President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has filled the key posts for his second term in office, prioritizing loyalty to him after he felt bruised and hampered by internal squabbling during his first term.

Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate, even with Republicans in control, and one candidate has already withdrawn from consideration.

Trump would turn a former critic into an ally as the nation's top diplomat.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marco-rubio-trump-latin-america-secretary-of-state-87aff0ce93f638fb69e30b067ecd84fb">Rubio</a>, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate before the slot went to JD Vance. Rubio is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

His selection punctuates the hard pivot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marco-rubio-secretary-of-state-25664371f80dcf3332838352165e4d48">Rubio</a>&nbsp;has made with Trump, whom the senator once called a “con man" during his own unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-defense-secretary-pentagon-2d8030921ecef933778cf92afd40ec72">Hegseth</a>, 44, was a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends Weekend” and had been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-pete-hegseth-trump-defense-secretary-2e2bdd16c8e90f5d037f763cfadbde94">Hegseth</a>&nbsp;served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011 and earning two Bronze Stars. He lacks senior military and national security experience and would oversee global crises ranging from Europe to the Middle East.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-assault-allegations-police-report-trump-e6ebec0a1a5c7fb51cb5e2198f5e12a5">A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted</a>&nbsp;in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report recently made public. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and has denied any wrongdoing.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-election-scott-bessent-trump-e4df1ef61309ee78f2affc2d9eabeff1">Bessent</a>, 62, is a former money manager for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-soros">George Soros</a>, a big Democratic donor, and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/budget-deficit-trump-harris-kamala-debt-1ee3ff65e22ccf19d19b792ee22c46da">advocate for deficit reduction</a>. He founded the hedge fund Key Square Capital Management after having worked on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary.

He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending.

Director of national intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard, 43, is a former Democratic House member from Hawaii who has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tulsi-gabbard-intelligence-director-russia-putin-0f661dd39bd16e248b16c049e6aa26c5">accused of echoing Russian propaganda.</a>&nbsp;She unsuccessfully sought the party’s 2020 presidential nomination and left the party in 2022. Gabbard endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gabbard-director-national-intelligence-466dfdfe2f949ea20bc2f4ef13e21438">Gabbard</a>&nbsp;has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades and deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. If confirmed she would come to the role as an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, spent several years in top national security and intelligence positions.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaetz-trump-fbi-justice-department-248b46ba0c882dd46d661568e8bd3bd7">Bondi</a>, 59, was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020.

Considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/things-to-know-pam-bondi-eec1d16075c7debda62223b475e3977d">a loyalist</a>, Bondi also has served with the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-allied group that has helped lay the groundwork for his future administration.

Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush-money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appeared on Fox News and has been critical of the criminal cases against him.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-labor-secretary-lori-chavezderemer-feaa4672efac644aa60722d3a3215df1">Republican U.S. House member</a>&nbsp;narrowly lost her reelection bid on Nov. 5 but had received strong backing from union members in her district.

As a potential labor secretary, Chavez-DeRemer would oversee the department's workforce and budget and put forth priorities that affect workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities.

Chavez-DeRemer is one of a few House Republicans to endorse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3c776a12a97468341bcfe8178638f127">the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act</a>&nbsp;that would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and penalize companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws in more than half the states.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/howard-lutnick-trump-crypto-economy-elon-musk-a03d95e323f7d2d4b722184d83e7b388">Lutnick</a>&nbsp;heads the brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and is a cryptocurrency enthusiast. He is co-chair of Trump's transition operation, charged along with Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration, with helping the president-elect fill key jobs in his second administration.

As secretary, Lutnick would play a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. He would oversee a sprawling Cabinet department whose oversight ranges from funding new computer chip factories and imposing trade restrictions to releasing economic data and monitoring the weather.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transition-white-house-staff-huckabee-f51121db5b18814bbab014e872c2a736">Noem</a>&nbsp;is a well-known conservative who used her two terms as South Dakota's governor to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions like other states, instead declaring South Dakota “open for business.” More recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-immigration-trump-homeland-security-border-60d998d6c973411c020fd5824456c860">Noem</a>&nbsp;faced sharp criticism for writing in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog.

She is set to lead a department crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda as well as other missions. Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ratcliffe-cia-e5fe61f5e79206357085932f1252a852">Ratcliffe</a>, a former U.S. House member from Texas, was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term. He led U.S. government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. If confirmed, Ratcliffe will have held the highest intelligence positions in the U.S.

Health and human services secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rfk-hhs-health-kennedy-f40ee2398e3a280c1586eecdd80bdf7c">Kennedy</a>, 70, ran for president as a Democrat, then as an independent before he dropped out and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-speech-arizona-a2638f89ddcb5de03edbe4574ca17d45">then endorsed Trump</a>. He's the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-things-to-know-explained-who-is-hhs-5288a4a7277d1a0b4a7ede8f57a971ce">son of Democratic icon</a>&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 during his own presidential campaign.

Kennedy's nomination alarmed people who are concerned about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-vaccines-trump-rfkjr-7f8dcb25de76a5a70710d22bbc63f6fa">his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines</a>. For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transition-cabinet-agriculture-75911e79188c48e27d6c3c12f1a58e80">Rollins</a>, 52, is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for Trump's second administration.

She is a Texas attorney who was Trump's domestic policy adviser and director of his office of American innovation during his first term.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooke-rollins-trump-agriculture-179e8163568c723afe6d27848ce04c22">Rollins</a>&nbsp;previously was an aide to former Texas Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rick-perry">Rick Perry</a>, who also served in Trump's first term. Rollins also ran the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-duffy-cabinet-transportation-secretary-c465bbc516b5f898233f86bee31a7a45">Duffy</a>&nbsp;is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-duffy-cabinet-transportation-b673a7ef72b5633f731b088ce26e4832">served in the House for nearly nine years</a>, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business.

Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doug-collins-veterans-affairs-va-georgia-f9a14a486cb12fd5ac3f07b3068eb20a">Collins</a>&nbsp;is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential campaign, but was acquitted by the Senate.

Collins also served in the armed forces himself. He is a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doug-burgum-interior-cabinet-2af5f4c0b891a2705c6132fbff16f278">North Dakota governor</a>, 68, is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump after he dropped out of the running. Burgum then became a serious contender to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vice-president-rubio-vance-burgum-scott-8b6a3a22eecdfff668a5002ddfd3af18">be Trump’s vice presidential choice</a>&nbsp;in part because of his executive experience and business savvy. He also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs.

Trump said Burgum would chair a new National Energy Council and have a seat on the National Security Council, which would be a first for the Interior secretary.

A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2024-election-energy-secretary-d546f5f81d7b2347b49905be924dfcd7">Wright</a>&nbsp;is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market.

He also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chris-wright-energy-cabinet-4161f363d59013339d5b444ddf123d45">Wright</a>&nbsp;said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States.

