The Fort Tavern and Patio Bar in Hays announced it will close, and the facility has been sold to a new owner.

The Fort posted on Facebook today, "Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the 4+ years we’ve been open! We have sold the business to an owner with a slightly different vision. 

"If you have any gift cards, now is the time to use them, and if you’ve enjoyed the VR, axe throwing or bowling, please come see us before May 19.

"We will be taking care of any bookings from now until May 19 as usual. All other reservations after that will need to be communicated with the new owner! Thank you all again for the wonderful years we’ve been here!"

<p><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Fort Tavern and Patio Bar in Hays announced it will close, and the facility has been sold to a new owner.</p><p>The Fort posted on Facebook today, "Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the 4+ years we’ve been open! We have sold the business to an owner with a slightly different vision. </p><p>"If you have any gift cards, now is the time to use them, and if you’ve enjoyed the VR, axe throwing or bowling, please come see us before May 19.</p><p>"We will be taking care of any bookings from now until May 19 as usual. All other reservations after that will need to be communicated with the new owner! Thank you all again for the wonderful years we’ve been here!"</p>

The Fort bar in Hays to close, sold to new owner

<b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i>

A former HaysMed oncologist has opened a new practice in western Kansas.

Dr. Robert Rodriguez, medical oncologist, and Amanda Volchko, advanced practice provider, started seeing patients two weeks ago through their practice, Western Kansas Oncology Group, serving Oakley, Tribune and Goodland.

The practice is based in Tribune but works with all three critical-access hospitals in those three communities. The practice offers in-person visits as well as telemedicine.

The practice is accepting new oncology and hematology patients.

Rodriguez treats cancer patients and blood cancer patients, but under hematology, also treats patients with noncancerous anemia or low platelets, which can happen as a result of interactions with medications or aging.

Rodriguez received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Kansas. He did his residency and fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He spent an additional two years at the medical center before moving to western Kansas to work for HaysMed, where he worked for just less than 10 years.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a05ca048-415e-412f-bcea-55ff325a76b9">Rodriguez was one of two former HaysMed doctors who sued the hospital, arguing the noncompete clauses&nbsp;in their contracts, which would have kept them from practicing within a 110-mile radius of Hays, were too restrictive.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/057d44cb-ad96-4aab-951d-a71a18cbee0a">&nbsp;The doctors and hospital came to a resolution through meditation, but the terms of that agreement were kept confidential.</a>

Volchko was born and raised in New Jersey. She trained in Philadelphia before a recruiter hired her to work in Hoxie. Rodriguez met Volchko while working in Hays, and she expressed an interest in working with cancer patients.

"My No. 1 directive at this point is to bring treatment locally," Rodriguez said. "In my time at my previous employment, everyone had to come to our location, come to Hays, come to the University of Kansas."

"We're trying to keep people as close to home as possible. Our primary directive is to get as much of that care done locally as possible, including cancer evaluation, chemotherapy administration, and diagnostic imaging and labs. "

Rodriguez said getting treatment close to home makes a "huge" difference for cancer patients.

"If you can imagine any time someone has to get systemic treatment for a malignancy, it's not the best day of their life," he said. "Even when you do it 100% correctly, it still takes a toll on the person."

Bringing care closer to patients means they don't have to drive hours for care. That is physically better for the patient.

"It helps emotionally," Rodriguez said, "and it really does help financially. Sometimes funds are limited. These treatments are expensive."

Patients rarely come for treatment alone. Rodriguez said local treatment results in less stress for the family members and friends who are assisting the patients.

"The fact that we come to them is greatly beneficial and so appreciated by everyone I have worked with in these first few weeks," he said.

Because there are no cures for the diseases that Rodriguez treats, an oncologist aims to extend life and enhance quality of life.

"In the end, we're trying to buy people more time to live their life, to be with friends, family, and experience things they love," Rodriguez said. "The less time you spend with me, the better. The less time you have to spend traveling, even better than that. We're trying to have our cake and eat it too, where they still get the excellent care they would receive somewhere like the University of Kansas."

He also wanted patients to know he will be their doctor.

"Whether Amanda [Volchko] sees you or not, I am the one making those final plans. I will be making those plans even if I'm on vacation or if it's in the middle of the night, I will be your person," Rodriguez said.

He said he will also work with other physicians as needed, adding that through his experience, he's made many connections with other doctors across the state.

Rodriguez, who is a Goodland native, said he and his wife, who is a Larned native, wanted to stay in western Kansas and give back to rural communities.

"My desire had always been to go back and help the people that helped me," he said. "I didn't get to this place alone. I had excellent teachers and a community that shaped me into the person I am today. I have a sincere desire to help them."

The practice's appointments are filling fast. The Oakley clinic is full through July. Rodriguez said he wanted to thank the community for supporting the practice thus far.

"I'm really excited to get this project going," Rodriguez said. "It's been a dream of mine since graduating from medical school. It's finally happening, and the support that I have received from the community has been nothing but spectacular. I look forward to the rest of my career doing this very thing."

To contact the practice, call 620-720-2744. The fax is 620-720-2394.

Referrals and inquiries can also be emailed to westernksoncology@mygchs.com. Western Kansas Oncology Group updates and information can also be found on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WesternKansasOncologyGroup">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/westernkansasoncologygroup/">Instagram.</a>

<p><b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>A former HaysMed oncologist has opened a new practice in western Kansas.</p><p>Dr. Robert Rodriguez, medical oncologist, and Amanda Volchko, advanced practice provider, started seeing patients two weeks ago through their practice, Western Kansas Oncology Group, serving Oakley, Tribune and Goodland.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746731676329.jpeg" alt="Dr. Robert Rodriguez" />
                        <figcaption>Dr. Robert Rodriguez</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The practice is based in Tribune but works with all three critical-access hospitals in those three communities. The practice offers in-person visits as well as telemedicine.</p><p>The practice is accepting new oncology and hematology patients.</p><p>Rodriguez treats cancer patients and blood cancer patients, but under hematology, also treats patients with noncancerous anemia or low platelets, which can happen as a result of interactions with medications or aging.</p><p>Rodriguez received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Kansas. He did his residency and fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He spent an additional two years at the medical center before moving to western Kansas to work for HaysMed, where he worked for just less than 10 years.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a05ca048-415e-412f-bcea-55ff325a76b9">Rodriguez was one of two former HaysMed doctors who sued the hospital, arguing the noncompete clauses&nbsp;in their contracts, which would have kept them from practicing within a 110-mile radius of Hays, were too restrictive.</a></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/057d44cb-ad96-4aab-951d-a71a18cbee0a">&nbsp;The doctors and hospital came to a resolution through meditation, but the terms of that agreement were kept confidential.</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746731753831.jpeg" alt="Amanda Volchko, PA" />
                        <figcaption>Amanda Volchko, PA</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Volchko was born and raised in New Jersey. She trained in Philadelphia before a recruiter hired her to work in Hoxie. Rodriguez met Volchko while working in Hays, and she expressed an interest in working with cancer patients.</p><p>"My No. 1 directive at this point is to bring treatment locally," Rodriguez said. "In my time at my previous employment, everyone had to come to our location, come to Hays, come to the University of Kansas."</p><p>"We're trying to keep people as close to home as possible. Our primary directive is to get as much of that care done locally as possible, including cancer evaluation, chemotherapy administration, and diagnostic imaging and labs. "</p><p>Rodriguez said getting treatment close to home makes a "huge" difference for cancer patients.</p><p>"If you can imagine any time someone has to get systemic treatment for a malignancy, it's not the best day of their life," he said. "Even when you do it 100% correctly, it still takes a toll on the person."</p><p>Bringing care closer to patients means they don't have to drive hours for care. That is physically better for the patient.</p><p>"It helps emotionally," Rodriguez said, "and it really does help financially. Sometimes funds are limited. These treatments are expensive."</p><p>Patients rarely come for treatment alone. Rodriguez said local treatment results in less stress for the family members and friends who are assisting the patients.</p><p>"The fact that we come to them is greatly beneficial and so appreciated by everyone I have worked with in these first few weeks," he said.</p><p>Because there are no cures for the diseases that Rodriguez treats, an oncologist aims to extend life and enhance quality of life.</p><p>"In the end, we're trying to buy people more time to live their life, to be with friends, family, and experience things they love," Rodriguez said. "The less time you spend with me, the better. The less time you have to spend traveling, even better than that. We're trying to have our cake and eat it too, where they still get the excellent care they would receive somewhere like the University of Kansas."</p><p>He also wanted patients to know he will be their doctor.</p><p>"Whether Amanda [Volchko] sees you or not, I am the one making those final plans. I will be making those plans even if I'm on vacation or if it's in the middle of the night, I will be your person," Rodriguez said.</p><p>He said he will also work with other physicians as needed, adding that through his experience, he's made many connections with other doctors across the state.</p><p>Rodriguez, who is a Goodland native, said he and his wife, who is a Larned native, wanted to stay in western Kansas and give back to rural communities.</p><p>"My desire had always been to go back and help the people that helped me," he said. "I didn't get to this place alone. I had excellent teachers and a community that shaped me into the person I am today. I have a sincere desire to help them."</p><p>The practice's appointments are filling fast. The Oakley clinic is full through July. Rodriguez said he wanted to thank the community for supporting the practice thus far.</p><p>"I'm really excited to get this project going," Rodriguez said. "It's been a dream of mine since graduating from medical school. It's finally happening, and the support that I have received from the community has been nothing but spectacular. I look forward to the rest of my career doing this very thing."</p><p>To contact the practice, call 620-720-2744. The fax is 620-720-2394.</p><p>Referrals and inquiries can also be emailed to westernksoncology@mygchs.com. Western Kansas Oncology Group updates and information can also be found on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WesternKansasOncologyGroup">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/westernkansasoncologygroup/">Instagram.</a></p>

