, which fell to 55-106 and matched the 2005 team for the most losses in a season in club history.

“I think it was just, maybe, the end of the season and trying to hype up that last outing, go out there and try to do too much,” Marsh said. “I did make some good pitches in some good times in big situations to limit. It could have been a lot worse.”

The Royals, who got their first 10 batters on base and score nine runs in a 12-5 rout the previous night, got off to another hot start on a steamy final night of September. Garcia opened the game with a single and later scored on Nelson Velázquez's single, and Salvador Perez added a homer in the third to give Kansas City a 3-0 lead.

The Yankees got two runs back against Marsh in the fourth before tying the game in the sixth on Florial's single. Collin Snider proceeded to walk DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Judge before Torres ripped a two-run single to give New York the final margin.

The Yankees' Carlos Rodón and pitching coach Matt Blake spent time talking Saturday after clashing on the mound the previous night. Rodón was in the midst of allowing all eight batters he faced to reach and eventually score in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-royals-new-york-kansas-city-baseball-08a05d99dcd3e0be19eee2a6c499ec4c">a 12-5 loss</a>&nbsp;when Blake came out to talk to him. Rodón turned his back on Blake and gestured for him to return to the dugout.

“He’s been in the league for a while. We want him to go out and have a lot of success and behave in the right ways,” Blake said Saturday, “and you know, this is one were going to look back on and wish we had back.”

The Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. was thrown out trying to steal second, tying Atlanta's Ronald Acuna Jr. for the major league lead with 14. Witt needs one steal to become the fourth player in big league history with 50 in a season with at least 30 homers.

Yankees: To reinstate Montas (shoulder inflammation) from the injured list, OF Jasson Domínguez (elbow surgery) was moved to the 60-day list and RHP Randy Vásquez optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Royals OF Drew Waters left after the third inning with tightness in his left quad. He doubled in his only at-bat. ... Velázquez left the game after fouling a pitch a pitch off the top of his knee.

Yankees RHP Michael King (4-7, 2.50 ERA) will start the season finale against Royals RHP Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.18), who could be making his last start with Kansas City. The 39-year-old Greinke will be a free agent after finishing his 20th big league season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696127858563.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) celebrates with Nelson Velazquez, left, after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) celebrates with Nelson Velazquez, left, after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The New York Yankees clinched their 31st straight winning season by beating the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.They'd rather be clinching something more important.Like a playoff spot.But the chances of that evaporated long ago, when the Yankees scuffled so badly through the middle part of the season that many wondered whether they would finish with a losing record. With a 5-2 victory in which Frankie Montas got the win out of the bullpen in his season debut, the second-longest streak in major league history at least remained intact.“I mean, we're going home tomorrow. That's inevitably kind of the takeaway from our season,” countered Yankees manager Aaron Boone, whose club has finished strong after floundering six games below .500 last month. "We expect to be playing in October and the fact that we're not going to be doing that beyond tomorrow is tough."So much for celebrating a feel-good, come-from-behind win over the Royals.Montas had surgery on his labrum in late February and spent all season working his way back, even though he will be a free agent after the season and easily could have called it a year. But the long hours of rehab work paid off when Montas walked out of the bullpen and proceeded to retire four hitters while allowing two hits and a walk.“So many emotions going on,” he said after his first big league appearance since last October's AL Championship Series opener. “It was just like my first time pitching.”Montas earned the win thanks in part to Gleyber Torres, who drove in a pair of runs during a three-run sixth inning. Oswaldo Cabrera, Everson Pereira and Estevan Florial also drove in runs for New York.Clay Holmes pitched a perfect ninth for his 24th save in 27 chances.“You know,” Boone said, “we've been through a lot this year and I'm super, super pleased with how these guys have shown up and continued to get after it day-in and day-out. I'm glad we're finishing this way, and playing with purpose, and playing with meaning, because that wasn't always the case."Alec Marsh (3-9) replaced opener Steven Cruz and allowed three runs, six hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings for Kansas City, which fell to 55-106 and matched the 2005 team for the most losses in a season in club history.“I think it was just, maybe, the end of the season and trying to hype up that last outing, go out there and try to do too much,” Marsh said. “I did make some good pitches in some good times in big situations to limit. It could have been a lot worse.”The Royals, who got their first 10 batters on base and score nine runs in a 12-5 rout the previous night, got off to another hot start on a steamy final night of September. Garcia opened the game with a single and later scored on Nelson Velázquez's single, and Salvador Perez added a homer in the third to give Kansas City a 3-0 lead.The Yankees got two runs back against Marsh in the fourth before tying the game in the sixth on Florial's single. Collin Snider proceeded to walk DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Judge before Torres ripped a two-run single to give New York the final margin.SMOOTHING THINGS OVERThe Yankees' Carlos Rodón and pitching coach Matt Blake spent time talking Saturday after clashing on the mound the previous night. Rodón was in the midst of allowing all eight batters he faced to reach and eventually score in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-royals-new-york-kansas-city-baseball-08a05d99dcd3e0be19eee2a6c499ec4c">a 12-5 loss</a>&nbsp;when Blake came out to talk to him. Rodón turned his back on Blake and gestured for him to return to the dugout.“He’s been in the league for a while. We want him to go out and have a lot of success and behave in the right ways,” Blake said Saturday, “and you know, this is one were going to look back on and wish we had back.”ONE MORE SWIPE NEEDEDThe Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. was thrown out trying to steal second, tying Atlanta's Ronald Acuna Jr. for the major league lead with 14. Witt needs one steal to become the fourth player in big league history with 50 in a season with at least 30 homers.ROSTER MOVESYankees: To reinstate Montas (shoulder inflammation) from the injured list, OF Jasson Domínguez (elbow surgery) was moved to the 60-day list and RHP Randy Vásquez optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals OF Drew Waters left after the third inning with tightness in his left quad. He doubled in his only at-bat. ... Velázquez left the game after fouling a pitch a pitch off the top of his knee.UP NEXTYankees RHP Michael King (4-7, 2.50 ERA) will start the season finale against Royals RHP Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.18), who could be making his last start with Kansas City. The 39-year-old Greinke will be a free agent after finishing his 20th big league season.

