SEDGWICK COUNTY—A default judgment was entered against an unlicensed Kansas childcare provider earlier this month for engaging in deceptive and unconscionable acts under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

 The matter was investigated by the Office of the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division after receiving a complaint against Monica Balfour, doing business as Tia’s Childcare.

The Consumer Protection Division alleged Monica Balfour violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) by acting as an unlicensed childcare provider and using Kansas Department of Health and Environment forms to present the appearance of being licensed. 

The Court found these alleged violations to be deceptive under the KCPA. As part of the ruling, the Court ordered Monica Balfour to pay $40,000.00 in civil penalties, as well as court costs and investigation fees. The court also permanently restrained Monica Balfour from providing child care services in Kansas without obtaining a license and from operating as a day care facility until all costs and fees from this judgment are paid. 

The District Attorney reminded consumers to "exercise care when choosing a childcare provider." The City of Wichita Child Care Licensing Department requires all providers to be licensed. In addition, the State of Kansas requires every child care facility to post its license in a conspicuous place on the premises of the business. Each license for a daycare facility must have an expiration sticker on its face stating the date of expiration of the license.

The default judgment was ordered on September 5, 2024 by Judge William Woolley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714061990510.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A default judgment was entered against an unlicensed Kansas childcare provider earlier this month for engaging in deceptive and unconscionable acts under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The matter was investigated by the Office of the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division after receiving a complaint against Monica Balfour, doing business as Tia’s Childcare.The Consumer Protection Division alleged Monica Balfour violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) by acting as an unlicensed childcare provider and using Kansas Department of Health and Environment forms to present the appearance of being licensed. The Court found these alleged violations to be deceptive under the KCPA. As part of the ruling, the Court ordered Monica Balfour to pay $40,000.00 in civil penalties, as well as court costs and investigation fees. The court also permanently restrained Monica Balfour from providing child care services in Kansas without obtaining a license and from operating as a day care facility until all costs and fees from this judgment are paid. The District Attorney reminded consumers to "exercise care when choosing a childcare provider." The City of Wichita Child Care Licensing Department requires all providers to be licensed. In addition, the State of Kansas requires every child care facility to post its license in a conspicuous place on the premises of the business. Each license for a daycare facility must have an expiration sticker on its face stating the date of expiration of the license.The default judgment was ordered on September 5, 2024 by Judge William Woolley.

Unlicensed Kansas daycare provider will pay thousands in fines

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">IPI Financial Services</a> account executive Brian Weimer discusses multi-year guaranteed annuities with <a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Multi-year guaranteed annuities explained with IPI Financial Services" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9bqpt-16ce232-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">IPI Financial Services</a> account executive Brian Weimer discusses multi-year guaranteed annuities with <a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Multi-year guaranteed annuities explained with IPI Financial Services

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fort Hays State University celebrated its affiliation with Fort Hays North Central Technical College in Hays and Beloit and Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday in Hays.

The ceremony included speeches from North Central Tech President&nbsp;Eric Burks, Northwest Tech President Ben Schears and FHSU President Tisa Mason.

Burks said the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Hays Downtown Pavilion was appropriate given that the pavilion had been developed through a partnership.

"This pavilion was a collaboration between Fort Hays State University and Fort Hays Tech North Central," he said. "It shows what we can create and build together when we work together."

The affiliation aims to tackle workforce challenges in the area while providing opportunities for students entering the job market.

Burks said the collaboration stems from a position of strength, not weakness. Discussions about the collaboration have been ongoing for more than three years.

Schears said it has been thrilling to meet and connect with members from the other colleges dedicated to helping the next generation.

"All three institutions are healthy, successful, and we're darn good at graduating students and getting them into the Kansas workforce," Schears said.

All three entities offer construction and healthcare programs and have long partnered to serve students, businesses, and communities throughout rural Kansas.

With $15 million in funding from the Kansas Legislature, FHSU is expanding its nursing program and making additions to Stroup Hall, the nursing building.

The college hopes to open the doors to the addition in 2027.

Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of the Chamber in Hays, said the three institutes are beacons of opportunity and drivers of economic prosperity in western Kansas.

Wasinger said the coalition of businesses, industries and communities will concentrate on creating opportunities for students, fostering entrepreneurship and addressing challenges.

Wasinger said the affiliation will focus on creating opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship and solving workforce challenges.

