LANSING, KAN. – Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Michael Aineta died Wednesday after being transported to the KU Medical Center where hospital staff pronounced him dead, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Aineta, 40, was serving a 190-month sentence for one count of rape and one count of criminal sodomy convictions involving a victim under the age of 14 in Seward County.

He had been listed as a registered sex offender since December of 2022.&nbsp; He was originally assigned to the El Dorado Correctional Facility in December and transferred to Lansing in February, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696512334107.png" alt="Aineta photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Aineta photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>LANSING, KAN. – Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Michael Aineta died Wednesday after being transported to the KU Medical Center where hospital staff pronounced him dead, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.Aineta, 40, was serving a 190-month sentence for one count of rape and one count of criminal sodomy convictions involving a victim under the age of 14 in Seward County.He had been listed as a registered sex offender since December of 2022.&nbsp; He was originally assigned to the El Dorado Correctional Facility in December and transferred to Lansing in February, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

Kansas child sex offender dies after 10 months in prison 

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (AP) — U.S. Army officials have identified two soldiers killed when their large transport vehicle crashed while heading to a training area in interior Alaska.

There were among 17 soldiers on board the vehicle that flipped when the driver lost control on a dirt road leading to the Yukon Training Area near the community of Salcha, or about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Fairbanks, officials said earlier. Twelve other soldiers were injured.

The two soldiers killed were Spcs. Jeremy Daniel Evans and Brian Joshua Snowden, the Army said in a statement late Wednesday.

Both were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Combat Team with the 11th Airborne Division.

Evans, 23, arrived in Alaska in January 2021 after completing training at Fort Moore in Georgia. The Knoxville, Tennessee, native joined the Army in July 2020.

Snowden, 22, also joined the Army in July 2020 and trained at Fort Moore. Snowden, a Lonedell, Missouri, native arrived for duty in Alaska in March 2021.

“This is an incredible loss for all of us across the division,” Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, said in the statement.

“While we’re always challenged by the environment, we’re Arctic Angels, we overcome these challenges and accomplish our mission by being a team, and teams take care of one another, especially in times like these,” Eifler said.

Among the 12 other soldiers injured, eight were treated and released the same day from Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, the Army said. Two injured soldiers remain in stable condition in Fairbanks.

Two other soldiers who were taken to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage were also in stable condition, officials said.

The accident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696538573987.png" alt="Spc. Brian Joshua Snowden -photo U.S. Army&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Spc. Brian Joshua Snowden -photo U.S. Army&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (AP) — U.S. Army officials have identified two soldiers killed when their large transport vehicle crashed while heading to a training area in interior Alaska.There were among 17 soldiers on board the vehicle that flipped when the driver lost control on a dirt road leading to the Yukon Training Area near the community of Salcha, or about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Fairbanks, officials said earlier. Twelve other soldiers were injured.The two soldiers killed were Spcs. Jeremy Daniel Evans and Brian Joshua Snowden, the Army said in a statement late Wednesday.Both were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Combat Team with the 11th Airborne Division.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696538650360.png" alt="Spc. Jeremy Daniel Evans-photo U.S. Army" />
 <figcaption>Spc. Jeremy Daniel Evans-photo U.S. Army</figcaption>
 </figure>Evans, 23, arrived in Alaska in January 2021 after completing training at Fort Moore in Georgia. The Knoxville, Tennessee, native joined the Army in July 2020.Snowden, 22, also joined the Army in July 2020 and trained at Fort Moore. Snowden, a Lonedell, Missouri, native arrived for duty in Alaska in March 2021.“This is an incredible loss for all of us across the division,” Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, said in the statement.“While we’re always challenged by the environment, we’re Arctic Angels, we overcome these challenges and accomplish our mission by being a team, and teams take care of one another, especially in times like these,” Eifler said.Among the 12 other soldiers injured, eight were treated and released the same day from Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, the Army said. Two injured soldiers remain in stable condition in Fairbanks.Two other soldiers who were taken to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage were also in stable condition, officials said.The accident remains under investigation.

Army IDs Missouri soldier as 1 of 2 who died in training accident

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp;continue to investigate a hit-and-run collision that fatally injured 49-year-old Paul Piepmeier of Wichita.

Just after 2a.m. September 30, police were dispatched to the 4500 block of South Broadway Avenue in Wichita for a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders located Piepmeier unconscious and with multiple injuries.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.

The investigation revealed Piepmeier entered the street when he was struck by southbound dark-colored SUV.&nbsp;&nbsp;Detectives are asking for help to&nbsp;identify the driver and locate the vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696522499514.png" alt="Security camera images Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera images Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp;continue to investigate a hit-and-run collision that fatally injured 49-year-old Paul Piepmeier of Wichita.Just after 2a.m. September 30, police were dispatched to the 4500 block of South Broadway Avenue in Wichita for a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696522750920.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located Piepmeier unconscious and with multiple injuries.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.The investigation revealed Piepmeier entered the street when he was struck by southbound dark-colored SUV.&nbsp;&nbsp;Detectives are asking for help to&nbsp;identify the driver and locate the vehicle.

Police ask for help to ID suspect in fatal Kan. hit-and-run

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce continue to dominate the headlines in the football and entertainment world. The birding community has been chasing its own star. Last week, an American flamingo was spotted at Chase County State Fishing Lake near Strong City and Cottonwood Falls. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said it's only the third time a flamingo has been spotted in Kansas, and the first time in 50 years.

"One of those first sightings is actually at Quivira," he said. "They had, I think it was multiple birds that were there in the 1920s. Strangely enough, one of those was actually shot and mounted. There's a mount down at Quivira of this flamingo that was taken there at Quivira."

Hurricane Idalia moved through the Florida region at the end of August, and it is believed that storm displaced many bird species. Flamingos have been spotted as far north as Wisconsin, Missouri, and now Kansas.

"I think at one time they were a lot more common down in the Everglades area of Florida," said Wolf. "In the United States, that's the only place you can see them. I don't think they're real common there anymore."

  Bird enthusiasts have flocked to the lake in Chase County to take photos of the flamingo and cross it off their birding list. Wolf said the bird will not survive a Kansas winter, so the hope is its time in Kansas is just a brief layover.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696337625379.jpeg" alt="An American flamingo was spotted in Chase County last week, the first of its kind in Kansas in 50 years. (photo by Jarrett Thurman)" />
 <figcaption>An American flamingo was spotted in Chase County last week, the first of its kind in Kansas in 50 years. (photo by Jarrett Thurman)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce continue to dominate the headlines in the football and entertainment world. The birding community has been chasing its own star. Last week, an American flamingo was spotted at Chase County State Fishing Lake near Strong City and Cottonwood Falls. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said it's only the third time a flamingo has been spotted in Kansas, and the first time in 50 years."One of those first sightings is actually at Quivira," he said. "They had, I think it was multiple birds that were there in the 1920s. Strangely enough, one of those was actually shot and mounted. There's a mount down at Quivira of this flamingo that was taken there at Quivira."Hurricane Idalia moved through the Florida region at the end of August, and it is believed that storm displaced many bird species. Flamingos have been spotted as far north as Wisconsin, Missouri, and now Kansas."I think at one time they were a lot more common down in the Everglades area of Florida," said Wolf. "In the United States, that's the only place you can see them. I don't think they're real common there anymore." Bird enthusiasts have flocked to the lake in Chase County to take photos of the flamingo and cross it off their birding list. Wolf said the bird will not survive a Kansas winter, so the hope is its time in Kansas is just a brief layover.

Bird chasers enjoying craze of flamingo spotted in Kansas

Regulators will hold a hearing on the agreement on Monday.