⚾ Yankees clinch 31st straight winning season with victory over Royals

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday hours before a midnight deadline as Congress approved a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open and sent the measure to President Joe Biden to become law.

The rushed package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.

He also said the United States “cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted" and expected McCarthy "will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment."

It’s been a sudden head-spinning turn of events in Congress after days of House chaos pushed the government to the brink of a disruptive federal shutdown.

The outcome ends, for now, the threat of a shutdown, but the reprieve may be short lived. Congress will again need to fund the government in coming weeks risking a crisis as views are hardening, particularly among the right-flank lawmakers whose demands were ultimately swept aside this time in favor of a more bipartisan approach.

If no deal was in place before Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5">federal workers would have faced furloughs</a>, more than 2 million active-duty and reserve military troops would have had to work without pay and programs and services that Americans rely on from coast to coast would have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c">begun to face shutdown disruptions</a>.

“It has been a day full of twists and turns, but the American people can breathe a sigh of relief: There will be no government shutdown," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

But the loss of Ukraine aid was devastating for lawmakers of both parties vowing to support President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;after his recent Washington visit. The Senate bill included $6 billion for Ukraine, and both chambers came to a standstill Saturday as lawmakers assessed their options.

"The American people deserve better," said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, warning in a lengthy floor speech that “extreme" Republicans were risking a shutdown.

For the House package to be approved, McCarthy, R-Calif., was forced to rely on Democrats because the speaker's hard-right flank has said it will oppose any short-term funding measure, denying him the votes needed from his slim majority. It's a move that risks his job amid calls for his ouster.

After leaving his the conservative holdouts behind, McCarthy is almost certain to be facing a motion to try to remove from office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker. Most Republicans voted for the package Saturday while 90 opposed.

"If somebody wants to remove me because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” McCarthy said of the threat to oust him. “But I think this country is too important.”

"I have agreed to keep fighting for more economic and security aid for Ukraine,” McConnell, R-Ky., said before the vote.

Late at night, the Senate came to a standstill when Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., held up the vote, seeking assurances Ukraine funds would be reconsidered.

The House's quick pivot comes after the collapse Friday of McCarthy's earlier plan to pass a Republican-only bill with steep spending cuts up to 30% to most government agencies that the White House and Democrats rejected as too extreme.

"Our options are slipping away every minute,” said one senior Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.