Former HaysMed oncologist opens new practice in western Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will immediately begin moving as many as 1,000 openly identifying transgender service members out of the military and give others 30 days to self-identify under a new directive issued Thursday.

Buoyed by Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-military-ban-ef67038857bd5b99e128bf0b8866afb4">Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;allowing the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender individuals in the military, the Defense Department will begin going through medical records to identify others who haven’t come forward.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who issued the latest memo, made his views clear after the court’s decision.

“No More Trans @ DoD,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X. Earlier in the day, before the court acted, Hegseth said that his department is leaving wokeness and weakness behind.

“No more pronouns,” he told a special operations forces conference in Tampa. “No more dudes in dresses. We’re done with that s---.”

Department officials have said it’s difficult to determine exactly how many transgender service members there are, but medical records will show those who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, who show symptoms or are being treated.

Those troops would then be involuntarily forced out of the service. And no one with that diagnosis will be allowed to enlist. Gender dysphoria occurs when a person’s biological sex does not match up with their gender identity.

Officials have said that as of Dec. 9, 2024, there were 4,240 troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria in the active duty, National Guard and Reserve. But they acknowledge the number may be higher.

There are about 2.1 million total troops serving.

The memo released Thursday mirrors one sent out in February, but any action was stalled at that point by several lawsuits.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;ruled that the administration could enforce the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-military-trump-ban-troops-deb9e388ff588d9d25fb0d8cc58e540f">ban on transgender people in the military</a>, while other legal challenges proceed. The court’s three liberal justices said they would have kept the policy on hold.

Neither the justices in the majority or dissent explained their votes, which is not uncommon in emergency appeals.

When the initial Pentagon directive came out earlier this year, it gave service members 30 days to self-identify. Since then, about 1,000 have done so.

In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the 1,000 troops who already self-identified “will begin the voluntary separation process” from the military.

Under the new guidelines, active duty troops will have until June 6 to voluntarily identify themselves to the department, and troops in the National Guard and Reserve will have until July 7.

While it may be difficult to see which troops have changed their gender identity in their military records, it will be easier to determine who has gotten a gender dysphoria diagnosis because that will be part of their medical record, as will any medication they are taking.

Between 2015 and 2024, the total cost for psychotherapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery and other treatment for service members is about $52 million, according to a defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues.

Pentagon officials in an earlier memo defended the ban, saying that “the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service."

The new Pentagon policy would allow for limited exemptions.

That includes transgender personnel seeking to enlist who can prove on a case-by-case basis that they directly support warfighting activities, or if an existing service member diagnosed with gender dysphoria can prove they support a specific warfighting need, never transitioned to the gender they identify with and proves over 36 months they are stable in their biological sex “without clinically significant distress.”

If a waiver is issued, the applicant would still face a situation where only their biological sex was recognized for bathroom facilities, sleeping quarters and even in official recognition, such as being called “Sir” or “Ma’am.”

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will immediately begin moving as many as 1,000 openly identifying transgender service members out of the military and give others 30 days to self-identify under a new directive issued Thursday.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a SCOTUS victory for <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, TRANS is out at the DOD. <a href="https://t.co/4WkEhSS3dL">pic.twitter.com/4WkEhSS3dL</a></p>&mdash; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1920592223147540887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Buoyed by Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-military-ban-ef67038857bd5b99e128bf0b8866afb4">Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;allowing the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender individuals in the military, the Defense Department will begin going through medical records to identify others who haven’t come forward.</p><p>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who issued the latest memo, made his views clear after the court’s decision.</p><p>“No More Trans @ DoD,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X. Earlier in the day, before the court acted, Hegseth said that his department is leaving wokeness and weakness behind.</p><p>“No more pronouns,” he told a special operations forces conference in Tampa. “No more dudes in dresses. We’re done with that s---.”</p><p>Department officials have said it’s difficult to determine exactly how many transgender service members there are, but medical records will show those who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, who show symptoms or are being treated.</p><p>Those troops would then be involuntarily forced out of the service. And no one with that diagnosis will be allowed to enlist. Gender dysphoria occurs when a person’s biological sex does not match up with their gender identity.</p><p>Officials have said that as of Dec. 9, 2024, there were 4,240 troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria in the active duty, National Guard and Reserve. But they acknowledge the number may be higher.</p><p>There are about 2.1 million total troops serving.</p><p>The memo released Thursday mirrors one sent out in February, but any action was stalled at that point by several lawsuits.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;ruled that the administration could enforce the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-military-trump-ban-troops-deb9e388ff588d9d25fb0d8cc58e540f">ban on transgender people in the military</a>, while other legal challenges proceed. The court’s three liberal justices said they would have kept the policy on hold.</p><p>Neither the justices in the majority or dissent explained their votes, which is not uncommon in emergency appeals.</p><p>When the initial Pentagon directive came out earlier this year, it gave service members 30 days to self-identify. Since then, about 1,000 have done so.</p><p>In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the 1,000 troops who already self-identified “will begin the voluntary separation process” from the military.</p><p>Under the new guidelines, active duty troops will have until June 6 to voluntarily identify themselves to the department, and troops in the National Guard and Reserve will have until July 7.</p><p>While it may be difficult to see which troops have changed their gender identity in their military records, it will be easier to determine who has gotten a gender dysphoria diagnosis because that will be part of their medical record, as will any medication they are taking.</p><p>Between 2015 and 2024, the total cost for psychotherapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery and other treatment for service members is about $52 million, according to a defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues.</p><p>Pentagon officials in an earlier memo defended the ban, saying that “the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service."</p><p>The new Pentagon policy would allow for limited exemptions.</p><p>That includes transgender personnel seeking to enlist who can prove on a case-by-case basis that they directly support warfighting activities, or if an existing service member diagnosed with gender dysphoria can prove they support a specific warfighting need, never transitioned to the gender they identify with and proves over 36 months they are stable in their biological sex “without clinically significant distress.”</p><p>If a waiver is issued, the applicant would still face a situation where only their biological sex was recognized for bathroom facilities, sleeping quarters and even in official recognition, such as being called “Sir” or “Ma’am.”</p>

🎥Trans troops are being moved out of the military in new Pentagon order

The Kansas Prisoner Review Board has granted parole to Jimmie Nelms, a man convicted of murdering Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Conroy O’Brien during a 1978 traffic stop near Matfield Green.&nbsp;

Nelms, now in his 70s, was sentenced to two life terms plus additional years for aggravated kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be released to out-of-state family custody, officials said.&nbsp;