"The spirit of collaboration is alive and well in the heart of Kansas. We celebrate that and give our deep appreciation to the leadership, faculty, staff and students who made this possible," she said.

To celebrate the partnership, Mason read a limerick aloud about the unity of the university and technical colleges for the betterment of Hays.

"With our communities, we gather and cheer; three colleges join, our mission is clear. Fort Hays' brand we embrace, we're enhancing our space, helping students and towns persevere... together we'll grow, knowledge will flow, building futures with passion and grace," she said.

Gerard Wellbrock, the eighth voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers, emceed the affiliation event, which began with performances by the FHSU Tiger pep band and Tiger cheerleaders.

Following the ribbon-cutting, live music by Wade Richard entertained attendees as they enjoyed the evening festivities and snow cones.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726252739509.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason, joined by the presidents of Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central, celebrate a ribbon cutting of the schools' affiliation on Thursday in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason, joined by the presidents of Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central, celebrate a ribbon cutting of the schools' affiliation on Thursday in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University celebrated its affiliation with Fort Hays North Central Technical College in Hays and Beloit and Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday in Hays.The ceremony included speeches from North Central Tech President&nbsp;Eric Burks, Northwest Tech President Ben Schears and FHSU President Tisa Mason.Burks said the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Hays Downtown Pavilion was appropriate given that the pavilion had been developed through a partnership."This pavilion was a collaboration between Fort Hays State University and Fort Hays Tech North Central," he said. "It shows what we can create and build together when we work together."The affiliation aims to tackle workforce challenges in the area while providing opportunities for students entering the job market.Burks said the collaboration stems from a position of strength, not weakness. Discussions about the collaboration have been ongoing for more than three years.Schears said it has been thrilling to meet and connect with members from the other colleges dedicated to helping the next generation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726255923153.jpeg" alt="Three Tiger Mascots unveil new logos on shirts for&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Three Tiger Mascots unveil new logos on shirts for&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"All three institutions are healthy, successful, and we're darn good at graduating students and getting them into the Kansas workforce," Schears said.All three entities offer construction and healthcare programs and have long partnered to serve students, businesses, and communities throughout rural Kansas.With $15 million in funding from the Kansas Legislature, FHSU is expanding its nursing program and making additions to Stroup Hall, the nursing building.The college hopes to open the doors to the addition in 2027.Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of the Chamber in Hays, said the three institutes are beacons of opportunity and drivers of economic prosperity in western Kansas.Wasinger said the coalition of businesses, industries and communities will concentrate on creating opportunities for students, fostering entrepreneurship and addressing challenges.Wasinger said the affiliation will focus on creating opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship and solving workforce challenges."The spirit of collaboration is alive and well in the heart of Kansas. We celebrate that and give our deep appreciation to the leadership, faculty, staff and students who made this possible," she said.To celebrate the partnership, Mason read a limerick aloud about the unity of the university and technical colleges for the betterment of Hays."With our communities, we gather and cheer; three colleges join, our mission is clear. Fort Hays' brand we embrace, we're enhancing our space, helping students and towns persevere... together we'll grow, knowledge will flow, building futures with passion and grace," she said.Gerard Wellbrock, the eighth voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers, emceed the affiliation event, which began with performances by the FHSU Tiger pep band and Tiger cheerleaders.Following the ribbon-cutting, live music by Wade Richard entertained attendees as they enjoyed the evening festivities and snow cones.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726255978926.jpeg" alt="Tiger Cheerleaders performing 'The Tiger Rag' for the opening ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tiger Cheerleaders performing 'The Tiger Rag' for the opening ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726256003633.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University Tiger pep band performing "The Tiger Rag" for the opening ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University Tiger pep band performing "The Tiger Rag" for the opening ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU celebrates affiliation with area technical colleges

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners approved the city's 2025 budget Thursday. For the 16th consecutive year, the mill levy remains at 25 mills.

Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, reviewed the highlights prior to public hearings to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and for the budget.&nbsp;

Total assessed valuation of the city is up 4.2%.&nbsp;

The budget includes 2% step and 3% cost of living increases for all city employees.

Spending in the general fund, which is financed primarily through the local sales tax, is expected to be about $177,500 below 2024 levels.&nbsp;

This year's sales tax revenues have underperformed, Bielser said, and are projected to end 1.4% below budget. However, a modest 2% increase over 2024 projections is estimated.

