NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;American Airlines flights were cleared to fly by regulators early Tuesday after a brief grounding due to a systemwide technical issue.

Just before 7 a.m. Eastern time, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the U.S. at the airline’s request. American had reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday.

In social media replies to frustrated travelers, the airline said: “Our team is currently working to rectify this. Your continued patience is appreciated.”

The company has not issued a press release explaining the issue and an email was not immediately returned.

A post on the Federal Aviation Administration's website acknowledged the airline's request for a “nationwide groundstop” for all American Airlines planes and their subsidiary airlines.

The grounding occurred with millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thanksgiving-holiday-travel-airports-roads-38cfcfe5f9d7b19fdc9d843827ed21f9">Transportation Security Administration</a>&nbsp;expects to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through January 2.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the U.S. after the carrier reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday.

A post on the Federal Aviation Administration’s website acknowledged the airline’s request for a “nationwide groundstop” for all American Airlines planes and their subsidiary airlines.

The groundings couldn’t come at a worse time for the millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640461231896.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;American Airlines flights were cleared to fly by regulators early Tuesday after a brief grounding due to a systemwide technical issue.Just before 7 a.m. Eastern time, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the U.S. at the airline’s request. American had reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday.In social media replies to frustrated travelers, the airline said: “Our team is currently working to rectify this. Your continued patience is appreciated.”The company has not issued a press release explaining the issue and an email was not immediately returned.A post on the Federal Aviation Administration's website acknowledged the airline's request for a “nationwide groundstop” for all American Airlines planes and their subsidiary airlines.The grounding occurred with millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thanksgiving-holiday-travel-airports-roads-38cfcfe5f9d7b19fdc9d843827ed21f9">Transportation Security Administration</a>&nbsp;expects to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through January 2.--------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650398929304.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the U.S. after the carrier reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday.In social media replies to frustrated travelers, the airline said: “Our team is currently working to rectify this. Your continued patience is appreciated.”The company has not issued a press release explaining the issue and an email was not immediately returned.A post on the Federal Aviation Administration’s website acknowledged the airline’s request for a “nationwide groundstop” for all American Airlines planes and their subsidiary airlines.The groundings couldn’t come at a worse time for the millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thanksgiving-holiday-travel-airports-roads-38cfcfe5f9d7b19fdc9d843827ed21f9">Transportation Security Administration</a>&nbsp;expects to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through January 2.

FAA briefly halts American Airlines flights on Christmas Eve

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

VICTORIA— Work is progressing on St. John's Place in Victoria, and deposits are being accepted for the building's senior apartments.

The apartments are set to be move-in ready by May 1, Brenda Dreiling of the Victoria Community Coalition said.

The former nursing home was taken down to the metal studs and is now being reconstructed with new electrical, plumbing, cabinets, windows, fixtures, flooring and sheetrock.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ef333ba-9b6f-4f12-88ea-0e385dfb7c94">SEE RELATED STORY: St. John's Place in Victoria breaks ground on phase 1 renovations</a>

Dreiling said the building's bones were excellent, but it had been vacant for more than 10 years. The roof was damaged, causing leaks and water damage, which has all been repaired.

The building will have four two-bedroom apartments, two studio apartments and six one-bedroom apartments. One of the studio apartments will be handicap accessible.&nbsp;

Some of the amenities in the apartments include pantries, walk-in closets, water softeners, quartz countertops and barn-door entries in some rooms to optimize space.

The showers have low thresholds and built-in seats to make them more accessible for seniors.

"We wanted it to be a more upscale apartment complex for the elderly," Marilyn Braun of the coalition said. "Our intent here in Victoria was to get as many older people interested in the process as possible so we could open up some homes for younger families in the community."

Many rural communities are experiencing declining enrollments, and Dreiling said coalition members hoped bringing families to Victoria would boost local school enrollment.

She said the Victoria housing market is very tight, with many homes selling before they officially hit the market.

The senior housing at St. John's Place is meant to allow seniors in Victoria to age in place, Dreiling said.

The coalition conducted a housing study before starting the St. John's Place project. Its members found most community members were moderate-income, and senior residents wanted more housing options.

Victoria has low-cost housing, but those units are usually full, Braun said.

The seniors will have a shared common room with seating for socializing. There will also be a shared laundry room with three washers and dryers, which will not be coin-operated.

The next renovation phase includes an activity room that can be rented by members of the public. The senior residents will be able to reserve the room for free.

Several small enclosed outdoor courtyards, one with a gazebo, will also be available to the seniors. As the weather warms, coalition members will replant those courtyards and provide seating.

"We are looking at somebody who, as they are getting older, doesn't want to scoop snow in the winter time or mow grass, pay taxes, pay their own insurance," Dreiling said.

The coalition also hopes to make St. John's Place a senior meal site to encourage senior companionship.

The rent for the apartments starts at $725 per month for a studio and goes up to $1,275 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. The Victoria Community Coalition website has a price list, floor plans, square footage, and applications.

Deposits will be required to hold an apartment until the move-in date.

Although the space is under construction, coalition members are available to give interested renters tours. The coalition had an open house in December, and more open house events are planned as construction progresses.

If you want to learn more about the apartments or schedule a tour, call Dreiling at 785-735-4141.

The coalition is still fundraising to complete the apartment project. An additional $208,000 is needed for upgrades the coalition opted for in the construction process.

You can donate directly through the <a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">coalition website</a> or mail checks payable to "Victoria Community Coalition" to Victoria Community Coalition, PO Box 94, Victoria, KS 67671.

The coalition also has a fund established at the Heartland Community Foundation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://HeartlandCommunityFoundation.org">https://HeartlandCommunityFoundation.org</a>, go&nbsp;to Giving/Give to a Fund and then select "Let's Grow Victoria" Fund under the Community Development section.

The coalition has received an $8,000 grant for office equipment and designs for the next construction phase, including the activity room.

The coalition hopes to convert the former chapel into a community room with a kitchen. Victoria has no community center or venue space except for the VFW and school spaces.

The coalition would also like to add a small coffee/sandwich shop in the building. That space is across from one of the building's courtyards, which would allow for outdoor seating.

The coalition is considering renovating two spaces that abut the apartments into Airbnb rentals. The two units would have separate entrances from the apartments.

Dreiling said the Airbnbs would generate additional revenue for the coalition and the community.&nbsp;

"All the money that we make or we raise goes back to the community in one way or the other," Dreiling said.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.echshays.org/">Ellis County Historical Society</a> is already using the second floor of the south side of the building for storage.&nbsp;