The decision has sparked strong backlash from state officials and law enforcement groups, who say Nelms’ release undermines justice for the violent killing of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

“This cop killer received two life sentences after he brutally executed a highway patrol officer. Now, he is about to be released on parole. There is something deeply wrong with this picture,” said Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach in a statement. “Those who murder law enforcement officers should expect to receive the death penalty, not to be walking free on the streets of Kansas.”&nbsp;

Trooper O’Brien, 26, was conducting a routine traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike during the early morning hours of May 24, 1978, when Nelms and two others overpowered him. Authorities said O’Brien was forced at gunpoint into a roadside ditch, where he was pistol-whipped and fatally shot twice in the head with his own service weapon.&nbsp;

The three suspects, later identified as being wanted in a string of armed robberies across multiple states, were apprehended later that day after engaging another trooper in a gunfight. All were taken into custody following a manhunt.&nbsp;

Col. Erik Smith, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, said he received notice of the parole decision early Wednesday morning and called the announcement “a gut-punch.”&nbsp;

“There is no conceivable world in which the release of a convicted cop killer—an executioner—is acceptable,” Smith said in a written statement. “While we may vehemently disagree with the Board’s decision, we must live with it by continuing to support [O'Brien’s] surviving family and his blue family.”&nbsp;

The Kansas State Troopers Association also condemned the decision, calling the board’s actions “disgraceful and disgusting.”&nbsp;

O’Brien, a native of Hutchinson, Kansas, joined the patrol in 1974 and transferred to the Kansas Turnpike detail in 1977. He was survived by his pregnant wife and their unborn daughter, who never met her father.&nbsp;

Under Kansas law at the time of Nelms’ sentencing, life imprisonment allowed for the possibility of parole. The Prisoner Review Board said it believes Nelms “is able and willing to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding citizen and… can be released without detriment to the community or to himself.”&nbsp;

Despite continued opposition during parole hearings over the years, including the most recent in March, the board determined Nelms met the criteria for release.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol emphasized that its members will continue to serve with professionalism and dignity and will not forget the sacrifice of Trooper O’Brien.&nbsp;

A memorial for O’Brien is located on the Kansas Turnpike and on the Kansas Highway Patrol’s official website.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746748524625.png" alt="Jimmie Nelms photo KDOC" />
                        <figcaption>Jimmie Nelms photo KDOC</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MARC JACOBS<br>Hutch Post</p><p>The Kansas Prisoner Review Board has granted parole to Jimmie Nelms, a man convicted of murdering Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Conroy O’Brien during a 1978 traffic stop near Matfield Green.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744283330.jpeg" alt="Conroy O'Brien from Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>Conroy O'Brien from Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Nelms, now in his 70s, was sentenced to two life terms plus additional years for aggravated kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be released to out-of-state family custody, officials said.&nbsp;</p><p>The decision has sparked strong backlash from state officials and law enforcement groups, who say Nelms’ release undermines justice for the violent killing of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;</p><p>“This cop killer received two life sentences after he brutally executed a highway patrol officer. Now, he is about to be released on parole. There is something deeply wrong with this picture,” said Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach in a statement. “Those who murder law enforcement officers should expect to receive the death penalty, not to be walking free on the streets of Kansas.”&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744404741.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Trooper O’Brien, 26, was conducting a routine traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike during the early morning hours of May 24, 1978, when Nelms and two others overpowered him. Authorities said O’Brien was forced at gunpoint into a roadside ditch, where he was pistol-whipped and fatally shot twice in the head with his own service weapon.&nbsp;</p><p>The three suspects, later identified as being wanted in a string of armed robberies across multiple states, were apprehended later that day after engaging another trooper in a gunfight. All were taken into custody following a manhunt.&nbsp;</p><p>Col. Erik Smith, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, said he received notice of the parole decision early Wednesday morning and called the announcement “a gut-punch.”&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744469926.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>“There is no conceivable world in which the release of a convicted cop killer—an executioner—is acceptable,” Smith said in a written statement. “While we may vehemently disagree with the Board’s decision, we must live with it by continuing to support [O'Brien’s] surviving family and his blue family.”&nbsp;</p><p>The Kansas State Troopers Association also condemned the decision, calling the board’s actions “disgraceful and disgusting.”&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744546042.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>O’Brien, a native of Hutchinson, Kansas, joined the patrol in 1974 and transferred to the Kansas Turnpike detail in 1977. He was survived by his pregnant wife and their unborn daughter, who never met her father.&nbsp;</p><p>Under Kansas law at the time of Nelms’ sentencing, life imprisonment allowed for the possibility of parole. The Prisoner Review Board said it believes Nelms “is able and willing to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding citizen and… can be released without detriment to the community or to himself.”&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744593302.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Despite continued opposition during parole hearings over the years, including the most recent in March, the board determined Nelms met the criteria for release.&nbsp;</p><p>The Kansas Highway Patrol emphasized that its members will continue to serve with professionalism and dignity and will not forget the sacrifice of Trooper O’Brien.&nbsp;</p><p>A memorial for O’Brien is located on the Kansas Turnpike and on the Kansas Highway Patrol’s official website.&nbsp;</p>

Kan. trooper's killer granted parole after nearly five decades in prison

VATICAN CITY (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prevost-american-pope-profile-leo-xiv-f9d14d75ae3bbe50bda121f27ee0e42b">Cardinal Robert Prevost has taken the name Leo XIV</a>. The Chicago-born missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-new-pope-photos-27ed8420e91b9b40cca8e65899ab878e">elected the first pope</a>&nbsp;from the United States in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

In his first words as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;’ successor, uttered from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo, 69, said, “Peace be with you,” and emphasized a message of peace, dialogue and missionary evangelization. He wore the traditional red cape of the papacy — a cape that Francis had eschewed on his election in 2013. He spoke to the crowd in Italian and Spanish, but not English.

Trump says ‘it’s such an honor for our country’

Trump spoke to reporters outside the West Wing, saying that for the new pope to be American, “What greater honor can there be?”

“We’re a little bit surprised and we’re happy,” Trump added.

US Secretary of State sends his greetings

Marco Rubio, a Catholic, issued a statement expressing his “heartfelt congratulations” to the new pope during “a moment of profound significance” for the church.

“The papacy carries a sacred and solemn responsibility,” Rubio’s message said. “May the Holy Spirit impart wisdom, strength, and grace as he shepherds the Church. The United States looks forward to deepening our enduring relationship with the Holy See with the first American pontiff.”

Spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians welcomes the new Roman Catholic Church leader

“I greet the new Pope, the new Bishop of Rome, with great brotherly love in Christ and great expectations,” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew told the Associated Press Thursday at an event in Athens. He said he’ll be in Rome for the pope’s enthronement.

Reflecting on his longstanding cooperation with Pope Francis, Bartholomew expressed hope for continued progress in Catholic-Orthodox relations. He and Francis collaborated on global challenges including climate change, migration and the impact of technological change. They also hoped to end a centuries-old dispute by finding a common date to celebrate Easter.

“I hope that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will be a dear brother and collaborator ... for unity of the whole Christian family and for the benefit of the whole of humankind,” he said.

Vladimir Putin wishes Leo XIV success based on ‘Christian values’

The Russian president extended his “cordial congratulations” to the new pope in a message published on the Kremlin’s website, wishing him “success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being.”

“I am confident that the constructive dialogue and interaction established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us,” the Russian leader said.

UN secretary general offers ‘heartfelt congratulations’

Antonio Guterres said he looks forward “to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See – nurtured most recently by Pope Francis – to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all.”

“The election of a new Pope is a moment of profound spiritual significance for millions of faithful around the world, and it comes at a time of great global challenges. Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion,” Guterres said.

And he quoted the new pope’s first words: “Despite the rich diversity of backgrounds and beliefs, people everywhere share a common goal: ‘May peace be with all the world.’”

Leaders of African countries offer congratulations

Mozambique President Daniel Chapo said it was “with joy and jubilation that the people and government of the Republic of Mozambique received the happy news of his election.” Mozambique, once a colony of Portugal, has nearly 9 million Catholics.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said in a Facebook post, “I wish a Pontificate filled with achievements and blessings, under the sign of interreligious dialogue, peace and human brotherhood,” The West African nation, while predominantly Muslim, has a significant Catholic minority.