By ALLISON KITE, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/04/evergy-regulators-near-deal-on-kansas-electric-rates/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Evergy is close to a deal with state regulators that would reduce electric rates in the Kansas City area and raise costs for the company’s other Kansas customers.

If the deal is approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission, Evergy’s Kansas Central territory —&nbsp;including Topeka, Manhattan and Wichita —&nbsp;would see rates increase by 4.05%, about $4.64 per month. Customers on the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro would see a 4.75% decrease, or about $6.07.

The deal,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://investors.evergy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/evergy-reaches-unanimous-settlement-parties-kansas-rate-case">announced late Friday</a>, is a major departure from the rate increases Evergy requested: a 9.7% increase for Kansas Central and a 1.95% increase for the metro.

“This settlement is a very strong result for our customers,” Evergy’s president and CEO, David Campbell, said in a news release.&nbsp;

Evergy serves 1.6 million electric customers in Kansas and Missouri. It formed from the merger of Kansas City Power &amp; Light, which supplied energy to the metro area, and Westar, which covered most of the rest of eastern and central Kansas, in 2018. Since then, it has been under a rate moratorium as a condition of the merger. This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/11/evergy-requests-first-rate-increase-in-five-years-rates-outside-kansas-city-would-jump-10/">rate case</a>, filed with the Kansas Corporation Commission in April, is the first in five years.

In its April filing,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/portal/kscc/PSC/DocketDetails.aspx?DocketId=e82552a6-1ad1-472b-a482-162270692d33">Evergy requested rate increases</a>&nbsp;in both of its Kansas territories that would bring in a combined $218 million to the company.

For Kansas Central customers, Evergy’s request would have increased bills by $14.24. Kansas City-area customers would have seen bills jump by $3.47.

But staff of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/11/evergy-requests-first-rate-increase-in-five-years-rates-outside-kansas-city-would-jump-10/">Kansas Corporation Commission said Evergy’s request was too steep</a>.

In a filing in August, the commission’s staff recommended only a 1.66% increase for Kansas Central and a 7.32% drop for the Kansas City metro. Under staff’s recommendation, Evergy would have seen an overall decline of $40 million.

The settlement deal filed with regulators last week lands in the middle.&nbsp;

The deal —supported by Evergy, the commission staff and numerous consumer, environmental and business groups —&nbsp;still has to be approved by the commission.

If approved, the rate changes in the deal would bring in another $41 million for Evergy, less than one-fifth of the revenue it hoped to bring in from customers.

In a filing in support of the negotiated deal, Justin Grady, who works in the utilities division of the Kansas Corporation Commission, said the compromise includes “just and reasonable rates, is in the public interest and is supported by substantial competent evidence in the record.”&nbsp;

Noting the wide variety of interest groups that signed onto the deal, Grady wrote, “the fact that these varied interests were able to collaborate and present a unanimous resolution … strongly indicates the public interest standard has been met.”&nbsp;

The three-member Kansas Corporation Commission is expected to hold a hearing about the deal Monday and decide whether to approve it by December.

While this rate case could soon be settled, another one is likely to follow soon.

Normally, utilities file general rate cases every few years, but Evergy requested permission to file another one next year to deal with the spike in demand expected from the Panasonic plant planned in DeSoto.&nbsp;

According to filings with the KCC, the Panasonic plant is expected to use twice as much energy as Evergy’s largest current commercial customer. The plant, which will produce batteries for electric vehicles, requires an amount of energy Evergy likened to a small city.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687004047927.png" alt=" Evergy headquarters in downtown Topeka (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)." />
 <figcaption> Evergy headquarters in downtown Topeka (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Regulators will hold a hearing on the agreement on Monday.</h2>By ALLISON KITE, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/04/evergy-regulators-near-deal-on-kansas-electric-rates/">Kansas Reflector</a>Evergy is close to a deal with state regulators that would reduce electric rates in the Kansas City area and raise costs for the company’s other Kansas customers.If the deal is approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission, Evergy’s Kansas Central territory —&nbsp;including Topeka, Manhattan and Wichita —&nbsp;would see rates increase by 4.05%, about $4.64 per month. Customers on the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro would see a 4.75% decrease, or about $6.07.The deal,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://investors.evergy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/evergy-reaches-unanimous-settlement-parties-kansas-rate-case">announced late Friday</a>, is a major departure from the rate increases Evergy requested: a 9.7% increase for Kansas Central and a 1.95% increase for the metro.“This settlement is a very strong result for our customers,” Evergy’s president and CEO, David Campbell, said in a news release.&nbsp;Evergy serves 1.6 million electric customers in Kansas and Missouri. It formed from the merger of Kansas City Power &amp; Light, which supplied energy to the metro area, and Westar, which covered most of the rest of eastern and central Kansas, in 2018. Since then, it has been under a rate moratorium as a condition of the merger. This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/11/evergy-requests-first-rate-increase-in-five-years-rates-outside-kansas-city-would-jump-10/">rate case</a>, filed with the Kansas Corporation Commission in April, is the first in five years.In its April filing,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/portal/kscc/PSC/DocketDetails.aspx?DocketId=e82552a6-1ad1-472b-a482-162270692d33">Evergy requested rate increases</a>&nbsp;in both of its Kansas territories that would bring in a combined $218 million to the company.For Kansas Central customers, Evergy’s request would have increased bills by $14.24. Kansas City-area customers would have seen bills jump by $3.47.But staff of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/11/evergy-requests-first-rate-increase-in-five-years-rates-outside-kansas-city-would-jump-10/">Kansas Corporation Commission said Evergy’s request was too steep</a>.In a filing in August, the commission’s staff recommended only a 1.66% increase for Kansas Central and a 7.32% drop for the Kansas City metro. Under staff’s recommendation, Evergy would have seen an overall decline of $40 million.The settlement deal filed with regulators last week lands in the middle.&nbsp;The deal —supported by Evergy, the commission staff and numerous consumer, environmental and business groups —&nbsp;still has to be approved by the commission.If approved, the rate changes in the deal would bring in another $41 million for Evergy, less than one-fifth of the revenue it hoped to bring in from customers.In a filing in support of the negotiated deal, Justin Grady, who works in the utilities division of the Kansas Corporation Commission, said the compromise includes “just and reasonable rates, is in the public interest and is supported by substantial competent evidence in the record.”&nbsp;Noting the wide variety of interest groups that signed onto the deal, Grady wrote, “the fact that these varied interests were able to collaborate and present a unanimous resolution … strongly indicates the public interest standard has been met.”&nbsp;The three-member Kansas Corporation Commission is expected to hold a hearing about the deal Monday and decide whether to approve it by December.While this rate case could soon be settled, another one is likely to follow soon.Normally, utilities file general rate cases every few years, but Evergy requested permission to file another one next year to deal with the spike in demand expected from the Panasonic plant planned in DeSoto.&nbsp;According to filings with the KCC, the Panasonic plant is expected to use twice as much energy as Evergy’s largest current commercial customer. The plant, which will produce batteries for electric vehicles, requires an amount of energy Evergy likened to a small city.

Evergy, regulators near deal on Kansas electric rates

By NATE KING Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a couple in Salina in connection with children and drugs.

Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, police and paramedics responded to a 911 call for an unresponsive 1o month-year-old child in north Salina, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Sergeant Kyle Tonniges.

When officers arrived at the&nbsp;300 block of North Penn Avenue they found the child breathing, but somewhat unresponsive.

Salina Police Sergeant Kyle Tonniges said tthat paramedics transported the child to SRHC where the child was treated and released into police protective custody.

According to Tonniges the 911 call was placed by the child's parents. Officers who responded suspected the child had possibly been exposed to drugs.&nbsp;

"At this time we're not quite sure what specific drugs or how that's just what we suspected," Tonniges said. "Our detectives ended up getting a search warrant for this residence, where we did locate some drugs and paraphernalia."