The organization is fundraising to renovate the ground floor into a satellite museum that will focus on the influence of oil and agriculture on the region's history.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f5fabdc4-e098-4520-82a7-8410c169d2f0">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Historical Society breaks ground on Victoria satellite location</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/92180dd4-16dc-43b9-8f34-1e8cb6b76d12">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis Co. Historical Society continues fundraising efforts for sister-site museum with Hall of Honor</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734636817203.jpeg" alt="Framing of the new senior apartments at St. John's Place in Victoria. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Framing of the new senior apartments at St. John's Place in Victoria. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostVICTORIA— Work is progressing on St. John's Place in Victoria, and deposits are being accepted for the building's senior apartments.The apartments are set to be move-in ready by May 1, Brenda Dreiling of the Victoria Community Coalition said.The former nursing home was taken down to the metal studs and is now being reconstructed with new electrical, plumbing, cabinets, windows, fixtures, flooring and sheetrock.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ef333ba-9b6f-4f12-88ea-0e385dfb7c94">SEE RELATED STORY: St. John's Place in Victoria breaks ground on phase 1 renovations</a>Dreiling said the building's bones were excellent, but it had been vacant for more than 10 years. The roof was damaged, causing leaks and water damage, which has all been repaired.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734636883985.jpeg" alt="The former nursing home was taken down to the metal studs and is now being reconstructed with new electrical, plumbing, cabinets, windows, fixtures, flooring and sheetrock. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The former nursing home was taken down to the metal studs and is now being reconstructed with new electrical, plumbing, cabinets, windows, fixtures, flooring and sheetrock. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The building will have four two-bedroom apartments, two studio apartments and six one-bedroom apartments. One of the studio apartments will be handicap accessible.&nbsp;Some of the amenities in the apartments include pantries, walk-in closets, water softeners, quartz countertops and barn-door entries in some rooms to optimize space.The showers have low thresholds and built-in seats to make them more accessible for seniors."We wanted it to be a more upscale apartment complex for the elderly," Marilyn Braun of the coalition said. "Our intent here in Victoria was to get as many older people interested in the process as possible so we could open up some homes for younger families in the community."Many rural communities are experiencing declining enrollments, and Dreiling said coalition members hoped bringing families to Victoria would boost local school enrollment.She said the Victoria housing market is very tight, with many homes selling before they officially hit the market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734636955901.jpeg" alt="The showers have low thresholds and built-in seats to make them more accessible for seniors. One of the studio apartments will be completely handicap accessible. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The showers have low thresholds and built-in seats to make them more accessible for seniors. One of the studio apartments will be completely handicap accessible. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The senior housing at St. John's Place is meant to allow seniors in Victoria to age in place, Dreiling said.The coalition conducted a housing study before starting the St. John's Place project. Its members found most community members were moderate-income, and senior residents wanted more housing options.Victoria has low-cost housing, but those units are usually full, Braun said.The seniors will have a shared common room with seating for socializing. There will also be a shared laundry room with three washers and dryers, which will not be coin-operated.The next renovation phase includes an activity room that can be rented by members of the public. The senior residents will be able to reserve the room for free.Several small enclosed outdoor courtyards, one with a gazebo, will also be available to the seniors. As the weather warms, coalition members will replant those courtyards and provide seating."We are looking at somebody who, as they are getting older, doesn't want to scoop snow in the winter time or mow grass, pay taxes, pay their own insurance," Dreiling said.The coalition also hopes to make St. John's Place a senior meal site to encourage senior companionship.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734637097576.jpeg" alt="Although the space is under construction, members of the coalition are available to take interested renters for tours. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Although the space is under construction, members of the coalition are available to take interested renters for tours. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The rent for the apartments starts at $725 per month for a studio and goes up to $1,275 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. The Victoria Community Coalition website has a price list, floor plans, square footage, and applications.Deposits will be required to hold an apartment until the move-in date.Although the space is under construction, coalition members are available to give interested renters tours. The coalition had an open house in December, and more open house events are planned as construction progresses.If you want to learn more about the apartments or schedule a tour, call Dreiling at 785-735-4141.<h2>Fundraising</h2>The coalition is still fundraising to complete the apartment project. An additional $208,000 is needed for upgrades the coalition opted for in the construction process.You can donate directly through the <a href="https://www.victoriakscommunity.com/">coalition website</a> or mail checks payable to "Victoria Community Coalition" to Victoria Community Coalition, PO Box 94, Victoria, KS 67671.The coalition also has a fund established at the Heartland Community Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://HeartlandCommunityFoundation.org">https://HeartlandCommunityFoundation.org</a>, go&nbsp;to Giving/Give to a Fund and then select "Let's Grow Victoria" Fund under the Community Development section.<h2>Future phases</h2>The coalition has received an $8,000 grant for office equipment and designs for the next construction phase, including the activity room.The coalition hopes to convert the former chapel into a community room with a kitchen. Victoria has no community center or venue space except for the VFW and school spaces.The coalition would also like to add a small coffee/sandwich shop in the building. That space is across from one of the building's courtyards, which would allow for outdoor seating.The coalition is considering renovating two spaces that abut the apartments into Airbnb rentals. The two units would have separate entrances from the apartments.Dreiling said the Airbnbs would generate additional revenue for the coalition and the community.&nbsp;"All the money that we make or we raise goes back to the community in one way or the other," Dreiling said.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.echshays.org/">Ellis County Historical Society</a> is already using the second floor of the south side of the building for storage.&nbsp;The organization is fundraising to renovate the ground floor into a satellite museum that will focus on the influence of oil and agriculture on the region's history.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f5fabdc4-e098-4520-82a7-8410c169d2f0">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Historical Society breaks ground on Victoria satellite location</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/92180dd4-16dc-43b9-8f34-1e8cb6b76d12">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis Co. Historical Society continues fundraising efforts for sister-site museum with Hall of Honor</a>

Victoria's St. John Place accepting deposits for senior apartments

City Manager Toby Dougherty announces the appointment of Jarrod Kuckelman as the new assistant city manager for the city of Hays. &nbsp;

Kuckelman is the management analyst for the city of Hays, serving in this capacity since June 2023. &nbsp;Prior to his employment with the city of Hays, Kuckelman worked for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.

He is a native Kansan, growing up in Macksville. Kuckelman graduated from the University of Kansas with a master's of public administration.&nbsp;

In announcing the appointment, City Manager Dougherty stated, “Jarrod has proved a valuable asset to the organization and has thrived in his current position. &nbsp;As assistant city manager, he will take the lead on economic development and housing incentives.” &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735035395968.jpeg" alt="Jarrod Kuckelman, Hays Assistant City Manager. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jarrod Kuckelman, Hays Assistant City Manager. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity Manager Toby Dougherty announces the appointment of Jarrod Kuckelman as the new assistant city manager for the city of Hays. &nbsp;Kuckelman is the management analyst for the city of Hays, serving in this capacity since June 2023. &nbsp;Prior to his employment with the city of Hays, Kuckelman worked for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.He is a native Kansan, growing up in Macksville. Kuckelman graduated from the University of Kansas with a master's of public administration.&nbsp;In announcing the appointment, City Manager Dougherty stated, “Jarrod has proved a valuable asset to the organization and has thrived in his current position. &nbsp;As assistant city manager, he will take the lead on economic development and housing incentives.” &nbsp;

City of Hays hires new assistant city manager

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Monday announced that he is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/23/fact-sheet-president-biden-commutes-the-sentences-of-37-individuals-on-death-row/">commuting the sentences</a>&nbsp;of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office.

The move spares the lives of people&nbsp;<a href="https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/state-and-federal-info/federal-death-penalty/list-of-federal-death-row-prisoners">convicted in killings</a>, including the slayings of police and military officers, people on federal land and those involved in deadly bank robberies or drug deals, as well as the killings of guards or prisoners in federal facilities.

It means just three federal inmates continue to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-389bcc56019f268cb1056e37a517bd6c">2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church</a>&nbsp;in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/dzhokhar-tsarnaev">Dzhokhar Tsarnaev</a>; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-death-penalty-27e3b1a505cacdd674ee9b8a179aa1a8">Tree of life Synagogue in 2018</a>, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/23/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-federal-death-row-commutations/">“I’ve dedicated my career to reducing violent crime and ensuring a fair and effective justice system,” Biden said in a statement</a>. “Today, I am commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row to life sentences without the possibility of parole. These commutations are consistent with the moratorium my administration has imposed on federal executions, in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.”