McMahon,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/linda-mcmahon-trump-education-secretary-wwe-613016d0c164b89765af761404cbb123">a billionaire professional wrestling mogul</a>, would make a return appearance in a second Trump administration. She led the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 in Trump’s first term and twice ran unsuccessfully in Connecticut as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University. She has expressed support for charter schools and school choice.

Environmental Protection Agency administrator: Lee Zeldin

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stephen-miller-policy-immigration-9cc6ad3118779b23bff88022ca5e2260">Zeldin</a>&nbsp;does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LeeMZeldin/status/1856068555865026956">X</a>, “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI" and "we will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.”

Trump often attacked the Biden administration’s promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referred to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often said his administration would “drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration.

Housing and Urban Development: Scott Turner

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-secretary-trump-scott-turner-nfl-727417b56d0e1f85a40eaf5f7d13d42f">Turner</a>&nbsp;is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.”

U.S. Trade Representative: Jamieson Greer

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trade-nec-economics-trump-elections-7a0be4a246256bc468fb7c0e8bff8639">Greer</a>&nbsp;is a partner at King &amp; Spalding, a Washington law firm. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be responsible for negotiating directly with foreign governments on trade deals and disputes, as well as memberships in international trade bodies such as the World Trade Organization. He previously was chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, who was the trade representative in Trump's first term.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-susie-wiles-32df8958bedde5f3f2d55fd071979692">Wiles</a>, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager.

She has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-susie-wiles-32df8958bedde5f3f2d55fd071979692">background in Florida politics</a>, helping Ron DeSantis win his first race for Florida governor. Six years later, she was key to Trump’s defeat of him in the 2024 Republican primary.

Wiles’ hire was Trump’s first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration considering her close relationship with him. Wiles is said to have earned Trump’s trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trump’s three presidential campaigns.

Waltz is a three-term Republican congressman from east-central Florida.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">A former Army Green Beret</a>, he served multiple tours in Afghanistan and worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs.

He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population.

Hassett, 62, is a major advocate of tax cuts who was chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers in the first Trump term. In the new role as chairman of the National Economic Council, Trump said Hassett will play an important role in helping American families recover from inflation as well as in renewing and improving tax cuts Trump enacted in 2017, many of which are set to expire after 2025.

Homan, 62,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homan-ice-border-czar-7dea915b5ea43896390b8020d254f887">has been tasked</a>&nbsp;with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history.

He led the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Trump's first administration. Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings in the first term, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border.

Office of Management and Budget: Russell Vought

Vought, 48, held the position during Trump’s first presidency. He the founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought also was closely involved with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-trump-american-revolution-6e02a297fb91b55de01ba7e86615bb08">Project 2025</a>, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that Trump tried to distance himself from during the campaign.

Deputy chief of staff for policy: Stephen Miller

Miller, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stephen-miller-policy-immigration-9cc6ad3118779b23bff88022ca5e2260">immigration hardliner</a>, was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump’s priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump’s first term.

Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump’s policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation’s economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people living illegally in the U.S.

Scavino was an adviser in all three of the president-elect's campaigns and was described by the transition team as one of “Trump’s longest serving and most trusted aides." He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino previously ran Trump’s social media profile in the White House.

Blair was political director for Trump’s 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and an assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump’s economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign.

Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump’s 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president.

White House press secretary: Karoline Leavitt

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-press-secretary-4c550e04334e87d2075dc6bbe2e244bd">Leavitt</a>, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-inflation-donald-trump-51418003338eb89abfbfc6aac6909abd">she ran for Congress in New Hampshire,</a>&nbsp;winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas.

McGinley was Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign.

Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe.

Patel has called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who have sought additional resources for the bureau. And though the Justice Department in 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-business-government-and-politics-67ac2f4f96b2dfd7f47446662e59ec6e">halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records</a>&nbsp;during leak investigations, Patel has said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters.

Special envoy to the Middle East: Steven Witkoff

FBI Director selected: Trump's picks for key positions in his 2nd administration 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Three little girls circled Kelly Groff on Wednesday, eagerly coloring Thanksgiving turkeys.

She spoke to them calmly with love and patience as they asked questions and showed off their multi-color squiggles.

For 24 years, Groff has cared for children in Hays. She has started caring for her three daughters, and now her in-home child care includes two of her grandchildren.

Groff, 43, of Hays was nominated as the November Child Care Champion by&nbsp;Michelle Wiesner.

"She has been a loving and caring provider for over 20 years,"&nbsp;Wiesner said. "She loves every child she has cared for, loves finding new crafts and creating new experiences for the kids. She loves what she does."

Kari Groff also nominated Kelly, saying, "She takes the extra step to make the kiddos feel at home."

Kelly Groff said, "I just love being with all of the kids. I don't know anything else, really. I love being with them. They love being with me."

Groff loves holidays and engages the children in craft activities that focus on giving back to the community.

The children and their families will give to the Toys for Tots program. The children also help Groff make cookies during the holidays. The plate of cookies is gifted to a family, who is encouraged also to make cookies and pass them on to someone else.

"We always say it's not what's under the tree, but who's around the tree," Groff said.

Groff said the children and families look forward to all of their giving experiences.

She talks with the children about what they are thankful for every morning through November.

"My philosophy is to be kind and humble," she said.

The Groffs love Halloween, and not only do the children who are currently in her child care come trick or treating, but so do children who she has cared for in the past.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the family's 13-foot skeleton still loomed in the yard across from blow-up Christmas decorations already greeting the kids for the next holiday.

Groff said she stays close to many of the children in her child care in the past, some of whom are now teenagers or even in college.

"It's so great to see how well they are doing in life," she said.

When the weather is nicer, Groff likes to take the children for walks and allows them to play outside.

"Every child needs to be outside," she said. "That is what I preach the most is every child needs fresh air. Every child needs to burn energy."

Groff said one of the most challenging aspects of her job is raising the children from babies and then letting them go when they start school.

"You raise them for four years, and then they're gone," she said.

She said she has also seen challenges in the increasing number of regulations in-home child care providers face and decreasing demand for in-home child care as more child care centers open in the area.

Groff said patience is the key for anyone wanting to enter the child care profession. She said each child is different, and you never know what you're going to get.

"For me, it just comes naturally," she said. " I have always loved kids. I have always loved being around kids. I've always loved doing activities with kids. You have to have the knack for it, I guess.

