By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The sanitary sewer lift station just off Highway 40 west of the Hays Regional Airport needs to be replaced, says Jeff Crispin, director of water resources. 

It's 40 years old, built in the 100-year flood plain and flooded as recently as 2018-19 during unusually wet years in Hays. The facility is underground and it leaks, he told city commissioners at their Thursday work session.

"Also, water running underground that you can't see is actually coming into the lift station," Crispin said, "[unnecessarily] adding to the run hours."

The station will also be used more once the new Hays High School and Hays Middle Schools open in a little more than a year. More new housing being built and planned in east Hays will also be an impact.

APAC, Hays submitted a low bid of $754,916 to replace the lift station.&nbsp;The new, expanded station will be above ground and raised out of the flood plain. 

Hays has four sanitary sewer lift stations, plus a small one serving the airport.&nbsp;

Crispin said there would be no downtime of the sewer system as the new lift station is installed.&nbsp;

Commissioners will vote on the bid at their Dec. 26 meeting.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The commission will also vote on a bid recommendation for phase 1 of the redevelopment of the downtown building at 1108 N. Main into a new luxury short-term rental Airbnb called Chestnut Suites.

Hays developer Adam Pray plans the renovation to create 24-26 rentable hotel-style rooms for both short-term and 30-day or more renters.&nbsp;

Pray asked the city of Hays to apply for $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce, which was awarded in August.

A single bid was made for the project's first phase, including exterior concrete and masonry work, roofing accessories, window work, and plumbing. The bid was from Robben Construction, Hays, for $484,500.

The developer would be responsible for the cost gap between the grant and the bid award. No city funds will be expended.

The estimated total project cost is $3.2 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734708612613.png" alt="The current sanitary sewer lift station west of Hays Regional Airport was built in 1984. It serves an area approximately from Canterbury Drive to the east edge of town. City of Hays photo" />
 <figcaption>The current sanitary sewer lift station west of Hays Regional Airport was built in 1984. It serves an area approximately from Canterbury Drive to the east edge of town. City of Hays photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe sanitary sewer lift station just off Highway 40 west of the Hays Regional Airport needs to be replaced, says Jeff Crispin, director of water resources. It's 40 years old, built in the 100-year flood plain and flooded as recently as 2018-19 during unusually wet years in Hays. The facility is underground and it leaks, he told city commissioners at their Thursday work session."Also, water running underground that you can't see is actually coming into the lift station," Crispin said, "[unnecessarily] adding to the run hours."The station will also be used more once the new Hays High School and Hays Middle Schools open in a little more than a year. More new housing being built and planned in east Hays will also be an impact.APAC, Hays submitted a low bid of $754,916 to replace the lift station.&nbsp;The new, expanded station will be above ground and raised out of the flood plain. Hays has four sanitary sewer lift stations, plus a small one serving the airport.&nbsp;Crispin said there would be no downtime of the sewer system as the new lift station is installed.&nbsp;Commissioners will vote on the bid at their Dec. 26 meeting.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716571310012.png" alt="Future home of Chestnut Suites, 1108 N. Main, in downtown Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Future home of Chestnut Suites, 1108 N. Main, in downtown Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The commission will also vote on a bid recommendation for phase 1 of the redevelopment of the downtown building at 1108 N. Main into a new luxury short-term rental Airbnb called Chestnut Suites.Hays developer Adam Pray plans the renovation to create 24-26 rentable hotel-style rooms for both short-term and 30-day or more renters.&nbsp;Pray asked the city of Hays to apply for $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce, which was awarded in August.A single bid was made for the project's first phase, including exterior concrete and masonry work, roofing accessories, window work, and plumbing. The bid was from Robben Construction, Hays, for $484,500.The developer would be responsible for the cost gap between the grant and the bid award. No city funds will be expended.The estimated total project cost is $3.2 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

City to replace aging sewer lift station as school, housing develop in east Hays

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-johnson-schumer-jeffries-cf75ae3c5f04207980cb96b286e70c09">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;deadline, the Senate rushed through final passage early Saturday of a bipartisan plan that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, dropping President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;demands for a debt limit increase into the new year.

<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241216/ARA%2012.20.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the continuing resolution

House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;had insisted Congress would “meet our obligations” and not allow federal operations to shutter ahead of the Christmas holiday season. But the day's outcome was uncertain after Trump doubled down on his insistence that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">debt ceiling</a>&nbsp;increase be included in any deal — if not, he said in an early morning post, let the closures “start now.”

The House approved Johnson's new bill overwhelmingly, 366-34. Sharice Davids, Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, voted with majority.

 The Senate worked into the night to pass it, 85-11, just after the deadline.&nbsp; Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted for the measure.

&nbsp;At midnight, the White House said it had ceased shutdown preparations.

“This is a good outcome for the country, ” Johnson said after the House vote, adding he had spoken with Trump and the president-elect “was certainly happy about this outcome, as well.”

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, who has played a less public role in the process throughout a turbulent week, was expected to sign the measure into law Saturday.

“There will be no government shutdown," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

The final product was the third attempt from Johnson, the beleaguered House speaker, to achieve one of the basic requirements of the federal government — keeping it open. And it raised stark questions about whether Johnson will be able to keep his job, in the face of angry GOP colleagues, and work alongside Trump and billionaire ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-congress-bipartisan-deal-320a3487d596ae0d2e1ffdc1e62054b3">Elon Musk</a>, who called the legislative plays from afar.

Trump's last-minute demand was almost an impossible ask, and Johnson had almost no choice but to work around his pressure for a debt ceiling increase. The speaker knew there wouldn’t be enough support within the GOP majority to pass any funding package, since many Republican deficit hawks prefer to slash the federal government and certainly wouldn’t allow more debt.

Instead, the Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate next year, with big plans for tax cuts and other priorities, are showing they must routinely rely on Democrats for the votes needed to keep up with the routine operations of governing.

“So is this a Republican bill or a Democrat bill?” scoffed Musk on social media ahead of the vote.

The drastically slimmed-down 118-page package would fund the government at current levels through March 14 and add $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers.

Gone is Trump’s demand to lift the debt ceiling, which GOP leaders told lawmakers would be debated as part of their tax and border packages in the new year. Republicans made a so-called handshake agreement to raise the debt limit at that time while also cutting $2.5 trillion in spending over 10 years.

It’s essentially the same deal that flopped the night before in a spectacular setback — opposed by most Democrats and some of the most conservative Republicans — minus Trump’s debt ceiling demand.

But it's far smaller than the original bipartisan accord Johnson struck with Democratic and Republican leaders — a 1,500-page bill that Trump and Musk rejected, forcing him to start over. It was stuffed with a long list of other bills — including much-derided pay raises for lawmakers — but also other measures with broad bipartisan support that now have a tougher path to becoming law.

House Democrats were cool to the latest effort after Johnson reneged on the hard-fought bipartisan compromise.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said it looked like Musk, the wealthiest man in the world, was calling the shots for Trump and Republicans.

“Who is in charge?” she asked during the debate.

Still, the House Democrats put up more votes than Republicans for the bill's passage. Almost three dozen conservative House Republicans voted against it.

“The House Democrats have successfully stopped extreme MAGA Republicans from shutting down the government, crashing the economy and hurting working-class Americans all across the nation,” House Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;said, referring to Trump's “Make America Great Again” slogan.

In the Senate, almost all the opposition came from the Republicans — except independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, who said Musk's interference was “not democracy, that's oligarchy.”

Trump, who has not yet been sworn into office, is showing the power but also the limits of his sway with Congress, as he intervenes and orchestrates affairs from Mar-a-Lago alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-congress-bipartisan-deal-320a3487d596ae0d2e1ffdc1e62054b3">Musk</a>, who is heading up the new Department of Government Efficiency.