Reaction to the president's end-of-year act of clemency was strong, particularly among those who were victimized by Roof.

Michael Graham, whose sister Cynthia Hurd was killed by Roof, wants him to die for his crimes and was thankful Biden kept him on death row. He said Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the U.S. means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for.

“This was a crime against a race of people who were doing something all Americans do on a Wednesday night – go to Bible study,” Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.”

Felicia Sanders, who shielded her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son Tywanza and her aunt Susie Jackson sent her lawyer, Andy Savage, a text message that called Biden's decision to not spare Roof's life a wonderful Christmas gift.

The Biden administration in 2021 announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-executions-health-coronavirus-pandemic-government-and-politics-e7d40ed2dcf68f8b1e49001c1acfb2a8">moratorium</a>&nbsp;on federal capital punishment to study the protocols used, which suspended executions during Biden's term. But Biden actually had promised to go further on the issue in the past, pledging to end federal executions without the caveats for terrorism and hate-motivated, mass killings.

While running for president in 2020, Biden's campaign website said he would “work to pass legislation to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-penalty-politics-biden-trump-federal-moratorium-a76fe555f61c3cf6e09b87433f77966f">eliminate the death penalty at the federal level</a>, and incentivize states to follow the federal government’s example.”

Similar language didn't appear on Biden's reelection website before he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">left the presidential race</a>&nbsp;in July.

“Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss,” Biden's statement said. “But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, vice president, and now president, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.”

He took a political jab at Trump, saying, “In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted.”

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has spoken frequently of expanding executions. In a speech&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">announcing his 2024 campaign</a>, Trump called for those “caught selling drugs to receive the death penalty for their heinous acts.” He later promised to execute drug and human smugglers and even praised China's harsher treatment of drug peddlers. During his first term as president, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/653b2353f34e495099d9b004acbcc090">also advocated for the death penalty for drug dealers</a>.

There were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-28e44cc5c026dc16472751bbde0ead50">13 federal executions</a>&nbsp;during Trump's first term, more than under any president in modern history, and some may have happened fast enough to have contributed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-prisons-health-coronavirus-pandemic-executions-956da680790108d8b7e2d8f1567f3803">spread of the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;at the federal death row facility in Indiana.

Those were the first federal executions since 2003. The final three occurred after Election Day in November 2020 but before Trump left office the following January, the first time federal prisoners were put to death by a lame-duck president since Grover Cleveland in 1889.

Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-clemency-4432002d67334e6716c2776fd73f3cc8">faced recent pressure</a>&nbsp;from advocacy groups urging him to act to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The president's announcement also comes less than two weeks after he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-clemency-for-nearly-1500-americans/">commuted the sentences</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/12/clemency-recipient-list-7/">roughly 1,500 people</a>&nbsp;who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and of 39 others convicted of nonviolent crimes, the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.

The announcement also followed the post-election pardon that Biden granted his son Hunter on federal gun and tax charges after long saying he would not issue one, sparking an uproar in Washington. The pardon also raised questions about whether he would issue sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-trump-f36ead0eb92ea30e47cbfddfaf326f20">preemptive pardons</a>&nbsp;for administration officials and other allies who the White House worries could be unjustly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-enemies-from-within-5c4a34776469a55e71d3ba4d4e68cf62">targeted by Trump’s</a>&nbsp;second administration.

Speculation that Biden could commute federal death sentences intensified last week after the White House announced he plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-vatican-pope-frances-842948a7a8d37122b38b2545e1a92568">visit Italy on the final foreign trip of his presidency</a>&nbsp;next month. Biden, a practicing Catholic, will meet with Pope Francis, who recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-12/pope-appeal-prayers-federal-death-row-grace-inmates.html">called for prayers for U.S. death row inmates</a>&nbsp;in hopes their sentences will be commuted.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which has long called for an end to the death penalty, said Biden's decision is a “significant step in advancing the cause of human dignity in our nation” and moves the country “a step closer to building a culture of life.”

Martin Luther King III, who publicly urged Biden to change the death sentences, said in a statement shared by the White House that the president "has done what no president before him was willing to do: take meaningful and lasting action not just to acknowledge the death penalty’s racist roots but also to remedy its persistent unfairness.”

Madeline Cohen, an attorney for Norris Holder, who faced death for the 1997 fatal shooting of a guard during a bank robbery in St. Louis, said his case “reflects many of the system's flaws” and thanked Biden for converting his sentence to life in prison. Holder, who is Black, was sentenced by an all-white jury.

“Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said.

Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by one of the men whose death sentence was converted, said the execution of "the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace."

“The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.”

Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida. Associated Press writers Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, and Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734952706781.png" alt="Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush at a rally on Dec. 10, asking President Biden to commute all federal death row sentences." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush at a rally on Dec. 10, asking President Biden to commute all federal death row sentences.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Monday announced that he is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/23/fact-sheet-president-biden-commutes-the-sentences-of-37-individuals-on-death-row/">commuting the sentences</a>&nbsp;of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734957421965.png" alt="According to the U.S. Attorney, in 2014, a federal jury in Louisiana decided that Thomas Sanders, 57, should be put to death for the brutal kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Lexis Roberts in the fall of 2010. Sanders drove several days across the country before he murdered the girl in a wooded area in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Evidence at trial established that Sanders shot Lexis Roberts four times, cut her throat, and left her body in the woods where a hunter found her body . President Biden commuted his sentence-photo Yavapai County, AZ Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>According to the U.S. Attorney, in 2014, a federal jury in Louisiana decided that Thomas Sanders, 57, should be put to death for the brutal kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Lexis Roberts in the fall of 2010. Sanders drove several days across the country before he murdered the girl in a wooded area in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Evidence at trial established that Sanders shot Lexis Roberts four times, cut her throat, and left her body in the woods where a hunter found her body . President Biden commuted his sentence-photo Yavapai County, AZ Sheriff</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734959643074.png" alt="Page 2 White House image" />
 <figcaption>Page 2 White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>The move spares the lives of people&nbsp;<a href="https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/state-and-federal-info/federal-death-penalty/list-of-federal-death-row-prisoners">convicted in killings</a>, including the slayings of police and military officers, people on federal land and those involved in deadly bank robberies or drug deals, as well as the killings of guards or prisoners in federal facilities.It means just three federal inmates continue to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-389bcc56019f268cb1056e37a517bd6c">2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church</a>&nbsp;in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/dzhokhar-tsarnaev">Dzhokhar Tsarnaev</a>; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-death-penalty-27e3b1a505cacdd674ee9b8a179aa1a8">Tree of life Synagogue in 2018</a>, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/23/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-federal-death-row-commutations/">“I’ve dedicated my career to reducing violent crime and ensuring a fair and effective justice system,” Biden said in a statement</a>. “Today, I am commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row to life sentences without the possibility of parole. These commutations are consistent with the moratorium my administration has imposed on federal executions, in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734969024431.png" alt="Serial killer Jorge Torrez, sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia also pleaded guilty for the&nbsp; fatal stabbings of 8-year-old Laura Hobbs and 9-year-old Krystal Tobias on Mother's Day 2005.&nbsp; President Biden commuted his sentence-photo Lake County, Illinois Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Serial killer Jorge Torrez, sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia also pleaded guilty for the&nbsp; fatal stabbings of 8-year-old Laura Hobbs and 9-year-old Krystal Tobias on Mother's Day 2005.&nbsp; President Biden commuted his sentence-photo Lake County, Illinois Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Reaction to the president's end-of-year act of clemency was strong, particularly among those who were victimized by Roof.Michael Graham, whose sister Cynthia Hurd was killed by Roof, wants him to die for his crimes and was thankful Biden kept him on death row. He said Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the U.S. means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for.“This was a crime against a race of people who were doing something all Americans do on a Wednesday night – go to Bible study,” Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.”Felicia Sanders, who shielded her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son Tywanza and her aunt Susie Jackson sent her lawyer, Andy Savage, a text message that called Biden's decision to not spare Roof's life a wonderful Christmas gift.The Biden administration in 2021 announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-executions-health-coronavirus-pandemic-government-and-politics-e7d40ed2dcf68f8b1e49001c1acfb2a8">moratorium</a>&nbsp;on federal capital punishment to study the protocols used, which suspended executions during Biden's term. But Biden actually had promised to go further on the issue in the past, pledging to end federal executions without the caveats for terrorism and hate-motivated, mass killings.While running for president in 2020, Biden's campaign website said he would “work to pass legislation to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-penalty-politics-biden-trump-federal-moratorium-a76fe555f61c3cf6e09b87433f77966f">eliminate the death penalty at the federal level</a>, and incentivize states to follow the federal government’s example.”Similar language didn't appear on Biden's reelection website before he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">left the presidential race</a>&nbsp;in July.“Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss,” Biden's statement said. “But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, vice president, and now president, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.”He took a political jab at Trump, saying, “In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted.”Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has spoken frequently of expanding executions. In a speech&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">announcing his 2024 campaign</a>, Trump called for those “caught selling drugs to receive the death penalty for their heinous acts.” He later promised to execute drug and human smugglers and even praised China's harsher treatment of drug peddlers. During his first term as president, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/653b2353f34e495099d9b004acbcc090">also advocated for the death penalty for drug dealers</a>.There were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-28e44cc5c026dc16472751bbde0ead50">13 federal executions</a>&nbsp;during Trump's first term, more than under any president in modern history, and some may have happened fast enough to have contributed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-prisons-health-coronavirus-pandemic-executions-956da680790108d8b7e2d8f1567f3803">spread of the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;at the federal death row facility in Indiana.Those were the first federal executions since 2003. The final three occurred after Election Day in November 2020 but before Trump left office the following January, the first time federal prisoners were put to death by a lame-duck president since Grover Cleveland in 1889.Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-clemency-4432002d67334e6716c2776fd73f3cc8">faced recent pressure</a>&nbsp;from advocacy groups urging him to act to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The president's announcement also comes less than two weeks after he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-clemency-for-nearly-1500-americans/">commuted the sentences</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/12/clemency-recipient-list-7/">roughly 1,500 people</a>&nbsp;who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and of 39 others convicted of nonviolent crimes, the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.The announcement also followed the post-election pardon that Biden granted his son Hunter on federal gun and tax charges after long saying he would not issue one, sparking an uproar in Washington. The pardon also raised questions about whether he would issue sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-trump-f36ead0eb92ea30e47cbfddfaf326f20">preemptive pardons</a>&nbsp;for administration officials and other allies who the White House worries could be unjustly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-enemies-from-within-5c4a34776469a55e71d3ba4d4e68cf62">targeted by Trump’s</a>&nbsp;second administration.Speculation that Biden could commute federal death sentences intensified last week after the White House announced he plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-vatican-pope-frances-842948a7a8d37122b38b2545e1a92568">visit Italy on the final foreign trip of his presidency</a>&nbsp;next month. Biden, a practicing Catholic, will meet with Pope Francis, who recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-12/pope-appeal-prayers-federal-death-row-grace-inmates.html">called for prayers for U.S. death row inmates</a>&nbsp;in hopes their sentences will be commuted.The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which has long called for an end to the death penalty, said Biden's decision is a “significant step in advancing the cause of human dignity in our nation” and moves the country “a step closer to building a culture of life.”Martin Luther King III, who publicly urged Biden to change the death sentences, said in a statement shared by the White House that the president "has done what no president before him was willing to do: take meaningful and lasting action not just to acknowledge the death penalty’s racist roots but also to remedy its persistent unfairness.”Madeline Cohen, an attorney for Norris Holder, who faced death for the 1997 fatal shooting of a guard during a bank robbery in St. Louis, said his case “reflects many of the system's flaws” and thanked Biden for converting his sentence to life in prison. Holder, who is Black, was sentenced by an all-white jury.“Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said.Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by one of the men whose death sentence was converted, said the execution of "the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace."“The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.”___Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida. Associated Press writers Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, and Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, contributed to this report.

Read the list: Biden commutes sentences of nearly all on federal death row

Alvin
Joseph Denning, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday morning in the comfort of
his home and the company of his family. Anyone who knew Al could tell you that
was the only way he was ever going to leave the “farm” west of Hays, where he
and his departed wife, Aletha, built their home over 40 years ago.



Born in Hays in 1929, Al was the oldest of seven children of Alois and Barbara
(Dinkel) Denning. He spent his childhood working on the family dairy farm and
graduated from Hays High in 1947. He married his sweetheart, Aletha Unrein, in
1950. Al then took on a variety of hard-working jobs, from the oil fields to
the quarry to driving trucks, before spending over two decades working at the
Hays Post Office. 



During that time, Al and Aletha raised seven children together, with their
births spanned over 20 years. A man of his generation, Al parented by example,
teaching his kids the value of hard work, honesty, humility, kindness to
strangers, and taking no shortcuts. He volunteered with the kids’ 4-H clubs, was
a fixture at local farmers markets and small-animal auctions, and enjoyed
driving his pickup through the countryside, noting the level of Big Creek
(always low), pointing out a pretty landscape, stopping to gather a sweet
wildflower for Aletha, or suggesting that so-and-so better get that alfalfa
baled before it rains.



Since retiring thirty years ago, Al almost never spent a night away from the
farm (“Who would collect the eggs?”) and during daylight hours could usually be
found outdoors. He had a green thumb, and every spring he would plant an
acre-sized garden full of every vegetable he could coax to sprout. He raised
all kinds of birds, too, including chickens, doves, quail, guineas, and
peacocks, along with rabbits and the occasional sheep or miniature donkey. He
loved the sun on his back, the feel of a shovel handle in his hands, and a cold
slurp of water from the hose. He valued trees and strategically planted
hundreds of them on his farm to block the wind, shade the yard, provide fruit,
and add habitats for wildlife. And he really loved when folks would see the
Fresh Eggs sign on the highway and stop in to visit. “Let me show you
something,” he’d say to the kids, before leading them to peek at chicks
hatching in the incubator or the biggest squash you’ve ever seen growing in the
garden. Al liked pearl snap shirts, Louis L’Amour novels, Canadian whiskey,
Johnny Cash songs, and Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches.

 

But above all, Al’s pride and joy was his large and loving family, which
remains tight knit to this day, despite being spread out geographically. At
reunions, surrounded by 75 or 80 family members, Al would beam at Aletha, “Look
at what we did! My goodness, look at what we did.” Indeed.