"It definitely takes time and patience, and it's a learning experience."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">Nominate your favorite child care provider for the monthly Child Care Champion award HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732728791684.jpeg" alt="Kelly Groff and her grandchildren, two of whom are currently part of her in-home child care. Groff has been selected as the November Child Care Champion. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kelly Groff and her grandchildren, two of whom are currently part of her in-home child care. Groff has been selected as the November Child Care Champion. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThree little girls circled Kelly Groff on Wednesday, eagerly coloring Thanksgiving turkeys.She spoke to them calmly with love and patience as they asked questions and showed off their multi-color squiggles.For 24 years, Groff has cared for children in Hays. She has started caring for her three daughters, and now her in-home child care includes two of her grandchildren.Groff, 43, of Hays was nominated as the November Child Care Champion by&nbsp;Michelle Wiesner."She has been a loving and caring provider for over 20 years,"&nbsp;Wiesner said. "She loves every child she has cared for, loves finding new crafts and creating new experiences for the kids. She loves what she does."Kari Groff also nominated Kelly, saying, "She takes the extra step to make the kiddos feel at home."Kelly Groff said, "I just love being with all of the kids. I don't know anything else, really. I love being with them. They love being with me."Groff loves holidays and engages the children in craft activities that focus on giving back to the community.The children and their families will give to the Toys for Tots program. The children also help Groff make cookies during the holidays. The plate of cookies is gifted to a family, who is encouraged also to make cookies and pass them on to someone else."We always say it's not what's under the tree, but who's around the tree," Groff said.Groff said the children and families look forward to all of their giving experiences.She talks with the children about what they are thankful for every morning through November."My philosophy is to be kind and humble," she said.The Groffs love Halloween, and not only do the children who are currently in her child care come trick or treating, but so do children who she has cared for in the past.On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the family's 13-foot skeleton still loomed in the yard across from blow-up Christmas decorations already greeting the kids for the next holiday.Groff said she stays close to many of the children in her child care in the past, some of whom are now teenagers or even in college."It's so great to see how well they are doing in life," she said.When the weather is nicer, Groff likes to take the children for walks and allows them to play outside."Every child needs to be outside," she said. "That is what I preach the most is every child needs fresh air. Every child needs to burn energy."Groff said one of the most challenging aspects of her job is raising the children from babies and then letting them go when they start school."You raise them for four years, and then they're gone," she said.She said she has also seen challenges in the increasing number of regulations in-home child care providers face and decreasing demand for in-home child care as more child care centers open in the area.Groff said patience is the key for anyone wanting to enter the child care profession. She said each child is different, and you never know what you're going to get."For me, it just comes naturally," she said. " I have always loved kids. I have always loved being around kids. I've always loved doing activities with kids. You have to have the knack for it, I guess."It definitely takes time and patience, and it's a learning experience."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">Nominate your favorite child care provider for the monthly Child Care Champion award HERE.</a>

Child Care Champion teaches giving during holidays

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

EMPORIA - Hays High took the field in their first ever football championship on Saturday night. The Indians faced the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints in Emporia at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University.

The Saints never trailed in a 35-13 victory over Hays.

The Indians' opponents in 2024 had a collective record of 100-38.

Aquinas(13-0) scored on plays of 41, 23 and 36 yards in the first half to build a 21-0 lead. Hays(8-5) got into the Saints' territory twice but couldn't keep their drive going. Hays punted on four of their five drives in the first half and lost the ball on downs on the other.

Hays took the opening drive of the game as far as the 30 yard line of Aquinas. The Indians lost 13 yards on the next play to set up an eventual punt. Aquinas punted on their first drive but Hays gave the ball back on a punt three plays later.

A short punt set up the Saints at the Hays 41 yard line and on the first play of the drive Elzie Slaughter found Brett Yankovich for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

It was the first of three straight possessions that Aquinas scored. It looked like the Indians stuffed a third down and six play but Calin Arndt broke free of the tackle and gained 45 yards. He scored two plays later on a 23 yard run pushing the advantage to 14-0.

Slaughter completed the trifecta of touchdowns with a 36 yard run after the Indians turned the ball over on downs on a 4th and 2 play. The Saints nearly scored before half but a pass was broken up near the end zone as time expired leaving Aquinas with a 21-0 lead in the locker room.

The Indians scored the first points of the second half. Neither team scored in the third quarter as the teams traded punts. An early fourth quarter punt was blocked by Hays. One play later Ian McGuire found Holden Lind wide open for a 25 yard yard scoring pass. Carson Moore nailed the point after for a 21-7 score with 11:08 left in the game.

The Indians forced a fumble on the next drive deep in their own territory. However, Hays couldn't move the ball and turned the ball over on an interception. Aquinas scored on their next two possession, establishing a 35-14 lead with 3:42 remaining.

The Indians took their final possession 76 yards on ten plays and scored as the final seconds dripped off the clock. McGuire found Johnny Cano for his 41 reception of the season, a 17 yard touchdown. The clocked had expired leaving the final score at 35-13.

Hays ran the ball for 110 yards, 40 more than the Saints defense gave up on average. The Indians totaled 190 in the game. Aquinas ran for 289 yards and threw for 83 more.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostEMPORIA - Hays High took the field in their first ever football championship on Saturday night. The Indians faced the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints in Emporia at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University.The Saints never trailed in a 35-13 victory over Hays.The Indians' opponents in 2024 had a collective record of 100-38.Aquinas(13-0) scored on plays of 41, 23 and 36 yards in the first half to build a 21-0 lead. Hays(8-5) got into the Saints' territory twice but couldn't keep their drive going. Hays punted on four of their five drives in the first half and lost the ball on downs on the other.Hays took the opening drive of the game as far as the 30 yard line of Aquinas. The Indians lost 13 yards on the next play to set up an eventual punt. Aquinas punted on their first drive but Hays gave the ball back on a punt three plays later.A short punt set up the Saints at the Hays 41 yard line and on the first play of the drive Elzie Slaughter found Brett Yankovich for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.It was the first of three straight possessions that Aquinas scored. It looked like the Indians stuffed a third down and six play but Calin Arndt broke free of the tackle and gained 45 yards. He scored two plays later on a 23 yard run pushing the advantage to 14-0.Slaughter completed the trifecta of touchdowns with a 36 yard run after the Indians turned the ball over on downs on a 4th and 2 play. The Saints nearly scored before half but a pass was broken up near the end zone as time expired leaving Aquinas with a 21-0 lead in the locker room.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/1970902963&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/hays-high-fb-highlights-state" title="Hays High FB Highlights State Game Nov 30, 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High FB Highlights State Game Nov 30, 2024</a></div></div>The Indians scored the first points of the second half. Neither team scored in the third quarter as the teams traded punts. An early fourth quarter punt was blocked by Hays. One play later Ian McGuire found Holden Lind wide open for a 25 yard yard scoring pass. Carson Moore nailed the point after for a 21-7 score with 11:08 left in the game.The Indians forced a fumble on the next drive deep in their own territory. However, Hays couldn't move the ball and turned the ball over on an interception. Aquinas scored on their next two possession, establishing a 35-14 lead with 3:42 remaining.The Indians took their final possession 76 yards on ten plays and scored as the final seconds dripped off the clock. McGuire found Johnny Cano for his 41 reception of the season, a 17 yard touchdown. The clocked had expired leaving the final score at 35-13.Coach Tony Crough<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/1970902703&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/hays-high-fb-coach-state-game" title="Hays High FB Coach State Game Nov 30, 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High FB Coach State Game Nov 30, 2024</a></div></div>Hays ran the ball for 110 yards, 40 more than the Saints defense gave up on average. The Indians totaled 190 in the game. Aquinas ran for 289 yards and threw for 83 more.

