For the month of February 2025, the Ellis Police Department responded to 95 calls for service, conducted 57 traffic stops, and issued 3 traffic citations. 1 out of the 3 citations were due to speeding. The alleged speed was 9 miles per over the limit. The other citations were issued due to either suspended driving privileges, no driver’s license, or expired registrations and insurance.

The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in 3 adult arrests.

The following adults were arrested in February by the Ellis Police Department:

On 02/04/2025, Alfred Walls was arrested on suspicion of Felony Theft. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

On 02/04/2025, Guadalupe Walls was arrested on suspicion of Felony Theft. She was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

On 02/08/2025, Corinne Karlin was arrested on suspicion of Domestic Battery and Criminal Restraint. She was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

The Ellis Police Department is hiring for the position of Police Officer! (entry or lateral transfer) If you have any questions or want to obtain an application, you can either email me directly at asmith@cityofellisks.gov or visit the City’s Website at www.ellis.ks.us/contact-us/ and scroll to the employment opportunities section. The City of Ellis is an equal opportunity employer that offers great benefits including KPERS and medical insurance!

In February 2025, Ellis City Council passed ordinance 1499, allowing the operation of golf carts on city streets. To read the full text of the ordinance and view an example of the inspection sheet, you can go to the web address below and scroll to the bottom of the page.

The Clerk's Office has temporary tags available until the permanent tags are in. Please call dispatch at (785) 625-1011 or our office at (785) 726-4462 to see if an officer is available to assist you. If we are busy or tied up on another call, we will get back to you as soon as possible! If you call the office and we don't answer, please leave a voicemail. If you don't receive a return call within an hour, please call dispatch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741891150509.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>For the month of February 2025, the Ellis Police Department responded to 95 calls for service, conducted 57 traffic stops, and issued 3 traffic citations. 1 out of the 3 citations were due to speeding. The alleged speed was 9 miles per over the limit. The other citations were issued due to either suspended driving privileges, no driver’s license, or expired registrations and insurance.The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in 3 adult arrests.The following adults were arrested in February by the Ellis Police Department:On 02/04/2025, Alfred Walls was arrested on suspicion of Felony Theft. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.On 02/04/2025, Guadalupe Walls was arrested on suspicion of Felony Theft. She was booked into the Ellis County Jail.On 02/08/2025, Corinne Karlin was arrested on suspicion of Domestic Battery and Criminal Restraint. She was booked into the Ellis County Jail.All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.The Ellis Police Department is hiring for the position of Police Officer! (entry or lateral transfer) If you have any questions or want to obtain an application, you can either email me directly at asmith@cityofellisks.gov or visit the City’s Website at www.ellis.ks.us/contact-us/ and scroll to the employment opportunities section. The City of Ellis is an equal opportunity employer that offers great benefits including KPERS and medical insurance!In February 2025, Ellis City Council passed ordinance 1499, allowing the operation of golf carts on city streets. To read the full text of the ordinance and view an example of the inspection sheet, you can go to the web address below and scroll to the bottom of the page.https://ellis.ks.us/city-government/The Clerk's Office has temporary tags available until the permanent tags are in. Please call dispatch at (785) 625-1011 or our office at (785) 726-4462 to see if an officer is available to assist you. If we are busy or tied up on another call, we will get back to you as soon as possible! If you call the office and we don't answer, please leave a voicemail. If you don't receive a return call within an hour, please call dispatch.Thank you all for your support!-Chief Smith

Ellis Police Department February 2025 Activity Report

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Nearly all of western Kansas, including Ellis County, is in a Red Flag Warning today, issued by the National Weather Service in Dodge City.

The warning is for 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday as high wind and low relative humidity combine for critical fire conditions.

Southerly wind gusts of up to 45 mph are predicted with a temperature reaching up to 79 degrees in Hays.

As of March 11, the most recent weekly drought monitor shows nearly all of Ellis County in moderate drought. The very southwest corner of the county is abnormally dry.&nbsp;

Hays has received&nbsp;1.71 inches of precipitation so far this year, according to the official record at the K-State Agricultural Research Center. The 158-year&nbsp; accumulative average precipitation is 2.46 inches by the end of March.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741881115459.png" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostNearly all of western Kansas, including Ellis County, is in a Red Flag Warning today, issued by the National Weather Service in Dodge City.The warning is for 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday as high wind and low relative humidity combine for critical fire conditions.Southerly wind gusts of up to 45 mph are predicted with a temperature reaching up to 79 degrees in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741880208025.jpeg" alt="U.S. Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure>As of March 11, the most recent weekly drought monitor shows nearly all of Ellis County in moderate drought. The very southwest corner of the county is abnormally dry.&nbsp;Hays has received&nbsp;1.71 inches of precipitation so far this year, according to the official record at the K-State Agricultural Research Center. The 158-year&nbsp; accumulative average precipitation is 2.46 inches by the end of March.

Ellis County, western Kansas under Red Flag Warning today

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

<a href="https://hpmhc.com/">High Plains Mental Health Center</a> broke ground Tuesday on a Crisis Intervention Center, which will be in the east wing of the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St., in downtown Hays.

Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains, said Tuesday the center will likely be the first of its kind in the state. The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services only made the Crisis Intervention Center licensing available this summer.

The Crisis Intervention Center will offer 22 patient rooms and two de-escalation rooms, with overflow capacity available to accommodate peak demand times.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a5c9e74d-b3c6-4fb3-90f3-c8624667c609">SEE RELATED STORY: High Plains announces new Crisis Intervention Center; launches fundraising campaign</a>

Patients will stay an average of three days for&nbsp;mental health crises regardless of specific mental health diagnoses.

The center is meant to alleviate the wait list at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;

Involuntary patients sometimes wait days at local emergency departments or with law enforcement until they can be transferred to Larned.

Those people waiting for long-term beds will be able to come to the center and begin treatment, Poe said in an email to the Hays Post.

"Ideally, these patients will be stabilized at the [Crisis Intervention Center] and not require additional inpatient treatment. However, if they require ongoing inpatient treatment, they will be transferred to [Larned State Hospital] when a bed becomes available," Poe said.

The facility is expected to serve at least 500 clients annually and will be the closest option for residents in 28 western Kansas counties.

"This will be a place where healing and hope will be offered to those in need at their most vulnerable moments," Poe said at the groundbreaking.

The Schwaller Center, founded in Hays in 2002, has been able to accept four voluntary patients. However, the new center will also be able to accept involuntary patients, detox patients or patients who have medical needs.

"Law enforcement or a concerned citizen can bring somebody and say, 'This person is a danger to themselves or others, and they need some help,'" he said.

The clinical team would then validate that person's need to be admitted.

"It's going to be so impactful for the community because we can provide that involuntary care. We've all been in some type of experience with someone in a mental health crisis, and they aren't likely to say, 'I want help,'" Poe said.

Poe said some of these patients might be able to resolve their crises and not have to stay in a state hospital.

"Adding that to this community and the surrounding area is huge," he said.

The functions of the Schwaller Center will be absorbed by the Crisis Intervention Center.

KVC used the third floor of the Hadley Center for youth psychiatric treatment, but the space was not configured for that purpose. The children's services have been moved to a renovated center at 3000 New Way Blvd., which is now known as Camber.

Benito Rivera-Madrid, center project manager, said the space, which has been taken down to the walls, is being reconfigured for use as a psychiatric treatment facility to ensure the safety, comfort and dignity of the people who will be treated at the new facility.

Large single rooms will be divided into two smaller individual rooms for privacy and to encourage patients to interact in a larger community space being cleared in the center of the facility.

The facility will be secure with one or two security guards. Involuntary patients will enter the facility through a separate secure and private intake area and elevator on the north side of the building,&nbsp;Rivera-Madrid said.