Two audience members, both Hays retirees, asked that the revenue- neutral rate not be exceeded.

City Manager Toby Dougherty said that's impractical.

"We have cost increases we have to deal with. ... The revenue-neutral rate is a fallacy. It may sound good year-to-year, but it's not sustainable long term," Dougherty said.

"In 1956, we funded a police department for $65,000. If you were to take the revenue-neutral philosophy, we would still be spending $65,000 to fund the Hays Police Department. We can't do that. ... It doesn't make sense unless you're in an environment where costs do not increase."

The Ellis County valuation went up about 5% this year.

A third public hearing was conducted to establish a&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for The Grove development north of HaysMed.&nbsp;

The developer, Grow Hays, has asked the city to finance and construct infrastructure related to the project.

The city would use incentive district revenues to offset its estimated $8.2 million costs.&nbsp;The incentive district would generate about $8.452 million during its maximum 25-year term.

The city of Hays has been awarded a technical assistance grant from the Federal Emergency Management Association, increasing its likelihood of receiving federal financial assistance for the R9 long-term water project for Hays and Russell.

Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with FEMA.

John Braun, R9 project manager, said the technical assistance grant will help the city prepare its Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities grant application.

Hays was the only city in Kansas to receive the FEMA technical grant.

The commission accepted three changes to the 2024 Uniform Public Offense Code and Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities presented by Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.

Changes in state statute prompted all three changes.

Changes to the Uniform Public Offense Code:

Disorderly Conduct&nbsp;—&nbsp;The portion that made engaging in noisy conduct tending reasonably to arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others a violation of the law has been removed. The Kansas Supreme Court recently ruled this portion of the section was unconstitutional.&nbsp;

Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Controlled Substances —&nbsp;Amended to give people immunity from prosecution for simple possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia when rendering aid to an overdose victim.

Changes to the Standard Traffic Ordinance:

&nbsp;Failure to Comply with Traffic Citation&nbsp;—&nbsp;Changes are designed to reduce suspensions of driving privileges and allow people to have a restricted license. The new law also limits license reinstatement surcharge to a single fee of $100 and increases the number of non-driving violations for which a license may be suspended or restricted.&nbsp;

The governing body was reorganized at the beginning of the meeting, and Shaun Musil stepped down as mayor.

Jacobs was elected mayor and Mason Ruder will serve as vice-mayor.

A donation check to the city for $13,000 from Golden Plains Credit Union was presented by Ruth Ruder.

Jacobs said the donation would likely be used to install a pedestrian crosswalk on 33rd Street at the ARC Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726240819051.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners discuss the 2025 budget during Thursday's public hearing. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners discuss the 2025 budget during Thursday's public hearing. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners approved the city's 2025 budget Thursday. For the 16th consecutive year, the mill levy remains at 25 mills.Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, reviewed the highlights prior to public hearings to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and for the budget.&nbsp;Total assessed valuation of the city is up 4.2%.&nbsp;The budget includes 2% step and 3% cost of living increases for all city employees.Spending in the general fund, which is financed primarily through the local sales tax, is expected to be about $177,500 below 2024 levels.&nbsp;This year's sales tax revenues have underperformed, Bielser said, and are projected to end 1.4% below budget. However, a modest 2% increase over 2024 projections is estimated.Two audience members, both Hays retirees, asked that the revenue- neutral rate not be exceeded.City Manager Toby Dougherty said that's impractical.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lru0g6Xr3ok" title="Toby Dougherty on revenue neutral rate" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"We have cost increases we have to deal with. ... The revenue-neutral rate is a fallacy. It may sound good year-to-year, but it's not sustainable long term," Dougherty said."In 1956, we funded a police department for $65,000. If you were to take the revenue-neutral philosophy, we would still be spending $65,000 to fund the Hays Police Department. We can't do that. ... It doesn't make sense unless you're in an environment where costs do not increase."The Ellis County valuation went up about 5% this year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725635074107.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>A third public hearing was conducted to establish a&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for The Grove development north of HaysMed.&nbsp;The developer, Grow Hays, has asked the city to finance and construct infrastructure related to the project.The city would use incentive district revenues to offset its estimated $8.2 million costs.&nbsp;The incentive district would generate about $8.452 million during its maximum 25-year term.The city of Hays has been awarded a technical assistance grant from the Federal Emergency Management Association, increasing its likelihood of receiving federal financial assistance for the R9 long-term water project for Hays and Russell.Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with FEMA.John Braun, R9 project manager, said the technical assistance grant will help the city prepare its Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities grant application.Hays was the only city in Kansas to receive the FEMA technical grant.The commission accepted three changes to the 2024 Uniform Public Offense Code and Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities presented by Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.Changes in state statute prompted all three changes.Changes to the Uniform Public Offense Code:Disorderly Conduct&nbsp;—&nbsp;The portion that made engaging in noisy conduct tending reasonably to arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others a violation of the law has been removed. The Kansas Supreme Court recently ruled this portion of the section was unconstitutional.&nbsp;Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Controlled Substances —&nbsp;Amended to give people immunity from prosecution for simple possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia when rendering aid to an overdose victim.Changes to the Standard Traffic Ordinance:&nbsp;Failure to Comply with Traffic Citation&nbsp;—&nbsp;Changes are designed to reduce suspensions of driving privileges and allow people to have a restricted license. The new law also limits license reinstatement surcharge to a single fee of $100 and increases the number of non-driving violations for which a license may be suspended or restricted.&nbsp;The governing body was reorganized at the beginning of the meeting, and Shaun Musil stepped down as mayor.Jacobs was elected mayor and Mason Ruder will serve as vice-mayor.A donation check to the city for $13,000 from Golden Plains Credit Union was presented by Ruth Ruder.Jacobs said the donation would likely be used to install a pedestrian crosswalk on 33rd Street at the ARC Park.