During the search of residence, officers discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana.&nbsp;

The child's parents, Phoenix Leonard, 28, and Sadie Marvin, 22, of Salina, were both arrested on requested charges of aggravated child endangerment, possession of controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696503830839.jpeg" alt="Leonard-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Leonard-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a couple in Salina in connection with children and drugs.Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, police and paramedics responded to a 911 call for an unresponsive 1o month-year-old child in north Salina, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Sergeant Kyle Tonniges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696503928781.jpeg" alt="Marvin -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Marvin -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>When officers arrived at the&nbsp;300 block of North Penn Avenue they found the child breathing, but somewhat unresponsive.Salina Police Sergeant Kyle Tonniges said tthat paramedics transported the child to SRHC where the child was treated and released into police protective custody.According to Tonniges the 911 call was placed by the child's parents. Officers who responded suspected the child had possibly been exposed to drugs.&nbsp;"At this time we're not quite sure what specific drugs or how that's just what we suspected," Tonniges said. "Our detectives ended up getting a search warrant for this residence, where we did locate some drugs and paraphernalia."During the search of residence, officers discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana.&nbsp;The child's parents, Phoenix Leonard, 28, and Sadie Marvin, 22, of Salina, were both arrested on requested charges of aggravated child endangerment, possession of controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

10-month-old hospitalized after drugs found at Kansas home

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatality crash involving a bicyclist and a sport utility vehicle that occurred just before 6a.m.Thursday in Johnson County.

Officers were dispatched to the crash scene in the area of South Lone Elm Road and West 159th&nbsp;Street, according to Olathe Police. First responders found a 28-year-old bicyclist. He was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the SUV, a 64-year-old woman, remained on scene and is cooperating.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696515388372.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatality crash involving a bicyclist and a sport utility vehicle that occurred just before 6a.m.Thursday in Johnson County.Officers were dispatched to the crash scene in the area of South Lone Elm Road and West 159th&nbsp;Street, according to Olathe Police. First responders found a 28-year-old bicyclist. He was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the SUV, a 64-year-old woman, remained on scene and is cooperating.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name.

Kansas bicyclist killed after struck by SUV

WICHITA —A federal grand jury in Wichita returned a superseding indictment charging a Kansas felon with drug trafficking crimes, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Tremayne M. Darkis, 44, of Parsons is charged with a total of 55 counts including one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering, 49 counts of use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in or near a school.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;Darkis has previous convictions for theft and burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696444107427.png" alt="Darkis has previous convictions for theft and burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Darkis has previous convictions for theft and burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —A federal grand jury in Wichita returned a superseding indictment charging a Kansas felon with drug trafficking crimes, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Tremayne M. Darkis, 44, of Parsons is charged with a total of 55 counts including one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering, 49 counts of use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in or near a school.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;Darkis has previous convictions for theft and burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

Kansas felon accused of selling meth near a school

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

As Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson kicked off the groundbreaking for the new Hays High School Wednesday, he urged the children in the audience to capture the moment for their memories.

"If you can, I want to put this in your memory banks," Wilson said, "and remember this day. Someday when you're older and you have kids of your own, you're going to be able to share with them."

The event officially launched work on the almost $105 million, 226,000-square-foot building. The new HHS will be built on land already owned by the district adjacent to the existing high school on 13th Street.

Attendees were able to take virtual tours through the new school, which is set to open in fall 2025. They could also walk the floor plan and stand in the area where the main basketball court, commons or auditorium will eventually be.&nbsp;

The new high school is part of a&nbsp;$143.5 million bond issue passed in May 2022. It is the largest of the bond projects.

"A little over two years ago,&nbsp; we put together a plan that envisioned new and updated spaces for every student and every staff member in our schools and our district," Wilson said. ...

"The bond that we passed in May of 2022 was really about the value of our community and getting our community to understand the value of community growth," Wilson said, "competing with other communities to provide kids and families with the best future-forward learning space for every student in our schools."

He said the bond was passed because there are so many thoughtful people in the community who came together and united the community to rally behind the school bond.

"For those who supported and voted for the bond, thank you, thank you, thank you," Wilson said. "This is going to be a great opportunity for our community, for our kids, our students and everyone going forward."

HHS Principal Shawn Henderson said the new school will take advantage of light, open spaces, sound, collaboration areas, conference rooms and an auditorium with seats for 800 people.

Henderson said the plans were not thrust upon them but included collaboration from the community and district and the architects, DLR.

The new school will have a capacity of 1,200 students. Enrollment at the high school this fall is about 998 students.

"This is about the city of Hays," Ken Brooks, school board president, said. "This is about our students — every student, every day — and I am excited about the future for them."

Kirby Pennington, lead project architect, said she was impressed by the participation of 400 people, including staff members, faculty, administrators and community members in the build-a-bond exercise, which ultimately shaped the scope of the bond projects.

"Our role was not to dictate, but to empower your voices and hear your needs," she said. "It was truly awe-inspiring to see your community come together to pass a bond where one had not been passed in nearly three decades."

The new school will have an 800-seat, handicap-accessible performing arts center, a new gym and a large commons/cafeteria.

Classes will be separated into learning commons with large hallways with extra seating where students can work collaboratively.

Superintendent Ron Wilsons said collaborative areas are lacking in the existing high school. Students are often found sitting on the floor in hallways to work on group projects in the current high school.

Teachers will also have shared workspaces. This will allow classrooms to be used to capacity by allowing teachers to share classrooms more readily.

A new commons space will have large windows overlooking the new football field. The Hays High School football team will be able to truly have home football games. The district has been leasing Lewis Field from Fort Hays State University for years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696468953133.jpeg" alt="Three children listen to the Hays USD 489 district choir sing the Hays High School Alma Mater prior to the groundbreaking for the new high school on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Three children listen to the Hays USD 489 district choir sing the Hays High School Alma Mater prior to the groundbreaking for the new high school on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAs Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson kicked off the groundbreaking for the new Hays High School Wednesday, he urged the children in the audience to capture the moment for their memories."If you can, I want to put this in your memory banks," Wilson said, "and remember this day. Someday when you're older and you have kids of your own, you're going to be able to share with them."The event officially launched work on the almost $105 million, 226,000-square-foot building. The new HHS will be built on land already owned by the district adjacent to the existing high school on 13th Street.Attendees were able to take virtual tours through the new school, which is set to open in fall 2025. They could also walk the floor plan and stand in the area where the main basketball court, commons or auditorium will eventually be.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469458707.jpeg" alt="District representatives, school board members and representatives of Nabholz C0nstrucion and DLR break ground on the new high school Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>District representatives, school board members and representatives of Nabholz C0nstrucion and DLR break ground on the new high school Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The new high school is part of a&nbsp;$143.5 million bond issue passed in May 2022. It is the largest of the bond projects."A little over two years ago,&nbsp; we put together a plan that envisioned new and updated spaces for every student and every staff member in our schools and our district," Wilson said. ..."The bond that we passed in May of 2022 was really about the value of our community and getting our community to understand the value of community growth," Wilson said, "competing with other communities to provide kids and families with the best future-forward learning space for every student in our schools."He said the bond was passed because there are so many thoughtful people in the community who came together and united the community to rally behind the school bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469664590.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 school district Superintendent Ron Wilson welcomes several hundred guests to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 school district Superintendent Ron Wilson welcomes several hundred guests to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"For those who supported and voted for the bond, thank you, thank you, thank you," Wilson said. "This is going to be a great opportunity for our community, for our kids, our students and everyone going forward."HHS Principal Shawn Henderson said the new school will take advantage of light, open spaces, sound, collaboration areas, conference rooms and an auditorium with seats for 800 people.Henderson said the plans were not thrust upon them but included collaboration from the community and district and the architects, DLR."I can't wait for move-in day," he said.The new school will have a capacity of 1,200 students. Enrollment at the high school this fall is about 998 students.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469791580.jpeg" alt="Hays High School Principal Shawn Henderson said he can't wait for the move-in day for the new school. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School Principal Shawn Henderson said he can't wait for the move-in day for the new school. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"This is about the city of Hays," Ken Brooks, school board president, said. "This is about our students — every student, every day — and I am excited about the future for them."Kirby Pennington, lead project architect, said she was impressed by the participation of 400 people, including staff members, faculty, administrators and community members in the build-a-bond exercise, which ultimately shaped the scope of the bond projects."Our role was not to dictate, but to empower your voices and hear your needs," she said. "It was truly awe-inspiring to see your community come together to pass a bond where one had not been passed in nearly three decades."The new school will have an 800-seat, handicap-accessible performing arts center, a new gym and a large commons/cafeteria.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696469942628.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 school board President Ken Brooks said the new school is a great opportunity for Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 school board President Ken Brooks said the new school is a great opportunity for Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Classes will be separated into learning commons with large hallways with extra seating where students can work collaboratively.Superintendent Ron Wilsons said collaborative areas are lacking in the existing high school. Students are often found sitting on the floor in hallways to work on group projects in the current high school.Teachers will also have shared workspaces. This will allow classrooms to be used to capacity by allowing teachers to share classrooms more readily.A new commons space will have large windows overlooking the new football field. The Hays High School football team will be able to truly have home football games. The district has been leasing Lewis Field from Fort Hays State University for years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470199709.jpeg" alt="Students take a virtual tour of the new Hays High School at the school's groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Students take a virtual tour of the new Hays High School at the school's groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470341824.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470403989.jpeg" alt="The Hays High School Band plays prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High School Band plays prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470668300.jpeg" alt="The Hays High School&nbsp;cheer squad performs prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High School&nbsp;cheer squad performs prior to the Hays High School groundbreaking on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696470773668.jpeg" alt="The sign denotes the location of the new Hays High School front office. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The sign denotes the location of the new Hays High School front office. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ground broken on new $105M Hays High School