Fifty direct jobs will be added within the Crisis Intervention Center, and the center will account for millions of dollars in economic impact on the community, Poe said.

The total construction cost for the center remodeling project is $5,435,496, covering building construction, design fees, furniture, safety features, technology setup and labor.

The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Service has committed $1.38 million, leaving a remaining balance of $4,055,496, which will need to be covered through other funding sources, including private donations.

"Unfortunately, we don't have two or three years," James Gerstner, High Plains development director, said of the fundraising. "There are a lot of people in very serious life-threatening challenges all of the time."

The state funds are contingent on the center opening by the end of 2025.

High Plains has launched a capital campaign to raise the remaining funds needed for the project. The campaign includes Founding Contributors, who will receive special recognition at the finished center.

Founding Contributor contributions start at $500.&nbsp;Gerstner said there are naming rights available.

Gerstner said pledges that could be paid over several years also will be accepted.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://hpmhc.com/giving">hpmhc.com/giving</a>&nbsp;to get started today, and watch social media for updates and other upcoming opportunities. Contributions can also be sent by paper mail to 208 E. Seventh St., Hays, KS 67601.

For more information, contact development officer James Gerstner at 785-628-2871.

"We really need this space to provide the right therapeutic care for the right people much, much closer to home," Gerstner said.

"Unfortunately, in our area, when someone is in a mental health or substance abuse crisis, they often end up in emergency rooms, or they end up in jail cells. Neither is the place to get therapeutic treatment.&nbsp;

"It sounds a little callous, but that is a drain on hospital resources. That is a drain on law enforcement resources. We can do it in a much better and much more therapeutic way, much closer to home, so someone doesn't have to drive to Larned or Wichita or Kansas City."

High Plains Mental Health is also hosting the <a href="https://auctria.events/masqueradeonmain">Masquerade on Main</a> fundraiser at 6 p.m. May 31 at The Strand in Hays. Tickets are $50. You can also donate directly to High Plains from the event page.

All funds from this event this year will go toward the center project.

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, dial 911, 988 for the national crisis hotline or 1-800-432-0333 for the High Plains 24/7 crisis line.

Call High Plains at 785-628-2871 to find the service location closest to you. Visit the mental health center's website at <a href="https://hpmhc.com/">hpmhc.com</a>&nbsp;or follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HighPlainsMentalHealth">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741807844496.jpeg" alt="Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, ceremonially takes a swing into a wall set to be demolished on the third floor of the Hadley Center in Hays. The space is being renovated into a Crisis Intervention Center Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, ceremonially takes a swing into a wall set to be demolished on the third floor of the Hadley Center in Hays. The space is being renovated into a Crisis Intervention Center Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post<a href="https://hpmhc.com/">High Plains Mental Health Center</a> broke ground Tuesday on a Crisis Intervention Center, which will be in the east wing of the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St., in downtown Hays.Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains, said Tuesday the center will likely be the first of its kind in the state. The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services only made the Crisis Intervention Center licensing available this summer.The Crisis Intervention Center will offer 22 patient rooms and two de-escalation rooms, with overflow capacity available to accommodate peak demand times.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a5c9e74d-b3c6-4fb3-90f3-c8624667c609">SEE RELATED STORY: High Plains announces new Crisis Intervention Center; launches fundraising campaign</a>Patients will stay an average of three days for&nbsp;mental health crises regardless of specific mental health diagnoses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741807883431.jpeg" alt="The High Plains Mental Health and construction team had a ceremonial wall breaking as a project to renovate the east wing of the Hadley Center into a 22-bed Crisis Intervention Center kicked off Tuesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The High Plains Mental Health and construction team had a ceremonial wall breaking as a project to renovate the east wing of the Hadley Center into a 22-bed Crisis Intervention Center kicked off Tuesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The center is meant to alleviate the wait list at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;Involuntary patients sometimes wait days at local emergency departments or with law enforcement until they can be transferred to Larned.Those people waiting for long-term beds will be able to come to the center and begin treatment, Poe said in an email to the Hays Post."Ideally, these patients will be stabilized at the [Crisis Intervention Center] and not require additional inpatient treatment. However, if they require ongoing inpatient treatment, they will be transferred to [Larned State Hospital] when a bed becomes available," Poe said.The facility is expected to serve at least 500 clients annually and will be the closest option for residents in 28 western Kansas counties."This will be a place where healing and hope will be offered to those in need at their most vulnerable moments," Poe said at the groundbreaking.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YrvPagNrjwE?si=Vou9eFhHd_lMGQYS" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Schwaller Center, founded in Hays in 2002, has been able to accept four voluntary patients. However, the new center will also be able to accept involuntary patients, detox patients or patients who have medical needs."Law enforcement or a concerned citizen can bring somebody and say, 'This person is a danger to themselves or others, and they need some help,'" he said.The clinical team would then validate that person's need to be admitted."It's going to be so impactful for the community because we can provide that involuntary care. We've all been in some type of experience with someone in a mental health crisis, and they aren't likely to say, 'I want help,'" Poe said.Poe said some of these patients might be able to resolve their crises and not have to stay in a state hospital."Adding that to this community and the surrounding area is huge," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741807919383.jpeg" alt="These rooms will be renovated into two smaller rooms for the Crisis Intervention Center. The single rooms are meant to be more private and encourage patients to stay in public areas where they can have more social interaction. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>These rooms will be renovated into two smaller rooms for the Crisis Intervention Center. The single rooms are meant to be more private and encourage patients to stay in public areas where they can have more social interaction. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The functions of the Schwaller Center will be absorbed by the Crisis Intervention Center.KVC used the third floor of the Hadley Center for youth psychiatric treatment, but the space was not configured for that purpose. The children's services have been moved to a renovated center at 3000 New Way Blvd., which is now known as Camber.Benito Rivera-Madrid, center project manager, said the space, which has been taken down to the walls, is being reconfigured for use as a psychiatric treatment facility to ensure the safety, comfort and dignity of the people who will be treated at the new facility.Large single rooms will be divided into two smaller individual rooms for privacy and to encourage patients to interact in a larger community space being cleared in the center of the facility.The facility will be secure with one or two security guards. Involuntary patients will enter the facility through a separate secure and private intake area and elevator on the north side of the building,&nbsp;Rivera-Madrid said.Fifty direct jobs will be added within the Crisis Intervention Center, and the center will account for millions of dollars in economic impact on the community, Poe said.The total construction cost for the center remodeling project is $5,435,496, covering building construction, design fees, furniture, safety features, technology setup and labor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741807947530.jpeg" alt="Demolition has already started on the $5.4 million Crisis Intervention Center. A large community area will encompass this area and the rooms to the north. A wall will be removed to create more open space. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Demolition has already started on the $5.4 million Crisis Intervention Center. A large community area will encompass this area and the rooms to the north. A wall will be removed to create more open space. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Service has committed $1.38 million, leaving a remaining balance of $4,055,496, which will need to be covered through other funding sources, including private donations."Unfortunately, we don't have two or three years," James Gerstner, High Plains development director, said of the fundraising. "There are a lot of people in very serious life-threatening challenges all of the time."The state funds are contingent on the center opening by the end of 2025.High Plains has launched a capital campaign to raise the remaining funds needed for the project. The campaign includes Founding Contributors, who will receive special recognition at the finished center.Founding Contributor contributions start at $500.&nbsp;Gerstner said there are naming rights available.Gerstner said pledges that could be paid over several years also will be accepted.Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://hpmhc.com/giving">hpmhc.com/giving</a>&nbsp;to get started today, and watch social media for updates and other upcoming opportunities. Contributions can also be sent by paper mail to 208 E. Seventh St., Hays, KS 67601.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741807979285.jpeg" alt="Craig Poe,&nbsp;executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, and Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO of the Chamber in Hays, at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for High Plains' new Crisis Intervention Center in Hays. The center will be the nearest facility of its kind for 28 western counties. High Plains needs to raise $4 million to complete the center's renovations." />
 <figcaption>Craig Poe,&nbsp;executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, and Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO of the Chamber in Hays, at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for High Plains' new Crisis Intervention Center in Hays. The center will be the nearest facility of its kind for 28 western counties. High Plains needs to raise $4 million to complete the center's renovations.</figcaption>
 </figure>For more information, contact development officer James Gerstner at 785-628-2871."We really need this space to provide the right therapeutic care for the right people much, much closer to home," Gerstner said."Unfortunately, in our area, when someone is in a mental health or substance abuse crisis, they often end up in emergency rooms, or they end up in jail cells. Neither is the place to get therapeutic treatment.&nbsp;"It sounds a little callous, but that is a drain on hospital resources. That is a drain on law enforcement resources. We can do it in a much better and much more therapeutic way, much closer to home, so someone doesn't have to drive to Larned or Wichita or Kansas City."High Plains Mental Health is also hosting the <a href="https://auctria.events/masqueradeonmain">Masquerade on Main</a> fundraiser at 6 p.m. May 31 at The Strand in Hays. Tickets are $50. You can also donate directly to High Plains from the event page.All funds from this event this year will go toward the center project.If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, dial 911, 988 for the national crisis hotline or 1-800-432-0333 for the High Plains 24/7 crisis line.Call High Plains at 785-628-2871 to find the service location closest to you. Visit the mental health center's website at <a href="https://hpmhc.com/">hpmhc.com</a>&nbsp;or follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HighPlainsMentalHealth">Facebook</a>.

