Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the agency's annual report on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=rd5bx-18a4639-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the agency's annual report on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Williams gives update on Grow Hays annual report

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The COVID-19 pandemic, staff turnover and surges in filings created a backlog of cases at the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, challenging the organization’s ability to meet statutory requirements for timely rulings.

County appraisers have seen increased delays in resolving some tax appeals, and although they don’t blame BOTA employees who are working to clear delays, they are concerned about the effects on taxpayers.

“Given that high property taxes are a major concern for Kansans, this remains a highly sensitive matter for all parties involved,” said Douglas County appraiser Brad Eldridge. “Providing timely due process in property tax cases is essential, yet it requires additional funding, creating the difficult reality that ensuring fairness and efficiency comes at the cost of more taxpayer dollars.”

In January 2025 budget testimony to the Legislature, BOTA chair Kristen Wheeler said in Fiscal Year 2024, the board saw an increase of about 700 cases in its Regular Division, as well as an additional 300 cases in its exemption tax appeals and 300 cases in its property tax appeals.

The BOTA comprises the Regular Division, in which cases are heard by an appointed, three-member board, and the Small Claims and Expedited Claims Division, which offers informal, faster processes.

More than 11 different kinds of tax appeals are heard by BOTA’s board or staff, from property tax exemption requests to homeowners upset about their property taxes and unable to resolve the issue at the county level.

Jonathan Roberts, BOTA executive director, said they receive as many as 50 or 60 requests for tax exemption appeals every day.

“It takes at the minimum a half-hour to hear each of those requests,” he said. “When you start to compound those, it creates a monumental task to get through every one. It’s just a matter of the requests coming in exceed the time available to hear them.”

During the legislative budget process, the state board requested and received $30,000 to hire contract employees to help get caught up. BOTA also asked for $25,000 to increase attorney salaries because they currently are below what their peers receive for similar work. A long-term vacant position contributed to delays.

“The Board is currently recruiting to fill a vacant staff attorney position; the Board would note that position has been posted since the fall and to date, despite active advertising, the Board has yet to have a single applicant,” the budget request said. “The Board notes the starting salary for that position is below other starting-level attorney positions advertised for other state entities.”

Roberts said a new information technology system being installed is expected to help with processing.&nbsp;

“We’re engaging in some things within the office to help with workflow and things like that, but given the sheer number of some of the cases that we have in front of us, it’s not going to clear them all up right away,” Roberts said.

Depending on the cases, the board faces statutory requirements regarding the time to hear and decide cases. In small claims, cases must be heard within 60 days of filing and decided within 30 days after that. So far, BOTA staff have been able to meet that deadline, Roberts said. In the Regular Division, the board must render a decision after a hearing within 14 days, although requirements vary depending on the case.

In testimony, BOTA reported the percent of 14-day summary decisions issued timely in the Regular Division, with a goal of 100%. After three years of missing that goal, the organization is moving back on track.

In FY2019 and FY2020, BOTA issued decisions within 14 days 100% of the time. In FY2021, they dropped to 93%, and in subsequent years 91%, 90% and 99%. BOTA reports 100% for FY2025 so far.

Lucky DeFries, a Topeka tax attorney who has been trying cases in front of the board since the late 1970s, said his clients haven’t faced significant delays. He and opposing counsel often reach agreement in the case, so it moves through the system quickly.

DeFries remembers when there were 58 employees at BOTA. Today, there are 16 when they’re fully staffed, he said, noting the retirement of a longtime attorney and another staff member on medical leave.

“We’ve seen across the country steady increases in the valuation of residential property. That’s where a lot of the appeals come from,” DeFries said. “The numbers of employees have gone down precipitously and the case load has either increased or stayed pretty static.”

The delay in hearing tax appeals affects county operations statewide. Eldridge said the slow process consumes time and financial resources. The challenges began during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

“Schedule delays were a result of hearing cancellations in 2020,” Eldridge said. “In 2020-2021, there was turnover in BOTA positions, and they went several months without having a full board to hold hearings. BOTA essentially did not hold any Regular Division hearings for about one year.”

If BOTA finds in favor of the individual, organization or business in a tax appeal, the county must refund any taxes that were paid, based on that appeal. Eldridge said interest is paid on refunds, with the percentage varying depending on the year the appeal was filed.

In Crawford County, Jan Meredith, office supervisor, handles tax exemptions. Like Eldridge, she understands the issues that have been delaying tax appeals and is sympathetic. Still, she doesn’t recall delays as long as they have been in the past two to three years.

Tax appeals filed in 2023 have recently come through the system and been cleared, she said, and that puts her small county near to caught up. Meredith tells taxpayers filing an appeal that it likely will take four to six months until they receive decisions from BOTA, so any appeals filed in the past six months she doesn’t consider delayed.

Larger counties tend to see a more significant impact. In its budget report, BOTA said most of its small claims appeals in FY2024 were received from Johnson County (576), Morris County (345), Sedgwick County (448) and Wyandotte County (608).&nbsp;

“Douglas County has matters before the Regular Division of BOTA going back to 2021 that are scheduled to be heard this year,” Eldridge said.

In Johnson County, spokeswoman Anne Christiansen-Bullers said appeals go back more than seven years.&nbsp;

“The Kansas Board of Tax Appeals has approximately 1,500-1,600 pending appeals involving property in Johnson County for tax years 2018-2024,” she said.

It’s difficult to determine exactly how far behind tax appeals are, said Terri Yamashita, BOTA board secretary. More complex cases, which are often appeals over large tax amounts owed or commercial cases, sometimes have multiple attorneys involved and many filings.

For instance, in the regular hearing division where cases go before the BOTA, commercial business owners often want to get their own appraisals done, she said. That can cause delays. BOTA staff normally try to schedule a hearing within at least five months of the filing, but it could be seven to eight months, depending on the case.

Some cases lingering in the system are delayed because parties don’t get the proper information submitted or for reasons out of BOTA’s control, Yamashita said. Each type of tax appeal has different statutory requirements to meet.

The number of appeals asking for tax exemptions is one of the more challenging areas, although those don’t have to go to a full board hearing, she said. Exemptions and the majority of tax grievances don’t go to full hearings but are managed in the small claims division.

Grievances include cases that are about clerical errors or penalties that have been assessed on someone who didn’t file taxes on time, she said.

Those issues absorb staff time. BOTA recently contracted with an additional staff person to help clear exemption cases. In testimony, the BOTA board said that its hearings of Regular Division cases suffer when they receive influxes of small claims cases because staff attorneys shift to do that work.