 🏈 Hays falls to Aquinas in 5A state title game

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City area man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to committing two armed robberies and illegally possessing a firearm after fleeing from police officers in a pick-up truck.

Duke A. Yates, 36, Independence pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to two counts of robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Yates robbed a Quik Trip and a Walgreen’s, both in Independence, at gunpoint within 10 minutes of each other at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2023. Yates stole a total of between $500 and $700 in cash and a dozen packs of cigarettes from the stores.

A police officer spotted Yates driving a white Ford F350 pickup truck with a missing headlight, matching the description of the vehicle used in the robberies, traveling eastbound on U.S. 40 Highway near Blue Ridge Cutoff. Yates fled at the presence of the officer, with the lights now blacked out on the vehicle. The officer turned on his lights and sirens and initiated a pursuit that reached speeds over 100 miles per hour.

During the pursuit, the truck failed to stop for posted stop signs and drove over medians. The truck slid onto 23rd&nbsp;Street facing eastbound in the westbound lanes, causing another motorist to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. Yates drove into oncoming traffic and veered at a marked police vehicle that was attempting to deploy stop sticks.

Yates failed to negotiate a turn at 24911 E. Truman Road and went off-road, colliding with a power pole and breaking it at the base. Yates fled on foot and resisted arrest while being taken into custody.

Officers searched the stolen truck and found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s side floorboard.

Under federal statutes, Yates is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City area man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to committing two armed robberies and illegally possessing a firearm after fleeing from police officers in a pick-up truck.Duke A. Yates, 36, Independence pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to two counts of robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.Yates robbed a Quik Trip and a Walgreen’s, both in Independence, at gunpoint within 10 minutes of each other at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2023. Yates stole a total of between $500 and $700 in cash and a dozen packs of cigarettes from the stores.A police officer spotted Yates driving a white Ford F350 pickup truck with a missing headlight, matching the description of the vehicle used in the robberies, traveling eastbound on U.S. 40 Highway near Blue Ridge Cutoff. Yates fled at the presence of the officer, with the lights now blacked out on the vehicle. The officer turned on his lights and sirens and initiated a pursuit that reached speeds over 100 miles per hour.During the pursuit, the truck failed to stop for posted stop signs and drove over medians. The truck slid onto 23rd&nbsp;Street facing eastbound in the westbound lanes, causing another motorist to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. Yates drove into oncoming traffic and veered at a marked police vehicle that was attempting to deploy stop sticks.Yates failed to negotiate a turn at 24911 E. Truman Road and went off-road, colliding with a power pole and breaking it at the base. Yates fled on foot and resisted arrest while being taken into custody.Officers searched the stolen truck and found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s side floorboard.Under federal statutes, Yates is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.

 Kansas City man admits to Christmas Day armed robberies

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Women's Wrestling moved to 3-1 in dual action on Saturday night with a 39-11 win over Adams State. The Tigers scored eight bonus-point wins en route to the 28-point victory. The Tigers had five falls, one tech fall, and two forfeit wins to account for their eight victories in the match.

The fastest of the falls for the Tigers happened early as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-cross/8277">Isabella Cross</a>&nbsp;stuck her opponent at 110 in 26 seconds.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/kaylee-ricketts/8218">Kaylee Ricketts</a>&nbsp;(160) also posted her pin inside a minute, getting her fall in 45 seconds.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-renfro/8286">Isabella Renfro</a>&nbsp;(180) was right on a minute to score her fall. Also picking up pins were&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ashlynn-goodwin/8212">Ashlynn Goodwin</a>&nbsp;(145) in 2:42 and newly nationally ranked&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/lexie-lopez/8283">Lexie Lopez</a>&nbsp;(124) in 5:05. Lopez is ranked No. 10 in the nation at 124.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/jamie-laswell/8282">Jamie Laswell</a>&nbsp;had the lone tech fall for the Tigers by a score of 12-2 at 131.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/arianna-ortiz/8214">Arianna Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(103) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/lindsey-lopez/8284">Lindsey Lopez</a>&nbsp;(117) benefitted from the Grizzlies being open at a pair of classes, picking up forfeit wins.

The Grizzlies' two wins were by fall. Corrie Williams won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/nichole-moore/8375">Nichole Moore</a>&nbsp;at 138 in 4:03 and Brooke Newton won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ciara-monger/8285">Ciara Monger</a>&nbsp;in 1:38 at 207.

The Tigers will return to action tomorrow (Sunday, Dec. 1) in the second-annual FHSU-Bob Smith Open, which is set to begin at 9 a.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Dual Results 103:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/arianna-ortiz/8214">Arianna Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over (ASU) (For.) 110:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-cross/8277">Isabella Cross</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Katelyn Faczak (ASU) (Fall 0:26) 117:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/lindsey-lopez/8284">Lindsey Lopez</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over (ASU) (For.) 124:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/lexie-lopez/8283">Lexie Lopez</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Bella Devoto (ASU) (Fall 5:05) 131:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/jamie-laswell/8282">Jamie Laswell</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Brisa Salas (ASU) (TF 12-2 3:29) 138: Corrie Williams (ASU) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/nichole-moore/8375">Nichole Moore</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 4:03) 145:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ashlynn-goodwin/8212">Ashlynn Goodwin</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Angella Van Valkenburg (ASU) (Fall 2:42) 160:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/kaylee-ricketts/8218">Kaylee Ricketts</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Abby Smith (ASU) (Fall 0:45) 180:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-renfro/8286">Isabella Renfro</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Abigail Wold (ASU) (Fall 1:00) 207: Brook Newton (ASU) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ciara-monger/8285">Ciara Monger</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 1:38)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733032820000.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Women's Wrestling moved to 3-1 in dual action on Saturday night with a 39-11 win over Adams State. The Tigers scored eight bonus-point wins en route to the 28-point victory. The Tigers had five falls, one tech fall, and two forfeit wins to account for their eight victories in the match.The fastest of the falls for the Tigers happened early as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-cross/8277">Isabella Cross</a>&nbsp;stuck her opponent at 110 in 26 seconds.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/kaylee-ricketts/8218">Kaylee Ricketts</a>&nbsp;(160) also posted her pin inside a minute, getting her fall in 45 seconds.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-renfro/8286">Isabella Renfro</a>&nbsp;(180) was right on a minute to score her fall. Also picking up pins were&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ashlynn-goodwin/8212">Ashlynn Goodwin</a>&nbsp;(145) in 2:42 and newly nationally ranked&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/lexie-lopez/8283">Lexie Lopez</a>&nbsp;(124) in 5:05. Lopez is ranked No. 10 in the nation at 124.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/jamie-laswell/8282">Jamie Laswell</a>&nbsp;had the lone tech fall for the Tigers by a score of 12-2 at 131.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/arianna-ortiz/8214">Arianna Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(103) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/lindsey-lopez/8284">Lindsey Lopez</a>&nbsp;(117) benefitted from the Grizzlies being open at a pair of classes, picking up forfeit wins.The Grizzlies' two wins were by fall. Corrie Williams won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/nichole-moore/8375">Nichole Moore</a>&nbsp;at 138 in 4:03 and Brooke Newton won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ciara-monger/8285">Ciara Monger</a>&nbsp;in 1:38 at 207.UP NEXTThe Tigers will return to action tomorrow (Sunday, Dec. 1) in the second-annual FHSU-Bob Smith Open, which is set to begin at 9 a.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.Dual Results 103:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/arianna-ortiz/8214">Arianna Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over (ASU) (For.) 110:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-cross/8277">Isabella Cross</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Katelyn Faczak (ASU) (Fall 0:26) 117:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/lindsey-lopez/8284">Lindsey Lopez</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over (ASU) (For.) 124:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/lexie-lopez/8283">Lexie Lopez</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Bella Devoto (ASU) (Fall 5:05) 131:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/jamie-laswell/8282">Jamie Laswell</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Brisa Salas (ASU) (TF 12-2 3:29) 138: Corrie Williams (ASU) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/nichole-moore/8375">Nichole Moore</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 4:03) 145:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ashlynn-goodwin/8212">Ashlynn Goodwin</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Angella Van Valkenburg (ASU) (Fall 2:42) 160:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/kaylee-ricketts/8218">Kaylee Ricketts</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Abby Smith (ASU) (Fall 0:45) 180:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-renfro/8286">Isabella Renfro</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Abigail Wold (ASU) (Fall 1:00) 207: Brook Newton (ASU) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ciara-monger/8285">Ciara Monger</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 1:38)&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♀️ Tiger women tear through Grizzlies