Kenya’s Archbishop Anthony Muheria said Pope Leo XIV has visited Kenya “many times,” remembering him as “a very pleasant person and a good listener.” Catholics in Kenya make up the second largest denomination.

Spanish prime minister congratulates ‘the entire Catholic church’

Pedro Sánchez cheered the election of Pope Leo XIV, saying in a post on X: “May your pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”

Taiwan looks to work with the new pope to spread the message of peace

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has extended his congratulations to the new pontiff and said his diplomatically isolated island hopes to work with the Vatican on spreading peace, justice, religious freedom, unity and compassion.

The Vatican is the only state in Europe to have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan and Taipei has worked hard to maintain a close relationship with recent popes.

About 2% of Taiwan’s population of 23 million are Catholic, though the church's roots go back hundreds of years on the island. Most Taiwanese follow Buddhism.

China’s state-backed church organizations offer congratulations to the new pope

China's official news agency Xinhua reported on Friday that the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and the Bishops’ Conference of Catholic Church in China — both under the Chinese government — congratulated Leo.

The Vatican’s relations with China were severed in 1951 after the Communist Party came to power and the expulsion of foreign priests. The country’s estimated millions of Catholics were divided into the state-recognized church and an underground one that stayed loyal to Rome.

In 2018, the Vatican and China signed an accord over the thorny issue of bishop nominations, and the deal was extended in 2024 even though Rome previously acknowledged that it was far from ideal.

The Holy See’s outreach to China under late Pope Francis has drawn criticism, especially from American conservatives who have accused the Vatican of selling out the faithful who have been forced underground. Hong Kong’s outspoken Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen also criticized the deal.

Filipinos welcome the first-ever American pontiff

The Philippines is the largest Roman Catholic nation in Asia and there were hopes the late Pope Francis would be succeeded by a prominent Filipino Cardinal, Luis Antonio Tagle, from the laidback city of Imus just south of Manila.

Still, Leo's election was welcomed and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he prays that the new pope would "continue to bring the church closer to the poor and disadvantaged.”

“I wanted the candidate from the Philippines … but let’s accept this choice because this was God’s plan,” Alexandra Bonilla, a 20-year-old student, said at a cathedral in Imus.

Australia's prime minister says Pope Leo's leadership comes at an ‘important time’

Anthony Albanese said on Friday that he will invite the new pope to the 54th International Eucharistic Congress, a gathering of Roman Catholic clergy and lay people, in Sydney in 2028.

The Bushes are delighted over an American pope

Former U.S. President George W. Bush said he and his wife, Laura, are “delighted” to congratulate former Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election to become pope.

“This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world,” Bush said in a statement. “We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic church, serve the neediest, and share God’s love.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746737222266.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>VATICAN CITY (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prevost-american-pope-profile-leo-xiv-f9d14d75ae3bbe50bda121f27ee0e42b">Cardinal Robert Prevost has taken the name Leo XIV</a>. The Chicago-born missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-new-pope-photos-27ed8420e91b9b40cca8e65899ab878e">elected the first pope</a>&nbsp;from the United States in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.</p><p>In his first words as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;’ successor, uttered from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo, 69, said, “Peace be with you,” and emphasized a message of peace, dialogue and missionary evangelization. He wore the traditional red cape of the papacy — a cape that Francis had eschewed on his election in 2013. He spoke to the crowd in Italian and Spanish, but not English.</p><h2>Trump says ‘it’s such an honor for our country’</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump on Pope Leo XIV: &quot;To have the pope from the United States of America, that&#39;s a great honor.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0PzT89cpej">pic.twitter.com/0PzT89cpej</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1920550229012607248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Trump spoke to reporters outside the West Wing, saying that for the new pope to be American, “What greater honor can there be?”</p><p>“We’re a little bit surprised and we’re happy,” Trump added.</p><h2>US Secretary of State sends his greetings</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Habemus Papam!<br><br>Congratulations to the first American pontiff, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, on his election as the 267th successor to Saint Peter. May God grant him wisdom, courage, and grace as he carries out his sacred ministry.</p>&mdash; Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio/status/1920557152030036353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Marco Rubio, a Catholic, issued a statement expressing his “heartfelt congratulations” to the new pope during “a moment of profound significance” for the church.</p><p>“The papacy carries a sacred and solemn responsibility,” Rubio’s message said. “May the Holy Spirit impart wisdom, strength, and grace as he shepherds the Church. The United States looks forward to deepening our enduring relationship with the Holy See with the first American pontiff.”</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today, we joyously celebrate the election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, a moment of profound significance for the global Church. A Villanova alumnus, Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope from the United States and the first Augustinian friar to be elected.<a href="https://t.co/ObBq4dgJya">https://t.co/ObBq4dgJya</a> <a href="https://t.co/dwlNiPw0lT">pic.twitter.com/dwlNiPw0lT</a></p>&mdash; Villanova University (@VillanovaU) <a href="https://twitter.com/VillanovaU/status/1920549928348066188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians welcomes the new Roman Catholic Church leader</h2><p>“I greet the new Pope, the new Bishop of Rome, with great brotherly love in Christ and great expectations,” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew told the Associated Press Thursday at an event in Athens. He said he’ll be in Rome for the pope’s enthronement.</p><p>Reflecting on his longstanding cooperation with Pope Francis, Bartholomew expressed hope for continued progress in Catholic-Orthodox relations. He and Francis collaborated on global challenges including climate change, migration and the impact of technological change. They also hoped to end a centuries-old dispute by finding a common date to celebrate Easter.</p><p>“I hope that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will be a dear brother and collaborator ... for unity of the whole Christian family and for the benefit of the whole of humankind,” he said.</p><h2>Vladimir Putin wishes Leo XIV success based on ‘Christian values’</h2><p>The Russian president extended his “cordial congratulations” to the new pope in a message published on the Kremlin’s website, wishing him “success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being.”</p><p>“I am confident that the constructive dialogue and interaction established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us,” the Russian leader said.</p><h2>UN secretary general offers ‘heartfelt congratulations’</h2><p>Antonio Guterres said he looks forward “to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See – nurtured most recently by Pope Francis – to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all.”</p><p>“The election of a new Pope is a moment of profound spiritual significance for millions of faithful around the world, and it comes at a time of great global challenges. Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion,” Guterres said.</p><p>And he quoted the new pope’s first words: “Despite the rich diversity of backgrounds and beliefs, people everywhere share a common goal: ‘May peace be with all the world.’”</p><h2>Leaders of African countries offer congratulations</h2><p>Mozambique President Daniel Chapo said it was “with joy and jubilation that the people and government of the Republic of Mozambique received the happy news of his election.” Mozambique, once a colony of Portugal, has nearly 9 million Catholics.</p><p>Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said in a Facebook post, “I wish a Pontificate filled with achievements and blessings, under the sign of interreligious dialogue, peace and human brotherhood,” The West African nation, while predominantly Muslim, has a significant Catholic minority.</p><p>Kenya’s Archbishop Anthony Muheria said Pope Leo XIV has visited Kenya “many times,” remembering him as “a very pleasant person and a good listener.” Catholics in Kenya make up the second largest denomination.</p><h2>Spanish prime minister congratulates ‘the entire Catholic church’</h2><p>Pedro Sánchez cheered the election of Pope Leo XIV, saying in a post on X: “May your pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”</p><h2>Taiwan looks to work with the new pope to spread the message of peace</h2><p>Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has extended his congratulations to the new pontiff and said his diplomatically isolated island hopes to work with the Vatican on spreading peace, justice, religious freedom, unity and compassion.</p><p>The Vatican is the only state in Europe to have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan and Taipei has worked hard to maintain a close relationship with recent popes.</p><p>About 2% of Taiwan’s population of 23 million are Catholic, though the church's roots go back hundreds of years on the island. Most Taiwanese follow Buddhism.</p><h2>China’s state-backed church organizations offer congratulations to the new pope</h2><p>China's official news agency Xinhua reported on Friday that the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and the Bishops’ Conference of Catholic Church in China — both under the Chinese government — congratulated Leo.</p><p>The Vatican’s relations with China were severed in 1951 after the Communist Party came to power and the expulsion of foreign priests. The country’s estimated millions of Catholics were divided into the state-recognized church and an underground one that stayed loyal to Rome.</p><p>In 2018, the Vatican and China signed an accord over the thorny issue of bishop nominations, and the deal was extended in 2024 even though Rome previously acknowledged that it was far from ideal.</p><p>The Holy See’s outreach to China under late Pope Francis has drawn criticism, especially from American conservatives who have accused the Vatican of selling out the faithful who have been forced underground. Hong Kong’s outspoken Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen also criticized the deal.</p><h2>Filipinos welcome the first-ever American pontiff</h2><p>The Philippines is the largest Roman Catholic nation in Asia and there were hopes the late Pope Francis would be succeeded by a prominent Filipino Cardinal, Luis Antonio Tagle, from the laidback city of Imus just south of Manila.</p><p>Still, Leo's election was welcomed and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he prays that the new pope would "continue to bring the church closer to the poor and disadvantaged.”</p><p>“I wanted the candidate from the Philippines … but let’s accept this choice because this was God’s plan,” Alexandra Bonilla, a 20-year-old student, said at a cathedral in Imus.</p><h2>Australia's prime minister says Pope Leo's leadership comes at an ‘important time’</h2><p>Anthony Albanese said on Friday that he will invite the new pope to the 54th International Eucharistic Congress, a gathering of Roman Catholic clergy and lay people, in Sydney in 2028.</p><h2>The Bushes are delighted over an American pope</h2><p>Former U.S. President George W. Bush said he and his wife, Laura, are “delighted” to congratulate former Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election to become pope.</p><p>“This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world,” Bush said in a statement. “We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic church, serve the neediest, and share God’s love.”</p>