High Plains Mental Health breaks ground on Crisis Intervention Center

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

EMPORIA - Hays High opened their first appearance at the KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament since 1996 with a game against St. Thomas Aquinas. The trip was short lived as the Indians fall 51-48.

The Saints jumped out to a 10-2 lead over the first six minutes of the game. Hays scored hit a three in the final minute of the first quarter that sparked an 11-0 run that gave the Indians a lead at 13-10 with 4:35 left in the second quarter.

Hays pushed their lead up to eight at 21-13 with ninety seconds left before halftime. Aquinas ended those ninety seconds with a 6-2 spurt which included their only field goal of the second quarter as time expired. Hays took a 23-19 lead into halftime.

Hays quickly built their lead back to eight at the beginning of the third quarter at 27-19. The Indians were quickly saddled with foul trouble. Over the next three minutes the Saints went on an 11-0 run to regain the lead at 30-27. The two teams traded blows over the remaining three minutes of the quarter and settled on a 38 all tie heading to the fourth.

Each team possessed the lead in the fourth. Hays led 45-43 and 48-46 but each time the Saints answered on their next possession. The final points for Hays came with 2:15 left in the game. Aquinas scored just three, but it was enough for the victory.

Hays got one last opportunity with seven second remaining but couldn't get a clean look away to tie the game falling 51-48.

Jenna Schmeidler 18; Katie Linenberger 3; Molly Martin 21; Kenlee Winter 0; Zoe Winter 3; Annie Humphrey 2; Morgan Armbruster 0; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 0; Molly Buckles 1.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostEMPORIA - Hays High opened their first appearance at the KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament since 1996 with a game against St. Thomas Aquinas. The trip was short lived as the Indians fall 51-48.The Saints jumped out to a 10-2 lead over the first six minutes of the game. Hays scored hit a three in the final minute of the first quarter that sparked an 11-0 run that gave the Indians a lead at 13-10 with 4:35 left in the second quarter.Hays pushed their lead up to eight at 21-13 with ninety seconds left before halftime. Aquinas ended those ninety seconds with a 6-2 spurt which included their only field goal of the second quarter as time expired. Hays took a 23-19 lead into halftime.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2052865176&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/3-12-25-hhs-wbkb-highlights-v" title="3-12-25 HHS WBKB Highlights v. St. Thomas Aquinas" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">3-12-25 HHS WBKB Highlights v. St. Thomas Aquinas</a></div></div>Hays quickly built their lead back to eight at the beginning of the third quarter at 27-19. The Indians were quickly saddled with foul trouble. Over the next three minutes the Saints went on an 11-0 run to regain the lead at 30-27. The two teams traded blows over the remaining three minutes of the quarter and settled on a 38 all tie heading to the fourth.Each team possessed the lead in the fourth. Hays led 45-43 and 48-46 but each time the Saints answered on their next possession. The final points for Hays came with 2:15 left in the game. Aquinas scored just three, but it was enough for the victory.Hays got one last opportunity with seven second remaining but couldn't get a clean look away to tie the game falling 51-48.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2052876528&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/3-12-25-hhs-wbkb-coach" title="3-12-25 HHS WBKB Coach Interview v. St. Thomas Aquinas" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">3-12-25 HHS WBKB Coach Interview v. St. Thomas Aquinas</a></div></div>Jenna Schmeidler 18; Katie Linenberger 3; Molly Martin 21; Kenlee Winter 0; Zoe Winter 3; Annie Humphrey 2; Morgan Armbruster 0; Kinslee Newell 0; Riley Dreher 0; Molly Buckles 1.

🏀 Hays High season ends with loss to Aquinas

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, Family and Community Wellness extension agent in the Cottonwood District, and Micki Armstrong of "A Different Mindset" about the March 22 fundraiser, "A Rock 'n' Roll Night to Remember."

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: &quot;A Rock 'n' Roll Night to Remember&quot;" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=wye96-183d825-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, Family and Community Wellness extension agent in the Cottonwood District, and Micki Armstrong of "A Different Mindset" about the March 22 fundraiser, "A Rock 'n' Roll Night to Remember."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741966079393.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Post Podcast: "A Rock 'n' Roll Night to Remember"

This will be a very busy week in the Senate Ways and Means committee. We will try to have a budget bill completed by Thursday for staff to assemble and print.

Legislation passed in the last few days: SB 33 would authorize the sales tax exemption provided for in continuing law for sales of the services of slaughtering, butchering, custom cutting, dressing, processing, or packaging of an animal for the customer’s own use or consumption to be claimed without a requirement that exemption certificates or forms be provided by the purchaser or collected or maintained by the seller.

SB 137 would amend the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act to permit firearms forfeited under the Act to be sold or transferred to a properly licensed federal firearms dealer.

The Senate took a unanimous stand in support of closing a loophole in Kansas laws regarding child support by passing SB237. The bill would require courts to consider the value of a qualified retirement account in determination of child support orders and eliminate the exemption of such accounts from claims to collect child support.

HB 2261 would add majors of the highway patrol as being unclassified service under the Kansas Civil Service Act. The bill also would provide permanent status for a person returning to a classified KHP position at the end of a term in an unclassified KHP position.

Last week the Senate also voted to confirm Steven Anderson to the Office of Inspector General.

The Kansas Senate voted to adopt SCR 1604, a resolution calling for the Convention of States. Under article 5 of the United States Constitution, a Convention of States may be called to propose amendments to the United States constitution. It takes thirty-four ratifying identical resolutions to call for such a convention, 38 states to ratify any amendments emerging from that convention. So far, 19 states have adopted a version of SCR1604, which calls for a convention “limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of congress.”