By CAYDEN SANDERS Hays Post GREENSBURG - The Victoria Knights were undefeated entering the state
championship game, with a perfect 12-0 record against opponents. However, the
Axtell Eagles, also undefeated, pounced on Victoria, winning 50-0.

At the start of the game, the Knights were able to move the
ball offensively, earning two first downs before punting the ball away. Both
Axtell and Victoria started cold offensively. 

But at the 3:18 mark in the first quarter, the Eagles struck
paydirt with a twenty-two-yard touchdown from KU verbal commit Brandon
Schmelzle. After the kickoff, the first play of the Knights' offensive drive,
the pass was deflected and intercepted, giving the Eagles a 14-0 lead. 

In the second, both teams could not move the ball much, but
Axtell scored at the 4:52 mark to make it 30-0 before halftime. 

After halftime, the Knights' offense had opportunities, but
they were squandered by Axtell's suffocating defense, which did not allow more
than ten first downs the entire game.

The Eagles tacked on fourteen more points from Eli
Broxterman and Schmelzle in the third. 

During the fourth quarter, the Knights stopped a crucial
two-point conversion that would have ended the game sooner. After the
second-to-last scoring drive, Axtell led the Knights 44-0. 

On the game's final play, the Eagles used a double counter
flee-flicker to throw it to the near sideline to score the mercy rule
touchdown. 

Axtell claimed its fourth straight title in school history,
while mercy rules in the last three state championship games to Thunder Ridge,
South Central, and Victoria. 

Axtell’s winning streak continues at 52 straight wins. The
program's seniors completed their high school careers perfectly, with no losses.


On the other hand, Victoria moved to 7-2 in the state
championship games. The only other loss at state came at the hands of Hanover
in the 2008 season. 

Victoria’s season ends at the state championship with a
State Runner-Up finish and an 11-1 record. 

By CAYDEN SANDERS Hays Post GREENSBURG - The Victoria Knights were undefeated entering the state
championship game, with a perfect 12-0 record against opponents. However, the
Axtell Eagles, also undefeated, pounced on Victoria, winning 50-0. At the start of the game, the Knights were able to move the
ball offensively, earning two first downs before punting the ball away. Both
Axtell and Victoria started cold offensively. But at the 3:18 mark in the first quarter, the Eagles struck
paydirt with a twenty-two-yard touchdown from KU verbal commit Brandon
Schmelzle. After the kickoff, the first play of the Knights' offensive drive,
the pass was deflected and intercepted, giving the Eagles a 14-0 lead. In the second, both teams could not move the ball much, but
Axtell scored at the 4:52 mark to make it 30-0 before halftime. After halftime, the Knights' offense had opportunities, but
they were squandered by Axtell's suffocating defense, which did not allow more
than ten first downs the entire game.The Eagles tacked on fourteen more points from Eli
Broxterman and Schmelzle in the third. During the fourth quarter, the Knights stopped a crucial
two-point conversion that would have ended the game sooner. After the
second-to-last scoring drive, Axtell led the Knights 44-0. On the game's final play, the Eagles used a double counter
flee-flicker to throw it to the near sideline to score the mercy rule
touchdown. Axtell claimed its fourth straight title in school history,
while mercy rules in the last three state championship games to Thunder Ridge,
South Central, and Victoria. Axtell’s winning streak continues at 52 straight wins. The
program's seniors completed their high school careers perfectly, with no losses.
On the other hand, Victoria moved to 7-2 in the state
championship games. The only other loss at state came at the hands of Hanover
in the 2008 season. Victoria’s season ends at the state championship with a
State Runner-Up finish and an 11-1 record.

🏈 Victoria comes up short in title game

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

The Hays High Indians are set to make their first-ever appearance in the KSHSAA Football State Championship game. They will face St. Thomas Aquinas at 7 p.m. on Saturday for the 5A crown.

Hays (8-4) has been on the road for every postseason game. This weekend's trip to Emporia marks their fifth consecutive road game. As the nine seed in 5A West, Hays has traveled to Andover, Great Bend, Hutchinson and Goddard to play Eisenhower. The Indians were the lower seed in all five contests.

Hays has been on the road for eight of their last 10 games.

St. Thomas Aquinas (12-0) is the No. 1 seed out of 5A East. The Saints have won their last three games by margins of 14, 1 and 7 points. They won the 4A state championship a season ago.

Victoria native Randy Dreiling coaches Aquinas. He has won nine state championships, two with his current school and seven at Hutchinson. The nine titles are tied with Ed Kriwiel for most in Kansas history.

Saturday will mark the first-ever meeting between Hays and St. Thomas Aquinas. The Hertz pregame show begins at 6 p.m. with kickoff shortly after at 7 p.m. from Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University.