Al is reunited in death with his wife of 71 years, Aletha (2021), his middle
child Greg (2008), his parents, two brothers (Lester and Kenny), and two
sisters (Dolores Frank and Edna Gustus Hunt).

 

Al is survived by six children—Tom Denning (Deb) in Hays, Judy Evans (Bob) in
Indiana, Margie Hammerschmidt (Elden) in Hays, Dan Denning (Cheryl) in
Herington, Kathy Banks (Duane) in Russell, and Roger Denning (Michele) in San
Diego—along with his brother, Larry Denning, and sister, Rita Werth Smith. His
legacy also includes 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 2
great-great-grandchildren.



A funeral Mass will be held at 2pm Thursday, December 26, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Hays. The Mass will be preceded by a memorial visitation at
the church from 1:00pm to 2pm. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 



Memorial contributions are suggested to the 4-H Youth Development, Ellis
County. Contributions made payable to the organization may be sent in care of
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Condolences may be sent to the family on Al’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734980167386.png" alt="Alvin Joseph Denning" />
 <figcaption>Alvin Joseph Denning</figcaption>
 </figure>Alvin
Joseph Denning, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday morning in the comfort of
his home and the company of his family. Anyone who knew Al could tell you that
was the only way he was ever going to leave the “farm” west of Hays, where he
and his departed wife, Aletha, built their home over 40 years ago.

Born in Hays in 1929, Al was the oldest of seven children of Alois and Barbara
(Dinkel) Denning. He spent his childhood working on the family dairy farm and
graduated from Hays High in 1947. He married his sweetheart, Aletha Unrein, in
1950. Al then took on a variety of hard-working jobs, from the oil fields to
the quarry to driving trucks, before spending over two decades working at the
Hays Post Office. 

During that time, Al and Aletha raised seven children together, with their
births spanned over 20 years. A man of his generation, Al parented by example,
teaching his kids the value of hard work, honesty, humility, kindness to
strangers, and taking no shortcuts. He volunteered with the kids’ 4-H clubs, was
a fixture at local farmers markets and small-animal auctions, and enjoyed
driving his pickup through the countryside, noting the level of Big Creek
(always low), pointing out a pretty landscape, stopping to gather a sweet
wildflower for Aletha, or suggesting that so-and-so better get that alfalfa
baled before it rains.

Since retiring thirty years ago, Al almost never spent a night away from the
farm (“Who would collect the eggs?”) and during daylight hours could usually be
found outdoors. He had a green thumb, and every spring he would plant an
acre-sized garden full of every vegetable he could coax to sprout. He raised
all kinds of birds, too, including chickens, doves, quail, guineas, and
peacocks, along with rabbits and the occasional sheep or miniature donkey. He
loved the sun on his back, the feel of a shovel handle in his hands, and a cold
slurp of water from the hose. He valued trees and strategically planted
hundreds of them on his farm to block the wind, shade the yard, provide fruit,
and add habitats for wildlife. And he really loved when folks would see the
Fresh Eggs sign on the highway and stop in to visit. “Let me show you
something,” he’d say to the kids, before leading them to peek at chicks
hatching in the incubator or the biggest squash you’ve ever seen growing in the
garden. Al liked pearl snap shirts, Louis L’Amour novels, Canadian whiskey,
Johnny Cash songs, and Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches. 

But above all, Al’s pride and joy was his large and loving family, which
remains tight knit to this day, despite being spread out geographically. At
reunions, surrounded by 75 or 80 family members, Al would beam at Aletha, “Look
at what we did! My goodness, look at what we did.” Indeed.Al is reunited in death with his wife of 71 years, Aletha (2021), his middle
child Greg (2008), his parents, two brothers (Lester and Kenny), and two
sisters (Dolores Frank and Edna Gustus Hunt). 

Al is survived by six children—Tom Denning (Deb) in Hays, Judy Evans (Bob) in
Indiana, Margie Hammerschmidt (Elden) in Hays, Dan Denning (Cheryl) in
Herington, Kathy Banks (Duane) in Russell, and Roger Denning (Michele) in San
Diego—along with his brother, Larry Denning, and sister, Rita Werth Smith. His
legacy also includes 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 2
great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held at 2pm Thursday, December 26, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Hays. The Mass will be preceded by a memorial visitation at
the church from 1:00pm to 2pm. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the 4-H Youth Development, Ellis
County. Contributions made payable to the organization may be sent in care of
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. 

Condolences may be sent to the family on Al’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Alvin Joseph Denning

For the month of&nbsp;November 2024, the Ellis Police Department responded to&nbsp;182&nbsp;calls for service, conducted&nbsp;58&nbsp;traffic stops and issued&nbsp;8&nbsp;traffic citations. 6 out of the 8 citations were due to speeding. The highest alleged speed was 27 miles per hour over the limit.

The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in&nbsp;2&nbsp;adult arrests.

The following adults were arrested in&nbsp;November by the Ellis Police Department:

On 11/09/2024, Brian Cooper was arrested on suspicion of&nbsp;Criminal Threat and Disorderly Conduct. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

On 11/27/2024, Nathan Harwick was arrested on suspicion of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (x2), Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Criminal Threat. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

988 is a free service that is offered nationwide that offers 24/7, confidential, and judgment-free care&nbsp;for those that are in crisis or are having thoughts of self-harm and suicide.&nbsp;You can call, text, or chat via their webpage; they even have options for those who are deaf,&nbsp;hard of hearing, or those that are Spanish speakers. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.988lifeline.org/">www.988lifeline.org</a>

If you are traveling this holiday season and would like the Ellis Police Department to perform patrol checks on your residence please contact the Ellis City Clerk’s Office&nbsp;in person at 815 Jefferson St,&nbsp;and ask for a patrol check request sheet. An Officer will check on your property and report any odd findings&nbsp;or suspicious activity to you while you are away.&nbsp;

Finally, did you know that you can check road conditions from the warmth of your own home?&nbsp;KanDrive&nbsp;is a free service that is offered through the Kansas Department of Transportation. On their website, you can see weather radar, road closures, live road conditions, and traffic cameras. If you are planning on a trip during the Winter, checking&nbsp;KanDrive&nbsp;can help prevent spoiled plans!

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information, or download the&nbsp;KanDrive&nbsp;App on the Apple App Store or Google Play.&nbsp;

This month’s photo comes to us courtesy of Deb Shinn!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734970901545.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>For the month of&nbsp;November 2024, the Ellis Police Department responded to&nbsp;182&nbsp;calls for service, conducted&nbsp;58&nbsp;traffic stops and issued&nbsp;8&nbsp;traffic citations. 6 out of the 8 citations were due to speeding. The highest alleged speed was 27 miles per hour over the limit.The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in&nbsp;2&nbsp;adult arrests.The following adults were arrested in&nbsp;November by the Ellis Police Department:On 11/09/2024, Brian Cooper was arrested on suspicion of&nbsp;Criminal Threat and Disorderly Conduct. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.On 11/27/2024, Nathan Harwick was arrested on suspicion of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (x2), Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Criminal Threat. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.988 is a free service that is offered nationwide that offers 24/7, confidential, and judgment-free care&nbsp;for those that are in crisis or are having thoughts of self-harm and suicide.&nbsp;You can call, text, or chat via their webpage; they even have options for those who are deaf,&nbsp;hard of hearing, or those that are Spanish speakers. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.988lifeline.org/">www.988lifeline.org</a>If you are traveling this holiday season and would like the Ellis Police Department to perform patrol checks on your residence please contact the Ellis City Clerk’s Office&nbsp;in person at 815 Jefferson St,&nbsp;and ask for a patrol check request sheet. An Officer will check on your property and report any odd findings&nbsp;or suspicious activity to you while you are away.&nbsp;Finally, did you know that you can check road conditions from the warmth of your own home?&nbsp;KanDrive&nbsp;is a free service that is offered through the Kansas Department of Transportation. On their website, you can see weather radar, road closures, live road conditions, and traffic cameras. If you are planning on a trip during the Winter, checking&nbsp;KanDrive&nbsp;can help prevent spoiled plans! Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information, or download the&nbsp;KanDrive&nbsp;App on the Apple App Store or Google Play.&nbsp;This month’s photo comes to us courtesy of Deb Shinn!Thanks for all of your support!-Chief Smith