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at&nbsp;545-S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA March 10, 2025This will be a very busy week in the Senate Ways and Means committee. We will try to have a budget bill completed by Thursday for staff to assemble and print.Legislation passed in the last few days: SB 33 would authorize the sales tax exemption provided for in continuing law for sales of the services of slaughtering, butchering, custom cutting, dressing, processing, or packaging of an animal for the customer’s own use or consumption to be claimed without a requirement that exemption certificates or forms be provided by the purchaser or collected or maintained by the seller.SB 137 would amend the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act to permit firearms forfeited under the Act to be sold or transferred to a properly licensed federal firearms dealer.The Senate took a unanimous stand in support of closing a loophole in Kansas laws regarding child support by passing SB237. The bill would require courts to consider the value of a qualified retirement account in determination of child support orders and eliminate the exemption of such accounts from claims to collect child support.HB 2261 would add majors of the highway patrol as being unclassified service under the Kansas Civil Service Act. The bill also would provide permanent status for a person returning to a classified KHP position at the end of a term in an unclassified KHP position.Last week the Senate also voted to confirm Steven Anderson to the Office of Inspector General.The Kansas Senate voted to adopt SCR 1604, a resolution calling for the Convention of States. Under article 5 of the United States Constitution, a Convention of States may be called to propose amendments to the United States constitution. It takes thirty-four ratifying identical resolutions to call for such a convention, 38 states to ratify any amendments emerging from that convention. So far, 19 states have adopted a version of SCR1604, which calls for a convention “limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of congress.”I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at&nbsp;545-S.

BILLILNGER: Senate Update March 10, 2025

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Jeff Leiker of "The Morning Blend" talks with Dr. Terry Crull,&nbsp;assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at Fort Hays State University about Thursday's concert.

The choirs of Fort Hays State University will present their Spring Choral Concert&nbsp;with a concert theme of "FOLK, JAZZ, &amp; POP"&nbsp;Thursday, March 13, in the&nbsp;Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m.

The Concert Choir of 55 voices and the Fort Hays Singers&nbsp;of 20 voices will both appear, singing a wide variety of choral&nbsp;titles. Also, there will be selections by the Smoky Hill Chorale.

All choirs are conducted by Dr. Terry Crull and&nbsp;accompanied by Pam McGowne.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Free spring concert presented by FHSU choirs Thursday evening" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=zh8nk-183974a-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Jeff Leiker of "The Morning Blend" talks with Dr. Terry Crull,&nbsp;assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at Fort Hays State University about Thursday's concert.The choirs of Fort Hays State University will present their Spring Choral Concert&nbsp;with a concert theme of "FOLK, JAZZ, &amp; POP"&nbsp;Thursday, March 13, in the&nbsp;Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m.Admission is free.&nbsp;The Concert Choir of 55 voices and the Fort Hays Singers&nbsp;of 20 voices will both appear, singing a wide variety of choral&nbsp;titles. Also, there will be selections by the Smoky Hill Chorale.All choirs are conducted by Dr. Terry Crull and&nbsp;accompanied by Pam McGowne.&nbsp;

🎙Free spring concert presented by FHSU choirs tonight

Editor's note: Updated at 7:38 a.m.

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

One of the items discussed at length during the recent <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/909306ea-6223-4960-bd5f-99c19bb83817">Hays City Commission retreat</a> was the proposal for increasing city employee pay to at least $20 an hour.

Commissioner Reese Barrick said he was 'pretty passionate' about it.

During an earlier city work session, Barrick suggested the city should lead the way and encouraged local businesses to follow.

“If we want a community where everyone can participate and put money back into the community by shopping everywhere, then we have to pay people enough so they can participate. We can take care of the poverty level. It’s really a wage thing,” Barrick said at the recent work session.

A recent <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17290ca2-a64d-4482-aecd-213534370fcd">poverty analysis </a>showed Hays has the highest poverty rate in the multi-county region at 18%.&nbsp;

According to the United Way of Ellis County, another 23% were classified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE. These households are above the federal poverty level but cannot afford their county's basic cost of living, said Erica Berges, local executive director. They do not qualify for public assistance.

"Forty percent of our Ellis County population is living paycheck to paycheck," Barrick said during the March 1 retreat.&nbsp; "If we want people to live and stay in Hays, that's ($20 an hour) the bare minimum. It's a gross annual wage of $41,600.

"If we want the rest of the city to do it, we should do it. ...&nbsp;

"This would also mean better mental health for our residents when they're not stressed about what bill is coming up next.

"This is feasible, and I think it's the right thing to do," Barrick said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e533b2e3-4579-4f87-a183-e605e9b45f54">Phillip Gage, a sergeant in the Hays police department, commented on Commissioner Reese Barrick' at a November city meeting.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7e6275e6-d3b6-4d59-bb6c-f2505d0a65ca">LETTER: Response to City Commissioner Barrick's statement on business wages</a>

Information provided by Erin Giebler, director of human resources, shows 20 of Hays' 183 full-time employees make less than $20 an hour, with wages ranging from $17.52 to $19.89 an hour.

The lower starting wage positions are in the offices of account clerk (finance), records clerk (police/courts), AP clerk (finance), administrative assistant (multiple), maintenance worker (multiple), plant operator (water resources), mechanic (public works), and community service officer (police).

Total compensation is not figured in the pay amount.

Giebler outlined four options for adjusting pay plans, each with pros and cons.

The increased cost would range from a high of more than $2 million annually if all 183 full-time employees' pay were increased by the same amount/percentage to a low annual cost of $85,000 if pay were adjusted only for those 20 employees making less than $20 an hour.

Giebler recommended option three, which would pay those who qualify $20 an hour and make minor adjustments to other employees' pay if necessary. The total annual cost would be $204,000.

"When we have done pay plan adjustments in the past, we used option three. ... While not always the popular choice among employees, it is the choice that helps reach $20 and is sustainable now and in the future," Giebler wrote in her information for commissioners.&nbsp;

She noted the changes would cause compression between pay raises and within pay ranges. 

"Employees not given a pay increase may not feel they're being treated fairly,"&nbsp;Giebler said.

"I'll deal with some grumbling of those who did not get a raise," said City Manager Toby Dougherty.

"We need to look at the total compensation package," said Mayor Sandy Jacobs, who ultimately declared herself against the proposal. "This is hard for me.

"You need to look at our vacation and sick leave policies," Jacobs said. "We offer a pretty good package. I think we're a great employer with good salaries and benefits.

Barrick said, "I love our total compensation package, but you're not able to spend all that at the store."

SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/de90d95b-f6d4-4373-af24-b2c751449c21">Podcast: Poverty issue solution more complex than just minimum wage</a>

Dougherty said the city has sometimes had difficulty hiring people for the lower paid positions.&nbsp;

"Would other businesses follow our lead?" asked Alaina Cunningham, commissioner. She said HaysMed recently increased its base pay for some positions to $14 an hour from $12 an hour.

"They may or may not," Barrick said, "but somebody has to take the lead." He talked about several restaurants in Seattle raising their wages, which "raised the bar everywhere."

Commissioner Shaun Musil, the former owner of Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market in downtown Hays, said, "I'm think you're going to hurt small businesses."

"We went up 15% on our prices to cover wage increases after McDonald's started paying more, and that hurt us," Musil said.

After considerable discussion, Mayor Jacobs tabled the issue.

"It's in a 'wait and see' hold for now," Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, said this week.