“Not only do these staff attorneys have less time and resources available to work on other matters, but they are unavailable or difficult to schedule to assist with Regular Division hearings,” the testimony said. “Undoubtedly these factors all contribute to greater than necessary resolution times for matters in the Regular Division.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746737689897.png" alt="Kristen Wheeler, chairwoman of the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, tells the Kansas House General Government Budget Committee about the need for additional funding to manage increased tax appeals and to alleviate staff shortages. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature video)" />
 <figcaption>Kristen Wheeler, chairwoman of the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, tells the Kansas House General Government Budget Committee about the need for additional funding to manage increased tax appeals and to alleviate staff shortages. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature video)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The COVID-19 pandemic, staff turnover and surges in filings created a backlog of cases at the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, challenging the organization’s ability to meet statutory requirements for timely rulings.County appraisers have seen increased delays in resolving some tax appeals, and although they don’t blame BOTA employees who are working to clear delays, they are concerned about the effects on taxpayers.“Given that high property taxes are a major concern for Kansans, this remains a highly sensitive matter for all parties involved,” said Douglas County appraiser Brad Eldridge. “Providing timely due process in property tax cases is essential, yet it requires additional funding, creating the difficult reality that ensuring fairness and efficiency comes at the cost of more taxpayer dollars.”In January 2025 budget testimony to the Legislature, BOTA chair Kristen Wheeler said in Fiscal Year 2024, the board saw an increase of about 700 cases in its Regular Division, as well as an additional 300 cases in its exemption tax appeals and 300 cases in its property tax appeals.The BOTA comprises the Regular Division, in which cases are heard by an appointed, three-member board, and the Small Claims and Expedited Claims Division, which offers informal, faster processes.More than 11 different kinds of tax appeals are heard by BOTA’s board or staff, from property tax exemption requests to homeowners upset about their property taxes and unable to resolve the issue at the county level.Jonathan Roberts, BOTA executive director, said they receive as many as 50 or 60 requests for tax exemption appeals every day.“It takes at the minimum a half-hour to hear each of those requests,” he said. “When you start to compound those, it creates a monumental task to get through every one. It’s just a matter of the requests coming in exceed the time available to hear them.”<h2>Adding resources</h2>During the legislative budget process, the state board requested and received $30,000 to hire contract employees to help get caught up. BOTA also asked for $25,000 to increase attorney salaries because they currently are below what their peers receive for similar work. A long-term vacant position contributed to delays.“The Board is currently recruiting to fill a vacant staff attorney position; the Board would note that position has been posted since the fall and to date, despite active advertising, the Board has yet to have a single applicant,” the budget request said. “The Board notes the starting salary for that position is below other starting-level attorney positions advertised for other state entities.”Roberts said a new information technology system being installed is expected to help with processing.&nbsp;“We’re engaging in some things within the office to help with workflow and things like that, but given the sheer number of some of the cases that we have in front of us, it’s not going to clear them all up right away,” Roberts said.Depending on the cases, the board faces statutory requirements regarding the time to hear and decide cases. In small claims, cases must be heard within 60 days of filing and decided within 30 days after that. So far, BOTA staff have been able to meet that deadline, Roberts said. In the Regular Division, the board must render a decision after a hearing within 14 days, although requirements vary depending on the case.In testimony, BOTA reported the percent of 14-day summary decisions issued timely in the Regular Division, with a goal of 100%. After three years of missing that goal, the organization is moving back on track.In FY2019 and FY2020, BOTA issued decisions within 14 days 100% of the time. In FY2021, they dropped to 93%, and in subsequent years 91%, 90% and 99%. BOTA reports 100% for FY2025 so far.Lucky DeFries, a Topeka tax attorney who has been trying cases in front of the board since the late 1970s, said his clients haven’t faced significant delays. He and opposing counsel often reach agreement in the case, so it moves through the system quickly.DeFries remembers when there were 58 employees at BOTA. Today, there are 16 when they’re fully staffed, he said, noting the retirement of a longtime attorney and another staff member on medical leave.“We’ve seen across the country steady increases in the valuation of residential property. That’s where a lot of the appeals come from,” DeFries said. “The numbers of employees have gone down precipitously and the case load has either increased or stayed pretty static.”<h2>County impact</h2>The delay in hearing tax appeals affects county operations statewide. Eldridge said the slow process consumes time and financial resources. The challenges began during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;“Schedule delays were a result of hearing cancellations in 2020,” Eldridge said. “In 2020-2021, there was turnover in BOTA positions, and they went several months without having a full board to hold hearings. BOTA essentially did not hold any Regular Division hearings for about one year.”If BOTA finds in favor of the individual, organization or business in a tax appeal, the county must refund any taxes that were paid, based on that appeal. Eldridge said interest is paid on refunds, with the percentage varying depending on the year the appeal was filed.In Crawford County, Jan Meredith, office supervisor, handles tax exemptions. Like Eldridge, she understands the issues that have been delaying tax appeals and is sympathetic. Still, she doesn’t recall delays as long as they have been in the past two to three years.Tax appeals filed in 2023 have recently come through the system and been cleared, she said, and that puts her small county near to caught up. Meredith tells taxpayers filing an appeal that it likely will take four to six months until they receive decisions from BOTA, so any appeals filed in the past six months she doesn’t consider delayed.Larger counties tend to see a more significant impact. In its budget report, BOTA said most of its small claims appeals in FY2024 were received from Johnson County (576), Morris County (345), Sedgwick County (448) and Wyandotte County (608).&nbsp;“Douglas County has matters before the Regular Division of BOTA going back to 2021 that are scheduled to be heard this year,” Eldridge said.In Johnson County, spokeswoman Anne Christiansen-Bullers said appeals go back more than seven years.&nbsp;“The Kansas Board of Tax Appeals has approximately 1,500-1,600 pending appeals involving property in Johnson County for tax years 2018-2024,” she said.<h2>Tough to determine</h2>It’s difficult to determine exactly how far behind tax appeals are, said Terri Yamashita, BOTA board secretary. More complex cases, which are often appeals over large tax amounts owed or commercial cases, sometimes have multiple attorneys involved and many filings.For instance, in the regular hearing division where cases go before the BOTA, commercial business owners often want to get their own appraisals done, she said. That can cause delays. BOTA staff normally try to schedule a hearing within at least five months of the filing, but it could be seven to eight months, depending on the case.Some cases lingering in the system are delayed because parties don’t get the proper information submitted or for reasons out of BOTA’s control, Yamashita said. Each type of tax appeal has different statutory requirements to meet.The number of appeals asking for tax exemptions is one of the more challenging areas, although those don’t have to go to a full board hearing, she said. Exemptions and the majority of tax grievances don’t go to full hearings but are managed in the small claims division.Grievances include cases that are about clerical errors or penalties that have been assessed on someone who didn’t file taxes on time, she said.Those issues absorb staff time. BOTA recently contracted with an additional staff person to help clear exemption cases. In testimony, the BOTA board said that its hearings of Regular Division cases suffer when they receive influxes of small claims cases because staff attorneys shift to do that work.“Not only do these staff attorneys have less time and resources available to work on other matters, but they are unavailable or difficult to schedule to assist with Regular Division hearings,” the testimony said. “Undoubtedly these factors all contribute to greater than necessary resolution times for matters in the Regular Division.”

Kansas tax appeal process bogged down by staff shortages, increased filings

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Just like in years past, Randy Beck had been thinking about what to get for his wife, Shayla, for Mother’s Day.

He gathered their four young sons together to ask for ideas of what they wanted to give their mother this year, along with their personal handmade cards.

Shayla always looks forward to her sons’ personal cards. But ask her what she would like for Mother’s Day this year, and she will tell you she has only one wish: for her husband to be around for more Mother’s Days and Father’s Days and every other holiday for years to come.

The Beck family’s life changed dramatically back in January when Randy learned he had Stage IV metastatic melanoma, a fast-spreading cancer.

Four months following surgery and multiple treatments, the Becks celebrate every holiday – every day – with gusto.

“People sometimes ask me if we wish we had a girl,” Shayla said. “We are just grateful we had four healthy kids, four healthy boys. Now with all this with Randy, we are just grateful to be together as a family, period.”

Randy said if anyone out of his family had to undergo a bout with cancer, he is glad it’s him.

“I was definitely glad it was me and not Shayla or one of the boys,” he said. “I believe that God gives his hardest battles to his strongest and his toughest people. I’ve grown up playing sports, and I’ve been a competitor my whole life. I will be the one that beats this.”

The Becks have local ties. Shayla grew up in Hays, and Randy is from Claflin. They met while Randy was playing football at Fort Hays State University, got married and started raising their family in Hays.

They moved to Oklahoma about four years ago when Randy received a promotion with his company, Pepsi Beverages Co.

So news of Randy’s diagnosis spread quickly, and support of family and friends came pouring in from near and far.

Grandparents and other relatives have gone to stay with the boys when Randy and Shayla travel to Houston for treatments.

The outpouring of generosity, even from people they don’t know, has overwhelmed the Becks with gratitude.

Someone started a T-shirt fundraiser to help with travel expenses, and neighbors organized a meal train for the family. A lawn company has offered to mow the Becks’ yard the entire summer.

The latest fundraiser is a raffle spurred by a donation of two beef quarters from PJ and Kim Nowak, owners of Double Tree Feeders out of Gotham, and Rob and Michelle Corley from Victoria.