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — The Biden administration announced it waived 26 federal laws in South Texas to allow border wall construction on Wednesday, marking the administration’s first use of a sweeping executive power employed often during the Trump presidency.

The Department of Homeland Security posted the&nbsp;<a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-22176.pdf?utm_campaign=pi+subscription+mailing+list&amp;utm_source=federalregister.gov&amp;utm_medium=email">announcement on the U.S. Federal Registry</a>&nbsp;with few details outlining the construction in Starr County, Texas, which is part of a busy Border Patrol sector seeing “high illegal entry.” According to government data, about 245,000 illegal entries have been recorded so far this fiscal year in the Rio Grande Valley Sector which contains 21 counties.

“There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas,” Alejandro Mayorkas, the DHS secretary, stated in the notice.

The Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act and Endangered Species Act were some of the federal laws waived by DHS to make way for construction that will use funds from a congressional appropriation in 2019 for border wall construction. The waivers avoid time-consuming reviews and lawsuits challenging violation of environmental laws.

Starr County's hilly ranchlands, sitting between Zapata and McAllen, Texas, is home to about 65,000 residents sparsely populating about 1,200 square miles (3,108 square kilometers) that form part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Although no maps were provided in the announcement, CBP announced the project in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-moves-forward-rgv-barrier-and-yuma-andrade-and-el-centro-calexico">June</a>&nbsp;and began gathering public comments in August when it shared a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/about/environmental-management/border-barrier-environmental-planning-starr-county-texas-august-2023">map</a>&nbsp;of the additional construction that can add up to 20 miles (32 kilometers) to the existing border barrier system in the area. Starr County Judge Eloy Vera said it will start south of the Falcon Dam and go past Salineño, Texas.

“The other concern that we have is that area is highly erosive. There’s a lot of arroyos,” Eloy Vera, the county judge said, pointing out the creeks cutting through the ranchland and leading into the river.

Concern is shared with environmental advocates who say structures will run through public lands, habitats of endangered plants and species like the Ocelot, a spotted wild cat.

“A plan to build a wall through will bulldoze an impermeable barrier straight through the heart of that habitat. It will stop wildlife migrations dead in their tracks. It will destroy a huge amount of wildlife refuge land. And it’s a horrific step backwards for the borderlands,” Laiken Jordahl, a southwest conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, said Wednesday afternoon.

During the Trump administration, about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-45b59be6a28e4ac68edbd435447f4a4a">450 miles (724 kilometers) of barriers</a>&nbsp;were built along the southwest border between 2017 and January 2021. Texas Governor Greg Abbott renewed those efforts after the Biden administration halted them at the start of his presidency.

The DHS decision on Wednesday contrasts the Biden administration's posturing when a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/proclamation-termination-of-emergency-with-respect-to-southern-border-of-united-states-and-redirection-of-funds-diverted-to-border-wall-construction/">proclamation</a>&nbsp;to end the construction on Jan. 20, 2021, stated, “building a massive wall that spans the entire southern border is not a serious policy solution.”

In a statement Wednesday, CBP said the project is consistent with that 2021 proclamation. “Congress appropriated fiscal year 2019 funds for the construction of border barrier in the Rio Grande Valley, and DHS is required to use those funds for their appropriated purpose,” the statement said. “CBP remains committed to protecting the nation’s cultural and natural resources and will implement sound environmental practices as part of the project covered by this waiver.”

The announcement prompted political debate by the Democratic administration facing an increase of migrants entering through the southern border in recent months, including thousands who entered the U.S. through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-california-border-asylum-seekers-314698bfb5644be8f8f6085ebe9b9b98">Eagle Pass</a>&nbsp;at the end of September.

“A border wall is a 14th century solution to a 21st century problem. It will not bolster border security in Starr County,” U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar said in a statement. “I continue to stand against the wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars on an ineffective border wall.”

Political proponents of the border wall said the waivers should be used as a launching pad for a shift in policy.