The game can be seen with Eagle Media's normal stream and heard as well on 96.9 KFIX.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1703533">CLICK HERE TO&nbsp;WATCH ($)</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732725491824.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostThe Hays High Indians are set to make their first-ever appearance in the KSHSAA Football State Championship game. They will face St. Thomas Aquinas at 7 p.m. on Saturday for the 5A crown.Hays (8-4) has been on the road for every postseason game. This weekend's trip to Emporia marks their fifth consecutive road game. As the nine seed in 5A West, Hays has traveled to Andover, Great Bend, Hutchinson and Goddard to play Eisenhower. The Indians were the lower seed in all five contests.Hays has been on the road for eight of their last 10 games.St. Thomas Aquinas (12-0) is the No. 1 seed out of 5A East. The Saints have won their last three games by margins of 14, 1 and 7 points. They won the 4A state championship a season ago.Victoria native Randy Dreiling coaches Aquinas. He has won nine state championships, two with his current school and seven at Hutchinson. The nine titles are tied with Ed Kriwiel for most in Kansas history.Saturday will mark the first-ever meeting between Hays and St. Thomas Aquinas. The Hertz pregame show begins at 6 p.m. with kickoff shortly after at 7 p.m. from Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University.The game can be seen with Eagle Media's normal stream and heard as well on 96.9 KFIX.Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a><a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1703533">CLICK HERE TO&nbsp;WATCH ($)</a>

🏈 Hays High to play in first football title game

KANSAS CITY (AP)—Cucumbers shipped to the U.S. and Canada, and organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores in five southern U.S. states, were recalled this week for potential salmonella contamination.

The cucumber outbreak sickened 68 people, including 18 who were hospitalized, in 19 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. No one has died. Produce grown in Sonora, Mexico, by Agrotato S.A. may be the culprit, the agency said.

A recall announced Thursday by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunfed-produce-llc-recalls-whole-fresh-american-cucumbers-because-possible-health-risks-due" target="_blank">the U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;was tied to the outbreak. SunFed Produce, based in Arizona, recalled cucumbers sold between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26, the FDA said.

The recall happened after SunFed was told by the FDA that there were associated illnesses reported between Oct. 12 and Nov. 15. People who bought cucumbers during the window should check with the store where they purchased them to see if the produce is part of the recall.

The egg recall involved nearly 11,000 cartons of 24-count organic eggs sold under Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand that landed on shelves in Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee starting Nov. 22,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/handsome-brook-farms-issues-recall-kirkland-signature-organic-pasture-raised-24-count-eggs-because" target="_blank">according to the company’s announcement posted Wednesday</a>&nbsp;on the FDA website.

No illnesses were immediately reported. Handsome Brook Farms said the cartons included eggs that were “not intended for retail distribution.” Shoppers should check to see whether their egg cartons have Julian code 327 printed on the side and have a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2025. If the eggs are included in the recall, throw them out or take them back to the store for a refund.

Customers who had either of the recalled food products should wash items and surfaces that may have been in contact with the foods using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Salmonella can cause symptoms that begin six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria and include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Most people recover without treatment within a week, but young children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill.

Earlier this summer, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salmonella-cucumbers-outbreak-florida-water-fccb66a1e0733fc97d29065e287052bc">separate salmonella outbreak in cucumbers</a>&nbsp;sickened 450 people in the U.S.

KANSAS CITY (AP)—Cucumbers shipped to the U.S. and Canada, and organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores in five southern U.S. states, were recalled this week for potential salmonella contamination.The cucumber outbreak sickened 68 people, including 18 who were hospitalized, in 19 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. No one has died. Produce grown in Sonora, Mexico, by Agrotato S.A. may be the culprit, the agency said.A recall announced Thursday by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunfed-produce-llc-recalls-whole-fresh-american-cucumbers-because-possible-health-risks-due" target="_blank">the U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;was tied to the outbreak. SunFed Produce, based in Arizona, recalled cucumbers sold between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26, the FDA said.The recall happened after SunFed was told by the FDA that there were associated illnesses reported between Oct. 12 and Nov. 15. People who bought cucumbers during the window should check with the store where they purchased them to see if the produce is part of the recall.The egg recall involved nearly 11,000 cartons of 24-count organic eggs sold under Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand that landed on shelves in Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee starting Nov. 22,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/handsome-brook-farms-issues-recall-kirkland-signature-organic-pasture-raised-24-count-eggs-because" target="_blank">according to the company’s announcement posted Wednesday</a>&nbsp;on the FDA website.No illnesses were immediately reported. Handsome Brook Farms said the cartons included eggs that were “not intended for retail distribution.” Shoppers should check to see whether their egg cartons have Julian code 327 printed on the side and have a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2025. If the eggs are included in the recall, throw them out or take them back to the store for a refund.Customers who had either of the recalled food products should wash items and surfaces that may have been in contact with the foods using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.Salmonella can cause symptoms that begin six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria and include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Most people recover without treatment within a week, but young children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill.Earlier this summer, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/salmonella-cucumbers-outbreak-florida-water-fccb66a1e0733fc97d29065e287052bc">separate salmonella outbreak in cucumbers</a>&nbsp;sickened 450 people in the U.S.

Salmonella: SunFed cucumbers and Costco eggs recalled 

DENVER - In a thrilling overtime battle on the road, the No. 12/15 ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team triumphed over Regis, 82-77, in a game packed with clutch plays and dramatic momentum shifts at the Regis Field House. Fort Hays State remained unbeaten on the season, now 6-0 overall, while Regis dropped to 2-3 following its first home contest of the season.

Olivia Hollenbeck led the Tigers with 20 points, followed by 18 from Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;and 14 from Talexa Weeter. Brooke Loewe&nbsp;posted a double-double and flirted with a triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.

Regis had the upper hand early, leading by as many as five early before FHSU closed within a point, 13-12. DeGarmo was key to keeping the Tigers in striking distance with eight of the team's 12 first-quarter points. FHSU hit the first basket of the second quarter to take a brief lead, then tied the game twice early in the second quarter. Baskets by Weeter and Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;later in the second quarter put the Tigers up three, but Regis had a four-point burst to make the frame a stalemate and led at halftime 32-31.

The third quarter saw the intensity escalate as the Tigers jolted past the Rangers with a 13-0 run. Down by three, Hollenbeck triggered the run with a pair of free throws. Loewe followed with a layup to give the Tigers the lead. Loewe and Hollenbeck each had four points in the run, while Dilsaver had two. Bailey Wilborn&nbsp;capped the burst with a 3-point field goal to make it 44-34 in favor of the Tigers. However, a 3-point field goal by Regis snapped the run and it used a 17-6 run to get the lead back by one with a minute to go in the quarter. Baskets by Weeter and Loewe in the final minute gave the Tigers the lead back 54-51 heading into the fourth quarter.

FHSU led by five twice early in the fourth quarter, but could not shake Regis as the Rangers pulled back even at 58-58 with 5:52 to go in regulation. Regis took the lead back with a basket at the 4:22 mark, but Hollenbeck countered with an old-fashioned 3-point play to put the Tigers back on top. The Rangers tied the game twice more before jumping in front with a 3-point basket with 1:23 to go. Dilsaver went to the free-throw line and made one of two shots to tie the game at 69, then neither team could find a winning bucket in the final minute.

The extra period was a showcase of Fort Hays State's poise under pressure. Regis struck first with a pair of free throws. However, the Tigers surged back in front with a decisive 9-1 run. It was a group effort with baskets from Loewe, Ellie Stearns, DeGarmo, and Hollenbeck. Regis moved back within three with 38 seconds to go, but DeGarmo put the game on ice with a pair of free throws with 13 seconds left.