The raffle is still ongoing until May 19, with the drawing on May 20. Tickets can be purchased by texting Shayla at 785-656-2618 or her mom, Janice Maska Jacobs, at 785-365-9595.

“You just don’t realize how much people care until something like this happens,” Randy said. “We have gotten to know some people in Tulsa (since they moved there), but so many others we have never met have really stepped up to help. Prayers, cards, texts … It’s amazing. All this changes how you look at everything.”

Life seemed to be humming along quite perfectly for the Becks after moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in October 2020.

Randy enjoyed his new job, Shayla was working in the area as a real estate agent, and their boys were getting settled in their new surroundings.

Then last August, Randy discovered a lump in front of his right ear.

It was first diagnosed as a swollen lymph node, but antibiotics didn’t faze it. By the end of October, a CT scan was ordered after Randy started losing weight.

After the lump was diagnosed as cancerous, it was removed, and Randy started recovering from the 9-inch incision down his neck.&nbsp;

Following the surgery, the Becks decided to get a second opinion for a treatment plan at MD Anderson in Houston, the world’s largest cancer center. There, doctors recommended a schedule for radiation and immunotherapy.

He will continue to make the 8-hour trip to Houston for monthly immunotherapy treatments throughout the next year, then return for scans every three months for the next two years. The time between scans will decrease in the next few years, but Randy will have to undergo at least a yearly scan for the rest of his life.

There is always a chance the cancer will spread; this particular type of melanoma is aggressive, with a high percentage of recurrence.

But the Becks will deal with whatever comes their way as a family, along with all the other people in their corner.

Randy has been able to return to work as a territory sales manager for Pepsi, even around the immunotherapy treatments.

He had coached his oldest son’s football team for several years but is not yet certain if he will be able to do so this year.

If not, he will still be on the sidelines as one of Eli’s biggest cheerleaders.

A hands-on dad, Randy is grateful to be able to continue spending time outdoors with Eli, 10; Zayne, 8; Kyzer, 6; and Sutton, 5.

“Immunotherapy and chemotherapy are different,” Randy explained. “I’ve had hair loss and some sores and blisters from radiation, but hardly any side effects from immunotherapy.”

However, the unknown has become his family’s “new normal.”

“It definitely affects your whole life – and everyone around it,” Shayla said.&nbsp;

Randy and Shayla said they decided from early on to fight this as a family, which included involving their sons.

When possible, the boys have been involved with the fundraisers, and the Becks plan to take them all to MD Anderson at one of Randy’s summer appointments to learn more about the whole process.&nbsp;

“We have always told them the truth,” Shayla said.

“Absolutely,” Randy said. “But I told them ‘I’m scared, too.’ They have a lot of questions. We all have a lot of questions. We’ll get them answered together.”

“I believe God has kept me here for Shayla and the boys for a reason,” Randy insisted, “and I’m going to continue to be here for them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817646128.jpeg" alt="Former Hays resident Randy Beck, center, is in a strong fight against cancer with some of his biggest supporters – his four young sons, ages 5 to 10. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Former Hays resident Randy Beck, center, is in a strong fight against cancer with some of his biggest supporters – his four young sons, ages 5 to 10. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817974242.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostJust like in years past, Randy Beck had been thinking about what to get for his wife, Shayla, for Mother’s Day.He gathered their four young sons together to ask for ideas of what they wanted to give their mother this year, along with their personal handmade cards.Shayla always looks forward to her sons’ personal cards. But ask her what she would like for Mother’s Day this year, and she will tell you she has only one wish: for her husband to be around for more Mother’s Days and Father’s Days and every other holiday for years to come.The Beck family’s life changed dramatically back in January when Randy learned he had Stage IV metastatic melanoma, a fast-spreading cancer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817723110.jpeg" alt="The Beck family from left: Sutton, Kyzer, Shayla, Randy, Eli and Zayne. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Beck family from left: Sutton, Kyzer, Shayla, Randy, Eli and Zayne. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Four months following surgery and multiple treatments, the Becks celebrate every holiday – every day – with gusto.One of those will be today.“People sometimes ask me if we wish we had a girl,” Shayla said. “We are just grateful we had four healthy kids, four healthy boys. Now with all this with Randy, we are just grateful to be together as a family, period.”Randy said if anyone out of his family had to undergo a bout with cancer, he is glad it’s him.“I was definitely glad it was me and not Shayla or one of the boys,” he said. “I believe that God gives his hardest battles to his strongest and his toughest people. I’ve grown up playing sports, and I’ve been a competitor my whole life. I will be the one that beats this.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817771977.jpeg" alt="Randy Beck, right, was greeted home from one of his hospital stays with homemade cards by his four young sons. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Randy Beck, right, was greeted home from one of his hospital stays with homemade cards by his four young sons. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Support from near and far</h2>The Becks have local ties. Shayla grew up in Hays, and Randy is from Claflin. They met while Randy was playing football at Fort Hays State University, got married and started raising their family in Hays.They moved to Oklahoma about four years ago when Randy received a promotion with his company, Pepsi Beverages Co.So news of Randy’s diagnosis spread quickly, and support of family and friends came pouring in from near and far.Grandparents and other relatives have gone to stay with the boys when Randy and Shayla travel to Houston for treatments.The outpouring of generosity, even from people they don’t know, has overwhelmed the Becks with gratitude.Someone started a T-shirt fundraiser to help with travel expenses, and neighbors organized a meal train for the family. A lawn company has offered to mow the Becks’ yard the entire summer.The latest fundraiser is a raffle spurred by a donation of two beef quarters from PJ and Kim Nowak, owners of Double Tree Feeders out of Gotham, and Rob and Michelle Corley from Victoria.The raffle is still ongoing until May 19, with the drawing on May 20. Tickets can be purchased by texting Shayla at 785-656-2618 or her mom, Janice Maska Jacobs, at 785-365-9595.“You just don’t realize how much people care until something like this happens,” Randy said. “We have gotten to know some people in Tulsa (since they moved there), but so many others we have never met have really stepped up to help. Prayers, cards, texts … It’s amazing. All this changes how you look at everything.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817822327.jpeg" alt="Whether coaching Eli in football, or giving some of the finer points of T-Ball to Sutton while Kyzer waits to field the ball, or teaching Zayne how to ride a bicycle, Randy Beck is bound and determined to stick around to watch his sons grow up. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Whether coaching Eli in football, or giving some of the finer points of T-Ball to Sutton while Kyzer waits to field the ball, or teaching Zayne how to ride a bicycle, Randy Beck is bound and determined to stick around to watch his sons grow up. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Dealing with alarming news</h2>Life seemed to be humming along quite perfectly for the Becks after moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in October 2020.Randy enjoyed his new job, Shayla was working in the area as a real estate agent, and their boys were getting settled in their new surroundings.Then last August, Randy discovered a lump in front of his right ear.It was first diagnosed as a swollen lymph node, but antibiotics didn’t faze it. By the end of October, a CT scan was ordered after Randy started losing weight.After the lump was diagnosed as cancerous, it was removed, and Randy started recovering from the 9-inch incision down his neck.&nbsp;Following the surgery, the Becks decided to get a second opinion for a treatment plan at MD Anderson in Houston, the world’s largest cancer center. There, doctors recommended a schedule for radiation and immunotherapy.He will continue to make the 8-hour trip to Houston for monthly immunotherapy treatments throughout the next year, then return for scans every three months for the next two years. The time between scans will decrease in the next few years, but Randy will have to undergo at least a yearly scan for the rest of his life.There is always a chance the cancer will spread; this particular type of melanoma is aggressive, with a high percentage of recurrence.But the Becks will deal with whatever comes their way as a family, along with all the other people in their corner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817865327.jpeg" alt="Tickets for an ongoing benefit raffle sponsored by area residents can still be purchased. See story for details. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tickets for an ongoing benefit raffle sponsored by area residents can still be purchased. See story for details. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘We’re in this together’</h2>Randy has been able to return to work as a territory sales manager for Pepsi, even around the immunotherapy treatments.He had coached his oldest son’s football team for several years but is not yet certain if he will be able to do so this year.If not, he will still be on the sidelines as one of Eli’s biggest cheerleaders.A hands-on dad, Randy is grateful to be able to continue spending time outdoors with Eli, 10; Zayne, 8; Kyzer, 6; and Sutton, 5.“Immunotherapy and chemotherapy are different,” Randy explained. “I’ve had hair loss and some sores and blisters from radiation, but hardly any side effects from immunotherapy.”However, the unknown has become his family’s “new normal.”“It definitely affects your whole life – and everyone around it,” Shayla said.&nbsp;Randy and Shayla said they decided from early on to fight this as a family, which included involving their sons.When possible, the boys have been involved with the fundraisers, and the Becks plan to take them all to MD Anderson at one of Randy’s summer appointments to learn more about the whole process.&nbsp;“We have always told them the truth,” Shayla said.Does that frighten them?“Absolutely,” Randy said. “But I told them ‘I’m scared, too.’ They have a lot of questions. We all have a lot of questions. We’ll get them answered together.”“I believe God has kept me here for Shayla and the boys for a reason,” Randy insisted, “and I’m going to continue to be here for them.”