The incoming Trump administration vows to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-trump-harris-election-heritage-foundation-9183cf4c36c293e11b59847189d26a87">slash the federal budget and fire thousands of employees</a>&nbsp;and is counting on Republicans for a big tax package. And Trump's not fearful of shutdowns the way lawmakers are, having sparked the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">longest government shutdown in history</a>&nbsp;in his first term at the White House.

“If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now,” Trump posted early in the morning on social media.

More important for the president-elect was his demand for pushing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">thorny debt ceiling debate</a>&nbsp;off the table before he returns to the White House. The federal debt limit expires Jan. 1, and Trump doesn't want the first months of his new administration saddled with tough negotiations in Congress to lift the nation's borrowing capacity. Now Johnson will be on the hook to deliver.

“Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling,” Trump posted — increasing his demand for a new five-year debt limit increase. "Without this, we should never make a deal."

Government workers had already been told to prepare for a federal shutdown that would send millions of employees — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-trump-musk-military-troop-pay-adcc3bd728ec2e406cb8f3be9d1a890a">members of the military</a>&nbsp;— into the holiday season without paychecks.

Biden has been in discussions with Jeffries and Schumer, but White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: “Republicans blew up this deal. They did, and they need to fix this.”

As the day dragged on, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell stepped in to remind colleagues “how harmful it is to shut the government down, and how foolish it is to bet your own side won’t take the blame for it.”

At one point, Johnson asked House Republicans at a lunchtime meeting for a show of hands as they tried to choose the path forward.

It wasn’t just the shutdown, but the speaker’s job on the line. The speaker’s election is the first vote of the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, and some Trump allies have floated Musk for speaker.

Johnson said he spoke to Musk ahead of the vote Friday and they talked about the “extraordinary challenges of this job.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734474980545.png" alt="The 2024 Capitol Christmas Tree -photo courtesy Architect of the Capitol" />
 <figcaption>The 2024 Capitol Christmas Tree -photo courtesy Architect of the Capitol</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-johnson-schumer-jeffries-cf75ae3c5f04207980cb96b286e70c09">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;deadline, the Senate rushed through final passage early Saturday of a bipartisan plan that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, dropping President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;demands for a debt limit increase into the new year.<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241216/ARA%2012.20.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the continuing resolutionHouse Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;had insisted Congress would “meet our obligations” and not allow federal operations to shutter ahead of the Christmas holiday season. But the day's outcome was uncertain after Trump doubled down on his insistence that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">debt ceiling</a>&nbsp;increase be included in any deal — if not, he said in an early morning post, let the closures “start now.”The House approved Johnson's new bill overwhelmingly, 366-34. Sharice Davids, Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, voted with majority. The Senate worked into the night to pass it, 85-11, just after the deadline.&nbsp; Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted for the measure.&nbsp;At midnight, the White House said it had ceased shutdown preparations.“This is a good outcome for the country, ” Johnson said after the House vote, adding he had spoken with Trump and the president-elect “was certainly happy about this outcome, as well.”President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, who has played a less public role in the process throughout a turbulent week, was expected to sign the measure into law Saturday.“There will be no government shutdown," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.The final product was the third attempt from Johnson, the beleaguered House speaker, to achieve one of the basic requirements of the federal government — keeping it open. And it raised stark questions about whether Johnson will be able to keep his job, in the face of angry GOP colleagues, and work alongside Trump and billionaire ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-congress-bipartisan-deal-320a3487d596ae0d2e1ffdc1e62054b3">Elon Musk</a>, who called the legislative plays from afar.Trump's last-minute demand was almost an impossible ask, and Johnson had almost no choice but to work around his pressure for a debt ceiling increase. The speaker knew there wouldn’t be enough support within the GOP majority to pass any funding package, since many Republican deficit hawks prefer to slash the federal government and certainly wouldn’t allow more debt.Instead, the Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate next year, with big plans for tax cuts and other priorities, are showing they must routinely rely on Democrats for the votes needed to keep up with the routine operations of governing.“So is this a Republican bill or a Democrat bill?” scoffed Musk on social media ahead of the vote.The drastically slimmed-down 118-page package would fund the government at current levels through March 14 and add $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers.Gone is Trump’s demand to lift the debt ceiling, which GOP leaders told lawmakers would be debated as part of their tax and border packages in the new year. Republicans made a so-called handshake agreement to raise the debt limit at that time while also cutting $2.5 trillion in spending over 10 years.It’s essentially the same deal that flopped the night before in a spectacular setback — opposed by most Democrats and some of the most conservative Republicans — minus Trump’s debt ceiling demand.But it's far smaller than the original bipartisan accord Johnson struck with Democratic and Republican leaders — a 1,500-page bill that Trump and Musk rejected, forcing him to start over. It was stuffed with a long list of other bills — including much-derided pay raises for lawmakers — but also other measures with broad bipartisan support that now have a tougher path to becoming law.House Democrats were cool to the latest effort after Johnson reneged on the hard-fought bipartisan compromise.Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said it looked like Musk, the wealthiest man in the world, was calling the shots for Trump and Republicans.“Who is in charge?” she asked during the debate.Still, the House Democrats put up more votes than Republicans for the bill's passage. Almost three dozen conservative House Republicans voted against it.“The House Democrats have successfully stopped extreme MAGA Republicans from shutting down the government, crashing the economy and hurting working-class Americans all across the nation,” House Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;said, referring to Trump's “Make America Great Again” slogan.In the Senate, almost all the opposition came from the Republicans — except independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, who said Musk's interference was “not democracy, that's oligarchy.”Trump, who has not yet been sworn into office, is showing the power but also the limits of his sway with Congress, as he intervenes and orchestrates affairs from Mar-a-Lago alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-congress-bipartisan-deal-320a3487d596ae0d2e1ffdc1e62054b3">Musk</a>, who is heading up the new Department of Government Efficiency.The incoming Trump administration vows to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-trump-harris-election-heritage-foundation-9183cf4c36c293e11b59847189d26a87">slash the federal budget and fire thousands of employees</a>&nbsp;and is counting on Republicans for a big tax package. And Trump's not fearful of shutdowns the way lawmakers are, having sparked the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">longest government shutdown in history</a>&nbsp;in his first term at the White House.“If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now,” Trump posted early in the morning on social media.More important for the president-elect was his demand for pushing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">thorny debt ceiling debate</a>&nbsp;off the table before he returns to the White House. The federal debt limit expires Jan. 1, and Trump doesn't want the first months of his new administration saddled with tough negotiations in Congress to lift the nation's borrowing capacity. Now Johnson will be on the hook to deliver.“Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling,” Trump posted — increasing his demand for a new five-year debt limit increase. "Without this, we should never make a deal."Government workers had already been told to prepare for a federal shutdown that would send millions of employees — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-trump-musk-military-troop-pay-adcc3bd728ec2e406cb8f3be9d1a890a">members of the military</a>&nbsp;— into the holiday season without paychecks.Biden has been in discussions with Jeffries and Schumer, but White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: “Republicans blew up this deal. They did, and they need to fix this.”As the day dragged on, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell stepped in to remind colleagues “how harmful it is to shut the government down, and how foolish it is to bet your own side won’t take the blame for it.”At one point, Johnson asked House Republicans at a lunchtime meeting for a show of hands as they tried to choose the path forward.It wasn’t just the shutdown, but the speaker’s job on the line. The speaker’s election is the first vote of the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, and some Trump allies have floated Musk for speaker.Johnson said he spoke to Musk ahead of the vote Friday and they talked about the “extraordinary challenges of this job.”

Kan. lawmakers help send stop-gap funding bill to Biden, averting a shutdown

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

MANHATTAN - Hays finished off the 2024 portion of their regular season with a trip to Manhattan on Friday night.

GIRLS:&nbsp;#5-5A Hays 56, #10-6A Manhattan 48 Hays and Manhattan lived up to their rankings as the two were tied 12 times and changed the lead 18 times. Hays ended the game with a 12-3 run to win 56-48.

Hays led 8-4 three minutes into the contest. That would be the biggest lead for either team until the fourth quarter. Each team scored 13 points in the first quarter.