Trump, other world leaders offer congratulations to new Pope

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. had four hits, Kris Bubic pitched seven innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 10-0 on Thursday to complete a four-game series sweep.

Salvador Perez had three RBIs as the Royals posted their sixth consecutive win. Jonathan India had two hits, two RBIs and scored three times.

Bubic (4-2) allowed six hits, struck out seven and walked one. Chris Stratton and Steven Cruz each got three outs for the Royals, finishing a six-hitter.

Kansas City scored its first six runs on two-out hits.

The Royals jumped in front in the first against Davis Martin (1-4). Vinnie Pasquantino singled and scored on Perez's ninth double in his last 12 games.

Witt singled and stole second before scoring on a single by Perez for a 2-0 lead in the third.

Witt singled, stole his 13th base and scored on a two-run triple by Maikel Garcia in the fifth. India and Witt added back-to-back RBI doubles in the sixth.

Martin allowed four runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Chicago threatened in the fifth, putting runners at the corners with nobody out. Andrew Vaughn, who reached on a leadoff double, was thrown out at home by Garcia on a grounder to third. Brooks Baldwin then hit into a double play.

The White Sox have lost a club-record 11 straight games at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals will start RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 4.23 ERA) on Friday in the first of three games against the visiting Red Sox, who will send out RHP Hunter Dobbins (2-1, 3.78 ERA) for his fourth career start.

The White Sox return home for three games against the Marlins. RHP Bryse Wilson (0-1, 5.56 ERA) starts for the third time, opposite Miami RHP Max Meyer (2-3, 3.92 ERA).

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746741089929.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. had four hits, Kris Bubic pitched seven innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 10-0 on Thursday to complete a four-game series sweep.</p><p>Salvador Perez had three RBIs as the Royals posted their sixth consecutive win. Jonathan India had two hits, two RBIs and scored three times.</p><p>Bubic (4-2) allowed six hits, struck out seven and walked one. Chris Stratton and Steven Cruz each got three outs for the Royals, finishing a six-hitter.</p><p>Kansas City scored its first six runs on two-out hits.</p><p>The Royals jumped in front in the first against Davis Martin (1-4). Vinnie Pasquantino singled and scored on Perez's ninth double in his last 12 games.</p><p>Witt singled and stole second before scoring on a single by Perez for a 2-0 lead in the third.</p><p>Witt singled, stole his 13th base and scored on a two-run triple by Maikel Garcia in the fifth. India and Witt added back-to-back RBI doubles in the sixth.</p><p>Martin allowed four runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Chicago threatened in the fifth, putting runners at the corners with nobody out. Andrew Vaughn, who reached on a leadoff double, was thrown out at home by Garcia on a grounder to third. Brooks Baldwin then hit into a double play.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The White Sox have lost a club-record 11 straight games at Kauffman Stadium.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>The Royals will start RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 4.23 ERA) on Friday in the first of three games against the visiting Red Sox, who will send out RHP Hunter Dobbins (2-1, 3.78 ERA) for his fourth career start.</p><p>The White Sox return home for three games against the Marlins. RHP Bryse Wilson (0-1, 5.56 ERA) starts for the third time, opposite Miami RHP Max Meyer (2-3, 3.92 ERA).</p>

⚾ Witt and Bubic help the Royals beat the White Sox for 4-game series sweep

It's 5 p.m., and you can't decide where in Hays to eat. The family needs a fun activity for the weekend or you need a new stylist or someone to look at your brakes.

The Hays Post is launching an exciting new product to help you find businesses in your community.

The Hays Place tab, which can be found as a dropdown menu on the Hays Post, is a new video directory of places to shop, play and find services in Hays and the surrounding area.

See videos on featured businesses, find links to websites and Facebook pages for your favorite Hays haunts, and find hours and other key information to connect with businesses.

Hays businesses who wish to purchase a listing on the directory can contact Jordan Schaeffer at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;sca_esv=aebc663c531febdd&amp;rls=en&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zrmZbrAzvKjxVChGRNtowTajxHLQA:1741210424019&amp;q=eagle+media+hays+phone+number&amp;spell=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj587Wm8vOLAxX6HDQIHU-zKIkQBSgAegQICxAB&amp;biw=1750&amp;bih=918&amp;dpr=1#">785-301-2211</a>&nbsp;or your local Eagle marketing representative.

<p>It's 5 p.m., and you can't decide where in Hays to eat. The family needs a fun activity for the weekend or you need a new stylist or someone to look at your brakes.</p><p>The Hays Post is launching an exciting new product to help you find businesses in your community.</p><p>The Hays Place tab, which can be found as a dropdown menu on the Hays Post, is a new video directory of places to shop, play and find services in Hays and the surrounding area.</p><p>See videos on featured businesses, find links to websites and Facebook pages for your favorite Hays haunts, and find hours and other key information to connect with businesses.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741192664746.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The directory is free for our readers.</p><p>Hays businesses who wish to purchase a listing on the directory can contact Jordan Schaeffer at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;sca_esv=aebc663c531febdd&amp;rls=en&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zrmZbrAzvKjxVChGRNtowTajxHLQA:1741210424019&amp;q=eagle+media+hays+phone+number&amp;spell=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj587Wm8vOLAxX6HDQIHU-zKIkQBSgAegQICxAB&amp;biw=1750&amp;bih=918&amp;dpr=1#">785-301-2211</a>&nbsp;or your local Eagle marketing representative.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741192995197.png" alt="An example of a listing with video on the Hays Place directory." />
                        <figcaption>An example of a listing with video on the Hays Place directory.</figcaption>
                    </figure>

KHP: Small plane clipped car while taking off from private landing strip

VICTORIA—Victoria's Herzogfest announced its entertainment for its 42-annual festival set for Aug. 8 and 9.

Matfield Green and the Blaine Younger Band will perform on Aug. 8.

The Wes Cossman Band and Dylan Wheeler will perform on Aug. 9.

Entry to all of the performances is free.

"Herzogfest is conducted annually in Victoria. This family oriented event is one of the largest free celebrations in Western Kansas. This free festival encompasses entertainment and family fun for all ages. This event has grown from a one-day sidewalk sale into a weekend celebration," according to the event's website.

Registration for the vendor market and events, as well as information on becoming a sponsor, are now available on the <a href="https://theherzogfest.com/">Herzogfest website</a>.

You can also follow the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theherzogfest">Facebook</a>.