NWester: Beck family grateful to celebrate holidays, every day amid cancer scare

NORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place April 16, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Ellsworth ‑&nbsp;70‑27 KA‑7551‑01 – I‑70, from the Russell/Ellsworth county line east to the Ellsworth/Lincoln county line, pavement patching, 23.3 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $360,959.50.

Geary ‑&nbsp;70‑31 KA‑6483‑01 – I‑70, bridge #016 over I‑70 at J. Hill Road located 2.37 miles east of the U.S. 40B west junction, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $3,447,245.49.

Lincoln ‑&nbsp;70‑53 KA‑7552‑01 – I‑70, from the Ellsworth/Lincoln county line east to the Lincoln/Saline county line, pavement patching, 7.2 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $279,790.50.

McPherson ‑&nbsp;61‑59 KA‑7612‑01 – K‑61, bridge #099 carrying northbound K‑61 over K‑153 spur/old U.S. 81 located at the K‑61/K‑153 spur junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $316,070.50.

McPherson ‑&nbsp;135‑59 KA‑6063‑02 – I‑135, from the Harvey/McPherson county line north to 6.3 miles north of the Harvey/McPherson county line, guard fence, 6.3 miles, Jon Fulsom Construction LLC, Wellington, Kansas, $449,895.86.

Mitchell ‑&nbsp;14‑62 KA‑6972‑01 – K‑14, bridge #029 Solomon River located 2.19 miles south of U.S. 24 in Beloit, bridge repair, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $2,384,983.95.

Saline ‑&nbsp;4‑85 KA‑3230‑02 – K‑4, from bridge #144 over Smoky Hill River east to 0.3 mile east of the K‑4/South Kipp Road intersection (2.23 miles east of the K‑4/K‑104 junction), grading, bridge and surfacing, 7.1 miles, Sporer Land Development Inc., Oakley, Kansas, $23,887,983.03.

Washington ‑&nbsp;101 C‑5296‑01 – Washington County, bridge over Little Blue River Tributary on West Washington Street located in Hanover, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $584,273.00.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;135‑106 KA‑7202‑01 – Bridge approaches from Limestone Road north to 8.41 miles north of U.S. 56 on I‑135, includes bridges #040 and #041 located 5.4 miles north of the I‑135/U.S. 56 junction in McPherson County and bridges #148 and #149 located at the I‑135/U.S. 81/K‑4 south junction in Saline County, milling and overlay, 8.0 miles, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $4,462,160.11.

Russell ‑&nbsp;70‑84 KA‑7144‑02 – I‑70 crossroad pipe, located 0.57 mile east of 178th Street, special, Esfeld Construction Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $197,500.00.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7284‑01 – Routes U.S. 83, K‑25 and U.S. 40 in Logan and Thomas counties, signing, KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&amp;H Co., Elko New Market, Minnesota, $344,277.00.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689603343931.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTNORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place April 16, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.Area bids include:District Two — North CentralEllsworth ‑&nbsp;70‑27 KA‑7551‑01 – I‑70, from the Russell/Ellsworth county line east to the Ellsworth/Lincoln county line, pavement patching, 23.3 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $360,959.50.Geary ‑&nbsp;70‑31 KA‑6483‑01 – I‑70, bridge #016 over I‑70 at J. Hill Road located 2.37 miles east of the U.S. 40B west junction, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $3,447,245.49.Lincoln ‑&nbsp;70‑53 KA‑7552‑01 – I‑70, from the Ellsworth/Lincoln county line east to the Lincoln/Saline county line, pavement patching, 7.2 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $279,790.50.McPherson ‑&nbsp;61‑59 KA‑7612‑01 – K‑61, bridge #099 carrying northbound K‑61 over K‑153 spur/old U.S. 81 located at the K‑61/K‑153 spur junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $316,070.50.McPherson ‑&nbsp;135‑59 KA‑6063‑02 – I‑135, from the Harvey/McPherson county line north to 6.3 miles north of the Harvey/McPherson county line, guard fence, 6.3 miles, Jon Fulsom Construction LLC, Wellington, Kansas, $449,895.86.Mitchell ‑&nbsp;14‑62 KA‑6972‑01 – K‑14, bridge #029 Solomon River located 2.19 miles south of U.S. 24 in Beloit, bridge repair, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $2,384,983.95.Saline ‑&nbsp;4‑85 KA‑3230‑02 – K‑4, from bridge #144 over Smoky Hill River east to 0.3 mile east of the K‑4/South Kipp Road intersection (2.23 miles east of the K‑4/K‑104 junction), grading, bridge and surfacing, 7.1 miles, Sporer Land Development Inc., Oakley, Kansas, $23,887,983.03.Washington ‑&nbsp;101 C‑5296‑01 – Washington County, bridge over Little Blue River Tributary on West Washington Street located in Hanover, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $584,273.00.Statewide ‑&nbsp;135‑106 KA‑7202‑01 – Bridge approaches from Limestone Road north to 8.41 miles north of U.S. 56 on I‑135, includes bridges #040 and #041 located 5.4 miles north of the I‑135/U.S. 56 junction in McPherson County and bridges #148 and #149 located at the I‑135/U.S. 81/K‑4 south junction in Saline County, milling and overlay, 8.0 miles, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $4,462,160.11.District Three — NorthwestRussell ‑&nbsp;70‑84 KA‑7144‑02 – I‑70 crossroad pipe, located 0.57 mile east of 178th Street, special, Esfeld Construction Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $197,500.00.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7284‑01 – Routes U.S. 83, K‑25 and U.S. 40 in Logan and Thomas counties, signing, KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&amp;H Co., Elko New Market, Minnesota, $344,277.00.

KDOT announces approved April bids

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF May 12 – May 16, 2025

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

--May 12 • Memorial of St. Nereus and St. Achilleus, Martyrs; St. Pancras, Martyr. • Free Dress Day – for meeting our school Race for Ed goal. • Wacky Hair Day for Kindergarten. • New Preschool Open House for PK3 and PK4 incoming students. • Field Day – activities in the morning and grilled hot dog lunch outside with classmates. Students &amp; staff will need to come through the A.C. to grab their lunch to take outside. • Rent-a-5th Grader 2:00 p.m. • Students should all head down to the L.T. at _____ to witness the principals getting “PIED” in the face before dismissal.&nbsp;

--May 13 • Our Lady of Fatima. • 5th Graders had their recognition mass this morning at IHM. They have an awards ceremony in the IHM basement following mass and will be dismissed from HFE following. • Last Day of School for 5th Grade. • 2B will have Lunch with the Principal Day for a feed the pig prize. • 1A will have Readers’ Theatre of “Wizard of Oz” at 2:30pm.