A pair of Hays free throws put Hays ahead at halftime 24-22. Manhattan had their biggest lead of the game late in the third and early in the fourth, both times by two points.

Manhattan led 34-32 and 37-35 with the second lead coming on the first points of the fourth quarter. The two swapped the lead back and fourth before Manhattan led 45-44 with 3:35 remaining. Zoe Winter hit a three pointer to ignite a 9-0 run. She scored the first seven points.

Hays ended the game with a 12-3 run for the 56-48 victory.

Winter led the Indians with 14. Katie Linenberger scored 14 as well and added 10 rebounds for her first career double-double. Molly Martin scored 12. Hays goes to the break at 6-0. Manhattan drops to 4-2.

Jenna Schmeidler 7; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 14; Molly Martin 12; Kenlee Winter 5; Morgan Armbruster 0; Lynsi Kanak 0; Molly Buckles 4; Zoe Winter 14.

BOYS:&nbsp; Manhattan 60, Hays 57 Hays and Manhattan both took seven point leads in the first half. Manhattan used a 9-0 first quarter run to lead 9-2 three minutes into the game. Hays countered with a 14-2 to close out the first quarter leading 16-11.

Hays took their seven points leads in the second quarter at 19-12 and 23-16. A six point spurt by Manhattan closed the gap down to 23-22 before Cooper Lindenmeyer beat the second quarter clock with basket to lead 25-22 at halftime.

Neither team grabbed firm control of the game in the third quarter. Manhattan led by four at one point before Tiger Johnson made two of his five threes to give Hays the lead back at 35-33. The lead changed hands until Manhattan led 40-39 going the fourth quarter.

Manhattan led by five when Hays went on a 10-2 run&nbsp; to take the lead back at 49-46 three minutes into the fourth quarter. The teams took turns leading in the final three minutes. An Izaac Fox dunk put Hays up 53-50 with 2:45 left. Manhattan took the lead back on a pair of free throws at 1:57. A Dawson Ruder traditional three point play gave Hays the lead with :55 seconds then Manhattan answered with a top of the key three for a 57-56 advantage.

Hays hit one of two free throws with 4.2 second lefts to tie the game. It left just enough time for Manhattan to bank in a running three from well past the three point line for a 60-57 victory.

Hays falls to 3-3 in the loss. Manhattan improves to 2-4 and wins at the buzzer one week after losing to Dodge City at the buzzer. Cooper Johnson scored a career high 20. Dawson Ruder had a second double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The game featured seven ties and eleven lead changes.

Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 2; Trace Jacobs 0; Cooper Lindenmeyer 2; Trey Oakley 9; Tiger Johnson 20; Izaac Fox 8; Noah Smalley 0; Dawson Ruder 16.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostMANHATTAN - Hays finished off the 2024 portion of their regular season with a trip to Manhattan on Friday night.GIRLS:&nbsp;#5-5A Hays 56, #10-6A Manhattan 48 Hays and Manhattan lived up to their rankings as the two were tied 12 times and changed the lead 18 times. Hays ended the game with a 12-3 run to win 56-48.Hays led 8-4 three minutes into the contest. That would be the biggest lead for either team until the fourth quarter. Each team scored 13 points in the first quarter.A pair of Hays free throws put Hays ahead at halftime 24-22. Manhattan had their biggest lead of the game late in the third and early in the fourth, both times by two points.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/1991127435&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-814667509/12-20-24-hh-wbkb-hilights-v-manhattan" title="12-20-24 HH WBKB Hilights v. Manhattan" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">12-20-24 HH WBKB Hilights v. Manhattan</a></div></div>Manhattan led 34-32 and 37-35 with the second lead coming on the first points of the fourth quarter. The two swapped the lead back and fourth before Manhattan led 45-44 with 3:35 remaining. Zoe Winter hit a three pointer to ignite a 9-0 run. She scored the first seven points.Hays ended the game with a 12-3 run for the 56-48 victory.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/1991178595&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-814667509/12-20-24-hhs-wbkb-coach-interview-v-manhattan" title="12 - 20 - 24 HHS WBKB Coach Interview v. Manhattan" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">12 - 20 - 24 HHS WBKB Coach Interview v. Manhattan</a></div></div>Winter led the Indians with 14. Katie Linenberger scored 14 as well and added 10 rebounds for her first career double-double. Molly Martin scored 12. Hays goes to the break at 6-0. Manhattan drops to 4-2.Jenna Schmeidler 7; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 14; Molly Martin 12; Kenlee Winter 5; Morgan Armbruster 0; Lynsi Kanak 0; Molly Buckles 4; Zoe Winter 14.BOYS:&nbsp; Manhattan 60, Hays 57 Hays and Manhattan both took seven point leads in the first half. Manhattan used a 9-0 first quarter run to lead 9-2 three minutes into the game. Hays countered with a 14-2 to close out the first quarter leading 16-11.Hays took their seven points leads in the second quarter at 19-12 and 23-16. A six point spurt by Manhattan closed the gap down to 23-22 before Cooper Lindenmeyer beat the second quarter clock with basket to lead 25-22 at 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/1991179519&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-814667509/12-20-24-hh-mbkb-hilights-v-manhattan" title="12 - 20 - 24 HH MBKB Hilights v. Manhattan" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">12 - 20 - 24 HH MBKB Hilights v. Manhattan</a></div></div>Neither team grabbed firm control of the game in the third quarter. Manhattan led by four at one point before Tiger Johnson made two of his five threes to give Hays the lead back at 35-33. The lead changed hands until Manhattan led 40-39 going the fourth quarter.Manhattan led by five when Hays went on a 10-2 run&nbsp; to take the lead back at 49-46 three minutes into the fourth quarter. The teams took turns leading in the final three minutes. An Izaac Fox dunk put Hays up 53-50 with 2:45 left. Manhattan took the lead back on a pair of free throws at 1:57. A Dawson Ruder traditional three point play gave Hays the lead with :55 seconds then Manhattan answered with a top of the key three for a 57-56 advantage.Hays hit one of two free throws with 4.2 second lefts to tie the game. It left just enough time for Manhattan to bank in a running three from well past the three point line for a 60-57 victory.Coach Sean Dreiling<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/1991180091&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-814667509/12-20-24-hhs-mbkb-coach-interview-v-manhattan" title="12 - 20 - 24 HHS MBKB Coach Interview v. Manhattan" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">12 - 20 - 24 HHS MBKB Coach Interview v. Manhattan</a></div></div>Hays falls to 3-3 in the loss. Manhattan improves to 2-4 and wins at the buzzer one week after losing to Dodge City at the buzzer. Cooper Johnson scored a career high 20. Dawson Ruder had a second double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds.The game featured seven ties and eleven lead changes.Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 2; Trace Jacobs 0; Cooper Lindenmeyer 2; Trey Oakley 9; Tiger Johnson 20; Izaac Fox 8; Noah Smalley 0; Dawson Ruder 16.

🏀 Hays girls remain unbeaten; boys fall to Manhattan

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

CLAFLIN - The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys and girls basketball teams closed out the pre-Christmas portion of their schedule on the road Friday night at Central Plains and they came up short, losing both games of the doubleheader.

GIRLS: Central Plains 47, TMP 30The Monarchs jumped out to an early lead, only to see the Oilers use an 8-0 run and take the lead in the first quarter as they held off the Monarchs the rest of the way in 47-30 win.

Brooke Koenigsman scored five straight for the Monarchs (2-4, 1-1 MCL) to open the game with a 5-2 lead. But Central Plains (5-1, 1-0 CPL)&nbsp; answered with an 8-0 of their own and held on to the lead the rest of the way.

After trailing 13-9 at the end of the first quarter, TMP closed within two on a Gracyn Schippers field goal and then Hannah Rose connected on a three-pointer pulling TMP within three at 17-14 but Central Plains maintained a 22-18 lead at halftime.