<p><b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>VICTORIA—Victoria's Herzogfest announced its entertainment for its 42-annual festival set for Aug. 8 and 9.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746652924340.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746652943675.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Matfield Green and the Blaine Younger Band will perform on Aug. 8.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746652869021.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746652883885.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Wes Cossman Band and Dylan Wheeler will perform on Aug. 9.</p><p>Entry to all of the performances is free.</p><p>"Herzogfest is conducted annually in Victoria. This family oriented event is one of the largest free celebrations in Western Kansas. This free festival encompasses entertainment and family fun for all ages. This event has grown from a one-day sidewalk sale into a weekend celebration," according to the event's website.</p><p>A full schedule of events is pending.</p><p>Registration for the vendor market and events, as well as information on becoming a sponsor, are now available on the <a href="https://theherzogfest.com/">Herzogfest website</a>.</p><p>You can also follow the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theherzogfest">Facebook</a>.</p>

Victoria's Herzogfest announces entertainment

Hays has received .57 inches of rain in the last 48 hours, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

The city has received 6.26 inches of rain year to date. That compares to an average of 3.33 inches of rain for the month of May and a 7.92-inch average year to date by the end of May.

The Kansas Drought Monitor, as of Tuesday, had Ellis County listed as abnormally dry, which has improved from moderate drought thanks to recent rains.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63fda5dc-a904-4084-af5c-acc865c4f65a">The cities of Hays and Russell still opted for a water release from Cedar Bluff Reservoir to recharge wells that serve the cities.</a>

Releasing water during late spring maximizes its benefit. Cooler temperatures and lower levels of plant activity in May enable more of the released water to seep into the groundwater, replenishing the aquifer efficiently.

That water release began on Monday and will continue through May 16.

The forecast calls for a slight chance of showers between 2 and 4 p.m. today and a 10% chance before 7 p.m. The high today is forecast to be 72.

The forecast through Monday is sunny and clear with highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

<p><b>By CRISTINA JANNEY<br></b><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Hays has received .57 inches of rain in the last 48 hours, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.</p><p>The city has received 6.26 inches of rain year to date. That compares to an average of 3.33 inches of rain for the month of May and a 7.92-inch average year to date by the end of May.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746717132196.png" alt="Kansas Drought Monitor as of Tuesday." />
                        <figcaption>Kansas Drought Monitor as of Tuesday.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Kansas Drought Monitor, as of Tuesday, had Ellis County listed as abnormally dry, which has improved from moderate drought thanks to recent rains.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63fda5dc-a904-4084-af5c-acc865c4f65a">The cities of Hays and Russell still opted for a water release from Cedar Bluff Reservoir to recharge wells that serve the cities.</a></p><p>Releasing water during late spring maximizes its benefit. Cooler temperatures and lower levels of plant activity in May enable more of the released water to seep into the groundwater, replenishing the aquifer efficiently.</p><p>That water release began on Monday and will continue through May 16.</p><p>The forecast calls for a slight chance of showers between 2 and 4 p.m. today and a 10% chance before 7 p.m. The high today is forecast to be 72.</p><p>The forecast through Monday is sunny and clear with highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.</p>

Hays receives more rain Wednesday; drought eases

<i><b>2025 MIAA Baseball Championship - Quarterfinals</b></i><br><b>No. 3 seed Fort Hays State Baseball (32-15, 26-10 MIAA)<br>vs. No. 6 seed Northwest Missouri State (25-24, 19-17 MIAA)</b><br>Thursday, May 8&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;3 p.m.<br>Pittsburg, Kan.&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;Al Ortolani Field

<b>Radio:</b>&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>

The Fort Hays State baseball team opens postseason play Thursday in the quarterfinal round of the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship Tournament. The third-seeded Tigers (32-15, 26-10 MIAA) will take on the No. 6 seed Northwest Missouri State (25-24, 19-17 MIAA) beginning at 3 p.m. in Pittsburg, Kan.

The majority of the tournament is being held in Joplin, Mo., however due to potential rain and thunderstorms, the conference office made the decision to use two sites for the opening round on Wednesday and the quarterfinal round on Thursday in an effort to keep the rest of the tournament on schedule.

Live video will not be available for the games played in Pittsburg, however radio coverage with voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock will be available over the airwaves on KJLS 103.3 FM and online <a href="https://mix103fm.com/">here.</a> Live stats of the quarterfinal contest will be available <a href="https://pittstategorillas.com/sidearmstats/baseball/summary">here</a>.

All semifinal and championship games currently remain as scheduled in Joplin, Mo. should the Tigers advance in the tournament. FHSU would play in the second semifinal beginning at approximately 4 p.m. on Friday, while the title game is slated to begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

This year's conference tournament features a new format, with 10 teams playing in a single elimination tournament.

The Tigers took two out of three games at home against the Bearcats in the regular season, winning 4-1 in the opener and 4-3 in the rubber game while NWMSU took game two, 13-2. Fort Hays State is 31-41 all-time against the Bearcats, including a 5-4 record under Wichert.

FHSU was well represented on the MIAA postseason awards list, with seven players earning All-MIAA status, one earning Gold Glove honors and two individuals picking up significant awards. Head coach Justin Wichert was named the Steve Anson Coach of the Year, while Ty Riley earned co-MIAA Pitcher of the Year recognition.

Riley and Brandon Chavez were both first team All-MIAA selections, while Trey DeGarmo, Elliott Herrmann and Derek Woolwine were all second team picks. Cade Flaherty and Tony Moore both collected honorable mention status, while Luis Ayala was named the MIAA Gold Glove Award winner at catcher.

Riley leads the conference and ranks second in NCAA Division II with 111 strikeouts this season, breaking a school record that stood for nearly 50 years. Now with 187 career strikeouts, the Bentonville, Ark. native is six shy of the program's career strikeout record. His batting average against of .185 is second-best in the league while his ERA of 2.91 is fourth best among qualified pitchers in the conference.

Chavez pitched a team-high 22 times in the regular season, racking up nine saves and six victories in the process. The lefty's nine saves are second-most in the league and are tied for fifth-most in a season in team history while he is sixth in the conference in the win column.

DeGarmo led the Tigers with 13 home runs on the year, sixth-most in the MIAA. He ranks eighth in the conference with a team-best 54 RBI.

Herrmann was an All-MIAA pick for the second year in a row after earning third team status in 2024. He ranks second on the team and 11th in the conference with 11 home runs while working a team-high 21 walks. The Castle Rock, Colo. native is second on the squad with 43 runs scored.

Woolwine tied for second on the team with 11 home runs in the regular season after mashing a trio of long balls in the final series of the season. The designated hitter is second on the squad with a slugging percentage of .596.

Flaherty has been FHSU's starting pitcher 12 times this season, second-most on the team. He tossed a pair of complete games, posting a 4-1 record with an ERA of 4.59 and a batting average against of .257.

Moore led the team in multiple categories as a freshman, including batting average (.349), doubles (12) and triples (four). His four triples are tied for fifth-most in the MIAA.

Ayala earned the Gold Glove Award behind the plate after leading the league with 17 runners caught stealing. He totaled 319 putouts behind the dish, seventh-most in the league, while posting a fielding percentage of .989.

Northwest Missouri State had five All-MIAA selections, including a pair of third team picks in Ashton Neuman and Ryan Williams. Ben Haug, Jaren Guck and Dylan Huff were all honorable mention selections, while Neuman was one of three Gold Glove winners in the outfield. The Bearcats finished the regular season with a sweep at home against Emporia State to move over .500 for the year.