The federal government was heading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">straight into a shutdown</a>&nbsp;that posed grave uncertainty for federal workers in states all across America and the people who depend on them — from troops to border control agents to office workers, scientists and others.

Families that rely on Head Start for children, food benefits and countless other programs large and small were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c">confronting potential interruptions or outright closures</a>. At the airports, Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers are expected to work without pay, but travelers could face delays in updating their U.S. passports or other travel documents.

An earlier McCarthy plan to keep the government open collapsed Friday due to opposition from a faction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-votes-mccarthy-gop-caucus-gaetz-585c82607c00c2cfc45768faff6e1cda">21 hard-right holdouts</a>&nbsp;despite steep spending cuts of nearly 30% to many agencies and severe border security provisions.

The White House has brushed aside McCarthy's overtures to meet with Biden after the speaker walked away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053#:~:text=Washington%20News-,Biden%20signs%20debt%20ceiling%20bill%20that%20pulls,from%20brink%20of%20unprecedented%20default&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20With%20just,on%20the%20federal%20government's%20debt.">debt deal</a>&nbsp;they brokered earlier this year that set budget levels.

Catering to his hard-right flank, McCarthy had made multiple concessions including returning to the spending limits the conservatives demanded back in January as part of the deal-making to help him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">become the House speaker</a>.

But it was not enough as the right flank insisted the House follow regular rules, and debate and approve each of the 12 separate spending bills needed to fund the government agencies, typically a months-long process.