In the second half Central Plains get the early start, outscoring the Monarchs 18-4 to end the third quarter and open the fourth on their way to the 47-30 victory.

Brooke Koenigsman led the Monarchs with 10 points.

BOYS: Central Plains 43, TMP 31The TMP boys could never overcome a slow start Friday as they dropped their fourth game in five tries to start the season 43-31 at Central Plains.

Central Plains opened the game on a 12-1 run before the Monarchs were ever able to get settled in.

Down 11, Grant Nehls scored seven of his nine points helping pull the Monarchs within four at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter Central Plains was able to maintain the three and four point advantage the entire way and led 22-16.

The Oilers scored the first five points of the third quarter and built their largest lead of the game at 11, 27-16. But the Monarchs answered right back.

They pulled within two points at 31-29, thanks to a 13-4 run, forcing four straight turnovers during that stretch.

But the Monarchs could never close the gap down the stretch and Central Plains held on for a 43-41 win.

Grant Nehls and Jacob Seib led the Monarchs with nine points each.

The Monarchs return to action January 10 at Sacred Heart.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostCLAFLIN - The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys and girls basketball teams closed out the pre-Christmas portion of their schedule on the road Friday night at Central Plains and they came up short, losing both games of the doubleheader.GIRLS: Central Plains 47, TMP 30The Monarchs jumped out to an early lead, only to see the Oilers use an 8-0 run and take the lead in the first quarter as they held off the Monarchs the rest of the way in 47-30 win.Brooke Koenigsman scored five straight for the Monarchs (2-4, 1-1 MCL) to open the game with a 5-2 lead. But Central Plains (5-1, 1-0 CPL)&nbsp; answered with an 8-0 of their own and held on to the lead the rest of the way.After trailing 13-9 at the end of the first quarter, TMP closed within two on a Gracyn Schippers field goal and then Hannah Rose connected on a three-pointer pulling TMP within three at 17-14 but Central Plains maintained a 22-18 lead at halftime.In the second half Central Plains get the early start, outscoring the Monarchs 18-4 to end the third quarter and open the fourth on their way to the 47-30 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1991162911&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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/tmp-wbkb-highlights-vs-central" title="TMP WBKB Highlights vs Central Plains (Dec 20th 24)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP WBKB Highlights vs Central Plains (Dec 20th 24)</a></div></div>Brooke Koenigsman led the Monarchs with 10 points.BOYS: Central Plains 43, TMP 31The TMP boys could never overcome a slow start Friday as they dropped their fourth game in five tries to start the season 43-31 at Central Plains.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1991162235&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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/tmp-mbkb-coach-bill-meagher-postgame-interview-vs-central-plains-dec-20th-24" title="TMP MBKB Coach Bill Meagher Postgame Interview vs Central Plains (Dec 20th 24)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP MBKB Coach Bill Meagher Postgame Interview vs Central Plains (Dec 20th 24)</a></div></div>Central Plains opened the game on a 12-1 run before the Monarchs were ever able to get settled in.Down 11, Grant Nehls scored seven of his nine points helping pull the Monarchs within four at the end of the first quarter.In the second quarter Central Plains was able to maintain the three and four point advantage the entire way and led 22-16.The Oilers scored the first five points of the third quarter and built their largest lead of the game at 11, 27-16. But the Monarchs answered right back.They pulled within two points at 31-29, thanks to a 13-4 run, forcing four straight turnovers during that stretch.But the Monarchs could never close the gap down the stretch and Central Plains held on for a 43-41 win.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1991162235&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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/tmp-mbkb-coach-bill-meagher-postgame-interview-vs-central-plains-dec-20th-24" title="TMP MBKB Coach Bill Meagher Postgame Interview vs Central Plains (Dec 20th 24)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP MBKB Coach Bill Meagher Postgame Interview vs Central Plains (Dec 20th 24)</a></div></div>Grant Nehls and Jacob Seib led the Monarchs with nine points each.The Monarchs return to action January 10 at Sacred Heart.

🏀 Monarchs drop a pair of games at Central Plains

Darren Stieben won a $250 certificate from Robert Brogden's Hays GMC.

This was the final week for Reindeer Radio. Thank everyone who listened to 94.3 KAYS and played.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734734436505.jpeg" alt="Darren Stieben accepts a $250 certificate from Robert Brogden's Hays GMC from programmer Jeff Leiker. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Darren Stieben accepts a $250 certificate from Robert Brogden's Hays GMC from programmer Jeff Leiker. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Darren Stieben won a $250 certificate from Robert Brogden's Hays GMC.This was the final week for Reindeer Radio. Thank everyone who listened to 94.3 KAYS and played.

Week 6 Reindeer Radio winner announced

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hours to go before a midnight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-johnson-schumer-jeffries-cf75ae3c5f04207980cb96b286e70c09">government shutdown</a>, the House approved a new plan late Friday from Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, but drops President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;demands for a debt limit increase into the new year.

<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241216/ARA%2012.20.pdf">Click here</a> to read Friday's continuing resolution

Johnson insisted Congress would “meet our obligations” and not allow federal operations to shutter ahead of the Christmas holiday season. But the day's outcome was uncertain after Trump doubled down on his insistence that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">debt ceiling</a>&nbsp;increase be included in any deal — if not, he said in an early morning post, let the closures “start now.”

The bill was approved 366-34. All four members of the Kansas delegation, Sharice Davids, Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, voted with majority.

The bill now goes to the Senate, for expected quick passage.

“We're excited about this outcome,” Johnson said afterward, adding he had spoken with Trump and the president-elect “was certainly happy about this outcome, as well.”

It was the third attempt from Johnson, the beleaguered House speaker, to achieve one of the basic requirements of the federal government — keeping it open. And it raised stark questions about whether Johnson will be able to keep his job, in the face of angry GOP colleagues, and work alongside Trump and billionaire ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-congress-bipartisan-deal-320a3487d596ae0d2e1ffdc1e62054b3">Elon Musk</a>, who have called the legislative plays this time.

Trump's last-minute demand was almost an impossible ask, and Johnson had almost no choice but to work around his pressure for a debt ceiling increase. The speaker knew there wouldn’t be enough support within the GOP majority to pass any funding package, since many Republicans prefer to slash federal government and certainly wouldn’t allow more debt.

The new 118-page package would fund the government at current levels through March and adds $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers.

It's essentially the same deal that flopped the night before in a spectacular setback — opposed by most Democrats and some of the most conservative Republicans — minus Trump's debt ceiling demand.

Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;was in contact with Johnson, but Democrats were cool to the latest effort after the Republican speaker reneged on their original bipartisan compromise.

“Welcome back to the MAGA swamp,” Jeffries posted.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said it looked like Musk, an unelected official and the wealthiest man in the world, was calling the shots for Trump and the Republicans.

Still, the White House supported the final bill, and Democrats put up more votes than Republicans for its passage. Almost three dozen Republicans voted against it.

Trump, who has not yet been sworn into office, is showing the power but also the limits of his sway with Congress, as he intervenes and orchestrates affairs from Mar-a-Lago alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-congress-bipartisan-deal-320a3487d596ae0d2e1ffdc1e62054b3">Musk</a>, who is heading up the incoming administration's new Department of Government Efficiency.

Trump does not fear government shutdowns the way Johnson and the lawmakers see federal closures as political losers that harm the livelihoods of Americans. The incoming Trump administration vows to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-trump-harris-election-heritage-foundation-9183cf4c36c293e11b59847189d26a87">slash the federal budget and fire thousands of employees</a>. Trump himself sparked the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">longest government shutdown in history</a>&nbsp;in his first term at the White House, the monthlong closures over the 2018-19 Christmas holiday and New Year period.

More importantly for the president-elect was his demand for pushing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">thorny debt ceiling debate</a>&nbsp;off the table before he returns to the White House. The federal debt limit expires Jan. 1, and Trump doesn't want the first months of his new administration saddled with tough negotiations in Congress to lift the nation's borrowing capacity. It gives Democrats, who will be in the minority next year, leverage.

“Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling,” Trump posted — increasing his demand for a now five-year debt limit increase. "Without this, we should never make a deal."

Johnson had tried at first to appease Trump's demands, but ultimately had to work around them.

Trump and Musk unleashed their opposition — and social media army — on the original plan Johnson presented, which was a 1,500-page bipartisan compromise he struck with Democrats that included the disaster aid for hard hit states, but did not address the debt ceiling situation.

A Trump-backed second plan, Thursday's slimmed-down 116-page bill with his preferred two-year debt limit increase into 2027, failed in a monumental defeat, rejected by most Democrats as an unserious effort — but also by conservative Republicans who refuse to pile on the nation's red ink.

On Friday morning, Vice President-elect JD Vance and Trump's pick to be incoming Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, arrived at the Capitol, where a group of holdouts from the hardline House Freedom Caucus were meeting with Johnson.

Later, during the lunchtime meeting of House Republicans in the Capitol basement, Johnson asked for a show of hands as they determined the path forward, Republican Rep. Ralph Norman said.

Government workers have already been told to prepare for a federal shutdown which would send millions of employees — and members of the military — into the holiday season without paychecks.

President Joe Biden, in his final weeks in office, has played a less public role in the debate, drawing criticism from Trump and Republicans who are trying to shift the blame for any shutdown on him.

Biden has been in discussions with Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, but White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “Republicans blew up this deal. They did, and they need to fix this.”

At one point Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell stepped in to remind colleagues “how harmful it is to shut the government down, and how foolish it is to bet your own side won’t take the blame for it.”

The speaker's election is the first vote of the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, and Johnson will need the support of almost every single House Republican from his razor-thin majority to ensure he can keep the gavel.

As some have floated Musk for speaker, Johnson said he spoke to him, as well. He said they talked about the “extraordinary challenges of this job.”

As the speaker twisted in Washington, his peril was on display. At Turning Point USA’s conservative AmericaFest confab, Trump ally Steve Bannon stirred thousands of activists late Thursday with a withering takedown of the Louisiana Republican.

“Clearly, Johnson is not up to the task. He’s gotta go,” Bannon said, drawing cheers.

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Mary Clare Jalonick, Darlene Superville and Bill Barrow contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734733669071.png" alt="House Speaker Mike Johnson just before the vote -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Mike Johnson just before the vote -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Hours to go before a midnight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-johnson-schumer-jeffries-cf75ae3c5f04207980cb96b286e70c09">government shutdown</a>, the House approved a new plan late Friday from Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, but drops President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;demands for a debt limit increase into the new year.<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241216/ARA%2012.20.pdf">Click here</a> to read Friday's continuing resolutionJohnson insisted Congress would “meet our obligations” and not allow federal operations to shutter ahead of the Christmas holiday season. But the day's outcome was uncertain after Trump doubled down on his insistence that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">debt ceiling</a>&nbsp;increase be included in any deal — if not, he said in an early morning post, let the closures “start now.”The bill was approved 366-34. All four members of the Kansas delegation, Sharice Davids, Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, voted with majority.The bill now goes to the Senate, for expected quick passage.“We're excited about this outcome,” Johnson said afterward, adding he had spoken with Trump and the president-elect “was certainly happy about this outcome, as well.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The House just passed the American Relief Act with OVERWHELMING support. This America First legislation delivers much-needed relief for Americans devastated by the hurricanes and our hardworking farmers, and it sets up President Trump to start delivering on DAY ONE. <a href="https://t.co/85fEJT5WIY">pic.twitter.com/85fEJT5WIY</a>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1870256003499122960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It was the third attempt from Johnson, the beleaguered House speaker, to achieve one of the basic requirements of the federal government — keeping it open. And it raised stark questions about whether Johnson will be able to keep his job, in the face of angry GOP colleagues, and work alongside Trump and billionaire ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-congress-bipartisan-deal-320a3487d596ae0d2e1ffdc1e62054b3">Elon Musk</a>, who have called the legislative plays this time.Trump's last-minute demand was almost an impossible ask, and Johnson had almost no choice but to work around his pressure for a debt ceiling increase. The speaker knew there wouldn’t be enough support within the GOP majority to pass any funding package, since many Republicans prefer to slash federal government and certainly wouldn’t allow more debt.Instead, the Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate next year, with big plans for tax cuts and other priorities, are showing they must routinely rely on Democrats for the votes needed to keep up with the routine operations of governing.“So is this a Republican bill or a Democrat bill?” scoffed Musk on social media ahead of the vote.The new 118-page package would fund the government at current levels through March and adds $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers.Gone is Trump’s demand to lift the debt ceiling, which GOP leaders told lawmakers would be debated as part of their tax and border packages in the new year. Republicans made a so-called handshake agreement to raise the debt limit at that time while also cutting $2.5 trillion in spending over 10 years.It's essentially the same deal that flopped the night before in a spectacular setback — opposed by most Democrats and some of the most conservative Republicans — minus Trump's debt ceiling demand.Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;was in contact with Johnson, but Democrats were cool to the latest effort after the Republican speaker reneged on their original bipartisan compromise.“Welcome back to the MAGA swamp,” Jeffries posted.Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said it looked like Musk, an unelected official and the wealthiest man in the world, was calling the shots for Trump and the Republicans.“Who is in charge?” she asked during the debate.Still, the White House supported the final bill, and Democrats put up more votes than Republicans for its passage. Almost three dozen Republicans voted against it.Trump, who has not yet been sworn into office, is showing the power but also the limits of his sway with Congress, as he intervenes and orchestrates affairs from Mar-a-Lago alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-congress-bipartisan-deal-320a3487d596ae0d2e1ffdc1e62054b3">Musk</a>, who is heading up the incoming administration's new Department of Government Efficiency.“If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now,” Trump posted early in the morning on social media.Trump does not fear government shutdowns the way Johnson and the lawmakers see federal closures as political losers that harm the livelihoods of Americans. The incoming Trump administration vows to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-trump-harris-election-heritage-foundation-9183cf4c36c293e11b59847189d26a87">slash the federal budget and fire thousands of employees</a>. Trump himself sparked the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">longest government shutdown in history</a>&nbsp;in his first term at the White House, the monthlong closures over the 2018-19 Christmas holiday and New Year period.More importantly for the president-elect was his demand for pushing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">thorny debt ceiling debate</a>&nbsp;off the table before he returns to the White House. The federal debt limit expires Jan. 1, and Trump doesn't want the first months of his new administration saddled with tough negotiations in Congress to lift the nation's borrowing capacity. It gives Democrats, who will be in the minority next year, leverage.“Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling,” Trump posted — increasing his demand for a now five-year debt limit increase. "Without this, we should never make a deal."Johnson had tried at first to appease Trump's demands, but ultimately had to work around them.Trump and Musk unleashed their opposition — and social media army — on the original plan Johnson presented, which was a 1,500-page bipartisan compromise he struck with Democrats that included the disaster aid for hard hit states, but did not address the debt ceiling situation.A Trump-backed second plan, Thursday's slimmed-down 116-page bill with his preferred two-year debt limit increase into 2027, failed in a monumental defeat, rejected by most Democrats as an unserious effort — but also by conservative Republicans who refuse to pile on the nation's red ink.On Friday morning, Vice President-elect JD Vance and Trump's pick to be incoming Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, arrived at the Capitol, where a group of holdouts from the hardline House Freedom Caucus were meeting with Johnson.Later, during the lunchtime meeting of House Republicans in the Capitol basement, Johnson asked for a show of hands as they determined the path forward, Republican Rep. Ralph Norman said.Government workers have already been told to prepare for a federal shutdown which would send millions of employees — and members of the military — into the holiday season without paychecks.President Joe Biden, in his final weeks in office, has played a less public role in the debate, drawing criticism from Trump and Republicans who are trying to shift the blame for any shutdown on him.Biden has been in discussions with Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, but White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “Republicans blew up this deal. They did, and they need to fix this.”At one point Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell stepped in to remind colleagues “how harmful it is to shut the government down, and how foolish it is to bet your own side won’t take the blame for it.”The speaker's election is the first vote of the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, and Johnson will need the support of almost every single House Republican from his razor-thin majority to ensure he can keep the gavel.As some have floated Musk for speaker, Johnson said he spoke to him, as well. He said they talked about the “extraordinary challenges of this job.”As the speaker twisted in Washington, his peril was on display. At Turning Point USA’s conservative AmericaFest confab, Trump ally Steve Bannon stirred thousands of activists late Thursday with a withering takedown of the Louisiana Republican.“Clearly, Johnson is not up to the task. He’s gotta go,” Bannon said, drawing cheers.___Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Mary Clare Jalonick, Darlene Superville and Bill Barrow contributed to this report.