Ellis Police Department November 2024 Activity report

NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare pleaded not guilty on Monday to state murder and terror charges while his attorney complained that comments coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough to receive a fair trial.

Luigi Mangione, 26, was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his plea. The Manhattan district attorney charged him last week with multiple counts of murder, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-terrorism-law-7fcb28dcc0106c980b6ecf4aa9cf682f">murder as an act of terrorism</a>, in a state case that will run alongside his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-d6575764b6f4c58108e505e6e5ea896d">federal prosecution</a>.

His initial appearance in New York’s state trial court was preempted by federal prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-d6575764b6f4c58108e505e6e5ea896d">bringing their own charges</a>&nbsp;over the shooting. The federal charges could carry the possibility of the death penalty, while the maximum sentence for the state charges is life in prison without parole.

Prosecutors have said the two cases will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-4cc18cfa71b96aaa39b321f60145d2f0">proceed on parallel tracks</a>, with the state charges expected to go to trial first.

One of Mangione’s attorneys told a judge that government officials, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, have turned Mangione into a political pawn, robbing him of his rights as a defendant and tainting the jury pool.

“I am very concerned about my client’s right to a fair trial,” said Karen Friedman Agnifilo.

The city’s mayor and top police official stood among a throng of heavily armed officers last Thursday when Mangione was flown to a Manhattan heliport and escorted up a pier after being extradited from Pennsylvania.

“I wanted to look him in the eye and say you carried out this terroristic act in my city — the city that the people of New York love,” the mayor told a local TV station.

Friedman Agnifilo said police turned Mangione’s return to New York into a choreographed spectacle.

“He was on display for everyone to see in the biggest stage perp walk I’ve ever seen in my career. It was absolutely unnecessary,” she said.

His attorney also accused federal and state prosecutors of advancing conflicting legal theories, calling their approach confusing and highly unusual. “He is being treated like a human pingpong ball between warring jurisdictions here,” she said Monday.

State trial court Judge Gregory Carro said he has little control over what happens outside the courtroom, but can guarantee Mangione will receive a fair trial.

Authorities say Mangione gunned down Brian Thompson as he was walking to an investor conference in midtown Manhattan on the morning of Dec 4.

Mangione was arrested in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s after a five-day search, carrying a gun that matched the one used in the shooting and a fake ID, police said. He also was carrying a notebook expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and especially wealthy executives, according to federal prosecutors.

At a news conference last week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the application of the terrorism law reflected the severity of a “frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.”

“In its most basic terms, this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror,” he added.

Mangione is being held in a Brooklyn federal jail alongside several other high-profile defendants, including Sean “Diddy” Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried.

During his court appearance Monday, he smiled at times when talking with his attorneys and stretched his right hand after an officer removed his cuffs.

Outside the courthouse, a few dozen supporters chanted, “Free Luigi,” over the blare of a trumpet.

Natalie Monarrez, a 55-year-old Staten Island resident, said she joined the demonstration because she lost both her mother and her life savings as a result of denied insurance claims.

“As extreme as it was, it jolted the conversation that we need to deal with this issue,” she said of the shooting. “Enough is enough, people are fed up.”

An Ivy-league graduate from a prominent Maryland family, Mangione appeared to have cut himself off from family and friends in recent months. He posted frequently in online forums about his struggles with back pain. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-united-healthcare-ceo-d148fbdde498c3ea4cf768945889d7e7">never a UnitedHealthcare client</a>, according to the insurer.

Thompson, a married father of two high-schoolers, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm in 2021.

The killing has prompted some to voice their resentment at U.S. health insurers, with Mangione&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-luigi-mangione-josh-shapiro-3a8c64a0bc412e0eeb84bca0c99b6e67">serving as a stand-in</a>&nbsp;for frustrations over coverage denials and hefty medical bills. It also has sent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-security-threats-wanted-posters-9a6687d14e667e5b48a1581923830e3f">shockwaves through the corporate world</a>, rattling executives who say they have received a spike in threats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734643890089.png" alt="Luigi Mangione photo NYPD" />
 <figcaption>Luigi Mangione photo NYPD</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare pleaded not guilty on Monday to state murder and terror charges while his attorney complained that comments coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough to receive a fair trial.Luigi Mangione, 26, was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his plea. The Manhattan district attorney charged him last week with multiple counts of murder, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-terrorism-law-7fcb28dcc0106c980b6ecf4aa9cf682f">murder as an act of terrorism</a>, in a state case that will run alongside his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-d6575764b6f4c58108e505e6e5ea896d">federal prosecution</a>.His initial appearance in New York’s state trial court was preempted by federal prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-d6575764b6f4c58108e505e6e5ea896d">bringing their own charges</a>&nbsp;over the shooting. The federal charges could carry the possibility of the death penalty, while the maximum sentence for the state charges is life in prison without parole.Prosecutors have said the two cases will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-4cc18cfa71b96aaa39b321f60145d2f0">proceed on parallel tracks</a>, with the state charges expected to go to trial first.One of Mangione’s attorneys told a judge that government officials, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, have turned Mangione into a political pawn, robbing him of his rights as a defendant and tainting the jury pool.“I am very concerned about my client’s right to a fair trial,” said Karen Friedman Agnifilo.The city’s mayor and top police official stood among a throng of heavily armed officers last Thursday when Mangione was flown to a Manhattan heliport and escorted up a pier after being extradited from Pennsylvania.“I wanted to look him in the eye and say you carried out this terroristic act in my city — the city that the people of New York love,” the mayor told a local TV station.Friedman Agnifilo said police turned Mangione’s return to New York into a choreographed spectacle.“He was on display for everyone to see in the biggest stage perp walk I’ve ever seen in my career. It was absolutely unnecessary,” she said.His attorney also accused federal and state prosecutors of advancing conflicting legal theories, calling their approach confusing and highly unusual. “He is being treated like a human pingpong ball between warring jurisdictions here,” she said Monday.State trial court Judge Gregory Carro said he has little control over what happens outside the courtroom, but can guarantee Mangione will receive a fair trial.Authorities say Mangione gunned down Brian Thompson as he was walking to an investor conference in midtown Manhattan on the morning of Dec 4.Mangione was arrested in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s after a five-day search, carrying a gun that matched the one used in the shooting and a fake ID, police said. He also was carrying a notebook expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and especially wealthy executives, according to federal prosecutors.At a news conference last week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the application of the terrorism law reflected the severity of a “frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.”“In its most basic terms, this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror,” he added.Mangione is being held in a Brooklyn federal jail alongside several other high-profile defendants, including Sean “Diddy” Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried.During his court appearance Monday, he smiled at times when talking with his attorneys and stretched his right hand after an officer removed his cuffs.Outside the courthouse, a few dozen supporters chanted, “Free Luigi,” over the blare of a trumpet.Natalie Monarrez, a 55-year-old Staten Island resident, said she joined the demonstration because she lost both her mother and her life savings as a result of denied insurance claims.“As extreme as it was, it jolted the conversation that we need to deal with this issue,” she said of the shooting. “Enough is enough, people are fed up.”An Ivy-league graduate from a prominent Maryland family, Mangione appeared to have cut himself off from family and friends in recent months. He posted frequently in online forums about his struggles with back pain. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-united-healthcare-ceo-d148fbdde498c3ea4cf768945889d7e7">never a UnitedHealthcare client</a>, according to the insurer.Thompson, a married father of two high-schoolers, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm in 2021.The killing has prompted some to voice their resentment at U.S. health insurers, with Mangione&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-luigi-mangione-josh-shapiro-3a8c64a0bc412e0eeb84bca0c99b6e67">serving as a stand-in</a>&nbsp;for frustrations over coverage denials and hefty medical bills. It also has sent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-security-threats-wanted-posters-9a6687d14e667e5b48a1581923830e3f">shockwaves through the corporate world</a>, rattling executives who say they have received a spike in threats.