Some of the Republican holdouts, including Gaetz, are allies of former President Donald Trump, who is Biden's chief rival in the 2024 race. Trump has been encouraging the Republicans to fight hard for their priorities and even to “shut it down.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696122590629.png" alt="“We’re going to do our job,” House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.” photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>“We’re going to do our job,” House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.” photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday hours before a midnight deadline as Congress approved a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open and sent the measure to President Joe Biden to become law.The rushed package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.After chaotic days of turmoil in the House, Speaker Kevin McCarthy abruptly abandoned demands for steep spending cuts from his right flank and instead relied on Democrats to pass the bill, at risk to his own job. The Senate followed with final passage closing a whirlwind day at the Capitol.“This is good news for the American people,” Biden said in a statement.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tonight, Congress voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans. This is good news, but I want to be clear: we should never have been in this position in the first place. <a href="https://t.co/U28kaX11Rq">pic.twitter.com/U28kaX11Rq</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1708290185505419283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He also said the United States “cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted" and expected McCarthy "will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment."It’s been a sudden head-spinning turn of events in Congress after days of House chaos pushed the government to the brink of a disruptive federal shutdown.The outcome ends, for now, the threat of a shutdown, but the reprieve may be short lived. Congress will again need to fund the government in coming weeks risking a crisis as views are hardening, particularly among the right-flank lawmakers whose demands were ultimately swept aside this time in favor of a more bipartisan approach.“We’re going to do our job,” McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.”If no deal was in place before Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5">federal workers would have faced furloughs</a>, more than 2 million active-duty and reserve military troops would have had to work without pay and programs and services that Americans rely on from coast to coast would have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c">begun to face shutdown disruptions</a>.“It has been a day full of twists and turns, but the American people can breathe a sigh of relief: There will be no government shutdown," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.The package funds government at current 2023 levels until mid-November, and also extends other provisions, including for the Federal Aviation Administration. The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting. Senate passage came by an 88-9 vote.&nbsp;Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voted in favor of the measure along with Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall voted against the bill.But the loss of Ukraine aid was devastating for lawmakers of both parties vowing to support President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;after his recent Washington visit. The Senate bill included $6 billion for Ukraine, and both chambers came to a standstill Saturday as lawmakers assessed their options."The American people deserve better," said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, warning in a lengthy floor speech that “extreme" Republicans were risking a shutdown.For the House package to be approved, McCarthy, R-Calif., was forced to rely on Democrats because the speaker's hard-right flank has said it will oppose any short-term funding measure, denying him the votes needed from his slim majority. It's a move that risks his job amid calls for his ouster.After leaving his the conservative holdouts behind, McCarthy is almost certain to be facing a motion to try to remove from office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker. Most Republicans voted for the package Saturday while 90 opposed."If somebody wants to remove me because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” McCarthy said of the threat to oust him. “But I think this country is too important.”The White House was tracking the developments on Capitol Hill and aides were briefing the president, who was spending the weekend in Washington.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who has championed Ukraine aid despite resistance from his own ranks, is expected to keep pursuing U.S. support for Kyiv in the fight against Russia."I have agreed to keep fighting for more economic and security aid for Ukraine,” McConnell, R-Ky., said before the vote.Late at night, the Senate came to a standstill when Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., held up the vote, seeking assurances Ukraine funds would be reconsidered.“I know important moments are like this, for the United States, to lead the rest of the world,” Bennet said, noting his mother was born in Poland in 1938 and survived the Holocaust. “We can’t fail.”The House's quick pivot comes after the collapse Friday of McCarthy's earlier plan to pass a Republican-only bill with steep spending cuts up to 30% to most government agencies that the White House and Democrats rejected as too extreme."Our options are slipping away every minute,” said one senior Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.The federal government was heading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">straight into a shutdown</a>&nbsp;that posed grave uncertainty for federal workers in states all across America and the people who depend on them — from troops to border control agents to office workers, scientists and others.Families that rely on Head Start for children, food benefits and countless other programs large and small were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c">confronting potential interruptions or outright closures</a>. At the airports, Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers are expected to work without pay, but travelers could face delays in updating their U.S. passports or other travel documents.An earlier McCarthy plan to keep the government open collapsed Friday due to opposition from a faction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-votes-mccarthy-gop-caucus-gaetz-585c82607c00c2cfc45768faff6e1cda">21 hard-right holdouts</a>&nbsp;despite steep spending cuts of nearly 30% to many agencies and severe border security provisions.The White House has brushed aside McCarthy's overtures to meet with Biden after the speaker walked away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053#:~:text=Washington%20News-,Biden%20signs%20debt%20ceiling%20bill%20that%20pulls,from%20brink%20of%20unprecedented%20default&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20With%20just,on%20the%20federal%20government's%20debt.">debt deal</a>&nbsp;they brokered earlier this year that set budget levels.Catering to his hard-right flank, McCarthy had made multiple concessions including returning to the spending limits the conservatives demanded back in January as part of the deal-making to help him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">become the House speaker</a>.But it was not enough as the right flank insisted the House follow regular rules, and debate and approve each of the 12 separate spending bills needed to fund the government agencies, typically a months-long process.McCarthy’s chief Republican critic, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, has warned he will file a motion calling a vote to oust the speaker.Some of the Republican holdouts, including Gaetz, are allies of former President Donald Trump, who is Biden's chief rival in the 2024 race. Trump has been encouraging the Republicans to fight hard for their priorities and even to “shut it down.”At an early closed-door meeting at the Capitol, several House Republicans, particularly those facing tough reelections next year, urged their colleagues to find a way to prevent a shutdown.“All of us have a responsibility to lead and to govern,” said Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York.The lone House Democrat to vote against the package, Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said, “Protecting Ukraine is in our national interest.”

Congress averts government shutdown passing short-term funding bill

Fort Hays State (2-2, 1-2 MIAA) vs.&nbsp;Lincoln (0-4) Saturday, September 30 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State will take on Lincoln University in the annual Homecoming football game on Saturday night at Lewis Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. It is a non-conference game this year as Lincoln moves to the Great Lakes Valley Conference next year. FHSU enters the game at 2-2, while Lincoln is 0-4.

Fort Hays State is 7-4 in head coach Chris Brown's&nbsp;tenure on Homecoming. The Tigers won six straight Homecoming games from 2015 to 2021 until the streak was snapped last year at the hands of Washburn. All seven wins have been against different opponents and this is the first time the Tigers are playing Lincoln for Homecoming on Brown's watch.

FHSU holds a 10-2 advantage in the all-time series with Lincoln. FHSU has won nine straight games against LU going back to the 1985 season. FHSU went 6-0 against Lincoln in MIAA play from 2011 to 2022.

FHSU won last year's meeting between the teams in Jefferson City by a score of 51-14. After the Blue Tigers scored the game's first touchdown in the first quarter, FHSU reeled off 48 straight points before Lincoln scored again with about nine minutes remaining in the game. FHSU has scored at least 50 points against Lincoln in the last three meetings, including 72 in a shutout win the last time the teams met in Hays (2021).