🎥🎙 Hays City Commission approves 2025 budget; mill levy remains same

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs held tough with the top ranked team in 2A, the Norton Bluejays
in the first half but Norton used a big third quarter to pull away for their 10th
straight win over the Monarchs 47-22 Friday at Lewis Field in Hays.

The game was a tight one early with neither team finding the
endzone in the first quarter.

TMP (1-1, 1-1 MCL) fumbled the snap on the fifth play of the
game and that allowed Norton (2-0, 2-0 MCL) to take possession and drive inside the redzone on
their opening drive. 

But on fourth and goal the Bluejays were turned away
when Isaac Purinton batted the ball from the intended receiver in the endzone forcing
Norton into a turnover on downs.

Following a TMP punt, on their second possession of the
game, Norton strung together an eight-play touchdown drive that was set up by a
22-yard pass from quarterback Eli Jones to receiver Tyce Melvin. Jones scored
on a one-yard touchdown run on the next play as Norton took a 7-0 lead just 14
seconds into the second quarter.

TMP answered with a Grant Nehls kickoff return to midfield
and then they proceeded to drive inside the Norton redzone, all the way to the
10 yard line. But the Monarchs committed three straight penalties and were
facing a third down and long from the Norton 26 yard-line.

That's when Carson Liles found Purinton, who slipped out of a tackle and
took it to the endzone for a 26-yard touchdown, making it 7-6 Norton.

The Monarchs failed on the two-point conversion but trailed
by just one with just under eight minutes remaining in the first half.

Norton added a second touchdown late in the first half when
Jones capped off a 12-play 82-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run putting
Norton up 13-6 at halftime.

Jones started the second half right where he left off in the
first half, scoring on a 57-yard touchdown run making it 21-0.

The Bluejays went on to score two more third quarter
touchdowns and one early in the fourth quarter building a 40-6 lead. 

TMP scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns, a Jacob Seib
72-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a Carson Liles touchdown pass to Caden
Dinkel eight-yard touchdown pass but Norton proved to be too much in a 47-22
victory.

Eli Jones led Norton with four rushing touchdowns and an
interception return for a score. He amassed 143 yard rushing and 126 yards
passing.

TMP’s Carson Liles finished 14-for-25 for 150 yards with two touchdown s and an interception.