"There's a potential it may come up again for 2026 budget preparations or possibly another work session," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741714465522.jpeg" alt="Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: Updated at 7:38 a.m.By BECKY KISER Hays Post One of the items discussed at length during the recent <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/909306ea-6223-4960-bd5f-99c19bb83817">Hays City Commission retreat</a> was the proposal for increasing city employee pay to at least $20 an hour.Commissioner Reese Barrick said he was 'pretty passionate' about it.During an earlier city work session, Barrick suggested the city should lead the way and encouraged local businesses to follow.“If we want a community where everyone can participate and put money back into the community by shopping everywhere, then we have to pay people enough so they can participate. We can take care of the poverty level. It’s really a wage thing,” Barrick said at the recent work session.A recent <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17290ca2-a64d-4482-aecd-213534370fcd">poverty analysis </a>showed Hays has the highest poverty rate in the multi-county region at 18%.&nbsp;According to the United Way of Ellis County, another 23% were classified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE. These households are above the federal poverty level but cannot afford their county's basic cost of living, said Erica Berges, local executive director. They do not qualify for public assistance."Forty percent of our Ellis County population is living paycheck to paycheck," Barrick said during the March 1 retreat.&nbsp; "If we want people to live and stay in Hays, that's ($20 an hour) the bare minimum. It's a gross annual wage of $41,600."If we want the rest of the city to do it, we should do it. ...&nbsp;"This would also mean better mental health for our residents when they're not stressed about what bill is coming up next."This is feasible, and I think it's the right thing to do," Barrick said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e533b2e3-4579-4f87-a183-e605e9b45f54">Phillip Gage, a sergeant in the Hays police department, commented on Commissioner Reese Barrick' at a November city meeting.&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7e6275e6-d3b6-4d59-bb6c-f2505d0a65ca">LETTER: Response to City Commissioner Barrick's statement on business wages</a>Information provided by Erin Giebler, director of human resources, shows 20 of Hays' 183 full-time employees make less than $20 an hour, with wages ranging from $17.52 to $19.89 an hour.The lower starting wage positions are in the offices of account clerk (finance), records clerk (police/courts), AP clerk (finance), administrative assistant (multiple), maintenance worker (multiple), plant operator (water resources), mechanic (public works), and community service officer (police).Total compensation is not figured in the pay amount.Giebler outlined four options for adjusting pay plans, each with pros and cons.The increased cost would range from a high of more than $2 million annually if all 183 full-time employees' pay were increased by the same amount/percentage to a low annual cost of $85,000 if pay were adjusted only for those 20 employees making less than $20 an hour.Giebler recommended option three, which would pay those who qualify $20 an hour and make minor adjustments to other employees' pay if necessary. The total annual cost would be $204,000."When we have done pay plan adjustments in the past, we used option three. ... While not always the popular choice among employees, it is the choice that helps reach $20 and is sustainable now and in the future," Giebler wrote in her information for commissioners.&nbsp;She noted the changes would cause compression between pay raises and within pay ranges. "Employees not given a pay increase may not feel they're being treated fairly,"&nbsp;Giebler said."I'll deal with some grumbling of those who did not get a raise," said City Manager Toby Dougherty."We need to look at the total compensation package," said Mayor Sandy Jacobs, who ultimately declared herself against the proposal. "This is hard for me."You need to look at our vacation and sick leave policies," Jacobs said. "We offer a pretty good package. I think we're a great employer with good salaries and benefits.Barrick said, "I love our total compensation package, but you're not able to spend all that at the store."SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/de90d95b-f6d4-4373-af24-b2c751449c21">Podcast: Poverty issue solution more complex than just minimum wage</a>Dougherty said the city has sometimes had difficulty hiring people for the lower paid positions.&nbsp; "Would other businesses follow our lead?" asked Alaina Cunningham, commissioner. She said HaysMed recently increased its base pay for some positions to $14 an hour from $12 an hour."They may or may not," Barrick said, "but somebody has to take the lead." He talked about several restaurants in Seattle raising their wages, which "raised the bar everywhere." Commissioner Shaun Musil, the former owner of Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market in downtown Hays, said, "I'm think you're going to hurt small businesses.""We went up 15% on our prices to cover wage increases after McDonald's started paying more, and that hurt us," Musil said.After considerable discussion, Mayor Jacobs tabled the issue."It's in a 'wait and see' hold for now," Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, said this week."There's a potential it may come up again for 2026 budget preparations or possibly another work session," he said.

Commissioner Barrick 'passionate' about $20 pay for city employees, local businesses

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a high speed chase in Morris County.

Just before midnight March 8, a sheriff's deputy attempted a traffic stop on U.S. 77 at mile post 137 for an alleged traffic violation, according to a media release from the Morris County Sheriff.

The driver, later identified as a juvenile, refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. Geary County Sheriff's deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers responded to assist. The vehicle avoided spike strips and attempted to exit off Interstate 70 through an east ditch, stuck a tree row and came to rest in an open field. Deputies found illegal drugs in the vehicle. The driver and a 27-year-old passenger identified as Jaquellin Demarquez Holland, 27, Wichita, were not injured.

Deputies arrested them. The teen driver is being held on requested charges that include flee or attempted to elude law enforcement, no proof of insurance and a number of other traffic violations.

Holland, who has a previous counterfeiting conviction, is being held on requested charges that include interference with law enforcement, possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or other stimulant and use/possess with intent to use-drug paraphernalia into human body.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741688954957.png" alt="Holland photo. KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Holland photo. KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a high speed chase in Morris County.Just before midnight March 8, a sheriff's deputy attempted a traffic stop on U.S. 77 at mile post 137 for an alleged traffic violation, according to a media release from the Morris County Sheriff.The driver, later identified as a juvenile, refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. Geary County Sheriff's deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers responded to assist. The vehicle avoided spike strips and attempted to exit off Interstate 70 through an east ditch, stuck a tree row and came to rest in an open field. Deputies found illegal drugs in the vehicle. The driver and a 27-year-old passenger identified as Jaquellin Demarquez Holland, 27, Wichita, were not injured.Deputies arrested them. The teen driver is being held on requested charges that include flee or attempted to elude law enforcement, no proof of insurance and a number of other traffic violations.Holland, who has a previous counterfeiting conviction, is being held on requested charges that include interference with law enforcement, possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or other stimulant and use/possess with intent to use-drug paraphernalia into human body.

Kansas felon, teen driver jailed after high-speed chase

OWASSO, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed fifth at the Hillcat Classic held at&nbsp; Bailey Ranch Golf Club, a par-71 venue. The Tigers collectively posted rounds of 277, 289, and 300 for a three-round total of 866 (+14). Cooper Scheck&nbsp;(T-3rd) and Cole Streck&nbsp;(10th) each posted top-10 finishes individually.

The Tigers made a statement on day one with the best team round of the tournament, a 277, which was their lowest team score of the season. It was the lowest stroke total for the team since shooting the same score at the Firekeeper Open in the spring of 2024.

Leading the Tigers was Scheck, who fired an impressive 7-under par 64 in the opening round, the best individual round of the competition. Scheck finished the tournament at 2-under par, tying for third place after backing his opening round with scores of 74 and 73. He tied for the second-most birdies in the tournament with 14, including a remarkable nine birdies in the first round alone. He had a stretch of five-straight birdies in the first round and was 6-under par on the back nine in that round. He was three strokes back of the winning score of 5-under by Elliot Han-Monteremal of Rogers State. Scheck was one of five golfers to finish under par for the tournament.

Streck&nbsp;also put together a strong performance, finishing in 10th with rounds of 71 (E), 67 (-4), and 77 (+6). His second-round score of 4-under par was highlighted by five birdies and just one bogey. He had 10 birdies throughout the event.

Jackson Rader&nbsp;tied for 18th place at +6 with rounds of 69 (-2), 77 (+6), and 73 (+2). Rader had 13 birdies throughout the tournament, along with an eagle on a par-5.

Jacob George&nbsp;showed consistency early with two rounds of 73 followed by a 77 to finish in 27th place. He had 10 birdies in the tournament. Parker Krob&nbsp;finished 35th with rounds of 73, 78, and 78 and had three birdies over two days.

Jordan McCaslin&nbsp;started strong with rounds of 73 and 75, but struggled in round three to an 89. Despite a challenging final round, McCaslin had an eagle and five birdies for the tournament.

Rogers State won the event at 5-under par as a team, shooting 279, 286 and 282. The Tigers were 19 strokes back of the winning total, but just 12 strokes shy of a second-place tie.