--May 14 • Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle. • Kindergarten Field Trip around Hays. • The State of our Catholic Schools Video/Form and HFE/TMP parent form is due today. • Teacher Massages will be set up in the Lounge from 11:00 – 3:00 from Home &amp; School and the Staff Snack/Appreciation Committee. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon. • 1A Readers’ Theatre of “Wizard of Oz” at 2:30 p.m.&nbsp;

--May 15 • Memorial of St. Isidore. • We recognized our milestone anniversaries at mass this morning for teachers. • End of Qtr. 4 / Semester 2. • LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – Half Day; students will dismiss at 11:00 a.m. • • • • There will be no lunch, no bus services or After School Care today due to the half day. • The office will close at 11:45 a.m. for End of Year Luncheon – luncheon begins at 12:00 in the L.T.&nbsp;

--May 16 • NO SCHOOL – SUMMER BREAK

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737555085782.png" alt="Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF May 12 – May 16, 2025THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!MONDAY--May 12 • Memorial of St. Nereus and St. Achilleus, Martyrs; St. Pancras, Martyr. • Free Dress Day – for meeting our school Race for Ed goal. • Wacky Hair Day for Kindergarten. • New Preschool Open House for PK3 and PK4 incoming students. • Field Day – activities in the morning and grilled hot dog lunch outside with classmates. Students &amp; staff will need to come through the A.C. to grab their lunch to take outside. • Rent-a-5th Grader 2:00 p.m. • Students should all head down to the L.T. at _____ to witness the principals getting “PIED” in the face before dismissal.&nbsp;TUESDAY--May 13 • Our Lady of Fatima. • 5th Graders had their recognition mass this morning at IHM. They have an awards ceremony in the IHM basement following mass and will be dismissed from HFE following. • Last Day of School for 5th Grade. • 2B will have Lunch with the Principal Day for a feed the pig prize. • 1A will have Readers’ Theatre of “Wizard of Oz” at 2:30pm.WEDNESDAY--May 14 • Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle. • Kindergarten Field Trip around Hays. • The State of our Catholic Schools Video/Form and HFE/TMP parent form is due today. • Teacher Massages will be set up in the Lounge from 11:00 – 3:00 from Home &amp; School and the Staff Snack/Appreciation Committee. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon. • 1A Readers’ Theatre of “Wizard of Oz” at 2:30 p.m.&nbsp;THURSDAY--May 15 • Memorial of St. Isidore. • We recognized our milestone anniversaries at mass this morning for teachers. • End of Qtr. 4 / Semester 2. • LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – Half Day; students will dismiss at 11:00 a.m. • • • • There will be no lunch, no bus services or After School Care today due to the half day. • The office will close at 11:45 a.m. for End of Year Luncheon – luncheon begins at 12:00 in the L.T.&nbsp;FRIDAY--May 16 • NO SCHOOL – SUMMER BREAK

Holy Family Elementary School Notes, May 12-16, 2025

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

HAYS - Hays High ended the 2025 Diamond Classic with a 2-2 record after beating Life Prep and losing to TMP.

Hays High 6, Life Prep 5 It was an improbable comeback in game one that led the Indians to a one run victory. Hays trailed the Fire of Life Prep 2-0 after four innings. Life Prep (12-15) scored on a bases loaded walk and a sacrifice fly for the first advantage.&nbsp;

They added a single run in the fifth with an RBI single for a 3-0 edge.

Hays got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth when Landon Hardman led the inning off with a single and later scored on a fielder's choice for a 3-1 game.

The runs were earned back in the top of the sixth by Life Prep. The Fire led off the inning with a pair of singles and later scored. The final run was scored on a wild pitch for a 5-1 score.

Hays went down in order in the sixth. The Indians were down to their final strike in the bottom of the seventh before Jalen Smith put a ball in play and reached on an error. Carter Graham followed that up with a walk. Brett Rhoades singled and Trace Jacobs did the same to score Smith.&nbsp;

Life Prep made a pitching change and Hays waited the new pitcher out as he couldn't find the strike zone. Bennett Smith walked to drive in a run and Ian McGuire was hit by a pitch to score another. Hardman was walked on a 3-2 pitch count to tie the game. Kal Londsdale on his first start of the season was hit on a 1-2 pitch count to score Smith for the 6-5 victory.

Johnny Cano (4-1) pitched the seventh inning for the win. Carter Graham went six inning. He allowed six hits, five runs, three earned with two walks and three strike outs.

Hardman, Graham and Cano each had two hits.

TMP 5, Hays High 2 TMP (19-5) scored three runs in the first inning without recording and hit on their way to a 5-2 victory over the Hays High Indians.

Three walks, a hit batter and a fielder's choice led to a 3-0 first inning lead for the Monarchs. Starting pitcher Brett Rhoades recorded one out before giving way to Johnny Canon in relief. Cano and the Indian defense held TMP scoreless over the next four innings.&nbsp;

Hays (13-8) however couldn't figure out Carson Lyles. The TMP starting pitcher worked all seven innings for the victory. The Indians had just one baserunner through the first four innings.&nbsp;

Hays threatened in the fifth with two on and one out but couldn't score. TMP notched a run in the top of the sixth on three straight singles from Connor Breit, Isaac Purinton and Jacob Seib for a 4-0 lead.

The Indians managed two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Johnny Cano singled then Jalen Smith drove him in with a double. Carter Graham singled home Smith for a 4-2 game. Brett Rhoades reached on a single but was thrown out at second on a fielder's choice on the next at-bat. As base running error on a pop up to right field resulted in a double play and ended the inning.&nbsp;

TMP added an insurance run for Lyles (3-1) in the top of the seventh after Grant Nehls singled and later scored on a wild pitch for the final of 5-2.

Lyles allowed seven hits and two runs while walking one and striking out six in the victory. Cano went five and two-thirds innings before being lifted on pitch count on the combination of game one and two. He allowed six hits and one run. Cano walked two and struck out four. Trace Jacobs allowed one run on one hit and two walks in the seventh.&nbsp;

Graham recorded two hits for the Indians. Grant Nehls and Connor Breit had two hits each for TMP.