“After years of denying that a border wall and other physical barriers are effective, the DHS announcement represents a sea change in the administration’s thinking: A secure wall is an effective tool for maintaining control of our borders,” Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, said in a statement. “Having made that concession, the administration needs to immediately begin construction of wall across the border to prevent the illegal traffic from simply moving to other areas of the border.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683151099285.png" alt="In January, President Joe Biden stopped in El Paso for his first visit to the U.S.-Mexico border since he became president. White House photo" />
 <figcaption>In January, President Joe Biden stopped in El Paso for his first visit to the U.S.-Mexico border since he became president. White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>McALLEN, Texas (AP) — The Biden administration announced it waived 26 federal laws in South Texas to allow border wall construction on Wednesday, marking the administration’s first use of a sweeping executive power employed often during the Trump presidency.The Department of Homeland Security posted the&nbsp;<a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-22176.pdf?utm_campaign=pi+subscription+mailing+list&amp;utm_source=federalregister.gov&amp;utm_medium=email">announcement on the U.S. Federal Registry</a>&nbsp;with few details outlining the construction in Starr County, Texas, which is part of a busy Border Patrol sector seeing “high illegal entry.” According to government data, about 245,000 illegal entries have been recorded so far this fiscal year in the Rio Grande Valley Sector which contains 21 counties.“There is presently an acute and immediate need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States in order to prevent unlawful entries into the United States in the project areas,” Alejandro Mayorkas, the DHS secretary, stated in the notice.The Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act and Endangered Species Act were some of the federal laws waived by DHS to make way for construction that will use funds from a congressional appropriation in 2019 for border wall construction. The waivers avoid time-consuming reviews and lawsuits challenging violation of environmental laws.Starr County's hilly ranchlands, sitting between Zapata and McAllen, Texas, is home to about 65,000 residents sparsely populating about 1,200 square miles (3,108 square kilometers) that form part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.Although no maps were provided in the announcement, CBP announced the project in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-moves-forward-rgv-barrier-and-yuma-andrade-and-el-centro-calexico">June</a>&nbsp;and began gathering public comments in August when it shared a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/about/environmental-management/border-barrier-environmental-planning-starr-county-texas-august-2023">map</a>&nbsp;of the additional construction that can add up to 20 miles (32 kilometers) to the existing border barrier system in the area. Starr County Judge Eloy Vera said it will start south of the Falcon Dam and go past Salineño, Texas.“The other concern that we have is that area is highly erosive. There’s a lot of arroyos,” Eloy Vera, the county judge said, pointing out the creeks cutting through the ranchland and leading into the river.Concern is shared with environmental advocates who say structures will run through public lands, habitats of endangered plants and species like the Ocelot, a spotted wild cat.“A plan to build a wall through will bulldoze an impermeable barrier straight through the heart of that habitat. It will stop wildlife migrations dead in their tracks. It will destroy a huge amount of wildlife refuge land. And it’s a horrific step backwards for the borderlands,” Laiken Jordahl, a southwest conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, said Wednesday afternoon.During the Trump administration, about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-45b59be6a28e4ac68edbd435447f4a4a">450 miles (724 kilometers) of barriers</a>&nbsp;were built along the southwest border between 2017 and January 2021. Texas Governor Greg Abbott renewed those efforts after the Biden administration halted them at the start of his presidency.The DHS decision on Wednesday contrasts the Biden administration's posturing when a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/proclamation-termination-of-emergency-with-respect-to-southern-border-of-united-states-and-redirection-of-funds-diverted-to-border-wall-construction/">proclamation</a>&nbsp;to end the construction on Jan. 20, 2021, stated, “building a massive wall that spans the entire southern border is not a serious policy solution.”In a statement Wednesday, CBP said the project is consistent with that 2021 proclamation. “Congress appropriated fiscal year 2019 funds for the construction of border barrier in the Rio Grande Valley, and DHS is required to use those funds for their appropriated purpose,” the statement said. “CBP remains committed to protecting the nation’s cultural and natural resources and will implement sound environmental practices as part of the project covered by this waiver.”The announcement prompted political debate by the Democratic administration facing an increase of migrants entering through the southern border in recent months, including thousands who entered the U.S. through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-texas-california-border-asylum-seekers-314698bfb5644be8f8f6085ebe9b9b98">Eagle Pass</a>&nbsp;at the end of September.“A border wall is a 14th century solution to a 21st century problem. It will not bolster border security in Starr County,” U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar said in a statement. “I continue to stand against the wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars on an ineffective border wall.”Political proponents of the border wall said the waivers should be used as a launching pad for a shift in policy.“After years of denying that a border wall and other physical barriers are effective, the DHS announcement represents a sea change in the administration’s thinking: A secure wall is an effective tool for maintaining control of our borders,” Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, said in a statement. “Having made that concession, the administration needs to immediately begin construction of wall across the border to prevent the illegal traffic from simply moving to other areas of the border.”

Biden to allow border wall construction in South Texas

FINNEY COUNTY —The cause of a deadly fire in southwest Kansas has been determined as accidental, according to the Kansas Fire Marshal's office in a statement from Erin Stillwagon with the Garden City Fire Department.&nbsp; Officials released no additional specifics.

Just after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, fire crews were dispatched to the report house fire with possible trapped individuals at 613 N. 9th Street, Garden City, according to a media release.

First arriving crews found a multi-story residence with heavy fire and visible smoke. Firefighters made contact with three victims in the front yard who alerted them of additional victims inside.

Personnel entered the house to begin fire attack and search and rescue, and were met with heavy fire and intense heat. During the search, personnel located two additional victims. After retrieving them from the home, fire personnel were joined by EMS to begin life-saving measures.

The victims were loaded into ambulances and care was transferred to EMS. Just before 3a.m., the City of Holcomb Fire Department was requested to provide mutual aid. Personnel reentered the residence to complete the primary search and fire attack.

Additional fire was located in the attic and extinguished. The fire was called under control at 3:22 a.m. and turned over to Garden City Fire Investigators.

As a result of the fire, two victims died, three victims were treated for smoke inhalation, and one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.

The Garden City Police Department is also conducting an investigation which is standard procedure for victims of a structure fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities have not released additional details or the names victims

FINNEY COUNTY —The cause of a deadly fire in southwest Kansas has been determined as accidental, according to the Kansas Fire Marshal's office in a statement from Erin Stillwagon with the Garden City Fire Department.&nbsp; Officials released no additional specifics.Just after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, fire crews were dispatched to the report house fire with possible trapped individuals at 613 N. 9th Street, Garden City, according to a media release.First arriving crews found a multi-story residence with heavy fire and visible smoke. Firefighters made contact with three victims in the front yard who alerted them of additional victims inside.Personnel entered the house to begin fire attack and search and rescue, and were met with heavy fire and intense heat. During the search, personnel located two additional victims. After retrieving them from the home, fire personnel were joined by EMS to begin life-saving measures.The victims were loaded into ambulances and care was transferred to EMS. Just before 3a.m., the City of Holcomb Fire Department was requested to provide mutual aid. Personnel reentered the residence to complete the primary search and fire attack.Additional fire was located in the attic and extinguished. The fire was called under control at 3:22 a.m. and turned over to Garden City Fire Investigators.As a result of the fire, two victims died, three victims were treated for smoke inhalation, and one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.The Garden City Police Department is also conducting an investigation which is standard procedure for victims of a structure fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities have not released additional details or the names victims

Fire Marshal determines cause of deadly SW Kansas house fire 

ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Simone Biles and her teammates including Leanne Wong of Overland Park, Kansas were far from perfect, and yet nothing could stand in the way of a victory that set a record for both the U.S. women's team and the greatest gymnast in history.

The U.S. women earned a record seventh consecutive team title at the gymnastics world championships on Wednesday night. For Biles, it was also her 33rd major championship medal — across the worlds and Olympics — to make her the most decorated female gymnast ever.

And it's fitting that it came in Antwerp, the Belgian port city where Biles came to international prominence 10 years ago by winning her first world title in 2013.

“It wasn’t Team USA’s best day,” Biles said. "It’s crazy, we still pulled it out. So I’m really, really proud of the team.”

The American team of Biles, Leanne Wong, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely and Joscelyn Roberson&nbsp; combined for a total of 167.729 points to edge second-place Brazil and France.

The U.S. team won by a margin of 2.199 points as the final proved to be a closer contest than anticipated after the Americans put up a dominant performance in qualifying to finish more than five points ahead of the field.

“We had some mistakes here and there, but just keep going, keep relying on our training,” Biles said. “But I think this team that we have brought this year has the most great courage and fight. ... We had so many emotions going throughout the day.”

The U.S. women have won gold in the team event at every world championship that included a team competition since 2011. Their victory in Antwerp broke a tie with the Chinese men for the longest streak of consecutive team titles.

Biles now has 26 world championship medals, 20 of them gold, to go with her seven Olympic medals, including the 2016 Olympic title. Her 33 combined medals at the sport’s two biggest events are one more than what Larisa Latynina of the Soviet Union achieved.

Russia was banned from the event because of sanctions imposed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) as a result of the war against Ukraine. In the absence of their Russian rivals — the defending Olympic champions — the Americans were the overwhelming favorites.

But the U.S team overcame an early scare as Roberson was forced out of the event even before it started after she seemed to hurt an ankle while warming up at the vault. She was helped off the mat and subbed by Leann Wong.