Kansas Reps. vote yes as House sends gov't funding bill to Senate 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —On Friday, 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.  The judge also ordered restitution to a City Nightz victim of $8,499.89, and $1,000 to City Nightz.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man who admitted his role in a July 2023 nightclub shooting will be sentenced in Judge David Dahl's courtroom Friday afternoon.

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 —On Friday, 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. The judge also ordered restitution to a City Nightz victim of $8,499.89, and $1,000 to City Nightz.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man who admitted his role in a July 2023 nightclub shooting will be sentenced in Judge David Dahl's courtroom Friday afternoon.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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688816302231.png" alt="King-Ingram photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>King-Ingram photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In June, co-defendant in the crime, 21-year-old Ameir King-Ingram was sentenced to just more than 4-years in prison.&nbsp;

Sentencing Day for Kansas night club mass shooting 

WASHINGTON (AP)—A debate over the debt ceiling is at the center of a dispute over funding that is pushing Washington to the brink of a federal government shutdown.

<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241216/American%20Relief%20Act%202025.pdf">Click here to read the&nbsp;</a>new, slimmed down government funding bill

President-elect Donald Trump has demanded that a provision raising or suspending the nation's debt limit — something that his own party routinely resists — be included in legislation to avert a government shutdown. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country," Trump said in a statement Wednesday.

Republicans quickly complied, including a provision in a revamped government funding proposal that would suspend the debt ceiling for two years, until Jan. 30, 2027. But the bill failed overwhelmingly in a House vote Thursday evening, leaving next steps uncertain.

Here's what to know about the debate over the debt ceiling and the role it's playing in the shutdown saga:

The debt ceiling, or debt limit, is the total amount of money that the United States government can borrow to meet its existing legal obligations. For the Treasury Department to borrow above that amount, the limit must be raised by Congress.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-national-debt-donald-trump-barack-obama-ee3e613646fe500edf803e57959c776e">federal debt</a>&nbsp;stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the coronavirus pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security.

The last time lawmakers raised the debt limit was June 2023. Rather than raise the limit by a dollar amount, lawmakers suspended the debt limit through Jan. 1, 2025. At that point, the limit will be automatically raised to match the amount of debt that has been issued by the Treasury Department.

The debt limit vote in recent times has been used as a political leverage point, a must-pass bill that can be loaded up with other priorities.

What is the debt ceiling fight all about?

Trump has tied a demand for dealing with the debt ceiling to the dispute over government funding, saying one should not be addressed without the other.

When he rejected the spending proposal on Wednesday, Trump said that he wanted the debt ceiling debate settled before he takes office next month.

Warning of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-america-pac-trump-d248547966bf9c6daf6f5d332bc4be66">trouble ahead</a>&nbsp;for Johnson and Republicans in Congress, Trump told Fox News Digital, “Anybody that supports a bill that doesn’t take care of the Democrat quicksand known as the debt ceiling should be primaried and disposed of as quickly as possible."

What happens if the debt ceiling isn't raised?

There's actually no need to raise the debt limit right now. On Jan. 1, when the debt limit is triggered, the Treasury Department can begin using what it calls “extraordinary measures” to ensure that America doesn't default on its debts.

Some estimate these accounting maneuvers could push the default deadline to the summer of 2025 — but that's exactly what Trump wants to avoid, since an increase would then be needed while he is president.

Lawmakers have always raised the debt ceiling in time because the consequences of failure are stark. Without action, the government would go into default on its debts, a first-ever situation that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and economic experts have said could be “catastrophic" for the economy and global markets.

Raising or suspending the debt limit does not authorize new spending or tax cuts; it merely acknowledges past budgetary decisions — that is, current budget law — and so allows the federal government to meet its existing legal obligations. For that reason and others, some have advocated doing away with the limit altogether.

What could the debt ceiling fight mean for Speaker Mike Johnson?

Dealing with the debt ceiling could have ramifications for Johnson, as he angles to keep his job in the new Congress that begins on Jan. 3.

Trump said early Thursday that Johnson will “easily remain speaker” for the next Congress if he “acts decisively and tough” in coming up with a new plan to also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-department-of-the-treasury-united-states-government-janet-yellen-business-6fe9b54dcdfea58bead0f4c5f9f89a64">increase the debt limit</a>, a stunning request just before the Christmas holidays that has put the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">beleaguered speaker</a>&nbsp;in a bind.

The last House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, worked for months with President Joe Biden to raise the debt limit. Even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">they struck a bipartisan deal</a>&nbsp;that cut spending in exchange for additional borrowing capacity, House Republicans said it didn’t go far enough, and it ended up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">costing McCarthy his job</a>.

Now, Trump is looking for Johnson to pass a debt ceiling extension just hours before a partial government shutdown.

What are Democrats saying about the debt ceiling debate?

After meeting with his caucus, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries rejected any possibility that his members would bail out Republicans as the shutdown threat looms.

“GOP extremists want House Democrats to raise the debt ceiling so that House Republicans can lower the amount of your Social Security check,” Jeffries posted Thursday on social media. “Hard pass.”

Jeffries and other Democrats say Republicans should honor the spending agreement that was negotiated before Trump got involved. He called the new GOP plan "laughable.”