Hays will finish the regular season with a trip to Liberal for a single game on Thursday and then host Junction City for a doubleheader on Friday.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostHAYS - Hays High ended the 2025 Diamond Classic with a 2-2 record after beating Life Prep and losing to TMP.Hays High 6, Life Prep 5 It was an improbable comeback in game one that led the Indians to a one run victory. Hays trailed the Fire of Life Prep 2-0 after four innings. Life Prep (12-15) scored on a bases loaded walk and a sacrifice fly for the first advantage.&nbsp;They added a single run in the fifth with an RBI single for a 3-0 edge.Hays got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth when Landon Hardman led the inning off with a single and later scored on a fielder's choice for a 3-1 game.The runs were earned back in the top of the sixth by Life Prep. The Fire led off the inning with a pair of singles and later scored. The final run was scored on a wild pitch for a 5-1 score.Hays went down in order in the sixth. The Indians were down to their final strike in the bottom of the seventh before Jalen Smith put a ball in play and reached on an error. Carter Graham followed that up with a walk. Brett Rhoades singled and Trace Jacobs did the same to score Smith.&nbsp;Life Prep made a pitching change and Hays waited the new pitcher out as he couldn't find the strike zone. Bennett Smith walked to drive in a run and Ian McGuire was hit by a pitch to score another. Hardman was walked on a 3-2 pitch count to tie the game. Kal Londsdale on his first start of the season was hit on a 1-2 pitch count to score Smith for the 6-5 victory.<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/2093609331&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/hhs-bsb-highlights-v-life-prep" title="HHS BSB Highlights v Life Prep Academy May 10, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS BSB Highlights v Life Prep Academy May 10, 2025</a></div></div>Johnny Cano (4-1) pitched the seventh inning for the win. Carter Graham went six inning. He allowed six hits, five runs, three earned with two walks and three strike outs.Hardman, Graham and Cano each had two hits.TMP 5, Hays High 2 TMP (19-5) scored three runs in the first inning without recording and hit on their way to a 5-2 victory over the Hays High Indians.Three walks, a hit batter and a fielder's choice led to a 3-0 first inning lead for the Monarchs. Starting pitcher Brett Rhoades recorded one out before giving way to Johnny Canon in relief. Cano and the Indian defense held TMP scoreless over the next four innings.&nbsp;Hays (13-8) however couldn't figure out Carson Lyles. The TMP starting pitcher worked all seven innings for the victory. The Indians had just one baserunner through the first four innings.&nbsp;Hays threatened in the fifth with two on and one out but couldn't score. TMP notched a run in the top of the sixth on three straight singles from Connor Breit, Isaac Purinton and Jacob Seib for a 4-0 lead.<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/2093650761&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/hhs-bsb-highlights-v-tmp-may" title="HHS BSB Highlights v TMP May 10, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS BSB Highlights v TMP May 10, 2025</a></div></div>The Indians managed two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Johnny Cano singled then Jalen Smith drove him in with a double. Carter Graham singled home Smith for a 4-2 game. Brett Rhoades reached on a single but was thrown out at second on a fielder's choice on the next at-bat. As base running error on a pop up to right field resulted in a double play and ended the inning.&nbsp;TMP added an insurance run for Lyles (3-1) in the top of the seventh after Grant Nehls singled and later scored on a wild pitch for the final of 5-2.Lyles allowed seven hits and two runs while walking one and striking out six in the victory. Cano went five and two-thirds innings before being lifted on pitch count on the combination of game one and two. He allowed six hits and one run. Cano walked two and struck out four. Trace Jacobs allowed one run on one hit and two walks in the seventh.&nbsp;<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/2093651001&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/hhs-bsb-coach-post-int-v-tmp" title="HHS BSB Coach Post Int v TMP May 10, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS BSB Coach Post Int v TMP May 10, 2025</a></div></div>Graham recorded two hits for the Indians. Grant Nehls and Connor Breit had two hits each for TMP.Hays will finish the regular season with a trip to Liberal for a single game on Thursday and then host Junction City for a doubleheader on Friday.

⚾ Hays High beats Life Prep, falls to TMP

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging five former U.S. Postal Service employees with stealing mail, according to the United State's Attorney.

The defendants all charged with one count of conspiracy to steal mail and one count of theft of mail are: Terrence Luster, 49, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri;&nbsp; Laura Dantzler, 64, of Kansas City, Kansas; Arthur Hook, 49, of Lathrop, Missouri; Craig Roland, 54, of Kansas City, Kansas, and Cheryl Wankum, 60, of Overland Park, Kansas.

The defendants, who were employees at a post office on North 51st Street, are accused of stealing Amazon return packages, mail, and other items of value for their own personal use between early 2023 and mid-October 2023.

The U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging five former U.S. Postal Service employees with stealing mail, according to the United State's Attorney.The defendants all charged with one count of conspiracy to steal mail and one count of theft of mail are: Terrence Luster, 49, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri;&nbsp; Laura Dantzler, 64, of Kansas City, Kansas; Arthur Hook, 49, of Lathrop, Missouri; Craig Roland, 54, of Kansas City, Kansas, and Cheryl Wankum, 60, of Overland Park, Kansas.The defendants, who were employees at a post office on North 51st Street, are accused of stealing Amazon return packages, mail, and other items of value for their own personal use between early 2023 and mid-October 2023.The U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case.

Indictment: Kan. postal service employees stole Amazon return packages

ANDOVER – The Hays High softball team split their two games Saturday
at the Andover Central softball fields. The Indians lost 17-7 to the host
Jaguars then defeated Kapaun Mt. Carmel 14-13. HHS is now 14-9 on the season. They
travel to Garden City to close out Western Athletic play Tuesday with a single
game against the Buffaloes.

Andover Central 17, Hays 7 (6 innings) The Jaguars scored five runs in the top of the first inning and led 10-0 after
2 1/2 innings. The Indians rallied with four in the bottom of the third to cut
the gap to 10-4 but Andover Central responded with six in the top of the fourth.
HHS scored three in the bottom of the inning. ACHS added a run in the sixth for
the run-rule victory.

Riley Dreher, Brynlee Rupp and Avery Solida had two if the
Indians eight hits. Dreher and Alyse Zimmerman both drove in two runs.

Jaylee Summers went the distance for HHS in the circle
surrendering 17 runs (10 earned) on 17 hits with four walks and two strikeouts.

Hays 14, Kapaun Mt. Carmel 13
 This back and forth game saw both teams score three in the first and two in
the second. The Indians plated five in the fourth only to see the Crusaders answer
with foru in the bottom of the inning. HHS got a little separation with three
in the fifth and another run in the sixth then held off the Crusaders rally.

Riley Dreher reached on an error to start the game and
scored on Alyze Zimmerman’s single. Brynlyee Brous and Lanie Becker were both
hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to make it a 3-0 game.

In the second, Zimmerman drove in a run with a single.
Brynlee Rupp, who singled earlier in the inning, stole home to put the Indians
up 5-3.

Dreher hit a two-run homer followed by a Rupp solo shot to
push the lead to 8-5 in the fourth. Brous would add an RBI single and Becker
drove in a run on a groundout to put the Indians up 10-5.

Leading by one run, Katie Klein opened the fifth with a double
and later scored on a wild pitch. Rylynn Davis, who singled, scored on an
error. Brous drove in the Indians final run with a two-out single to put Hays
up 13-9.

Zimmerman had four of the Indians 15 hits and drove in two. Dreher
and Rupp both homered and had three hits. Brous added two hits and drove in
three runs.

Dreher allowed 11 runs (8 earned) on 13 hits with three
strikeouts and one walk for the win in the circle. Becker allowed on run on
three hits with three walks and no strikeouts over the final 1 1/3 innings.

Hays Post SportsANDOVER – The Hays High softball team split their two games Saturday
at the Andover Central softball fields. The Indians lost 17-7 to the host
Jaguars then defeated Kapaun Mt. Carmel 14-13. HHS is now 14-9 on the season. They
travel to Garden City to close out Western Athletic play Tuesday with a single
game against the Buffaloes.Andover Central 17, Hays 7 (6 innings) The Jaguars scored five runs in the top of the first inning and led 10-0 after
2 1/2 innings. The Indians rallied with four in the bottom of the third to cut
the gap to 10-4 but Andover Central responded with six in the top of the fourth.
HHS scored three in the bottom of the inning. ACHS added a run in the sixth for
the run-rule victory.Riley Dreher, Brynlee Rupp and Avery Solida had two if the
Indians eight hits. Dreher and Alyse Zimmerman both drove in two runs.Jaylee Summers went the distance for HHS in the circle
surrendering 17 runs (10 earned) on 17 hits with four walks and two strikeouts.Hays 14, Kapaun Mt. Carmel 13
 This back and forth game saw both teams score three in the first and two in
the second. The Indians plated five in the fourth only to see the Crusaders answer
with foru in the bottom of the inning. HHS got a little separation with three
in the fifth and another run in the sixth then held off the Crusaders rally.Riley Dreher reached on an error to start the game and
scored on Alyze Zimmerman’s single. Brynlyee Brous and Lanie Becker were both
hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to make it a 3-0 game.In the second, Zimmerman drove in a run with a single.
Brynlee Rupp, who singled earlier in the inning, stole home to put the Indians
up 5-3.Dreher hit a two-run homer followed by a Rupp solo shot to
push the lead to 8-5 in the fourth. Brous would add an RBI single and Becker
drove in a run on a groundout to put the Indians up 10-5.Leading by one run, Katie Klein opened the fifth with a double
and later scored on a wild pitch. Rylynn Davis, who singled, scored on an
error. Brous drove in the Indians final run with a two-out single to put Hays
up 13-9.Zimmerman had four of the Indians 15 hits and drove in two. Dreher
and Rupp both homered and had three hits. Brous added two hits and drove in
three runs.Dreher allowed 11 runs (8 earned) on 13 hits with three
strikeouts and one walk for the win in the circle. Becker allowed on run on
three hits with three walks and no strikeouts over the final 1 1/3 innings.