“My ankle just ... popped,” Roberson said.

Jones then kicked off the competition smoothly for the Americans with a Double Twist Yurchenko, with only a small hop. Wong responded to the last-minute call with a clean effort before Biles opted for the slightly safer “Cheng” vault rather than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmFMXk3WQow">Yurchenko Double Pike she performed during qualifying on Sunday.</a>

The Americans amassed 42.966 points and were second behind China after the first rotation following the Chinese gymnasts' excellent display on uneven bars.

Biles and her teammates then bested their Chinese opponents’ performance on bars as they took the overall lead with a margin of 1.467 points. They increased it a bit further after the beam — despite a sixth-place finish on that apparatus — as Biles made up for the modest 11.700 Wong received by scoring 14.300 with a solid routine.

Biles capped off a successful night for the U.S team with a spectacular floor routine rewarded by a 15.166.

Biles is competing at her first international competition following a two-year absence. Her previous appearance was at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, where she was hampered by a bout with a mental block known as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-gymnastics-simone-biles-twisties-9a0a4d25bb485ab0a2b237c4847f09ce">the twisties</a>&nbsp;” that gymnasts can experience while in the air, and withdrew from several events.

Now she's back in the same city that catapulted her to international fame a decade ago, winning the first of her five world all-around titles as a 16-year-old prodigy.

“Each and every time you are crowned world champion, it feels a little bit different,” Biles said. “I'm still surprised that I'm still going, I'm 26, I'm a little bit older. It's different, but it's exciting.”

Biles, who posted an overall score of 58.732 points, is also the favorite to add a sixth all-around title on Friday, although she will likely face a strong challenge from Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, the reigning world all-around champion. The event finals are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Andrade led Brazil to its first medal ever in the women's team competition. The French team, spurred on by the hundreds of fans cheering for them, secured their first women’s team medal at the world championships since a silver in 1950.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693184669443.png" alt="<a href="https://members.usagym.org/pages/athletes/nationalTeamWomen.html?id=431412">Leanne Wong,</a>&nbsp;a graduate of&nbsp;Blue Valley High School&nbsp;in Overland Park, Kansas, photo courtesy University of Florida" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://members.usagym.org/pages/athletes/nationalTeamWomen.html?id=431412">Leanne Wong,</a>&nbsp;a graduate of&nbsp;Blue Valley High School&nbsp;in Overland Park, Kansas, photo courtesy University of Florida</figcaption>
 </figure>ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Simone Biles and her teammates including Leanne Wong of Overland Park, Kansas were far from perfect, and yet nothing could stand in the way of a victory that set a record for both the U.S. women's team and the greatest gymnast in history.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On top of the world! 🌎 What a team effort from <a href="https://twitter.com/Simone_Biles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simone_Biles</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/skyeblakely_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@skyeblakely_</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/kayladicello?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayladicello</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ShileseJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShileseJ</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Josc_Roberson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Josc_Roberson</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/leannewong03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@leannewong03</a>! <a href="https://t.co/hpUQHGD4hy">pic.twitter.com/hpUQHGD4hy</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1709662774270292039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. women earned a record seventh consecutive team title at the gymnastics world championships on Wednesday night. For Biles, it was also her 33rd major championship medal — across the worlds and Olympics — to make her the most decorated female gymnast ever.And it's fitting that it came in Antwerp, the Belgian port city where Biles came to international prominence 10 years ago by winning her first world title in 2013.“It wasn’t Team USA’s best day,” Biles said. "It’s crazy, we still pulled it out. So I’m really, really proud of the team.”The American team of Biles, Leanne Wong, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely and Joscelyn Roberson&nbsp; combined for a total of 167.729 points to edge second-place Brazil and France.The U.S. team won by a margin of 2.199 points as the final proved to be a closer contest than anticipated after the Americans put up a dominant performance in qualifying to finish more than five points ahead of the field.“We had some mistakes here and there, but just keep going, keep relying on our training,” Biles said. “But I think this team that we have brought this year has the most great courage and fight. ... We had so many emotions going throughout the day.”The U.S. women have won gold in the team event at every world championship that included a team competition since 2011. Their victory in Antwerp broke a tie with the Chinese men for the longest streak of consecutive team titles.Biles now has 26 world championship medals, 20 of them gold, to go with her seven Olympic medals, including the 2016 Olympic title. Her 33 combined medals at the sport’s two biggest events are one more than what Larisa Latynina of the Soviet Union achieved.Russia was banned from the event because of sanctions imposed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) as a result of the war against Ukraine. In the absence of their Russian rivals — the defending Olympic champions — the Americans were the overwhelming favorites.But the U.S team overcame an early scare as Roberson was forced out of the event even before it started after she seemed to hurt an ankle while warming up at the vault. She was helped off the mat and subbed by Leann Wong.“My ankle just ... popped,” Roberson said.Jones then kicked off the competition smoothly for the Americans with a Double Twist Yurchenko, with only a small hop. Wong responded to the last-minute call with a clean effort before Biles opted for the slightly safer “Cheng” vault rather than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmFMXk3WQow">Yurchenko Double Pike she performed during qualifying on Sunday.</a>The Americans amassed 42.966 points and were second behind China after the first rotation following the Chinese gymnasts' excellent display on uneven bars.Biles and her teammates then bested their Chinese opponents’ performance on bars as they took the overall lead with a margin of 1.467 points. They increased it a bit further after the beam — despite a sixth-place finish on that apparatus — as Biles made up for the modest 11.700 Wong received by scoring 14.300 with a solid routine.Biles capped off a successful night for the U.S team with a spectacular floor routine rewarded by a 15.166.Biles is competing at her first international competition following a two-year absence. Her previous appearance was at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, where she was hampered by a bout with a mental block known as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-gymnastics-simone-biles-twisties-9a0a4d25bb485ab0a2b237c4847f09ce">the twisties</a>&nbsp;” that gymnasts can experience while in the air, and withdrew from several events.Now she's back in the same city that catapulted her to international fame a decade ago, winning the first of her five world all-around titles as a 16-year-old prodigy.“Each and every time you are crowned world champion, it feels a little bit different,” Biles said. “I'm still surprised that I'm still going, I'm 26, I'm a little bit older. It's different, but it's exciting.”Biles, who posted an overall score of 58.732 points, is also the favorite to add a sixth all-around title on Friday, although she will likely face a strong challenge from Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, the reigning world all-around champion. The event finals are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.Andrade led Brazil to its first medal ever in the women's team competition. The French team, spurred on by the hundreds of fans cheering for them, secured their first women’s team medal at the world championships since a silver in 1950.

Kansas gymnast helps U.S. win gold at world championships

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal&nbsp; &nbsp;shooting in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as Luis Jackson, according to a Crime Stoppers report.

Just after 2a.m. September 10, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 4000 block of West Memory Lane in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;19-year-old Zyles James of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.

Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. James was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

During the initial response, officers located another victim with a graze wound to the arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released.

If you see Jackson or know his location, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694602061567.png" alt="Jackson-photo Wichita PD" />
 <figcaption>Jackson-photo Wichita PD</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal&nbsp; &nbsp;shooting in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as Luis Jackson, according to a Crime Stoppers report.Just after 2a.m. September 10, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 4000 block of West Memory Lane in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;19-year-old Zyles James of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. James was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.During the initial response, officers located another victim with a graze wound to the arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released.If you see Jackson or know his location, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Kansas murder suspect still at large 

GRAHAM COUNTY—A man admitted in a Kansas court to hunting without permission or a deer permit.

In December of 2022, Game Warden Jake Brooke received a call from a landowner in Graham county who reported hearing a rifle shot at sundown close to his residence, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

 Upon investigation, the landowner discovered an individual claiming to have just shot a coyote on the landowner's property from the roadway. 