<b>2025 MIAA Baseball Championship<br>May 7-10 • Joplin, Mo. and Pittsburg, Kan.</b><br>Quarterfinals - Thursday, May 8 vs. Northwest Missouri State&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;3 p.m.&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;Pittsburg, Kan.<br>Semifinals - Friday, May 9&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;4 p.m.&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;Joplin, Mo.<br>Championship Game&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;Saturday, May 10&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;1 p.m. - Joplin, Mo.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746619378122.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>FHSU Athletics</i></p><p><i><b>2025 MIAA Baseball Championship - Quarterfinals</b></i><br><b>No. 3 seed Fort Hays State Baseball (32-15, 26-10 MIAA)<br>vs. No. 6 seed Northwest Missouri State (25-24, 19-17 MIAA)</b><br>Thursday, May 8&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;3 p.m.<br>Pittsburg, Kan.&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;Al Ortolani Field</p><p><b>Radio:</b>&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a></p><p>The Fort Hays State baseball team opens postseason play Thursday in the quarterfinal round of the 2025 MIAA Baseball Championship Tournament. The third-seeded Tigers (32-15, 26-10 MIAA) will take on the No. 6 seed Northwest Missouri State (25-24, 19-17 MIAA) beginning at 3 p.m. in Pittsburg, Kan.</p><p>The majority of the tournament is being held in Joplin, Mo., however due to potential rain and thunderstorms, the conference office made the decision to use two sites for the opening round on Wednesday and the quarterfinal round on Thursday in an effort to keep the rest of the tournament on schedule.</p><p>Live video will not be available for the games played in Pittsburg, however radio coverage with voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock will be available over the airwaves on KJLS 103.3 FM and online <a href="https://mix103fm.com/">here.</a> Live stats of the quarterfinal contest will be available <a href="https://pittstategorillas.com/sidearmstats/baseball/summary">here</a>.</p><p>All semifinal and championship games currently remain as scheduled in Joplin, Mo. should the Tigers advance in the tournament. FHSU would play in the second semifinal beginning at approximately 4 p.m. on Friday, while the title game is slated to begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday.</p><p>This year's conference tournament features a new format, with 10 teams playing in a single elimination tournament.</p><p>The Tigers took two out of three games at home against the Bearcats in the regular season, winning 4-1 in the opener and 4-3 in the rubber game while NWMSU took game two, 13-2. Fort Hays State is 31-41 all-time against the Bearcats, including a 5-4 record under Wichert.</p><p>FHSU was well represented on the MIAA postseason awards list, with seven players earning All-MIAA status, one earning Gold Glove honors and two individuals picking up significant awards. Head coach Justin Wichert was named the Steve Anson Coach of the Year, while Ty Riley earned co-MIAA Pitcher of the Year recognition.</p><p>Riley and Brandon Chavez were both first team All-MIAA selections, while Trey DeGarmo, Elliott Herrmann and Derek Woolwine were all second team picks. Cade Flaherty and Tony Moore both collected honorable mention status, while Luis Ayala was named the MIAA Gold Glove Award winner at catcher.</p><p>Riley leads the conference and ranks second in NCAA Division II with 111 strikeouts this season, breaking a school record that stood for nearly 50 years. Now with 187 career strikeouts, the Bentonville, Ark. native is six shy of the program's career strikeout record. His batting average against of .185 is second-best in the league while his ERA of 2.91 is fourth best among qualified pitchers in the conference.</p><p>Chavez pitched a team-high 22 times in the regular season, racking up nine saves and six victories in the process. The lefty's nine saves are second-most in the league and are tied for fifth-most in a season in team history while he is sixth in the conference in the win column.</p><p>DeGarmo led the Tigers with 13 home runs on the year, sixth-most in the MIAA. He ranks eighth in the conference with a team-best 54 RBI.</p><p>Herrmann was an All-MIAA pick for the second year in a row after earning third team status in 2024. He ranks second on the team and 11th in the conference with 11 home runs while working a team-high 21 walks. The Castle Rock, Colo. native is second on the squad with 43 runs scored.</p><p>Woolwine tied for second on the team with 11 home runs in the regular season after mashing a trio of long balls in the final series of the season. The designated hitter is second on the squad with a slugging percentage of .596.</p><p>Flaherty has been FHSU's starting pitcher 12 times this season, second-most on the team. He tossed a pair of complete games, posting a 4-1 record with an ERA of 4.59 and a batting average against of .257.</p><p>Moore led the team in multiple categories as a freshman, including batting average (.349), doubles (12) and triples (four). His four triples are tied for fifth-most in the MIAA.</p><p>Ayala earned the Gold Glove Award behind the plate after leading the league with 17 runners caught stealing. He totaled 319 putouts behind the dish, seventh-most in the league, while posting a fielding percentage of .989.</p><p>Northwest Missouri State had five All-MIAA selections, including a pair of third team picks in Ashton Neuman and Ryan Williams. Ben Haug, Jaren Guck and Dylan Huff were all honorable mention selections, while Neuman was one of three Gold Glove winners in the outfield. The Bearcats finished the regular season with a sweep at home against Emporia State to move over .500 for the year.</p><p><b>2025 MIAA Baseball Championship<br>May 7-10 • Joplin, Mo. and Pittsburg, Kan.</b><br>Quarterfinals - Thursday, May 8 vs. Northwest Missouri State&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;3 p.m.&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;Pittsburg, Kan.<br>Semifinals - Friday, May 9&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;4 p.m.&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;Joplin, Mo.<br>Championship Game&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;Saturday, May 10&nbsp;<b>•</b>&nbsp;1 p.m. - Joplin, Mo.</p>

⚾🎧 LISTEN: FHSU faces Bearcats in MIAA Tournament opener

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is tapping Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer with close ties to Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-autism-medicare-medicaid-0507cd8117f299a50bc20b9ea8569048">Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.</a>, as his nominee for surgeon general after withdrawing his initial pick for the influential health post.

Trump said in a social media post Wednesday that Means has “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials” – referring to the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccines-food-additives-pharmaceuticals-trump-797750f5f141161778792e84602b57c8">Make America Healthy Again</a>&nbsp;” slogan – and that she will work to eradicate chronic disease and improve the health and well-being of Americans.

“Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding,” Trump said. “Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History.”

In doing so, Trump withdrew former Fox News medical contributor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-trump-marty-makary-34424f5fefcbbc334c1983b025523aad">Janette Nesheiwat</a>&nbsp;for U.S. surgeon general, marking at least the second health-related pick from Trump to be pulled from Senate consideration. Nesheiwat had been scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Thursday for her confirmation hearing.

Means and her brother, former lobbyist Calley Means, served as key advisers to Kennedy’s longshot 2024 presidential bid and helped broker his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-speech-arizona-a2638f89ddcb5de03edbe4574ca17d45">endorsement of Trump</a>&nbsp;last summer. The pair made appearances with some of Trump’s biggest supporters, winning praise from conservative pundit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-tucker-carlson-ailes-bill-oreilly-7aff2465fe2779930ebf6882e085f9c6">Tucker Carlson</a>&nbsp;and podcaster&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-criticism-musk-rogan-portnoy-ackman-7ee3cda2fe172d707af93e042e2009dd">Joe Rogan</a>. Calley Means is currently a White House adviser who appears frequently on television to promote restrictions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-banks-campaign-against-hunger-snap-pantry-665c19251b5d83bbed45a29958f79609">SNAP benefits</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fluoride-water-cdc-kennedy-02d931af8f025877a9e3d332bf215c69">removing fluoride</a>&nbsp;from drinking water and other MAHA agenda items.

Casey Means has no government experience and dropped out of her surgical residency program, saying she became disillusioned with traditional medicine. She founded a health tech company, Levels, that helps users track blood sugar and other metrics. She also makes money from dietary supplements, creams, teas and other products sponsored on her social media accounts.

In interviews and articles, Means and her brother describe a dizzying web of influences to blame for the nation’s health problems, including corrupt food conglomerates that have hooked Americans on unhealthy diets, leaving them reliant on daily medications from the pharmaceutical industry to manage obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Few health experts would dispute that the American diet — full of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-healthy-diet-0501eb985016149541e6cc727e55dfea">processed foods</a>&nbsp;— is a contributor to obesity and related problems. But Means goes further, linking changes in diet and lifestyle to a raft of conditions including infertility, Alzheimer’s, depression and erectile dysfunction.

“Almost every chronic health symptom that Western medicine addresses is the result of our cells being beleaguered by how we’ve come to live,” Means said in a 2024 book co-written with her brother.

Food experts say it’s overly simplistic to declare that all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c06a1200807c4b82a03452d08d480692">processed foods</a>&nbsp;are harmful, since the designation covers an estimated 60% of U.S. foods, including products as diverse as granola, peanut butter and potato chips.