TMP will travel to Phillipsburg next Friday while Norton
will host Smith Center.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostHAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs held tough with the top ranked team in 2A, the Norton Bluejays
in the first half but Norton used a big third quarter to pull away for their 10th
straight win over the Monarchs 47-22 Friday at Lewis Field in Hays.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1916375969&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-fb-postgame-coach-inv-vs-norton-september-13th-24" title="TMP FB Postgame Coach Inv VS Norton September 13th 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Postgame Coach Inv VS Norton September 13th 24</a></div></div>The game was a tight one early with neither team finding the
endzone in the first quarter.TMP (1-1, 1-1 MCL) fumbled the snap on the fifth play of the
game and that allowed Norton (2-0, 2-0 MCL) to take possession and drive inside the redzone on
their opening drive. But on fourth and goal the Bluejays were turned away
when Isaac Purinton batted the ball from the intended receiver in the endzone forcing
Norton into a turnover on downs.Following a TMP punt, on their second possession of the
game, Norton strung together an eight-play touchdown drive that was set up by a
22-yard pass from quarterback Eli Jones to receiver Tyce Melvin. Jones scored
on a one-yard touchdown run on the next play as Norton took a 7-0 lead just 14
seconds into the second quarter.TMP answered with a Grant Nehls kickoff return to midfield
and then they proceeded to drive inside the Norton redzone, all the way to the
10 yard line. But the Monarchs committed three straight penalties and were
facing a third down and long from the Norton 26 yard-line.That's when Carson Liles found Purinton, who slipped out of a tackle and
took it to the endzone for a 26-yard touchdown, making it 7-6 Norton.The Monarchs failed on the two-point conversion but trailed
by just one with just under eight minutes remaining in the first half.Norton added a second touchdown late in the first half when
Jones capped off a 12-play 82-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run putting
Norton up 13-6 at halftime.Jones started the second half right where he left off in the
first half, scoring on a 57-yard touchdown run making it 21-0.The Bluejays went on to score two more third quarter
touchdowns and one early in the fourth quarter building a 40-6 lead. TMP scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns, a Jacob Seib
72-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a Carson Liles touchdown pass to Caden
Dinkel eight-yard touchdown pass but Norton proved to be too much in a 47-22
victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1916376389&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-fb-highlights-vs-norton-september-13th-24" title="TMP FB Highlights VS Norton September 13th 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Highlights VS Norton September 13th 24</a></div></div>Eli Jones led Norton with four rushing touchdowns and an
interception return for a score. He amassed 143 yard rushing and 126 yards
passing.TMP’s Carson Liles finished 14-for-25 for 150 yards with two touchdown s and an interception.TMP will travel to Phillipsburg next Friday while Norton
will host Smith Center.

🏈 Monarchs come up short in home opener against Norton

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

ARVADA, Colo. - Hays High played an out-of-state opponent for just the third time in program history as they traveled to Colorado on Friday. The Indians took on Wheat Ridge High School with the game being played in Arvada, Colorado.

Hays High threw 35 points onto the scoreboard in the first quarter on five rushing touchdowns to take firm control of the contest. Ian McGuire and Holden Lind each scored two of the touchdowns and Johnny Cano added the fifth rushing score.

The lone touchdown in the second quarter was a 33 yard pass from Carter Graham to Lind for a 42-0 lead. The rest of the 10:30 remaining of the half was played with a continuous clock.

The Hays defense produced two turnovers, including a Caleb Thompson interception and Jack Zeller recovered a fumble forced by Wyatt Kirkpatrick. The Indians also held on downs on two drives.

The Farmers scored the only points of the second half on a 14 yard pass for the final difference of 42-7.

The Indians forced four turnovers in the game. The total included three fumble recoveries and one interception.

Hays evens their record at 1-1. Wheat Ridge suffers their first loss and is also 1-1.

The Indians return home to face Manhattan (2-0) next week.

Hays had previously played two out of state opponents.&nbsp; The Indians faces McCook, Nebraska in 1987 and Omaha Roncalli (NE) in 1988 falling in both games.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostARVADA, Colo. - Hays High played an out-of-state opponent for just the third time in program history as they traveled to Colorado on Friday. The Indians took on Wheat Ridge High School with the game being played in Arvada, Colorado.Hays High threw 35 points onto the scoreboard in the first quarter on five rushing touchdowns to take firm control of the contest. Ian McGuire and Holden Lind each scored two of the touchdowns and Johnny Cano added the fifth rushing score.The lone touchdown in the second quarter was a 33 yard pass from Carter Graham to Lind for a 42-0 lead. The rest of the 10:30 remaining of the half was played with a continuous clock.The Hays defense produced two turnovers, including a Caleb Thompson interception and Jack Zeller recovered a fumble forced by Wyatt Kirkpatrick. The Indians also held on downs on two drives.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1916313911&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-high-fb-highlights-v-wheat-ridge-colo-sept-13-2024" title="Hays High FB Highlights v Wheat Ridge Colo Sept 13 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High FB Highlights v Wheat Ridge Colo Sept 13 2024</a></div></div>The Farmers scored the only points of the second half on a 14 yard pass for the final difference of 42-7.The Indians forced four turnovers in the game. The total included three fumble recoveries and one interception.Hays evens their record at 1-1. Wheat Ridge suffers their first loss and is also 1-1.The Indians return home to face Manhattan (2-0) next week.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1916316554&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-high-fb-postgame-v-wheat-ridge-colo-sept-13-2024" title="Hays High FB Postgame v Wheat Ridge Colo Sept 13, 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High FB Postgame v Wheat Ridge Colo Sept 13, 2024</a></div></div>Hays had previously played two out of state opponents.&nbsp; The Indians faces McCook, Nebraska in 1987 and Omaha Roncalli (NE) in 1988 falling in both games.