The Tigers return to action in Blue Springs, Mo. on March 24-25 at the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741774026127.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsOWASSO, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed fifth at the Hillcat Classic held at&nbsp; Bailey Ranch Golf Club, a par-71 venue. The Tigers collectively posted rounds of 277, 289, and 300 for a three-round total of 866 (+14). Cooper Scheck&nbsp;(T-3rd) and Cole Streck&nbsp;(10th) each posted top-10 finishes individually.The Tigers made a statement on day one with the best team round of the tournament, a 277, which was their lowest team score of the season. It was the lowest stroke total for the team since shooting the same score at the Firekeeper Open in the spring of 2024.Leading the Tigers was Scheck, who fired an impressive 7-under par 64 in the opening round, the best individual round of the competition. Scheck finished the tournament at 2-under par, tying for third place after backing his opening round with scores of 74 and 73. He tied for the second-most birdies in the tournament with 14, including a remarkable nine birdies in the first round alone. He had a stretch of five-straight birdies in the first round and was 6-under par on the back nine in that round. He was three strokes back of the winning score of 5-under by Elliot Han-Monteremal of Rogers State. Scheck was one of five golfers to finish under par for the tournament.Streck&nbsp;also put together a strong performance, finishing in 10th with rounds of 71 (E), 67 (-4), and 77 (+6). His second-round score of 4-under par was highlighted by five birdies and just one bogey. He had 10 birdies throughout the event.Jackson Rader&nbsp;tied for 18th place at +6 with rounds of 69 (-2), 77 (+6), and 73 (+2). Rader had 13 birdies throughout the tournament, along with an eagle on a par-5.Jacob George&nbsp;showed consistency early with two rounds of 73 followed by a 77 to finish in 27th place. He had 10 birdies in the tournament. Parker Krob&nbsp;finished 35th with rounds of 73, 78, and 78 and had three birdies over two days.Jordan McCaslin&nbsp;started strong with rounds of 73 and 75, but struggled in round three to an 89. Despite a challenging final round, McCaslin had an eagle and five birdies for the tournament.Rogers State won the event at 5-under par as a team, shooting 279, 286 and 282. The Tigers were 19 strokes back of the winning total, but just 12 strokes shy of a second-place tie.UP NEXTThe Tigers return to action in Blue Springs, Mo. on March 24-25 at the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ Scheck, Streck finish in top-10, Tigers fifth at Hillcat Classic

OWASSO, Okla. - The Fort Hays State women's golf team continued its spring season this week at the Hillcat Classic, hosted by Rogers State University at the Bailey Ranch Golf Club, a par 71, 5,700-yard course.

The Tigers finished seventh overall in the two-round tournament, posting a team score of 651. FHSU shot 325 on Monday and 326 on Tuesday.

Shayla Nordlund&nbsp;led the team with a 15th-place finish out of 46 competitors, finishing at 14-over par with rounds of 81 and 75. Avery Blasi&nbsp;followed closely behind in 19th place, finishing at 17-over par with rounds of 79 and 80.

Kiley Maier&nbsp;placed 31st with two rounds of 81. Emma Walz and Hayden York finished tied for 35th. Walz shot two rounds of 85, while York shot 84 and 86.

Nordlund finished with a team-high five birdies, tying for second most in the tournament. Blasi contributed three birdies, York and Walz each recorded two, and Maier had one.

The Tigers will be back in action next week (March 17-18) when they head to Warrensburg, Mo. for the Midwest Intercollegiate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741779757196.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsOWASSO, Okla. - The Fort Hays State women's golf team continued its spring season this week at the Hillcat Classic, hosted by Rogers State University at the Bailey Ranch Golf Club, a par 71, 5,700-yard course.The Tigers finished seventh overall in the two-round tournament, posting a team score of 651. FHSU shot 325 on Monday and 326 on Tuesday.Shayla Nordlund&nbsp;led the team with a 15th-place finish out of 46 competitors, finishing at 14-over par with rounds of 81 and 75. Avery Blasi&nbsp;followed closely behind in 19th place, finishing at 17-over par with rounds of 79 and 80.Kiley Maier&nbsp;placed 31st with two rounds of 81. Emma Walz and Hayden York finished tied for 35th. Walz shot two rounds of 85, while York shot 84 and 86.Nordlund finished with a team-high five birdies, tying for second most in the tournament. Blasi contributed three birdies, York and Walz each recorded two, and Maier had one.UP NEXT The Tigers will be back in action next week (March 17-18) when they head to Warrensburg, Mo. for the Midwest Intercollegiate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ FHSU women seventh at Hillcat Classic

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;shopped for a new Tesla on the White House driveway on Tuesday, selecting a shiny red sedan to show his support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;'s electric vehicle company as it faces blowback because of his work to advance the president's political agenda and downsize the federal government.

“Wow," Trump said as he eased his way into the drivers seat of a Model S. “That's beautiful.”

Musk got in on the passenger side and joked about “giving the Secret Service a heart attack” as they talked about how to start a vehicle that can reach 60 miles per hour in a few seconds.

Trump told reporters that he would write a check for the car, which retails for roughly $80,000, and leave it at the White House so his staff can drive it. The president also said he hopes his purchase will boost Tesla's fortunes.

“It's a great product,” he said. Referring to Musk, Trump said “we have to celebrate him.”

It was the latest — and most unusual — example of how Trump has demonstrated loyalty to Musk, who spent heavily on his comeback campaign last year and has been a key figure in his second administration. Musk is leading Trump's efforts to overhaul federal agencies and reduce the workforce.

The Republican president announced on social media early Tuesday that he was going to buy a new Tesla as “a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American.”

Musk continues to run Tesla — as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/x-cyber-attack-musk-trump-77f48ea813482de03272136121ea2f5c">the social media platform X</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-starship-elon-musk-0c260a324f597a172300315c6486b9df">the rocket manufacturer SpaceX</a>&nbsp;— while also serving as Trump's adviser.

“Elon Musk is ‘putting it on the line’ in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!" Trump wrote. "But the Radical Left Lunatics, as they often do, are trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla, one of the World’s great automakers, and Elon’s ‘baby,’ in order to attack and do harm to Elon, and everything he stands for.”

Others have also rallied to Musk's defense. Alex Jones, a prominent conspiracy theorist, said that he bought a customized version of a Cybertruck that he'll give away to a customer of his online store next month.

In addition to Tesla's struggles, Musk has faced other challenges too. He said X was targeted by a “massive cyberattack”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/x-cyber-attack-musk-trump-77f48ea813482de03272136121ea2f5c">that disrupted the social media platform</a>&nbsp;on Monday, and the last two test launches of his Starship rocket&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-starship-elon-musk-0c260a324f597a172300315c6486b9df">ended in explosions</a>.

Tesla has faced sagging sales and declining stock prices as Musk devotes his time to overhauling and downsizing the federal government as an adviser to the president.

The White House did not immediately elaborate on Trump’s plans for buying a Tesla, such as how the purchase would be handled or where the car would be kept.

Presidents almost never drive for security reasons. Joe Biden got behind the wheel of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-b272cb9b4effa902406fb08e6505fb7a">an electric truck</a>&nbsp;while promoting domestic manufacturing, and Barack Obama took a spin with Jerry Seinfeld in the White House driveway for a comedy show.

But regardless of the practicality of Trump's purchase, his overnight announcement about buying a Tesla represented another step in how the president has blurred lines between private and public interests.

During his first term, top adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kellyanne-conway-memoir-fdea673fecf56f08e2fdec0b20556bec">Kellyanne Conway</a>&nbsp;urged people to show their support for Trump’s daughter Ivanka by purchasing her retail products.

“Go buy Ivanka’s stuff,” she said. “I’m going to give it a free commercial here.”