Though Lincoln is playing all but one MIAA team this year (Pittsburg State), they are a non-conference game for all schools in the conference. The Blue Tigers have not won a game since the 2019 season when they defeated Northeastern State at home on October 19. Lincoln has dropped 31 straight contests since. Lincoln will still be a conference opponent for all MIAA schools in every other sport it competes in this year except for football.

For FHSU on offense, Jack Dawson&nbsp;has thrown for 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He averages 257 passing yards per game and has went past the 250-yard mark in three of four games this season. Trevor Watts and Jayden Horace&nbsp;are tied for the team lead in receiving yards with 243 each, and Horace is tied with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/bryson-smith/7640">Bryson Smith</a>&nbsp;for the most receiving touchdowns each with three.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/travis-dixon/7511">Travis Dixon</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers in rushing with 119 yards for the season.

On the defensive side of the ball, John Johnson&nbsp;leads the Tigers in tackles with 31. He and fellow inside linebacker Makel Williams&nbsp;have combined for 59 tackles this season and rank first and second in tackles on the team. Jason Wallace&nbsp;has a team-high 2.0 sacks, while Myles Menges and Parrish Terry&nbsp;are tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with 3.0 each. Williams is the team leader in interceptions with two. The team has seven interceptions for the season, which ties for eighth-most in NCAA Division II.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695928678429.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (2-2, 1-2 MIAA) vs.&nbsp;Lincoln (0-4) Saturday, September 30 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State will take on Lincoln University in the annual Homecoming football game on Saturday night at Lewis Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. It is a non-conference game this year as Lincoln moves to the Great Lakes Valley Conference next year. FHSU enters the game at 2-2, while Lincoln is 0-4.Fort Hays State is 7-4 in head coach Chris Brown's&nbsp;tenure on Homecoming. The Tigers won six straight Homecoming games from 2015 to 2021 until the streak was snapped last year at the hands of Washburn. All seven wins have been against different opponents and this is the first time the Tigers are playing Lincoln for Homecoming on Brown's watch.FHSU holds a 10-2 advantage in the all-time series with Lincoln. FHSU has won nine straight games against LU going back to the 1985 season. FHSU went 6-0 against Lincoln in MIAA play from 2011 to 2022.FHSU won last year's meeting between the teams in Jefferson City by a score of 51-14. After the Blue Tigers scored the game's first touchdown in the first quarter, FHSU reeled off 48 straight points before Lincoln scored again with about nine minutes remaining in the game. FHSU has scored at least 50 points against Lincoln in the last three meetings, including 72 in a shutout win the last time the teams met in Hays (2021).Though Lincoln is playing all but one MIAA team this year (Pittsburg State), they are a non-conference game for all schools in the conference. The Blue Tigers have not won a game since the 2019 season when they defeated Northeastern State at home on October 19. Lincoln has dropped 31 straight contests since. Lincoln will still be a conference opponent for all MIAA schools in every other sport it competes in this year except for football.For FHSU on offense, Jack Dawson&nbsp;has thrown for 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He averages 257 passing yards per game and has went past the 250-yard mark in three of four games this season. Trevor Watts and Jayden Horace&nbsp;are tied for the team lead in receiving yards with 243 each, and Horace is tied with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/bryson-smith/7640">Bryson Smith</a>&nbsp;for the most receiving touchdowns each with three.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/travis-dixon/7511">Travis Dixon</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers in rushing with 119 yards for the season.On the defensive side of the ball, John Johnson&nbsp;leads the Tigers in tackles with 31. He and fellow inside linebacker Makel Williams&nbsp;have combined for 59 tackles this season and rank first and second in tackles on the team. Jason Wallace&nbsp;has a team-high 2.0 sacks, while Myles Menges and Parrish Terry&nbsp;are tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with 3.0 each. Williams is the team leader in interceptions with two. The team has seven interceptions for the season, which ties for eighth-most in NCAA Division II.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎙️ LISTEN - FHSU hosts Lincoln for Homecoming

MILFORD LAKE - The Hays High boys and girls cross country teams both finished third at the Bob Schmoeckel Invitational hosted by Junction City at Milford Lake. Hays returned with 11 total medalists between the varsity and junior varsity races.

Elijah McCullough was the boys individual champ, pacing the field at 16:40.80. Taevian Maupin finished 10th. Freshman Logan Leiker medaled at 19th.