Regis made 11 3-point field goals to help stay in the game even though FHSU made nine more field goals overall. The Rangers were near perfect at the free-throw line, going 18-of-19. Erin Fry led the Rangers with 19 points, followed by 16 from Athena Saragoza and 15 from Fiona Snashall.

Fort Hays State returns to action tomorrow just down the road a little more to the west in Golden, Colo., where it takes on Colorado School of Mines at 4 p.m. CT (3 p.m. MT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732942815425.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsDENVER - In a thrilling overtime battle on the road, the No. 12/15 ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team triumphed over Regis, 82-77, in a game packed with clutch plays and dramatic momentum shifts at the Regis Field House. Fort Hays State remained unbeaten on the season, now 6-0 overall, while Regis dropped to 2-3 following its first home contest of the season.<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/1970320587&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/fhsu-wbkb-coach-post-v-regis" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame at Regis (November 29, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame at Regis (November 29, 2024)</a></div></div>Olivia Hollenbeck led the Tigers with 20 points, followed by 18 from Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;and 14 from Talexa Weeter. Brooke Loewe&nbsp;posted a double-double and flirted with a triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.Regis had the upper hand early, leading by as many as five early before FHSU closed within a point, 13-12. DeGarmo was key to keeping the Tigers in striking distance with eight of the team's 12 first-quarter points. FHSU hit the first basket of the second quarter to take a brief lead, then tied the game twice early in the second quarter. Baskets by Weeter and Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;later in the second quarter put the Tigers up three, but Regis had a four-point burst to make the frame a stalemate and led at halftime 32-31.<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/1970321003&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/fhsu-wbkb-player-v-regis-st" title="Brooke Loewe Postgame at Regis (November 29, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Brooke Loewe Postgame at Regis (November 29, 2024)</a></div></div>The third quarter saw the intensity escalate as the Tigers jolted past the Rangers with a 13-0 run. Down by three, Hollenbeck triggered the run with a pair of free throws. Loewe followed with a layup to give the Tigers the lead. Loewe and Hollenbeck each had four points in the run, while Dilsaver had two. Bailey Wilborn&nbsp;capped the burst with a 3-point field goal to make it 44-34 in favor of the Tigers. However, a 3-point field goal by Regis snapped the run and it used a 17-6 run to get the lead back by one with a minute to go in the quarter. Baskets by Weeter and Loewe in the final minute gave the Tigers the lead back 54-51 heading into the fourth quarter.FHSU led by five twice early in the fourth quarter, but could not shake Regis as the Rangers pulled back even at 58-58 with 5:52 to go in regulation. Regis took the lead back with a basket at the 4:22 mark, but Hollenbeck countered with an old-fashioned 3-point play to put the Tigers back on top. The Rangers tied the game twice more before jumping in front with a 3-point basket with 1:23 to go. Dilsaver went to the free-throw line and made one of two shots to tie the game at 69, then neither team could find a winning bucket in the final minute.<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/1970320735&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/fhsu-wbkb-game-highlights-v" title="#12 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at Regis (November 29, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#12 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at Regis (November 29, 2024)</a></div></div>The extra period was a showcase of Fort Hays State's poise under pressure. Regis struck first with a pair of free throws. However, the Tigers surged back in front with a decisive 9-1 run. It was a group effort with baskets from Loewe, Ellie Stearns, DeGarmo, and Hollenbeck. Regis moved back within three with 38 seconds to go, but DeGarmo put the game on ice with a pair of free throws with 13 seconds left.Regis made 11 3-point field goals to help stay in the game even though FHSU made nine more field goals overall. The Rangers were near perfect at the free-throw line, going 18-of-19. Erin Fry led the Rangers with 19 points, followed by 16 from Athena Saragoza and 15 from Fiona Snashall.UP NEXTFort Hays State returns to action tomorrow just down the road a little more to the west in Golden, Colo., where it takes on Colorado School of Mines at 4 p.m. CT (3 p.m. MT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 No. 12 FHSU women survive in overtime at Regis

The prize this week was courtesy of Vanderbilt's-Hays.

Listen to KAYS, 94.3 FM, between 7 a.m. and midnight Mondays through Thursdays for the codeword of the day. Enter the codeword on the Hays Post, and you'll have a chance to win!

Contest runs through&nbsp;through Dec. 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732908079270.jpeg" alt="Melissa Reif of Plainville (center) won a $250 gift card from Vanderbilt's-Hays on Reindeer Radio.&nbsp;The prize this week was courtesy of Vanderbilt's-Hays. " />
 <figcaption>Melissa Reif of Plainville (center) won a $250 gift card from Vanderbilt's-Hays on Reindeer Radio.&nbsp;The prize this week was courtesy of Vanderbilt's-Hays. </figcaption>
 </figure>The prize this week was courtesy of Vanderbilt's-Hays.Listen to KAYS, 94.3 FM, between 7 a.m. and midnight Mondays through Thursdays for the codeword of the day. Enter the codeword on the Hays Post, and you'll have a chance to win!Contest runs through&nbsp;through Dec. 20.

Reindeer Radio week 3 winner announced

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks posted solid gains as Wall Street put the finishing touches on one of its best months of the year.

The S&amp;P rose 0.6% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.4%. Both indexes closed out November with their best monthly performances of the year. The Nasdaq added 0.8%. Friday was an abbreviated trading day, with stocks closing at 1 p.m. ET and the bond market an hour later.

Investors were looking to see how much shoppers are willing to spend on gifts for the holidays. Black Friday unofficially kicked off the holiday shopping season, although retailers had been offering early deals for weeks. Macy’s and Best Buy each gained around 2%.

Apple rose 1.1%. The technology giant is hoping recently added artificial intelligence features are enough to entice consumers to treat themselves or their relatives to a new iPhone for the holidays.

The Dow rose 7.5% in November, easily its best month of 2024. The Walt Disney Co. has the biggest percentage gain for the month at 22.1%, but the price-weighted index also got a boost from Goldman Sachs, up 17.5% to $608.57 and Salesforce, up more than 13% to $329.99.

The S&amp;P 500 gained 5.7% this month, driven by Tesla and other stocks that received a boost from Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election. Discover Financial Services leads a list of financials stocks that had a good November, up nearly 23% for the month despite a small loss Friday. Investors believe the credit card company's merger with Capital One has a greater chance of going through under a Trump administration and overall the financial services industry faces less restrictive oversight.

Tesla shares rose 3.7% Friday and posted a monthly increase of more than 38%. The electric vehicle maker is expected to benefit from CEO Elon Musk’s support of Trump.

Musk also gave a boost to Hasbro shares after he triggered takeover speculation when he asked in a post on X how much the toy and game company was worth. Hasbro, which owns the role-playing game Dungeon &amp; Dragons, rose 2%.

Bond yields fell, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury slipping to 4.19%.