🏈 Hays High wins big against Wheat Ridge

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team opened the 2024 Tiger Classic with a three-set sweep against the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Friday evening (Sept. 13), 27-25, 25-10, 25-14. The Tigers, now 3-1 on the season, avenged their only loss of the season in the process, while the Mountain Lions are now 4-2 this season.

The Tigers led for much of the first set, but each time the home side would go on a small run the visitors would answer back. FHSU led by as many as six early, 8-2, before the Mountain Lions scored six in a row to tie things up. The Tigers later led 16-12 and 23-18, but UCCS managed to fight back and tie the score each time.

A combo block from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/claire-olson/7947">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/taytum-lovesee/7946">Taytum Lovesee</a>&nbsp;helped FHSU reach match point at 24-22 before the Mountain Lions scored two in a row to extend the set. Back-to-back kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;eventually finished things off, 27-25.The second set was close early on, with the lead changing hands four times. Fort Hays State flipped a switch at the midway point of the frame, turning an 8-7 deficit into a 25-10 rout thanks to a 18-2 run. Rains and Olson both contributed three kills during the run, while FHSU added four blocks and three service aces to complete the rally. The Tigers posted a blistering .565 attack percentage in the second set thanks to 15 kills and just two errors on 23 swings.

The third set was nearly a carbon copy of the second, with FHSU trailing 8-7 early before going on a 12-2 run to jump in front 19-10. A kill from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/grace-schmedding/8180">Grace Schmedding</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers the lead for good at 9-8 before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ashlyn-reeves/7949">Ashlyn Reeves</a>&nbsp;added two kills and a block during the run.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/tallon-rentschler/7951">Tallon Rentschler</a>&nbsp;later dropped in back-to-back service aces before Schmedding ended the match with her eighth kill of the evening.

Fort Hays State posted an efficient .340 attack percentage thanks to a season-low 11 errors. The Tiger defense totaled eight blocks while limiting UCCS to a swing rate of .098.Rains totaled 13 kills while adding one block assist. Olson recorded 11 kills and four blocks, including one solo swat. Schmedding had eight kills and zero errors on 17 attempts, leading the team with an attack percentage of .471. Reeves totaled five blocks (two solo) and added eight kills.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/kirsten-evans/7943">Kirsten Evans</a>&nbsp;paced the team with 15 digs and added one service ace.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/haylee-wolf/8181">Haylee Wolf</a>&nbsp;added nine digs and two assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;tossed up 33 assists to go along with four kills, two service aces and six digs. Rentschler dropped in a team-best three service aces.