After the brief discussion with the alleged coyote shooter, the shooter drove off, after which the landowner contacted Game Warden Brooke. 

Warden Brooke responded with K9 Kreed who quickly located a .243 shell casing along the roadway. While searching the adjoining field, K9 Kreed located a freshly killed mule deer doe. 

The case was recently settled in court, where the suspect plead guilty to hunting without written permission and taking a deer without a permit, paid $1,500 in fines and forfeited the rifle that he used.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696453820387.png" alt="Photo Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>GRAHAM COUNTY—A man admitted in a Kansas court to hunting without permission or a deer permit.In December of 2022, Game Warden Jake Brooke received a call from a landowner in Graham county who reported hearing a rifle shot at sundown close to his residence, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Upon investigation, the landowner discovered an individual claiming to have just shot a coyote on the landowner's property from the roadway. After the brief discussion with the alleged coyote shooter, the shooter drove off, after which the landowner contacted Game Warden Brooke. Warden Brooke responded with K9 Kreed who quickly located a .243 shell casing along the roadway. While searching the adjoining field, K9 Kreed located a freshly killed mule deer doe. The case was recently settled in court, where the suspect plead guilty to hunting without written permission and taking a deer without a permit, paid $1,500 in fines and forfeited the rifle that he used.

Kan. Game Warden: Poacher shot a mule deer not a coyote 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon said Thursday the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone that came within 500 meters (yards) of American troops in northeastern Syria, in a rare use of force by one NATO member against another.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, called it a “regrettable incident” and said U.S. troops were forced to go to bunkers for safety as Turkey bombed targets nearby.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Turkish counterpart and stressed the importance of close coordination between their two countries to prevent any risk to American forces or to the global coalition’s mission to defeat Islamic State militants in the region, Ryder said.

“The decision was made out due diligence and the inherent right of self-defense to take appropriate action to protect U.S. forces,” Ryder said, adding that “we have no indication that Turkey was intentionally targeting U.S. forces.”

U.S. officials earlier told The Associated Press the shootdown was ordered after more than a dozen calls to Turkish military officials stating that U.S. forces were on the ground in the area and that the U.S. military would take action to protect them if the drone didn’t leave. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details of a sensitive military incident.

Ryder said U.S. forces observed Turkish drones doing airstrikes around Hasakah at about 7:30 a.m. local time, and some strikes were inside a so-called American “restricted operating zone” just a kilometer (about a half mile) from U.S. troops. He said a bit later a Turkish drone re-entered the restricted area “on a heading toward where U.S. forces were located.”

Commanders determined it was a threat and U.S. F-16 fighter jets shot it down around 11:40 a.m., Ryder said, adding that no U.S. forces were injured.

Typically, the U.S. and Turkish militaries, which are NATO allies, work in close coordination in conducting air maneuvers. But American troops also work closely with Kurdish-led forces to counter the Islamic State group in the region.

The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria conducting missions to counter Islamic State group militants.

There was no immediate comment from Turkey on the shooting of the drone.

The country’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported, however, that the Turkish intelligence service, MIT, carried out an operation against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, and its affiliated Kurdish militia group in Syria, which is known as People’s Defense Units, or YPG. The report said the Turks struck suspected arms and ammunition depots and buildings believed to have been used by the groups’ “sabotage” teams. It did not provide further details on the operation.

On Wednesday, Turkey had carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Kurdish militant targets following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/turkish-minister-retaliation-suicide-attack-78f57d472c0d1f827ec343e59e06d814">suicide attack</a>&nbsp;outside Turkey’s interior ministry building earlier this week.

In a press conference following the attack, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkish intelligence officials have established that the two assailants arrived from Syria, where they had been trained. He said Turkey would now target facilities in Syria and Iraq belonging to the PKK or YPG.

Thursday's incident risks adding to longstanding tensions between Turkey and the United States, even though Turkey is a strategically important ally and NATO member. U.S. officials and lawmakers have criticized Turkey’s human rights record and its delays in agreeing to Sweden's membership in NATO. Turkey has been frustrated by U.S. delays in approving 40 new F-16 fighter jets as well as kits to upgrade its existing fleet.

Ryder told reporters that the U.S. stands “firmly with our NATO ally Turkey and the Turkish people in their fight against the PKK.”

The U.S. has designated the PKK as a “foreign terrorist organization” but has declined to make a similar determination regarding the YPG, which have been a key partner of the U.S. in the fight against the Islamic State group in northern Syria. The U.S. does not believe the YPG represent a threat to Turkey.

As recently as Wednesday, the State Department said there was no change in how the U.S. regards the YPG.

In 2016, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused the U.S. of supporting a failed coup attempt against his government. The U.S. has flatly rejected the claims but has also refused to extradite the leader of the group Erdogan claims was behind the attempt, cleric Fetullah Gulen, who lives in exile in Pennsylvania.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693011275570.png" alt="The drone was shot down by a U.S. F-16 fighter jet. File&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hampton E. Stramler" />
 <figcaption>The drone was shot down by a U.S. F-16 fighter jet. File&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hampton E. Stramler</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon said Thursday the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone that came within 500 meters (yards) of American troops in northeastern Syria, in a rare use of force by one NATO member against another.Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, called it a “regrettable incident” and said U.S. troops were forced to go to bunkers for safety as Turkey bombed targets nearby.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Turkish counterpart and stressed the importance of close coordination between their two countries to prevent any risk to American forces or to the global coalition’s mission to defeat Islamic State militants in the region, Ryder said.“The decision was made out due diligence and the inherent right of self-defense to take appropriate action to protect U.S. forces,” Ryder said, adding that “we have no indication that Turkey was intentionally targeting U.S. forces.”U.S. officials earlier told The Associated Press the shootdown was ordered after more than a dozen calls to Turkish military officials stating that U.S. forces were on the ground in the area and that the U.S. military would take action to protect them if the drone didn’t leave. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details of a sensitive military incident.Ryder said U.S. forces observed Turkish drones doing airstrikes around Hasakah at about 7:30 a.m. local time, and some strikes were inside a so-called American “restricted operating zone” just a kilometer (about a half mile) from U.S. troops. He said a bit later a Turkish drone re-entered the restricted area “on a heading toward where U.S. forces were located.”Commanders determined it was a threat and U.S. F-16 fighter jets shot it down around 11:40 a.m., Ryder said, adding that no U.S. forces were injured.Typically, the U.S. and Turkish militaries, which are NATO allies, work in close coordination in conducting air maneuvers. But American troops also work closely with Kurdish-led forces to counter the Islamic State group in the region.The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria conducting missions to counter Islamic State group militants.There was no immediate comment from Turkey on the shooting of the drone.The country’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported, however, that the Turkish intelligence service, MIT, carried out an operation against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, and its affiliated Kurdish militia group in Syria, which is known as People’s Defense Units, or YPG. The report said the Turks struck suspected arms and ammunition depots and buildings believed to have been used by the groups’ “sabotage” teams. It did not provide further details on the operation.On Wednesday, Turkey had carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Kurdish militant targets following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/turkish-minister-retaliation-suicide-attack-78f57d472c0d1f827ec343e59e06d814">suicide attack</a>&nbsp;outside Turkey’s interior ministry building earlier this week.In a press conference following the attack, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkish intelligence officials have established that the two assailants arrived from Syria, where they had been trained. He said Turkey would now target facilities in Syria and Iraq belonging to the PKK or YPG.Thursday's incident risks adding to longstanding tensions between Turkey and the United States, even though Turkey is a strategically important ally and NATO member. U.S. officials and lawmakers have criticized Turkey’s human rights record and its delays in agreeing to Sweden's membership in NATO. Turkey has been frustrated by U.S. delays in approving 40 new F-16 fighter jets as well as kits to upgrade its existing fleet.Ryder told reporters that the U.S. stands “firmly with our NATO ally Turkey and the Turkish people in their fight against the PKK.”The U.S. has designated the PKK as a “foreign terrorist organization” but has declined to make a similar determination regarding the YPG, which have been a key partner of the U.S. in the fight against the Islamic State group in northern Syria. The U.S. does not believe the YPG represent a threat to Turkey.As recently as Wednesday, the State Department said there was no change in how the U.S. regards the YPG.In 2016, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused the U.S. of supporting a failed coup attempt against his government. The U.S. has flatly rejected the claims but has also refused to extradite the leader of the group Erdogan claims was behind the attempt, cleric Fetullah Gulen, who lives in exile in Pennsylvania.___

US shoots down armed Turkish drone over Syria

PINEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.4 billion after no players matched all six numbers and hit it rich Wednesday night.