Trump's wealth and business savvy is core to his political appeal.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-god-bless-usa-bible-greenwood-2713fda3efdfa297d0f024efb1ca3003">The president promoted his products</a>&nbsp;while running for office last year, and he attached his name to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crypto-watch-sneakers-memecoin-2b49fd975e2cce7a6f61e068f6fd04af">a cryptocurrency meme coin</a>&nbsp;that launched shortly before he took office.

However, it's rare to see Trump use his own money to support an ally, no matter how important they are.

Musk is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/worlds-first-trillionaire-richest-person-list-b00cef4c743eb3417678e8ef5beeeae2">the world's richest person</a>, with billions of dollars in government contracts. He's also exerting sweeping influence over Trump's administration through the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and traveling frequently with the president.

During an interview with the Fox Business Network on Monday, host Larry Kudlow asked Musk “how are you running your other businesses” while also advising Trump.

“But there’s no turning back, you say?” Kudlow responded.

“I’m just here trying to make government more efficient, eliminate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-waste-fraud-abuse-635b1419014a43e061f548c9713860c4">waste and fraud</a>,” Musk said.

Tesla has recently faced protests and vandalism. Police are investigating gunshots fired at a dealership in Oregon, and fire officials are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-cybertruck-fire-seattle-7cd720096694b8455684db31159ed666">examining a blaze</a>&nbsp;that destroyed four Cybertrucks at a Tesla lot in Seattle.

At times, the White House has needed to play cleanup for Musk, who had never worked in public service before and has admitted that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-downsizing-federal-workers-doge-00683abc4de44a151f26aaa6cb0d0f30">he'll make mistakes along the way</a>.

For example,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-b21b74f56f30012a6450a629e7232a1a">Musk presented inflated estimates of fraud</a>&nbsp;in government benefits like Social Security on Monday, leading Democrats to argue that he was planning cuts to the popular programs.

“Most of the federal spending is entitlements,” Musk said in the interview. “That’s the big one to eliminate.”

The next morning, a White House account on X criticized news organizations as “lying hacks” and told Democrats to “spare us the fake outrage" about reducing benefits.

“He was clearly talking about the WASTE in the programs," the White House posted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741724524957.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;shopped for a new Tesla on the White House driveway on Tuesday, selecting a shiny red sedan to show his support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;'s electric vehicle company as it faces blowback because of his work to advance the president's political agenda and downsize the federal government.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump and Elon Musk get in Telsa at White House ... <a href="https://t.co/U97BJwH8T0">pic.twitter.com/U97BJwH8T0</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1899553788236562523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump and Elon Musk get in Telsa at White House ... <a href="https://t.co/U97BJwH8T0">pic.twitter.com/U97BJwH8T0</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1899553788236562523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Wow," Trump said as he eased his way into the drivers seat of a Model S. “That's beautiful.”Musk got in on the passenger side and joked about “giving the Secret Service a heart attack” as they talked about how to start a vehicle that can reach 60 miles per hour in a few seconds.Trump told reporters that he would write a check for the car, which retails for roughly $80,000, and leave it at the White House so his staff can drive it. The president also said he hopes his purchase will boost Tesla's fortunes.“It's a great product,” he said. Referring to Musk, Trump said “we have to celebrate him.”It was the latest — and most unusual — example of how Trump has demonstrated loyalty to Musk, who spent heavily on his comeback campaign last year and has been a key figure in his second administration. Musk is leading Trump's efforts to overhaul federal agencies and reduce the workforce.The Republican president announced on social media early Tuesday that he was going to buy a new Tesla as “a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American.”Musk continues to run Tesla — as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/x-cyber-attack-musk-trump-77f48ea813482de03272136121ea2f5c">the social media platform X</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-starship-elon-musk-0c260a324f597a172300315c6486b9df">the rocket manufacturer SpaceX</a>&nbsp;— while also serving as Trump's adviser.“Elon Musk is ‘putting it on the line’ in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!" Trump wrote. "But the Radical Left Lunatics, as they often do, are trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla, one of the World’s great automakers, and Elon’s ‘baby,’ in order to attack and do harm to Elon, and everything he stands for.”Others have also rallied to Musk's defense. Alex Jones, a prominent conspiracy theorist, said that he bought a customized version of a Cybertruck that he'll give away to a customer of his online store next month.In addition to Tesla's struggles, Musk has faced other challenges too. He said X was targeted by a “massive cyberattack”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/x-cyber-attack-musk-trump-77f48ea813482de03272136121ea2f5c">that disrupted the social media platform</a>&nbsp;on Monday, and the last two test launches of his Starship rocket&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-starship-elon-musk-0c260a324f597a172300315c6486b9df">ended in explosions</a>.Tesla has faced sagging sales and declining stock prices as Musk devotes his time to overhauling and downsizing the federal government as an adviser to the president.The White House did not immediately elaborate on Trump’s plans for buying a Tesla, such as how the purchase would be handled or where the car would be kept.Presidents almost never drive for security reasons. Joe Biden got behind the wheel of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-b272cb9b4effa902406fb08e6505fb7a">an electric truck</a>&nbsp;while promoting domestic manufacturing, and Barack Obama took a spin with Jerry Seinfeld in the White House driveway for a comedy show.But regardless of the practicality of Trump's purchase, his overnight announcement about buying a Tesla represented another step in how the president has blurred lines between private and public interests.During his first term, top adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kellyanne-conway-memoir-fdea673fecf56f08e2fdec0b20556bec">Kellyanne Conway</a>&nbsp;urged people to show their support for Trump’s daughter Ivanka by purchasing her retail products.“Go buy Ivanka’s stuff,” she said. “I’m going to give it a free commercial here.”Trump's wealth and business savvy is core to his political appeal.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-god-bless-usa-bible-greenwood-2713fda3efdfa297d0f024efb1ca3003">The president promoted his products</a>&nbsp;while running for office last year, and he attached his name to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crypto-watch-sneakers-memecoin-2b49fd975e2cce7a6f61e068f6fd04af">a cryptocurrency meme coin</a>&nbsp;that launched shortly before he took office.However, it's rare to see Trump use his own money to support an ally, no matter how important they are.Musk is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/worlds-first-trillionaire-richest-person-list-b00cef4c743eb3417678e8ef5beeeae2">the world's richest person</a>, with billions of dollars in government contracts. He's also exerting sweeping influence over Trump's administration through the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and traveling frequently with the president.During an interview with the Fox Business Network on Monday, host Larry Kudlow asked Musk “how are you running your other businesses” while also advising Trump.“With great difficulty,” he said.“But there’s no turning back, you say?” Kudlow responded.“I’m just here trying to make government more efficient, eliminate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-waste-fraud-abuse-635b1419014a43e061f548c9713860c4">waste and fraud</a>,” Musk said.Tesla has recently faced protests and vandalism. Police are investigating gunshots fired at a dealership in Oregon, and fire officials are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-cybertruck-fire-seattle-7cd720096694b8455684db31159ed666">examining a blaze</a>&nbsp;that destroyed four Cybertrucks at a Tesla lot in Seattle.At times, the White House has needed to play cleanup for Musk, who had never worked in public service before and has admitted that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-downsizing-federal-workers-doge-00683abc4de44a151f26aaa6cb0d0f30">he'll make mistakes along the way</a>.For example,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-b21b74f56f30012a6450a629e7232a1a">Musk presented inflated estimates of fraud</a>&nbsp;in government benefits like Social Security on Monday, leading Democrats to argue that he was planning cuts to the popular programs.“Most of the federal spending is entitlements,” Musk said in the interview. “That’s the big one to eliminate.”The next morning, a White House account on X criticized news organizations as “lying hacks” and told Democrats to “spare us the fake outrage" about reducing benefits.“He was clearly talking about the WASTE in the programs," the White House posted.