McCullough won the race by nearly three seconds.

The girls were led by Arely Maldonado in 6th place with a 19:53. Three more runners medaled. Julia Zadina placed 14th, Brenlynn Albers 15th and Addison Otte 20th.

Salina Central's Katelyn Rupe won the race in a course record time of 17:05.90. She won by a full minute ahead her own teammate.

The Indians will next compete in the Salina Central Invitational held at Bill Burk Park on Saturday, October 7th.

Hays PostMILFORD LAKE - The Hays High boys and girls cross country teams both finished third at the Bob Schmoeckel Invitational hosted by Junction City at Milford Lake. Hays returned with 11 total medalists between the varsity and junior varsity races.Elijah McCullough was the boys individual champ, pacing the field at 16:40.80. Taevian Maupin finished 10th. Freshman Logan Leiker medaled at 19th.McCullough won the race by nearly three seconds.The girls were led by Arely Maldonado in 6th place with a 19:53. Three more runners medaled. Julia Zadina placed 14th, Brenlynn Albers 15th and Addison Otte 20th.Salina Central's Katelyn Rupe won the race in a course record time of 17:05.90. She won by a full minute ahead her own teammate.The Indians will next compete in the Salina Central Invitational held at Bill Burk Park on Saturday, October 7th.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Hays High cross country third, McCullough champion

Richard "Dick" Romig Sheets, 99, of Leoti, Kansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 28, 2023. He was born on March 11, 1924, in Topeka, Kansas to Edvin and Hazel Sheets.

Dick was a loving husband to his late wife, Rosamary, who passed away March 8, 2020. She truly was the love of his life as evidenced by the suitcase of love letters they each wrote to each other before they married and have saved throughout the years. &nbsp;

Dick was a devoted father to his children and is survived by; son, Scott Sheets and his wife Vicki of Brewster, Kansas, daughter, Becky Miller and her husband Richard of Leoti, Kansas, daughter, Peggy Wolken and her husband Dan of Gravette, Arkansas, and son, Ted Sheets and his wife Brenda from Poteau, Oklahoma. He took great joy in his role as a grandfather to Sondra (Jeff) Brown of Riverton, Wyoming, Beau (Tara) Sheets of Riverton, Wyoming, and Tad Sheets of Woodward, Oklahoma, Drew (Rachel) Miller of Lakin, Kansas and Lindsey Miller of Dallas, Texas, Jessica Wolken of Gravette, Arkansas and Spenser (Maura) Wolken of Knoxville, Tennessee, Colton (Holly) Sheets of Houston, Texas, and Lucas Sheets of Austin, Texas. Dick had 13 great-grandchildren, Jaylee, Macee and Blaine Brown of Riverton, Wyoming; Kamdyn, Ty, Clay, Kynnedy and Karsyn Sheets of Riverton, Wyoming; Emma, Kate, Luke and James Miller of Lakin, KS; and Frances Ann Sheets of Houston, Texas.

Dick is also survived by his sisters, Dorothy Ann Streeter of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Virginia Lee Fryer of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and his brother, Scott Sheets of Los Molinos, California.

Dick had a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to sharing his love for Christ with others. He lived his life as an example of that love, always pointing people towards Christ. &nbsp;He was an original member of Christ Covenant EPC Church in Leoti. &nbsp;He and Rosamary served in the church for many years.

Dick enlisted in the Army Air Corps right after his high school graduation and was trained and served as a pilot and flight instructor in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He was known for his skill in aerobatics and his passion for flying which he continued after his service to his country.&nbsp;

Dick loved to golf and he and his wife, Rosamary, were regulars on the golf course in Leoti. &nbsp;They enjoyed many hours together and with friends on the course. &nbsp;He and his beloved Rosamary also cherished the time they would spend at their son Scott’s ranch near Brewster, Kansas. &nbsp;They were quite handy and took enormous pride in checking and fixing the miles and miles of fence.&nbsp;

Another one of Dick's favorite pastimes was spending time in the Sangre de Cristo mountains above Westcliffe, Colorado. He always found solace and peace in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature's beauty. He also loved to sit for hours on the prairie of western Kansas calling in coyotes.&nbsp;

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Covenant Church in Leoti, Kansas. The Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Leoti is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family is immensely grateful and deeply appreciative of the exceptional attention and support provided to dick by the exceptional staff of Wichita County Long term care, as well as the previous care he received at Lakin Assisted Living.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Christ Covenant Church in Leoti, Kansas or Wichita County long Term Care &nbsp;c/o Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 202 N. 4th &nbsp;Street, Leoti, KS 67861, in memory of Dick Sheets. 