“They are not all created equal,” said Gabby Headrick, a nutrition researcher at George Washington University’s school of public health. “It is much more complicated than just pointing the finger at ultra-processed foods as the driver of chronic disease in the United States.”

Means has mostly steered clear of Kennedy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-vaccines-2ccde2df146f57b5e8c26e8494f0a16a">controversial and debunked views on vaccines</a>. But on her website, she has called for more investigation into their safety and recommends making it easier for patients to sue drugmakers in the event of vaccine injuries. Since the late 1980s, federal law has shielded those companies from legal liability to encourage development of vaccines without the threat of costly personal injury lawsuits.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746656010439.png" alt="Casey Means from her popular Instagram page" />
                        <figcaption>Casey Means from her popular Instagram page</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is tapping Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer with close ties to Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-autism-medicare-medicaid-0507cd8117f299a50bc20b9ea8569048">Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.</a>, as his nominee for surgeon general after withdrawing his initial pick for the influential health post.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats to <a href="https://twitter.com/CaseyMeansMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaseyMeansMD</a> on her nomination as Surgeon General! <br><br>This is an excellent choice by President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. Dr. Means’ commitment to Making America Healthy Again will inspire a healthier nation, and I look forward to working with her on this movement. <br><br>She is a… <a href="https://t.co/kRKralN71K">pic.twitter.com/kRKralN71K</a></p>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1920222714305958055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Trump said in a social media post Wednesday that Means has “impeccable ‘MAHA’ credentials” – referring to the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccines-food-additives-pharmaceuticals-trump-797750f5f141161778792e84602b57c8">Make America Healthy Again</a>&nbsp;” slogan – and that she will work to eradicate chronic disease and improve the health and well-being of Americans.</p><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXt3_myk9B/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXt3_myk9B/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Casey Means, MD (@drcaseyskitchen)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><p>“Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding,” Trump said. “Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History.”</p><p>In doing so, Trump withdrew former Fox News medical contributor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-trump-marty-makary-34424f5fefcbbc334c1983b025523aad">Janette Nesheiwat</a>&nbsp;for U.S. surgeon general, marking at least the second health-related pick from Trump to be pulled from Senate consideration. Nesheiwat had been scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Thursday for her confirmation hearing.</p><p>Means and her brother, former lobbyist Calley Means, served as key advisers to Kennedy’s longshot 2024 presidential bid and helped broker his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-speech-arizona-a2638f89ddcb5de03edbe4574ca17d45">endorsement of Trump</a>&nbsp;last summer. The pair made appearances with some of Trump’s biggest supporters, winning praise from conservative pundit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fox-news-tucker-carlson-ailes-bill-oreilly-7aff2465fe2779930ebf6882e085f9c6">Tucker Carlson</a>&nbsp;and podcaster&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-criticism-musk-rogan-portnoy-ackman-7ee3cda2fe172d707af93e042e2009dd">Joe Rogan</a>. Calley Means is currently a White House adviser who appears frequently on television to promote restrictions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-banks-campaign-against-hunger-snap-pantry-665c19251b5d83bbed45a29958f79609">SNAP benefits</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fluoride-water-cdc-kennedy-02d931af8f025877a9e3d332bf215c69">removing fluoride</a>&nbsp;from drinking water and other MAHA agenda items.</p><p>Casey Means has no government experience and dropped out of her surgical residency program, saying she became disillusioned with traditional medicine. She founded a health tech company, Levels, that helps users track blood sugar and other metrics. She also makes money from dietary supplements, creams, teas and other products sponsored on her social media accounts.</p><p>In interviews and articles, Means and her brother describe a dizzying web of influences to blame for the nation’s health problems, including corrupt food conglomerates that have hooked Americans on unhealthy diets, leaving them reliant on daily medications from the pharmaceutical industry to manage obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions.</p><p>Few health experts would dispute that the American diet — full of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-healthy-diet-0501eb985016149541e6cc727e55dfea">processed foods</a>&nbsp;— is a contributor to obesity and related problems. But Means goes further, linking changes in diet and lifestyle to a raft of conditions including infertility, Alzheimer’s, depression and erectile dysfunction.</p><p>“Almost every chronic health symptom that Western medicine addresses is the result of our cells being beleaguered by how we’ve come to live,” Means said in a 2024 book co-written with her brother.</p><p>Food experts say it’s overly simplistic to declare that all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c06a1200807c4b82a03452d08d480692">processed foods</a>&nbsp;are harmful, since the designation covers an estimated 60% of U.S. foods, including products as diverse as granola, peanut butter and potato chips.</p><p>“They are not all created equal,” said Gabby Headrick, a nutrition researcher at George Washington University’s school of public health. “It is much more complicated than just pointing the finger at ultra-processed foods as the driver of chronic disease in the United States.”</p><p>Means has mostly steered clear of Kennedy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-vaccines-2ccde2df146f57b5e8c26e8494f0a16a">controversial and debunked views on vaccines</a>. But on her website, she has called for more investigation into their safety and recommends making it easier for patients to sue drugmakers in the event of vaccine injuries. Since the late 1980s, federal law has shielded those companies from legal liability to encourage development of vaccines without the threat of costly personal injury lawsuits.</p><p>She trained as a surgeon at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanford-u-of-california-justice-department-probe-77f7c2c66cf27daf60442121c6ba71bf">Stanford University</a>&nbsp;but has built an online following by criticizing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-cohen-trump-weldon-kennedy-ec9b1b69fa9e3f61b4033fd095c20ab9">medical establishment</a>&nbsp;and promoting natural foods and lifestyle changes to reverse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-common-is-obesity-us-5663c0388b19009eae3834d695710bc4">obesity</a>, diabetes and other chronic diseases.</p><p>If confirmed as surgeon general, Means would be tasked with helping promote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-things-to-know-explained-who-is-hhs-5288a4a7277d1a0b4a7ede8f57a971ce">Kennedy’s sprawling MAHA agenda</a>, which calls for removing thousands of additives and chemicals from U.S. foods, rooting out conflicts of interest at federal agencies and incentivizing healthier foods in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lunchables-removed-national-school-lunch-program-a4a97b8c85932ba28fb9de22f1f82abe">school lunches</a>&nbsp;and other nutrition programs.</p><p>Nesheiwat, Trump's first pick, is a medical director for an urgent care company in New York and has appeared regularly on Fox News to offer medical expertise and insights. She is a vocal supporter of Trump and shares photos of them together on social media. Nesheiwat is also the sister-in-law of former national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-national-security-signal-db2443f6fed98e4067edd57f26f23603">Mike Waltz</a>, who has been nominated to be Trump's ambassador to the United Nations.</p><p>But she had recently come under criticism from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-laura-loomer-trump-national-security-council-f7bc493ae99014362875e5d390769477">Laura Loomer</a>, a far-right ally of Trump who was instrumental in ousting several members of the president’s National Security Council. Loomer posted on X earlier this week that “we can’t have a pro-COVID vaccine nepo appointee who is currently embroiled in a medical malpractice case and who didn’t go to medical school in the US” as the surgeon general.</p><p>Independent freelance journalist Anthony Clark reported last month that Nesheiwat earned her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten, despite saying that she has a degree from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine.</p><p>“I am looking forward to continuing to support President Trump and working closely with Secretary Kennedy in a senior policy role to Make America Healthy Again! My focus continues to be on improving the health and well-being of all Americans, and that mission hasn’t changed,” Nesheiwat wrote on social media Wednesday.</p><p>The surgeon general, considered the nation’s doctor, oversees 6,000 U.S. Public Health Service Corps members and can issue advisories that warn of public health threats.</p><p>In March, the White House pulled from consideration the nomination of former Florida GOP Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dave-weldon-cdc-director-9a3d061832e2f0f644f2c58fbae36965">Dave Weldon</a>&nbsp;to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His skepticism on vaccines had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-david-weldon-senate-hearing-f4c6b6deb5bed31e74d11cf25f8e92d3">raised concerns from key Republican senators</a>, and he withdrew after being told by the White House that he did not have enough support to be confirmed.</p><p>The withdrawal was first reported by Bloomberg News.</p>