🎥 Trump turns the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom to show support for Musk

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed legislation Tuesday to avert a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies through September, providing critical momentum as the measure now moves to the Senate, where bipartisan support will be needed to get it over the finish line.

Republicans needed overwhelming support from their members to pass the funding measure, and they got it in the 217-213 House vote. GOP members of the Kansas delegation voted with the majority.

In the Senate, they'll need support from at least eight Democrats to get the bill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;desk. It's one of the biggest legislative tests so far of the Republican president's second term, prompting Vice President JD Vance to visit Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning to rally support.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., moved ahead on the bill, essentially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-spending-shutdown-house-senate-426823710920756447076d15077c33d7">daring Democrats to oppose it</a>&nbsp;and risk a shutdown that would begin Saturday if lawmakers failed to act on the continuing resolution, often referred to by lawmakers as a CR.

“Here’s the bottom line. If congressional Democrats refuse to support this clean CR, they will be responsible for every troop who misses a paycheck, for every flight delay from reduced staffing at TSA, for every negative consequence that comes from shutting down the government,” Johnson said.

Johnson's strategy had the backing of Trump, who called on Republicans to “remain UNITED — NO DISSENT — Fight for another day when the timing is right.”

Lawmakers said the bill would trim $13 billion in non-defense spending from the levels in the 2024 budget year and increase defense spending by $6 billion, which are rather flat changes for both categories when compared with an overall topline of nearly $1.7 trillion in discretionary spending. The bill does not cover the majority of government spending, including Social Security and Medicare. Funding for those two programs is on autopilot and not regularly reviewed by Congress.

Democrats are mostly worried about the discretion the bill gives the Trump administration on spending decisions. They are already alarmed by the administration's efforts to make major cuts through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-federal-workforce-doge-cuts-republicans-03c307112ebf247a71a7ad54aea6fa6d">the Department of Government Efficiency</a>, or DOGE, run by billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk. And they say the spending bill would fuel the effort.

Spending bills typically come with specific funding directives for key programs, but hundreds of those directives fall away under the legislation. So the administration will have more leeway to reshape priorities.

For example, a Democratic memo said the bill would allow the administration to steer money away from combating fentanyl and instead use it on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-deportations-border-immigration-bcd2737e6f9b482ec500238c6caa4f35">mass deportation initiatives</a>.

“This is not a clean CR. This bill is a blank check,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. “It’s a blank check for Elon Musk and President Trump.”

Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the continuing resolution was not the outcome he sought but said it was time to end the cycle of short-term funding extensions. This will be the third in recent months. He blamed Democrats for trying to rein in Trump’s authority on spending.

“We’re not going to have a Republican Senate and a Republican House restrict a Republican president from the legitimate exercise of executive authority," Cole said. "And then, oh, by the way, ask him to sign the bill.”

Normally, when it comes to keeping the government fully open for business, Republicans have had to work with Democrats to craft a bipartisan measure that both sides can support. That’s because Republicans almost always lack the votes to pass spending bills on their own.

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., and chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, said he supported this one because it would not lead to a massive, catch-all spending bill and would reduce spending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741730320465.png" alt="House Speaker Mike Johnson during a news briefing Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Mike Johnson during a news briefing Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed legislation Tuesday to avert a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies through September, providing critical momentum as the measure now moves to the Senate, where bipartisan support will be needed to get it over the finish line.Republicans needed overwhelming support from their members to pass the funding measure, and they got it in the 217-213 House vote. GOP members of the Kansas delegation voted with the majority.In the Senate, they'll need support from at least eight Democrats to get the bill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;desk. It's one of the biggest legislative tests so far of the Republican president's second term, prompting Vice President JD Vance to visit Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning to rally support.Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., moved ahead on the bill, essentially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-spending-shutdown-house-senate-426823710920756447076d15077c33d7">daring Democrats to oppose it</a>&nbsp;and risk a shutdown that would begin Saturday if lawmakers failed to act on the continuing resolution, often referred to by lawmakers as a CR.“Here’s the bottom line. If congressional Democrats refuse to support this clean CR, they will be responsible for every troop who misses a paycheck, for every flight delay from reduced staffing at TSA, for every negative consequence that comes from shutting down the government,” Johnson said.Johnson's strategy had the backing of Trump, who called on Republicans to “remain UNITED — NO DISSENT — Fight for another day when the timing is right.”Lawmakers said the bill would trim $13 billion in non-defense spending from the levels in the 2024 budget year and increase defense spending by $6 billion, which are rather flat changes for both categories when compared with an overall topline of nearly $1.7 trillion in discretionary spending. The bill does not cover the majority of government spending, including Social Security and Medicare. Funding for those two programs is on autopilot and not regularly reviewed by Congress.Democrats are mostly worried about the discretion the bill gives the Trump administration on spending decisions. They are already alarmed by the administration's efforts to make major cuts through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-federal-workforce-doge-cuts-republicans-03c307112ebf247a71a7ad54aea6fa6d">the Department of Government Efficiency</a>, or DOGE, run by billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk. And they say the spending bill would fuel the effort.Spending bills typically come with specific funding directives for key programs, but hundreds of those directives fall away under the legislation. So the administration will have more leeway to reshape priorities.For example, a Democratic memo said the bill would allow the administration to steer money away from combating fentanyl and instead use it on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-deportations-border-immigration-bcd2737e6f9b482ec500238c6caa4f35">mass deportation initiatives</a>.“This is not a clean CR. This bill is a blank check,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. “It’s a blank check for Elon Musk and President Trump.”Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the continuing resolution was not the outcome he sought but said it was time to end the cycle of short-term funding extensions. This will be the third in recent months. He blamed Democrats for trying to rein in Trump’s authority on spending.“We’re not going to have a Republican Senate and a Republican House restrict a Republican president from the legitimate exercise of executive authority," Cole said. "And then, oh, by the way, ask him to sign the bill.”Normally, when it comes to keeping the government fully open for business, Republicans have had to work with Democrats to craft a bipartisan measure that both sides can support. That’s because Republicans almost always lack the votes to pass spending bills on their own.Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., and chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, said he supported this one because it would not lead to a massive, catch-all spending bill and would reduce spending."This is not your grandfather’s continuing resolution," Harris said.Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/thomas-massie">Thomas Massie</a>, R-Ky., was still a holdout, though. He was the only Republican to vote no on the procedural vote, and said he would vote against the bill, too.Trump went after Massie on social media, calling him a “GRANDSTANDER, who’s too much trouble.”"HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him," Trump posted online.Massie responded by saying Trump was “attacking me and Canada today. The difference is: Canada will eventually cave.”House Democratic leaders came out strongly against the legislation. Less clear was how strongly they would push members in competitive battleground districts to follow their lead.“This Republican shutdown bill does nothing to enhance the American dream. It undermines it,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said ahead of the vote.Democratic leaders in the Senate generally seemed to be emphasizing patience at this stage and were waiting to see if Republicans can muscle the bill through the House before taking a stand.“We're going to see what the House does first,” said top Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York.Still, several rank-and-file Democrats criticized the measure. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said he was stunned that Republicans were “trying to jam through something that is their way or the highway.”Democrats also introduced an alternative bill Monday night funding the government through April 11. The bill could serve as a Plan B if the GOP-led effort falters.Both parties prepared to blame the other if the bill failed.“It looks like they're going to try to shut down the government,” Johnson said of Democrats.“If the government shuts down with a Republican House, Republican Senate and Republican president, it will be solely because the Republicans have moved forward with a terrible, partisan, take-it-or-leave-it bill,” said Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y.The spending bill could also have major ramifications for the District of Columbia's government.Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, said the proposal would require the district to cut $1.1 billion in spending in the next six months since it has already passed a balanced budget and is midway through its fiscal year. That means, officials said, cuts to critical services such as education and public safety.___