Kinnard reported from Charleston, South Carolina, and can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="http://x.com/MegKinnardAP">http://x.com/MegKinnardAP</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734648697605.png" alt="The new bill, that failed in a vote on Thursday evening, is just 116 pages, compared to the previous 1,547 pages." />
 <figcaption>The new bill, that failed in a vote on Thursday evening, is just 116 pages, compared to the previous 1,547 pages.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)—A debate over the debt ceiling is at the center of a dispute over funding that is pushing Washington to the brink of a federal government shutdown.<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241216/American%20Relief%20Act%202025.pdf">Click here to read the&nbsp;</a>new, slimmed down government funding bill<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734648776856.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>President-elect Donald Trump has demanded that a provision raising or suspending the nation's debt limit — something that his own party routinely resists — be included in legislation to avert a government shutdown. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country," Trump said in a statement Wednesday.Republicans quickly complied, including a provision in a revamped government funding proposal that would suspend the debt ceiling for two years, until Jan. 30, 2027. But the bill failed overwhelmingly in a House vote Thursday evening, leaving next steps uncertain.Here's what to know about the debate over the debt ceiling and the role it's playing in the shutdown saga:<h2>What is the debt ceiling?</h2>The debt ceiling, or debt limit, is the total amount of money that the United States government can borrow to meet its existing legal obligations. For the Treasury Department to borrow above that amount, the limit must be raised by Congress.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-national-debt-donald-trump-barack-obama-ee3e613646fe500edf803e57959c776e">federal debt</a>&nbsp;stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the coronavirus pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security.The last time lawmakers raised the debt limit was June 2023. Rather than raise the limit by a dollar amount, lawmakers suspended the debt limit through Jan. 1, 2025. At that point, the limit will be automatically raised to match the amount of debt that has been issued by the Treasury Department.The debt limit vote in recent times has been used as a political leverage point, a must-pass bill that can be loaded up with other priorities.<h2>What is the debt ceiling fight all about?</h2>Trump has tied a demand for dealing with the debt ceiling to the dispute over government funding, saying one should not be addressed without the other.When he rejected the spending proposal on Wednesday, Trump said that he wanted the debt ceiling debate settled before he takes office next month.Warning of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-america-pac-trump-d248547966bf9c6daf6f5d332bc4be66">trouble ahead</a>&nbsp;for Johnson and Republicans in Congress, Trump told Fox News Digital, “Anybody that supports a bill that doesn’t take care of the Democrat quicksand known as the debt ceiling should be primaried and disposed of as quickly as possible."<h2>What happens if the debt ceiling isn't raised?</h2>There's actually no need to raise the debt limit right now. On Jan. 1, when the debt limit is triggered, the Treasury Department can begin using what it calls “extraordinary measures” to ensure that America doesn't default on its debts.Some estimate these accounting maneuvers could push the default deadline to the summer of 2025 — but that's exactly what Trump wants to avoid, since an increase would then be needed while he is president.Lawmakers have always raised the debt ceiling in time because the consequences of failure are stark. Without action, the government would go into default on its debts, a first-ever situation that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and economic experts have said could be “catastrophic" for the economy and global markets.Raising or suspending the debt limit does not authorize new spending or tax cuts; it merely acknowledges past budgetary decisions — that is, current budget law — and so allows the federal government to meet its existing legal obligations. For that reason and others, some have advocated doing away with the limit altogether.<h2>What could the debt ceiling fight mean for Speaker Mike Johnson?</h2>Dealing with the debt ceiling could have ramifications for Johnson, as he angles to keep his job in the new Congress that begins on Jan. 3.Trump said early Thursday that Johnson will “easily remain speaker” for the next Congress if he “acts decisively and tough” in coming up with a new plan to also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-department-of-the-treasury-united-states-government-janet-yellen-business-6fe9b54dcdfea58bead0f4c5f9f89a64">increase the debt limit</a>, a stunning request just before the Christmas holidays that has put the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">beleaguered speaker</a>&nbsp;in a bind.The last House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, worked for months with President Joe Biden to raise the debt limit. Even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">they struck a bipartisan deal</a>&nbsp;that cut spending in exchange for additional borrowing capacity, House Republicans said it didn’t go far enough, and it ended up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">costing McCarthy his job</a>.Now, Trump is looking for Johnson to pass a debt ceiling extension just hours before a partial government shutdown.<h2>What are Democrats saying about the debt ceiling debate?</h2>After meeting with his caucus, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries rejected any possibility that his members would bail out Republicans as the shutdown threat looms.“GOP extremists want House Democrats to raise the debt ceiling so that House Republicans can lower the amount of your Social Security check,” Jeffries posted Thursday on social media. “Hard pass.”Jeffries and other Democrats say Republicans should honor the spending agreement that was negotiated before Trump got involved. He called the new GOP plan "laughable.”___Kinnard reported from Charleston, South Carolina, and can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="http://x.com/MegKinnardAP">http://x.com/MegKinnardAP</a>

Read the slimmed down Trump-backed government funding bill

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650310171036.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="The Post Podcast" allowtransparency="true" height="240" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mfxwd-513918-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&order=episodic&limit=40&filter=tags&tag=all&ss=079545fa78cbd214d90f518dd160ff1e&btn-skin=f6f6f6&size=240" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙 The latest from the Post Podcast

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Salvation Army in Hays continues to ensure local children receive Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree Program.

However, the program did not receive as many gifts this year as in past years.

Salvation Army Service Extension Coordinator Laura Allen said the program helps parents bring joy to their children on Christmas, even in difficult times.

"The Angel Tree is basically a program for children whose parents don't have the ability to buy them Christmas gifts or many Christmas gifts," Allen said.

This year, 114 children registered as angels. While community participation started slowly, a late surge ensured every angel was adopted.

However, 40 angels' gifts have not been returned. If the angel gifts are not returned, donations from St. Nicholas of Myra and St. Mary's churches will provide gifts for the remaining children.

Those who have adopted an angel are encouraged to return their gifts promptly, no later than Tuesday. It is not too late for anyone wishing to donate gifts without adopting an angel.

"Even if somebody didn’t necessarily have an angel, they can bring gifts," Allen said. "We give them to one of the children that was registered."

Clothing, sports equipment and video game-related items such as Roblox and Fortnite merchandise are suggested gifts for teenage boys.

Recommended gifts for teenage girls include makeup, jewelry-making kits, and arts and crafts supplies.

"Older teenage boys and girls are not always easy to buy for," Allen said.

Allen said the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St., is a drop-off location for gifts, and the Salvation Army will accept donations outside regular building hours.

"We will be here all day [Friday]. Even though we're distributing, we will still be here available to accept gifts to distribute," she said.

Donations can also be dropped off at Fuzzy's Taco Shop, 4310 Vine St., Hays, during their business hours:

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

For more information, contact Fuzzy's Taco Shop at 785-261-0822 or the Salvation Army in Hays at 785-621-2794. You can leave a voicemail if you don't receive an immediate answer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734646779627.jpeg" alt="Donated Christmas gifts for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program at Fuzzy's Taco Shop in Hays. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Donated Christmas gifts for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program at Fuzzy's Taco Shop in Hays. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Salvation Army in Hays continues to ensure local children receive Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree Program.However, the program did not receive as many gifts this year as in past years.Salvation Army Service Extension Coordinator Laura Allen said the program helps parents bring joy to their children on Christmas, even in difficult times."The Angel Tree is basically a program for children whose parents don't have the ability to buy them Christmas gifts or many Christmas gifts," Allen said.This year, 114 children registered as angels. While community participation started slowly, a late surge ensured every angel was adopted.However, 40 angels' gifts have not been returned. If the angel gifts are not returned, donations from St. Nicholas of Myra and St. Mary's churches will provide gifts for the remaining children.Those who have adopted an angel are encouraged to return their gifts promptly, no later than Tuesday. It is not too late for anyone wishing to donate gifts without adopting an angel."Even if somebody didn’t necessarily have an angel, they can bring gifts," Allen said. "We give them to one of the children that was registered."Clothing, sports equipment and video game-related items such as Roblox and Fortnite merchandise are suggested gifts for teenage boys.Recommended gifts for teenage girls include makeup, jewelry-making kits, and arts and crafts supplies."Older teenage boys and girls are not always easy to buy for," Allen said.Allen said the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St., is a drop-off location for gifts, and the Salvation Army will accept donations outside regular building hours."We will be here all day [Friday]. Even though we're distributing, we will still be here available to accept gifts to distribute," she said.Donations can also be dropped off at Fuzzy's Taco Shop, 4310 Vine St., Hays, during their business hours:10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday For more information, contact Fuzzy's Taco Shop at 785-261-0822 or the Salvation Army in Hays at 785-621-2794. You can leave a voicemail if you don't receive an immediate answer.

40 Salvation Army Angel Tree gifts not returned this year

Due to the observance of the Christmas holiday on Wednesday, December 25, the refuse/recycling collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Monday and Tuesday routes will both be collected on Monday, December 23. • Wednesday and Thursday routes will both be collected on Thursday, December 26. • There are no anticipated changes to Friday's route.&nbsp;

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables&nbsp;will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732287931438.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the observance of the Christmas holiday on Wednesday, December 25, the refuse/recycling collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp;• Monday and Tuesday routes will both be collected on Monday, December 23. • Wednesday and Thursday routes will both be collected on Thursday, December 26. • There are no anticipated changes to Friday's route.&nbsp;It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables&nbsp;will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Refuse, recycling route changes in Hays for Christmas holiday

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House rejected President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;new plan Thursday to fund federal operations and suspend the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-department-of-the-treasury-united-states-government-janet-yellen-business-6fe9b54dcdfea58bead0f4c5f9f89a64">debt ceiling</a>&nbsp;a day before a government shutdown, as Democrats refused to accommodate his sudden demands and the quick fix cobbled together by Republican leaders.