Insurance CEO killing suspect enters plea to terror, murder charges

On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses the MicroFactory with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays Discusses Plans for Hays Micro Factory" 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=pkvep-17803f9-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&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses the MicroFactory with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙 Grow Hays: Future of the MicroFactory

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man who admitted his role in a July 2023 nightclub shooting is going to prison.

 Judge David Dahl sentenced 25-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita to 82 months in prison with 36 months post release, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge also ordered restitution to a City Nightz victim of $8,499.89, and $1,000 to City Nightz.

In September, 24-year-old Jaylen Thomas Wichita&nbsp; pled guilty to two counts of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 1a.m. July 2, 2023, police responded to a mass shooting at the City Nightz club in the 200 Block of North Washington in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.

The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.

The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later that day.

In June, co-defendant in the crime, 21-year-old Ameir King-Ingram was sentenced to just more than 4-years in prison.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689162087966.png" alt="Thomas photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Thomas photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man who admitted his role in a July 2023 nightclub shooting is going to prison. Judge David Dahl sentenced 25-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita to 82 months in prison with 36 months post release, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge also ordered restitution to a City Nightz victim of $8,499.89, and $1,000 to City Nightz.In September, 24-year-old Jaylen Thomas Wichita&nbsp; pled guilty to two counts of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688300318332.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation in July of 2023-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation in July of 2023-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 1a.m. July 2, 2023, police responded to a mass shooting at the City Nightz club in the 200 Block of North Washington in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later that day.In June, co-defendant in the crime, 21-year-old Ameir King-Ingram was sentenced to just more than 4-years in prison.&nbsp;

Man going to prison for mass shooting in Kansas

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a crash and chase in Douglas County.

On Sunday, a man was observed walking in downtown Lawrence carrying a rifle, according to a social media report from Lawrence Police.

 He ran to a car, backed into a patrol vehicle, jumped the curb, crashed into a city lamp post and then drove down the sidewalk to get away.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday, an alert Police Sergeant patrolling downtown Lawrence saw the man walking southbound in the 800 block of Massachusetts carrying what appeared to be a long-barreled rifle. 

The man was heading toward a group standing near 9th and Massachusetts. The Sergeant stopped, yelled “police,” and ordered the man to stop. The man fled on foot to the nearby car and took off, dropping the weapon along the way.  Another officer spotted the car near 6th and Michigan.

 The man fled from officers again down 6th Street and onto Kansas 10 then to Interstate 70, where he crashed trying to navigate an on-ramp. The man got out of the crashed vehicle and again began leaving the scene but officers quickly arrested him without injury and he was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734920994664.png" alt="Photos Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a crash and chase in Douglas County.On Sunday, a man was observed walking in downtown Lawrence carrying a rifle, according to a social media report from Lawrence Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734920974599.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> He ran to a car, backed into a patrol vehicle, jumped the curb, crashed into a city lamp post and then drove down the sidewalk to get away.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734921036098.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 2a.m. Sunday, an alert Police Sergeant patrolling downtown Lawrence saw the man walking southbound in the 800 block of Massachusetts carrying what appeared to be a long-barreled rifle. The man was heading toward a group standing near 9th and Massachusetts. The Sergeant stopped, yelled “police,” and ordered the man to stop. The man fled on foot to the nearby car and took off, dropping the weapon along the way. Another officer spotted the car near 6th and Michigan. The man fled from officers again down 6th Street and onto Kansas 10 then to Interstate 70, where he crashed trying to navigate an on-ramp. The man got out of the crashed vehicle and again began leaving the scene but officers quickly arrested him without injury and he was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility.

Suspect dropped rifle, crashed car into Kan. police vehicle

Providing safe housing is the fundamental first step in helping people develop healthy lives after leaving an abusive relationship, the director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services said.

Jennifer Hecker spoke on a recent edition of the Morning Blend on the importance of Options' Housing First Model.

"Housing First is a national model that is based on the idea that once someone is first housed safely, then they're able to address the other issues and problems in their lives," Hecker said.

"The goal is as quickly as possible to move them into safe, permanent housing."

Housing someone addresses the immediate need for safety and provides a quiet space in one's home to heal, Hecker said. It also helps victims begin to regain their independence.

She said domestic violence victims are often forced to leave their abusers and their homes with only the clothes on their backs.

She said the Housing First Model is low-barrier. Victims don't have to prove sobriety or employment.

Issues such as substance abuse disorder or unemployment often lead to homelessness. Until that person can secure safe housing, they can't deal with the root causes of their issues, Hecker said.

People come to the Options Housing First Program in various ways. For example, a person might need emergency shelter and be placed in the Options shelter in Hays.

Once someone is in the shelter, Options workers begin developing a housing plan with that client, Hecker said.

"We help them look for housing that is affordable, safe, healthy, that will pass good inspections and that anyone would be proud to live in," Hecker said.&nbsp;

Finding affordable housing in Hays and other even more rural areas of northwest Kansas can be challenging, Hecker said. The rental market is tight.

"There is not enough affordable low-income housing for people," Hecker said. "That's something we need to address in our community."

Lack of transportation is also an issue in small communities where there's no public transportation, she said.

In addition to transition advocates, Options relies on partnerships with landlords and housing advocacy groups.

"Sometimes our clients lose housing and are evicted from their apartments or rental properties because domestic violence happened there," Hecker said. "Some of what we do is educate landlords about the laws. It is illegal to evict a domestic violence victim from their house because domestic violence happened."

Options offer financial assistance for people who need housing. They can pay back payments. Hecker said often, domestic violence victims' credit histories or rental histories are ruined as a byproduct of their abusers' financial abuse.

Options can pay rent for victims for several months to allow them to get back on their feet. They work with other agencies to assist with security deposits.

Some of these strategies are meant to help domestic violence victims stay in their homes and create more stability for them and their children,&nbsp; Hecker said.