His legacy of faith and love will continue to inspire those who knew him.

To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/be57efa3-2901-47bd-89f6-8c52ea17e532" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Sheets, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/be57efa3-2901-47bd-89f6-8c52ea17e532" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Richard Sheets, Leoti</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696090314507.jpeg" alt="Richard Sheets" />
 <figcaption>Richard Sheets</figcaption>
 </figure>March 11, 1924 - September 28, 2023Richard "Dick" Romig Sheets, 99, of Leoti, Kansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 28, 2023. He was born on March 11, 1924, in Topeka, Kansas to Edvin and Hazel Sheets.Dick was a loving husband to his late wife, Rosamary, who passed away March 8, 2020. She truly was the love of his life as evidenced by the suitcase of love letters they each wrote to each other before they married and have saved throughout the years. &nbsp;Dick was a devoted father to his children and is survived by; son, Scott Sheets and his wife Vicki of Brewster, Kansas, daughter, Becky Miller and her husband Richard of Leoti, Kansas, daughter, Peggy Wolken and her husband Dan of Gravette, Arkansas, and son, Ted Sheets and his wife Brenda from Poteau, Oklahoma. He took great joy in his role as a grandfather to Sondra (Jeff) Brown of Riverton, Wyoming, Beau (Tara) Sheets of Riverton, Wyoming, and Tad Sheets of Woodward, Oklahoma, Drew (Rachel) Miller of Lakin, Kansas and Lindsey Miller of Dallas, Texas, Jessica Wolken of Gravette, Arkansas and Spenser (Maura) Wolken of Knoxville, Tennessee, Colton (Holly) Sheets of Houston, Texas, and Lucas Sheets of Austin, Texas. Dick had 13 great-grandchildren, Jaylee, Macee and Blaine Brown of Riverton, Wyoming; Kamdyn, Ty, Clay, Kynnedy and Karsyn Sheets of Riverton, Wyoming; Emma, Kate, Luke and James Miller of Lakin, KS; and Frances Ann Sheets of Houston, Texas.Dick is also survived by his sisters, Dorothy Ann Streeter of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Virginia Lee Fryer of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and his brother, Scott Sheets of Los Molinos, California.Dick had a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to sharing his love for Christ with others. He lived his life as an example of that love, always pointing people towards Christ. &nbsp;He was an original member of Christ Covenant EPC Church in Leoti. &nbsp;He and Rosamary served in the church for many years.Dick enlisted in the Army Air Corps right after his high school graduation and was trained and served as a pilot and flight instructor in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He was known for his skill in aerobatics and his passion for flying which he continued after his service to his country.&nbsp;Dick loved to golf and he and his wife, Rosamary, were regulars on the golf course in Leoti. &nbsp;They enjoyed many hours together and with friends on the course. &nbsp;He and his beloved Rosamary also cherished the time they would spend at their son Scott’s ranch near Brewster, Kansas. &nbsp;They were quite handy and took enormous pride in checking and fixing the miles and miles of fence.&nbsp;Another one of Dick's favorite pastimes was spending time in the Sangre de Cristo mountains above Westcliffe, Colorado. He always found solace and peace in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature's beauty. He also loved to sit for hours on the prairie of western Kansas calling in coyotes.&nbsp;A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Covenant Church in Leoti, Kansas. The Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Leoti is assisting the family with the arrangements.The family is immensely grateful and deeply appreciative of the exceptional attention and support provided to dick by the exceptional staff of Wichita County Long term care, as well as the previous care he received at Lakin Assisted Living.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Christ Covenant Church in Leoti, Kansas or Wichita County long Term Care &nbsp;c/o Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 202 N. 4th &nbsp;Street, Leoti, KS 67861, in memory of Dick Sheets. His legacy of faith and love will continue to inspire those who knew him.To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/be57efa3-2901-47bd-89f6-8c52ea17e532" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Sheets, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/be57efa3-2901-47bd-89f6-8c52ea17e532" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Richard Sheets

The Coyotes play McPherson in their final game against teams from the Kessinger Division on Saturday. Kickoff is 1 p.m. on Bissell Field at JRI Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.

Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary</a>

Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM

The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2.">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2.</a>

Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at 5:00 p.m.

KWU has won the last eight games including a 14-12 victory last season in McPherson. The Coyotes averaged 43.6 points in the seven games before last season's defensive duel. They have a 16-6 advantage since the 2001 season.. It's the 100th all-time meeting between the teams. KWU leads the all-time series 58-37-4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696089570140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Coyotes play McPherson in their final game against teams from the Kessinger Division on Saturday. Kickoff is 1 p.m. on Bissell Field at JRI Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.<h2>LIVE COVERAGE</h2>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary</a>Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FMThe online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2.">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2.</a>Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at 5:00 p.m.<h2>RECORDS</h2>Kansas Wesleyan 3-2.McPherson 4-1<h2>THE SERIES</h2>KWU has won the last eight games including a 14-12 victory last season in McPherson. The Coyotes averaged 43.6 points in the seven games before last season's defensive duel. They have a 16-6 advantage since the 2001 season.. It's the 100th all-time meeting between the teams. KWU leads the all-time series 58-37-4.<h2>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE</h2>The Coyotes enter the game having won their last two - 35-28 over McPherson two weeks ago at JRI Stadium and 24-14 over Bethel last week in North Newton. They scored 17 points in the second quarter against Bethel, led 17-14 at intermission and held the Threshers scoreless in the second half.The offense has come around the last two weeks after a slow start. Quarterback Richard Lara was 28 of 42 passing (66.7 percent) for 340 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the two contests. He had a huge game against Bethel going 19 of 29 for 232 yards and three touchdowns.Nick Allsman is the top rusher on the season with 239 yards on 61 carries and two touchdowns. Tyler Boston has 204 yards on 57 tries and one touchdown. Rhadarious Lomax-Spivey has a team-best eight receptions while Luke Armstrong and Boston each have seven.Defense has been KWU's forte. Opponents are averaging 17.2 points, 287 total yards - 157.2 passing and 129.8 rushing. The Coyotes have forced 11 turnovers, six fumbles and five interceptions.Placekicker Talon Cope has been superb. He has made three of four field goals - the longest from 45 yards out last week - and is perfect on 13 extra point attempts.<h2>McPHERSON AT A GLANCE</h2>The Bulldogs have been a surprise this season. They have won their last two games - 60-17 over Ottawa in Ottawa and 42-21 versus Avila last week in McPherson. The loss was to Saint Mary 36-32 September 9 in McPherson. They're 2-0 on the road this season.McPherson's offense has been outstanding. The Bulldogs are averaging 43.8 points and 473.6 total yards that includes 289.4 passing.Junior quarterback Tristan Szabo has had a hot hand through five games, completing 56 percent of his passes for 1,407 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has 179 yards rushing three more scores. Traven Lewis-Johnson and Alex Hill are the top receivers - Lewis-Johnson 19 receptions for 389 yards and Hill 15 for 209 yards. Each has four touchdowns.Linebacker Marquis Willoughby has a team-best 49 tackles that include 6.5 for loss and has an interception. Nehemiah Figueroa has four interceptions. Opponents average 24.4 points and 333.6 yards.The Bulldogs were 5-5 in last season but three of the losses were by one point along with the two-point setback against KWU.<h2>KWU COACH MATT MYERS</h2>"The defenses that we're playing are statistically very good so it's good to see the (offense) go out and perform. (The line) is not blowing assignments up front, we're taking care of the ball and we're protecting the quarterback. (McPherson) is going to drop back and pass 25, 30 times. We just need to make sure the quarterback is uncomfortable as possible and that relates to condensing the pocket which takes all the guys up front. (McPherson) is certainly tough, coach (Jeremiah) Fiscus does an excellent job down there. They have a very dynamic offense, honestly, and are very good at what they do. We expect a lot of shifts and motions and we need to make sure we're prepared. It will be a big challenge and we look forward to it."<h2>NEXT WEEK</h2>The Coyotes and the entire Kansas Conference are idle October 7. Play resumes with a full slate of games October 14; KWU plays Bissell Division rival Avila at 1 p.m. in Kansas City, Missouri.