In a hastily convened evening vote punctuated by angry outbursts over the self-made crisis, the lawmakers failed to reach the two-thirds threshold needed for passage — but House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared determined to try again before Friday's midnight deadline.

“We're going to do the right thing here,” Johnson said ahead of the vote. But he didn't even get a majority, with the bill failing 174-235.&nbsp; GOP members of the Kansas House delegation Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted for the bill.&nbsp; Thirty-eight Republicans voted against the measure.

The outcome proved a massive setback for Trump and his billionaire ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>, who rampaged against Johnson's bipartisan compromise, which Republicans and Democrats had reached earlier to prevent a Christmastime government shutdown.

It provides an preview of the turbulence ahead when Trump returns to the White House with Republican control of the House and Senate. During his first term, Trump led Republicans into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">longest government shutdown in history</a>&nbsp;during the 2018 Christmas season, and interrupted the holidays in 2020 by tanking a bipartisan COVID-relief bill and forcing a do-over.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734648606537.png" alt="Poster Democrats used during Thursday floor debate in the House -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Poster Democrats used during Thursday floor debate in the House -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House rejected President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;new plan Thursday to fund federal operations and suspend the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-department-of-the-treasury-united-states-government-janet-yellen-business-6fe9b54dcdfea58bead0f4c5f9f89a64">debt ceiling</a>&nbsp;a day before a government shutdown, as Democrats refused to accommodate his sudden demands and the quick fix cobbled together by Republican leaders.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> after failed CR vote: &quot;It&#39;s very disappointing to us that all but two Democrats voted against...all these bipartisan measures that had already been negotiated and decided upon...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/WkNs1JZfbx">pic.twitter.com/WkNs1JZfbx</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1869915429415555493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a hastily convened evening vote punctuated by angry outbursts over the self-made crisis, the lawmakers failed to reach the two-thirds threshold needed for passage — but House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared determined to try again before Friday's midnight deadline.“We're going to do the right thing here,” Johnson said ahead of the vote. But he didn't even get a majority, with the bill failing 174-235.&nbsp; GOP members of the Kansas House delegation Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted for the bill.&nbsp; Thirty-eight Republicans voted against the measure.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734648776856.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The outcome proved a massive setback for Trump and his billionaire ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>, who rampaged against Johnson's bipartisan compromise, which Republicans and Democrats had reached earlier to prevent a Christmastime government shutdown.It provides an preview of the turbulence ahead when Trump returns to the White House with Republican control of the House and Senate. During his first term, Trump led Republicans into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">longest government shutdown in history</a>&nbsp;during the 2018 Christmas season, and interrupted the holidays in 2020 by tanking a bipartisan COVID-relief bill and forcing a do-over.Hours earlier, Trump announced “SUCCESS in Washington!” in coming up with the new package which would keep government running for three more months, add $100.4 billion in disaster assistance including for hurricane-hit states, and allow more borrowing through Jan. 30, 2027."Speaker Mike Johnson and the House have come to a very good Deal,” Trump posted.But Republicans, who had spent 24 hours largely negotiating with themselves to come up with the new plan, ran into a wall of resistance from Democrats, who were were in no hurry to appease demands from Trump — or his billionaire ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Musk</a>.House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats were sticking with the original deal with Johnson and called the new one “laughable.”“It's not a serious proposal,” Jeffries said as he walked to Democrats' own closed-door caucus meeting. Inside, Democrats were chanting, “Hell, no!”All day, Johnson had been fighting to figure out how to meet&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump's</a>&nbsp;sudden demands — and keep his own job — while federal offices are being told to prepare to shutter operations.The new proposal whittled the 1,500-page bill to 116 pages and drops a number of add-ons — notably the first pay raise for lawmakers in more than a decade, which could have allowed as much as a 3.8% bump. That drew particular scorn as Musk turned his social media army against the bill.Trump said early Thursday that Johnson will “easily remain speaker” for the next Congress if he “acts decisively and tough” in coming up with a new plan to also raise the debt limit, a stunning request just before the Christmas holidays that has put the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">beleaguered speaker</a>&nbsp;in a bind.And if not, the president-elect warned of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-america-pac-trump-d248547966bf9c6daf6f5d332bc4be66">trouble ahead</a>&nbsp;for Johnson and Republicans in Congress.“Anybody that supports a bill that doesn’t take care of the Democrat quicksand known as the debt ceiling should be primaried and disposed of as quickly as possible,” Trump told Fox News Digital.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-budget-trump-musk-johnson-5dc9fd8672f9807189032811d4ab0528">tumultuous turn of events</a>, coming as lawmakers were preparing to head home for the holidays, sparks a familiar reminder of what it's like in Trump-run Washington.For Johnson, who faces his own problems ahead of a Jan. 3 House vote to remain speaker,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-budget-trump-musk-johnson-5dc9fd8672f9807189032811d4ab0528">Trump's demands</a>&nbsp;left him severely weakened, forced to abandon his word with Democrats and work into the night to broker the new approach.Trump’s allies even floated the far-fetched idea of giving billionaire Musk the speaker’s gavel, since the speaker is not required to be a member of the Congress. Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., posted she was “open” to the idea.Democrats were beside themselves, seeing this as a fitting coda after one of the most unproductive congressional sessions in modern times.“Here we are once again in chaos,” said House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, who detailed the harm a government shutdown would cause Americans. “And what for? Because Elon Musk, an unelected man, said, ‘We’re not doing this deal, and Donald Trump followed along.’”The debate in the House chamber grew heated as lawmakers blamed each other for the mess.At one point, Rep. Marc Molinaro, who was presiding over the debate, slammed the speaker’s gavel with such force that it broke.The stakes couldn't be higher. Trump was publicly turning on those who opposed him.One hardline Republican, Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, drew Trump’s ire for refusing to along with the plan and telling colleagues they had no self-respect for piling onto the nation’s debt.“It’s shameful!” Roy thundered, standing on the Democratic side of the aisle and pointing at his fellow Republicans.The slimmed-down package does include federal funds to rebuild Baltimore’s collapsed Key Bridge, but dropped a separate land transfer that could have paved the way for a new Washington Commanders football stadium.But it abandons a long list of other bipartisan bills that had support as lawmakers in both parties try to wrap work for the year. It extends government funds through March 14.Adding an increase in the debt ceiling to what had been a bipartisan package is a show-stopper for Republicans who routinely vote against more borrowing, and Democrats who weren't about to give into Trump's demands without a price.While Democrats have floated their own ideas in the past for lifting or even doing away with the debt limit caps that have created some of the toughest debates in Congress — Sen. Elizabeth Warren had suggested as much — they appear to be in no bargaining mood to save Johnson from Trump — even before the president-elect is sworn into office.The current debt limit expires Jan. 1, 2025, and threatens to bog down the start of the new administration with months of negotiations to raise it. Trump wants the problem off the table before he joins the White House.As senior Republicans broke from a Thursday morning meeting in the House speaker’s office there was no resolution in sight — a preview of what’s to come when Republicans control Congress and Trump is in the White House in the new year.Rep. Steve Womack, an Arkansas Republican and senior appropriator, said the collapse of a bipartisan stopgap funding deal this week would “probably be a good trailer right now for the 119th Congress.”Federal funding is scheduled to expire at midnight Friday as a current temporary government funding bill runs out.The bipartisan compromise brokered between Johnson and the Democrats outraged conservatives for its spending and extras.Musk, in his new foray into politics, led the charge. The wealthiest man in the world used his social media platform X to amplify the unrest, and GOP lawmakers were besieged with phone calls to their offices telling them to oppose the plan.Trump told Johnson to start over — with the new demand on the debt limit, something that generally takes months to negotiate and that his own party generally opposes.The White House’s Office of Management and Budget had provided initial communication to agencies about possible shutdown planning last week, according to an official at the agency.___Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Stephen Groves, Farnoush Amiri and Matt Brown contributed to this story.