🥎 HHS splits two games in Andover

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The National Weather Service office in Dodge City is reporting an increasing confidence of impactful severe weather for central
Kansas late Sunday afternoon into the evening.

The area of severe
weather looks to be along and northeast of a Ness City to Pratt
line, the weather service said.

The environment will favor supercell thunderstorm
development with high confidence in large hail larger than 2 inches in
diameter, with the potential for giant hail of 4 inches in diameter or larger, the weather service said.

There is also a tornado threat, especially on Sunday
evenings.&nbsp;

The forecast shows less confidence in severe storms west of Hays.

A chance of thunderstorms for Hays returns Monday night and runs through Tuesday night.

Highs will range from the upper 70s Saturday and Sunday to the mid-80s on Monday in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747429907174.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe National Weather Service office in Dodge City is reporting an increasing confidence of impactful severe weather for central
Kansas late Sunday afternoon into the evening.The area of severe
weather looks to be along and northeast of a Ness City to Pratt
line, the weather service said.The environment will favor supercell thunderstorm
development with high confidence in large hail larger than 2 inches in
diameter, with the potential for giant hail of 4 inches in diameter or larger, the weather service said.There is also a tornado threat, especially on Sunday
evenings.&nbsp;The forecast shows less confidence in severe storms west of Hays.A chance of thunderstorms for Hays returns Monday night and runs through Tuesday night.Highs will range from the upper 70s Saturday and Sunday to the mid-80s on Monday in Hays.

Enhanced risk of severe weather for Hays, central Kansas Sunday

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Friday in Kansas City.

A bicycle was&nbsp; northbound on Flora Avenue and failed to stop for the posted stop sign at 31st Street, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

The blue Schwinn entered the intersection. An eastbound white Honda Civic struck the bicycle. EMS transported he bicyclist to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff shortly after arrival. 

The driver of the Honda stopped immediately, cooperated with the investigation and was not injured in the collision. This is fatality #23 compared to #39 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the bicyclisst.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Friday in Kansas City.A bicycle was&nbsp; northbound on Flora Avenue and failed to stop for the posted stop sign at 31st Street, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.The blue Schwinn entered the intersection. An eastbound white Honda Civic struck the bicycle. EMS transported he bicyclist to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff shortly after arrival. The driver of the Honda stopped immediately, cooperated with the investigation and was not injured in the collision. This is fatality #23 compared to #39 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the bicyclisst.

Police: Bicyclist struck and killed at Kansas City intersection

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, May 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $2,322 Household of one $3,152 Household of two $3,981 Household of three $4,810 Household of four $5,640 Household of five $6,469 Household of six $7,299 Household of seven $8,128 Household of eight

*Add $830 for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be applesauce, corn, tomatoes, beef stew, canned salmon, vegetable soup, raisins, carrots, catfish, apple juice, Pollock, chicken leg quarters, pulled pork, green beans, mixed vegetables, turkey breast, and UHT milk.

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;

Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587225376776.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGovernment surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, May 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $2,322 Household of one $3,152 Household of two $3,981 Household of three $4,810 Household of four $5,640 Household of five $6,469 Household of six $7,299 Household of seven $8,128 Household of eight*Add $830 for each additional family member after eightCommodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be applesauce, corn, tomatoes, beef stew, canned salmon, vegetable soup, raisins, carrots, catfish, apple juice, Pollock, chicken leg quarters, pulled pork, green beans, mixed vegetables, turkey breast, and UHT milk.Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

Government surplus commodities to be distributed Tuesday in Hays

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners want to know what residents think about the use of fireworks within city limits and have provided an <a href="https://form.jotform.com/251184874225157">opinion survey on the city's website</a>. Access to the survey is also on social media and is open through the end of the month.

"Fireworks is always a hot topic," Alaina Cunningham, city commissioner, said Friday on KAYS' The Morning Blend, "and it does seem people are definitely for or against."

However, only a few residents speak out each July 4 holiday, and they are passionate one way or the other.&nbsp;

"We're not sure if the choices are by the entire community," Cunningham said, "so we've created a poll. Give us your opinions, give us your thoughts. That way, we can get a better feeling of what the citizens would like and move forward with the Fourth of July."

The city's fireworks policy allows the sale and use of common fireworks from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2 to 4, unless suspended due to adverse weather conditions or safety concerns.&nbsp;

Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser said the poll is not in direct response to the state's new law allowing the sale of fireworks year-round.

"At the state level, there was discussion about differences in fireworks laws, so we're kind of evaluating ours since it's been in place for a while," he said.&nbsp;"Are we allowing the number of days people would like, or the types of fireworks, things like that?"

Other business at Thursday's city commission meeting included a public hearing to establish a reinvestment housing incentive district for 25 years and adoption of a housing development plan for Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4. No comments were made during the public hearing.

The property will be platted for about 101 residential lots, including more workforce housing and the potential of multi-family units.&nbsp;

The agreement with the private Ellis County developer Heartland of America entitles the city to the incentive district revenues.&nbsp;

The city will finance and construct the infrastructure. Heartland of America&nbsp;will provide a deposit&nbsp;equal to 30% of the projected infrastructure costs, estimated at $6 million.&nbsp;

If the development doesn't generate a sufficient property tax increment after six years, the city has the option to take ownership of all the undeveloped lots.

The city is updating its three-year-old housing needs survey. "No surprise. It still says Hays has a housing shortage," Bielser said.&nbsp;

Commissioners also moved forward with a property abatement for the former Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine St.&nbsp;

The motel is owned by HKHR Hospitality Inc. and was&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e02e23b-0f72-40cb-9cb4-862afda92c4c">shut down by the Kansas Fire Marshal</a>&nbsp;last year for significant structural damage.&nbsp; On Oct. 5, 2024, the fire marshal was notified by the owner that the motel was closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Owner's representative Elinda Mages told the commission last week a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3f6ae0c-f19d-4942-ba25-abc32c8d50a9">letter of intent is in place from a national chain</a> to buy and develop the property.

"We don't want to stop this," said Commissioner Reese Barrick. "One way or the other, we want to see this property become a useful part of the community."

Also approved was a low bid of $292,650 to QMC, Inc., Quinter, to construct a new stormwater equipment storage building.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746820854642.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners want to know what residents think about the use of fireworks within city limits and have provided an <a href="https://form.jotform.com/251184874225157">opinion survey on the city's website</a>. Access to the survey is also on social media and is open through the end of the month."Fireworks is always a hot topic," Alaina Cunningham, city commissioner, said Friday on KAYS' The Morning Blend, "and it does seem people are definitely for or against."However, only a few residents speak out each July 4 holiday, and they are passionate one way or the other.&nbsp;"We're not sure if the choices are by the entire community," Cunningham said, "so we've created a poll. Give us your opinions, give us your thoughts. That way, we can get a better feeling of what the citizens would like and move forward with the Fourth of July."The city's fireworks policy allows the sale and use of common fireworks from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2 to 4, unless suspended due to adverse weather conditions or safety concerns.&nbsp;Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser said the poll is not in direct response to the state's new law allowing the sale of fireworks year-round."At the state level, there was discussion about differences in fireworks laws, so we're kind of evaluating ours since it's been in place for a while," he said.&nbsp;"Are we allowing the number of days people would like, or the types of fireworks, things like that?"<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Fireworks use survey for Hays residents" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=h6vqq-18a460d-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746821005944.png" alt="Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4 at the northeast corner of 22nd Street and Wheatland Ave. Image by city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4 at the northeast corner of 22nd Street and Wheatland Ave. Image by city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Other business at Thursday's city commission meeting included a public hearing to establish a reinvestment housing incentive district for 25 years and adoption of a housing development plan for Tallgrass 2nd Addition, Phase 4. No comments were made during the public hearing.The property will be platted for about 101 residential lots, including more workforce housing and the potential of multi-family units.&nbsp;The agreement with the private Ellis County developer Heartland of America entitles the city to the incentive district revenues.&nbsp;The city will finance and construct the infrastructure. Heartland of America&nbsp;will provide a deposit&nbsp;equal to 30% of the projected infrastructure costs, estimated at $6 million.&nbsp;If the development doesn't generate a sufficient property tax increment after six years, the city has the option to take ownership of all the undeveloped lots.The city is updating its three-year-old housing needs survey. "No surprise. It still says Hays has a housing shortage," Bielser said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746821150762.png" alt="Former Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine. Photo by city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Former Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine. Photo by city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners also moved forward with a property abatement for the former Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine St.&nbsp;The motel is owned by HKHR Hospitality Inc. and was&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e02e23b-0f72-40cb-9cb4-862afda92c4c">shut down by the Kansas Fire Marshal</a>&nbsp;last year for significant structural damage.&nbsp; On Oct. 5, 2024, the fire marshal was notified by the owner that the motel was closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Owner's representative Elinda Mages told the commission last week a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3f6ae0c-f19d-4942-ba25-abc32c8d50a9">letter of intent is in place from a national chain</a> to buy and develop the property."We don't want to stop this," said Commissioner Reese Barrick. "One way or the other, we want to see this property become a useful part of the community."Also approved was a low bid of $292,650 to QMC, Inc., Quinter, to construct a new stormwater equipment storage building.&nbsp;