The winning numbers announced were: 9, 35, 54, 63, 64 and the Powerball 1.

Players will next have a shot at the Powerball jackpot Saturday night in hopes of ending an 11-week stretch without a big winner. No matter how large the prize grows the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">odds stay the same</a>&nbsp;— and they’re terrible.

It’s those odds of 1 in 292.2 million that make the jackpot so hard to win and that result in such giant prizes for the lucky player or players who manage to pick the game’s six winning numbers. The latest Powerball jackpot is the world’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">seventh-largest lottery prize</a>. The last time someone won the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">top prize was July 19</a>.

In most states, Powerball tickets cost $2 and buyers can chose their own numbers and single Powerball or leave that task to a computer. Powerball drawings are held three times a week at 10:59 p.m. EDT on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday, with the numbers selected at the Florida Lottery in Tallahassee.

Once the numbers are chosen, it usually takes a couple hours to determine if there is a jackpot winner. If there isn't a winner, state lottery officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-sc-state-wire-0b640d4306324592839d5454caff765a">release a jackpot estimate</a>&nbsp;for the next drawing. If there is a winner, the jackpot reverts to $20 million and begins the long process of growing until there is another winner.

Gale Groseclose, who was buying Powerball tickets in Pineville, North Carolina, said a $1 million prize would be plenty for her but that the Wednesday's $1.2 billion jackpot certainly caught her attention.

“I don’t usually do this on a regular basis, but like I said, when it gets to be, what is it? I don’t even know what, over 1 billion dollars," Groseclose said. “It’s exciting.”

The jackpot is based on revenue from ticket sales, so the more people who play the game, the faster the top prize grows. However, even though the current jackpot is advertised as $1.4 billion, the lottery has less than half that amount available for the top prize. That's why the cash prize — which most winners take — would be $643.7 million.

Players also can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">choose an annuity</a>, in which that $643.7 million would be paid to a company that would guarantee a return over 30 years of $1.4 billion. If a winner dies before collecting all their money, the remainder would go to the winner's estate.

State lotteries will immediately deduct 24% of jackpot winnings for federal taxes, and additional federal taxes may be required when filing federal tax returns.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/50aedbc64d214666b60ed93542b9e517/powerball-take-home-depends-highly-taxes-where-you-live">State taxes will vary</a>&nbsp;as some states don't tax lottery winnings at all and others tax the money at different rates.

Players who buy winning grand prize tickets in a state different from where they live will pay taxes based on where they bought the ticket.

DO POWERBALL ODDS CHANGE BASED ON THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS?

The game's odds remain 1 in 292.2 million regardless of how big the jackpot is and the number of people buying tickets. Those odds mean there are 292.2 million possible number combinations.

To put the immensity of that into context, note that for Monday's drawing players across the country chose just over 20% of those possible combinations. That means nearly 80% of the possible combinations were not selected, so the odds were pretty good that there wouldn't be a winner.

PINEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.4 billion after no players matched all six numbers and hit it rich Wednesday night.The winning numbers announced were: 9, 35, 54, 63, 64 and the Powerball 1.Players will next have a shot at the Powerball jackpot Saturday night in hopes of ending an 11-week stretch without a big winner. No matter how large the prize grows the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">odds stay the same</a>&nbsp;— and they’re terrible.It’s those odds of 1 in 292.2 million that make the jackpot so hard to win and that result in such giant prizes for the lucky player or players who manage to pick the game’s six winning numbers. The latest Powerball jackpot is the world’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">seventh-largest lottery prize</a>. The last time someone won the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">top prize was July 19</a>.GAME DETAILSIn most states, Powerball tickets cost $2 and buyers can chose their own numbers and single Powerball or leave that task to a computer. Powerball drawings are held three times a week at 10:59 p.m. EDT on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday, with the numbers selected at the Florida Lottery in Tallahassee.Once the numbers are chosen, it usually takes a couple hours to determine if there is a jackpot winner. If there isn't a winner, state lottery officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-sc-state-wire-0b640d4306324592839d5454caff765a">release a jackpot estimate</a>&nbsp;for the next drawing. If there is a winner, the jackpot reverts to $20 million and begins the long process of growing until there is another winner.Gale Groseclose, who was buying Powerball tickets in Pineville, North Carolina, said a $1 million prize would be plenty for her but that the Wednesday's $1.2 billion jackpot certainly caught her attention.“I don’t usually do this on a regular basis, but like I said, when it gets to be, what is it? I don’t even know what, over 1 billion dollars," Groseclose said. “It’s exciting.”HOW IS THE JACKPOT DETERMINED?The jackpot is based on revenue from ticket sales, so the more people who play the game, the faster the top prize grows. However, even though the current jackpot is advertised as $1.4 billion, the lottery has less than half that amount available for the top prize. That's why the cash prize — which most winners take — would be $643.7 million.Players also can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">choose an annuity</a>, in which that $643.7 million would be paid to a company that would guarantee a return over 30 years of $1.4 billion. If a winner dies before collecting all their money, the remainder would go to the winner's estate.WHAT ABOUT TAXES?State lotteries will immediately deduct 24% of jackpot winnings for federal taxes, and additional federal taxes may be required when filing federal tax returns.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/50aedbc64d214666b60ed93542b9e517/powerball-take-home-depends-highly-taxes-where-you-live">State taxes will vary</a>&nbsp;as some states don't tax lottery winnings at all and others tax the money at different rates.Players who buy winning grand prize tickets in a state different from where they live will pay taxes based on where they bought the ticket.DO POWERBALL ODDS CHANGE BASED ON THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS?The game's odds remain 1 in 292.2 million regardless of how big the jackpot is and the number of people buying tickets. Those odds mean there are 292.2 million possible number combinations.To put the immensity of that into context, note that for Monday's drawing players across the country chose just over 20% of those possible combinations. That means nearly 80% of the possible combinations were not selected, so the odds were pretty good that there wouldn't be a winner.Typically, the larger the jackpot grows, the more people play and the more combinations are covered. People also usually buy more tickets on Saturdays, which increases the chance of a winner for those drawings.Eric Warner, who also was buying tickets in Pineville, said he would immediately buy a Porsche if he won the big jackpot and then invest most of the money for himself and his community. Warner said he never really expects to win but enjoys buying a ticket now and then.“It’s something that I run into and maybe I’m feeling lucky," he said. “Then I’ll go ahead and pick up a ticket and just kind of hope for the best.”CAN WINNERS REMAIN ANONYMOUS?<a href="https://apnews.com/067009cee9004217a03a029b4a4895e6">Rules vary from state to state</a>&nbsp;with some requiring that jackpot winners be named and others allowing anonymity. Some states have more detailed rules, such as in Florida, where winners can remain anonymous for 90 days before the state lottery releases their name.WHERE IS THE GAME PLAYED?