Bitcoin, which recently made a run at $100,000 before dropping back, briefly rose back above $98,000 but was recently trading around $97,300.

Global markets mostly fell. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index fell 0.4% after the government reported that inflation in Tokyo, considered an indicator for national trends, was 2.6% in November, up from 1.8% last month mainly due to a surge in fresh food prices.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks posted solid gains as Wall Street put the finishing touches on one of its best months of the year.The S&amp;P rose 0.6% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.4%. Both indexes closed out November with their best monthly performances of the year. The Nasdaq added 0.8%. Friday was an abbreviated trading day, with stocks closing at 1 p.m. ET and the bond market an hour later.Investors were looking to see how much shoppers are willing to spend on gifts for the holidays. Black Friday unofficially kicked off the holiday shopping season, although retailers had been offering early deals for weeks. Macy’s and Best Buy each gained around 2%.Apple rose 1.1%. The technology giant is hoping recently added artificial intelligence features are enough to entice consumers to treat themselves or their relatives to a new iPhone for the holidays.The Dow rose 7.5% in November, easily its best month of 2024. The Walt Disney Co. has the biggest percentage gain for the month at 22.1%, but the price-weighted index also got a boost from Goldman Sachs, up 17.5% to $608.57 and Salesforce, up more than 13% to $329.99.The S&amp;P 500 gained 5.7% this month, driven by Tesla and other stocks that received a boost from Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election. Discover Financial Services leads a list of financials stocks that had a good November, up nearly 23% for the month despite a small loss Friday. Investors believe the credit card company's merger with Capital One has a greater chance of going through under a Trump administration and overall the financial services industry faces less restrictive oversight.Tesla shares rose 3.7% Friday and posted a monthly increase of more than 38%. The electric vehicle maker is expected to benefit from CEO Elon Musk’s support of Trump.Musk also gave a boost to Hasbro shares after he triggered takeover speculation when he asked in a post on X how much the toy and game company was worth. Hasbro, which owns the role-playing game Dungeon &amp; Dragons, rose 2%.Bond yields fell, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury slipping to 4.19%.Bitcoin, which recently made a run at $100,000 before dropping back, briefly rose back above $98,000 but was recently trading around $97,300.Global markets mostly fell. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index fell 0.4% after the government reported that inflation in Tokyo, considered an indicator for national trends, was 2.6% in November, up from 1.8% last month mainly due to a surge in fresh food prices.

Wall Street: Dow and S&P 500 close out best month of 2024

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation proposed construction of a $114.4 million headquarters to replace administrative buildings that subjected employees to fire-safety dangers and security threats from homeless people and drug addicts.

Tony Mattivi, director of the state law enforcement agency, told the Kansas Legislature’s joint budget committee Monday the headquarters located in a former Topeka junior high school was declared functionally obsolete in 1996. That main structure was built in 1929 a decade before the KBI was created.

Consultants concluded the two adjoining buildings making up the headquarters complex couldn’t continue to accommodate a functioning workplace, Mattivi said.

“Our headquarters isn’t safe,” the KBI director said. “I am failing miserably in my obligation to give our employees a safe place to work.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732738766889.png" alt="Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, urged the 2025 Legislature to approve plans for a new $114.4 million headquarters building in Topeka. He said the existing facilities posed fire-safety risks, lacked a suitable perimeter and were otherwise inadequate to complete the agency’s law enforcement mission. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, urged the 2025 Legislature to approve plans for a new $114.4 million headquarters building in Topeka. He said the existing facilities posed fire-safety risks, lacked a suitable perimeter and were otherwise inadequate to complete the agency’s law enforcement mission. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation proposed construction of a $114.4 million headquarters to replace administrative buildings that subjected employees to fire-safety dangers and security threats from homeless people and drug addicts.Tony Mattivi, director of the state law enforcement agency, told the Kansas Legislature’s joint budget committee Monday the headquarters located in a former Topeka junior high school was declared functionally obsolete in 1996. That main structure was built in 1929 a decade before the KBI was created.Consultants concluded the two adjoining buildings making up the headquarters complex couldn’t continue to accommodate a functioning workplace, Mattivi said.“Our headquarters isn’t safe,” the KBI director said. “I am failing miserably in my obligation to give our employees a safe place to work.”Mattivi said the stone structure serving as the central administrative building wasn’t equipped with life-safety systems such as smoke-containment and fire-sprinkler systems. The largely wood-framed building lacked internal barriers to prevent spread of flames.It isn’t compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. There are numerous code issues due to antiquated infrastructure, he said. Portions of the sewer pipe system, for example, were about 100 years old.Mattivi said the headquarters didn’t have a command post to coordinate law enforcement emergencies. Nor did it have dedicated classroom space, an indoor firing range, an evidence processing room, kennel facilities for K-9s, an incinerator or agent equipment lockers, he said.The headquarters didn’t meet external security standards because it lacked fencing and didn’t have enough property for a stand-off perimeter, Mattivi said. An alley runs between the two KBI buildings. Some of the agency’s 250 employees must walk through that alley from building to building.“I don’t mean to be unkind to anyone, but we’re in a horrible neighborhood,” Mattivi said. “Employees walk between two buildings through an alley and are often confronted by homeless people and drug addicts, because that’s what surrounds the KBI building.”Mattivi said consultants and state officials considered renovation of the existing buildings, relocating to vacant office space and building a new headquarters. The best option is to build a headquarters with 134,000 square feet on seven to nine acres in Topeka, the KBI director said.Rep. Will Carpenter, an El Dorado Republican on the legislative budget committee, said the KBI should forward to the 2025 Legislature estimates of what it would cost to renovate the existing administrative facility.“I think if we’re going to look at that we need to look at the whole picture,” Carpenter said.The Legislature should explore alternatives such as acquiring empty office space for use by the KBI, said Republican Rep. Kyle Hoffman of Coldwater.Mattivi said the $114.4 million estimate for construction of a new headquarters reflected an updated plan for square footage and construction costs. An earlier proposal placed the preliminary cost at less than $95 million. Neither estimate included the cost of land acquisition.The KBI started the process of assessing land in the Topeka area for a new headquarters in anticipation of competitive bidding for land and construction, Mattivi said.Mattivi also urged the Legislature to approve $1.6 million for cybersecurity upgrades at the KBI.“The information we have is so sensitive that a data breach would be disastrous,” the director said.The KBI proposed the state allocate $1.2 million for specialized equipment at the KBI’s main laboratory in Topeka. In addition, the agency recommended an appropriation of $500,000 to address shortcomings in a computer system used to track offenders and $239,000 to improve recruitment and retention of KBI staff, especially information technology professionals.Meanwhile, the KBI has proceeded with development of planning for a $55 million agency laboratory on the campus of Pittsburg State University. The land was donated by PSU and the Legislature approved $40 million for the project. The remaining funding would come from the federal government.Ground is expected to be broken on that southeast Kansas laboratory in June 2025 or about six months later than previously anticipated. The laboratory could be occupied by December 2026, Mattivi said.