🎙 Hays City Commission wants residents' opinion on fireworks use   

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man convicted of killing a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in 1978 has been granted parole after having past requests rejected, inspiring criticism and prompting the governor on Friday to call for reconsidering the decision.

Jimmie K. Nelms and another man, both from Tulsa, Oklahoma, were sentenced to serve two life sentences for the aggravated kidnapping and murder of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/end-of-watch/trooper-conroy-g-obrien/">Trooper Conroy O'Brien</a>&nbsp;following a traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike about 55 miles (89 kilometers) northeast of Wichita. Nelms' codefendant, Walter Myrick, died in prison in 2009.

In Kansas, killing a law enforcement officer now can be punished by death, with the only other possible sentence in a capital case being life in prison without parole. But in 1978, Kansas had no death penalty, and Nelms was eligible for parole after 30 years in 2008. He sought parole in 2011 and 2021.

A date for Nelms' release hasn't been set. His release was approved by the Prisoner Review Board, comprised of three veteran state Department of Corrections employees appointed by its top administrator. Department spokesman David Thompson said the decision came several weeks after a March 6 hearing.

“The Kansas Prisoner Review Board believes that Mr. Nelms is able and willing to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding citizen and is of the opinion that there is reasonable probability that Mr. Nelms can be released without detriment to the community or to himself,” Thompson said in a statement.

A decision becomes public when it's criticized

The decision didn't become public until the Kansas State Troopers Association condemned it as “disgraceful and disgusting” in a statement Thursday. Under Kansas law, it appears unlikely that critics can prevent Nelms' release.

“Those who murder law enforcement officers should expect to receive the death penalty, not to be walking free on the streets of KS,” state Attorney General Kris Kobach said in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KrisKobach1787/status/1920623287995916337">a post</a>&nbsp;on the social platform X.

The Kansas Legislature's top leaders, Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, called the parole decision “unconscionable” Friday.

They and Kobach are Republicans; the Department of Corrections is under Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat. But Kelly wants the board to consider reversing the decision “if legally possible," spokesperson Grace Hoge said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746748524625.png" alt="Nelms photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Nelms photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man convicted of killing a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in 1978 has been granted parole after having past requests rejected, inspiring criticism and prompting the governor on Friday to call for reconsidering the decision.Jimmie K. Nelms and another man, both from Tulsa, Oklahoma, were sentenced to serve two life sentences for the aggravated kidnapping and murder of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/end-of-watch/trooper-conroy-g-obrien/">Trooper Conroy O'Brien</a>&nbsp;following a traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike about 55 miles (89 kilometers) northeast of Wichita. Nelms' codefendant, Walter Myrick, died in prison in 2009.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744841747.jpeg" alt="Conroy O'Brien courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Conroy O'Brien courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, killing a law enforcement officer now can be punished by death, with the only other possible sentence in a capital case being life in prison without parole. But in 1978, Kansas had no death penalty, and Nelms was eligible for parole after 30 years in 2008. He sought parole in 2011 and 2021.A date for Nelms' release hasn't been set. His release was approved by the Prisoner Review Board, comprised of three veteran state Department of Corrections employees appointed by its top administrator. Department spokesman David Thompson said the decision came several weeks after a March 6 hearing.“The Kansas Prisoner Review Board believes that Mr. Nelms is able and willing to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding citizen and is of the opinion that there is reasonable probability that Mr. Nelms can be released without detriment to the community or to himself,” Thompson said in a statement.<h2>A decision becomes public when it's criticized</h2>The decision didn't become public until the Kansas State Troopers Association condemned it as “disgraceful and disgusting” in a statement Thursday. Under Kansas law, it appears unlikely that critics can prevent Nelms' release.“Those who murder law enforcement officers should expect to receive the death penalty, not to be walking free on the streets of KS,” state Attorney General Kris Kobach said in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KrisKobach1787/status/1920623287995916337">a post</a>&nbsp;on the social platform X.The Kansas Legislature's top leaders, Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, called the parole decision “unconscionable” Friday.They and Kobach are Republicans; the Department of Corrections is under Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat. But Kelly wants the board to consider reversing the decision “if legally possible," spokesperson Grace Hoge said.“The facts of this case demonstrate a brutal and intentional killing of a law enforcement officer,” Hoge said in an email. “There is no justification for this decision.”<h2>A traffic stop turns deadly in 1978</h2>According to court records and news reports, O'Brien stopped Nelms' car for speeding about 2 miles south of a turnpike service area. Myrick was driving.As O'Brien wrote a ticket in his patrol car, Nelms approached the driver's side with a gun, according to authorities. Nelms forced O'Brien to get out of the car and told him to lie down in a ditch. Authorities said Nelms took O'Brien's gun, struck the trooper with it, and, when O'Brien fell to the ground, shot him twice in the head.O'Brien was 26 with a pregnant wife. Nelms was 31 and Myrick, 25. A 21-year-old man was also in the car with Nelms and Myrick, but he pleaded guilty to lesser charges and provided crucial testimony against Nelms.The men fled in Nelms' car, left the turnpike, and eventually drove north, where another patrol trooper spotted the car about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of where O'Brien died. Nelms' car and the trooper's collided in a pasture, and a gun battle ensued.Nelms denied he was the shooter, but jurors convicted him and Myrick of murder, aggravated kidnapping and other charges during a joint trial.Nelms served most of his sentence in maximum-security prisons but was transferred to a lower-security facility in 2023. Online Department of Corrections records show four disciplinary reports against him from 1996 to 2017, the last for disobeying orders. Thompson said Nelms works in the prison laundry.<h2>Kansas changes how parole decisions are made</h2>When Nelms sought parole in 2011, decisions were made by a three-member parole board appointed by the governor, subject to state Senate confirmation. That same year, Republican Gov. Sam Brownback issued an executive order abolishing the parole board in favor of a panel of Department of Corrections employees.Brownback said the move would save the state $500,000 a year, and sentencing laws after 1993 limited parole. Critics worried that the department's board would release inmates just to avoid prison overcrowding, and Kelly, then a state senator, called the change “a really bad idea.”Masterson, the current Senate president, backed the change in 2011 but said Friday that it “has not functioned as intended" and that he would work for changes to see that the review board members “rightly answer to the people of Kansas.”Democratic state Rep. Tom Sawyer, who reviewed Nelms' case as a parole board member from 2009 through June 2011, said the board sometimes rejected parole when corrections officials recommended. Now, he said, the process is “all in-house.”As for Nelms, Sawyer said, “I think it’s highly unlikely the parole board would have let him go, based on my experience.”