"For the first time in a long time, for a lot of people, it's the first time they've been able to turn on the radio, crank it up loud on a Saturday morning," Hecker said, "and dance around the living room with their kids without feeling fear of waking up the beast."

"You can decide to leave your dishes in the sink overnight and not worry someone is going to drag you by your hair and shove your face in the sink."

She added, "That resilience, that independence, that ability to live and just breathe is so important and a critical part of healing from trauma."

Options cover an 18-county area across northwest Kansas. Leaving their homes to come to an emergency shelter in Hays is not always the best option for victims and their families.

If victims can stay in their homes, kids don't have to change schools, and the victims may be able to keep jobs if they are working. They may also be closer to friends and family who can provide support.

"It really gives folks an opportunity to rebuild their lives and finally, once and for all, stop that isolation they're experiencing," Hecker said.

Homelessness leaves domestic violence victims vulnerable, she said. Hecker recalled a woman who lost custody of her children because she was homeless. Seven years later, she still hasn't regained custody of her children.

Providing safe housing for mothers and children helps break the cycle of abuse, Hecker said.

Community members can assist Options in their work to provide safe housing to domestic violence victims, Hecker said.

She asks landlords to look at the affordability of rents and also consider the safety of domestic violence victims when looking at housing waiting lists.

"Stable housing prevents further violence," Hecker said. "Safe housing can save lives."

She also encouraged other housing assistance agencies to minimize barriers to housing so domestic violence victims can be rehoused quickly.&nbsp;

Hecker said advocacy agencies have changed their philosophy on housing during the last decade to the Housing First Model.

"Ten years ago our philosophy was if get someone into a house and they don't have a job, that's money down the drain," she said. "They're going to come right back. Of course, they're going to come right back because we haven't addressed the issue that brought them to be homeless in the first place.

"I can't imagine dealing with trauma and trying to heal from trauma, and all the while, I'm wondering where am I going to sleep tonight ... where are my children going to sleep tonight," she said. "You can't move forward when that is your biggest need."

Donors can give monetary gifts to Options to support its housing and shelter programs. Options also regularly shares a wish list of items needed for the emergency shelter on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays">Facebook page.</a>

Options raises about 30 percent of its funds at this time of year. Cash donations fill gaps that are not supported through grants.

If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, you can receive help in a variety of ways from Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Service. The agency serves 18 counties in northwest Kansas.

 You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby. You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.

The Options website,&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>, offers a live chat option or video conference with an advocate.

The website has a safe escape button that allows you to close out of the website and erase your cookies quickly, so anyone on the computer after you will not be able to see that you have been on the website.

Options also has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734476007256.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Options focuses on Housing First Model for domestic violence victims" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=63uue-177a960-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostProviding safe housing is the fundamental first step in helping people develop healthy lives after leaving an abusive relationship, the director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services said.Jennifer Hecker spoke on a recent edition of the Morning Blend on the importance of Options' Housing First Model."Housing First is a national model that is based on the idea that once someone is first housed safely, then they're able to address the other issues and problems in their lives," Hecker said."The goal is as quickly as possible to move them into safe, permanent housing."Housing someone addresses the immediate need for safety and provides a quiet space in one's home to heal, Hecker said. It also helps victims begin to regain their independence.She said domestic violence victims are often forced to leave their abusers and their homes with only the clothes on their backs.She said the Housing First Model is low-barrier. Victims don't have to prove sobriety or employment.Issues such as substance abuse disorder or unemployment often lead to homelessness. Until that person can secure safe housing, they can't deal with the root causes of their issues, Hecker said.People come to the Options Housing First Program in various ways. For example, a person might need emergency shelter and be placed in the Options shelter in Hays.Once someone is in the shelter, Options workers begin developing a housing plan with that client, Hecker said."We help them look for housing that is affordable, safe, healthy, that will pass good inspections and that anyone would be proud to live in," Hecker said.&nbsp;Finding affordable housing in Hays and other even more rural areas of northwest Kansas can be challenging, Hecker said. The rental market is tight."There is not enough affordable low-income housing for people," Hecker said. "That's something we need to address in our community."Lack of transportation is also an issue in small communities where there's no public transportation, she said.In addition to transition advocates, Options relies on partnerships with landlords and housing advocacy groups."Sometimes our clients lose housing and are evicted from their apartments or rental properties because domestic violence happened there," Hecker said. "Some of what we do is educate landlords about the laws. It is illegal to evict a domestic violence victim from their house because domestic violence happened."Options offer financial assistance for people who need housing. They can pay back payments. Hecker said often, domestic violence victims' credit histories or rental histories are ruined as a byproduct of their abusers' financial abuse.Options can pay rent for victims for several months to allow them to get back on their feet. They work with other agencies to assist with security deposits.Some of these strategies are meant to help domestic violence victims stay in their homes and create more stability for them and their children,&nbsp; Hecker said."For the first time in a long time, for a lot of people, it's the first time they've been able to turn on the radio, crank it up loud on a Saturday morning," Hecker said, "and dance around the living room with their kids without feeling fear of waking up the beast.""You can decide to leave your dishes in the sink overnight and not worry someone is going to drag you by your hair and shove your face in the sink."She added, "That resilience, that independence, that ability to live and just breathe is so important and a critical part of healing from trauma."Options cover an 18-county area across northwest Kansas. Leaving their homes to come to an emergency shelter in Hays is not always the best option for victims and their families.If victims can stay in their homes, kids don't have to change schools, and the victims may be able to keep jobs if they are working. They may also be closer to friends and family who can provide support."It really gives folks an opportunity to rebuild their lives and finally, once and for all, stop that isolation they're experiencing," Hecker said.Homelessness leaves domestic violence victims vulnerable, she said. Hecker recalled a woman who lost custody of her children because she was homeless. Seven years later, she still hasn't regained custody of her children.Providing safe housing for mothers and children helps break the cycle of abuse, Hecker said.Community members can assist Options in their work to provide safe housing to domestic violence victims, Hecker said.She asks landlords to look at the affordability of rents and also consider the safety of domestic violence victims when looking at housing waiting lists."Stable housing prevents further violence," Hecker said. "Safe housing can save lives."She also encouraged other housing assistance agencies to minimize barriers to housing so domestic violence victims can be rehoused quickly.&nbsp;Hecker said advocacy agencies have changed their philosophy on housing during the last decade to the Housing First Model."Ten years ago our philosophy was if get someone into a house and they don't have a job, that's money down the drain," she said. "They're going to come right back. Of course, they're going to come right back because we haven't addressed the issue that brought them to be homeless in the first place."I can't imagine dealing with trauma and trying to heal from trauma, and all the while, I'm wondering where am I going to sleep tonight ... where are my children going to sleep tonight," she said. "You can't move forward when that is your biggest need."Donors can give monetary gifts to Options to support its housing and shelter programs. Options also regularly shares a wish list of items needed for the emergency shelter on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays">Facebook page.</a>Options raises about 30 percent of its funds at this time of year. Cash donations fill gaps that are not supported through grants.<h2>How to get help</h2>If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, you can receive help in a variety of ways from Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Service. The agency serves 18 counties in northwest Kansas. You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby. You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.The Options website,&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>, offers a live chat option or video conference with an advocate.The website has a safe escape button that allows you to close out of the website and erase your cookies quickly, so anyone on the computer after you will not be able to see that you have been on the website.Options also has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."