The Tigers will wrap up the weekend with two matches on Saturday (Sept. 14). FHSU will first take on Truman State at noon before facing off with Northwestern Oklahoma State at 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726277564580.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team opened the 2024 Tiger Classic with a three-set sweep against the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Friday evening (Sept. 13), 27-25, 25-10, 25-14. The Tigers, now 3-1 on the season, avenged their only loss of the season in the process, while the Mountain Lions are now 4-2 this season.The Tigers led for much of the first set, but each time the home side would go on a small run the visitors would answer back. FHSU led by as many as six early, 8-2, before the Mountain Lions scored six in a row to tie things up. The Tigers later led 16-12 and 23-18, but UCCS managed to fight back and tie the score each time.A combo block from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/claire-olson/7947">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/taytum-lovesee/7946">Taytum Lovesee</a>&nbsp;helped FHSU reach match point at 24-22 before the Mountain Lions scored two in a row to extend the set. Back-to-back kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;eventually finished things off, 27-25.The second set was close early on, with the lead changing hands four times. Fort Hays State flipped a switch at the midway point of the frame, turning an 8-7 deficit into a 25-10 rout thanks to a 18-2 run. Rains and Olson both contributed three kills during the run, while FHSU added four blocks and three service aces to complete the rally. The Tigers posted a blistering .565 attack percentage in the second set thanks to 15 kills and just two errors on 23 swings.The third set was nearly a carbon copy of the second, with FHSU trailing 8-7 early before going on a 12-2 run to jump in front 19-10. A kill from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/grace-schmedding/8180">Grace Schmedding</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers the lead for good at 9-8 before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ashlyn-reeves/7949">Ashlyn Reeves</a>&nbsp;added two kills and a block during the run.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/tallon-rentschler/7951">Tallon Rentschler</a>&nbsp;later dropped in back-to-back service aces before Schmedding ended the match with her eighth kill of the evening.Fort Hays State posted an efficient .340 attack percentage thanks to a season-low 11 errors. The Tiger defense totaled eight blocks while limiting UCCS to a swing rate of .098.Rains totaled 13 kills while adding one block assist. Olson recorded 11 kills and four blocks, including one solo swat. Schmedding had eight kills and zero errors on 17 attempts, leading the team with an attack percentage of .471. Reeves totaled five blocks (two solo) and added eight kills.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/kirsten-evans/7943">Kirsten Evans</a>&nbsp;paced the team with 15 digs and added one service ace.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/haylee-wolf/8181">Haylee Wolf</a>&nbsp;added nine digs and two assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;tossed up 33 assists to go along with four kills, two service aces and six digs. Rentschler dropped in a team-best three service aces.UP NEXTThe Tigers will wrap up the weekend with two matches on Saturday (Sept. 14). FHSU will first take on Truman State at noon before facing off with Northwestern Oklahoma State at 6 p.m.

🏐 FHSU tops Mountain Lions in 2024 home opener

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into the final weekend of the Kansas State Fair, the numbers have been solid thus far.

At Friday morning's Kansas State Fair Board meeting, General Manager Bryan Schulz said attendance through Thursday was over 220,000, with big days expected for Chiefs Red Friday and the Riley Green concert Saturday night.

The carnival is also ahead of last year's pace on money collections, with a strong Monday due to area kids being out of school really helping this year.

Speaking of the Riley Green concert, Schulz expects that to be the largest attendance in a few years, with over 7,000 expected on Saturday night.

The hope is that they can get strong walk-up numbers for Pop Evil Friday night and that the weather is not too warm and they can get strong numbers for the Sunday afternoon Oak Ridge Boys concert to close out the fair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725972052496.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Fair Midway-Photo by Pat James" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Fair Midway-Photo by Pat James</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into the final weekend of the Kansas State Fair, the numbers have been solid thus far.At Friday morning's Kansas State Fair Board meeting, General Manager Bryan Schulz said attendance through Thursday was over 220,000, with big days expected for Chiefs Red Friday and the Riley Green concert Saturday night.The carnival is also ahead of last year's pace on money collections, with a strong Monday due to area kids being out of school really helping this year.Speaking of the Riley Green concert, Schulz expects that to be the largest attendance in a few years, with over 7,000 expected on Saturday night.The hope is that they can get strong walk-up numbers for Pop Evil Friday night and that the weather is not too warm and they can get strong numbers for the Sunday afternoon Oak Ridge Boys concert to close out the fair.

Attendance numbers good headed into final weekend of the State Fair 

A truck driver from Texas died Friday morning in an apparent accident at Triumph Foods, a pork processing plant, in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Just before 7a.m., police received a call about an accident within the fenced area of the plant,&nbsp;5302 Stockyards Expressway, according to a media release.

Aaron Ruelas, 39, of Santa Maria, Texas died when a utility truck at the plant, attempting to hitch to a trailer, struck and killed him.

The truck driver says he didn’t see Ruelas behind him when he put the truck in reverse to connect with the trailer hitch. Ruelas worked for a trucking company from East Prairie, Missouri.

Police report the driver is cooperating in the investigation and it appears to be accidental, though the investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph PostA truck driver from Texas died Friday morning in an apparent accident at Triumph Foods, a pork processing plant, in St. Joseph, Missouri.Just before 7a.m., police received a call about an accident within the fenced area of the plant,&nbsp;5302 Stockyards Expressway, according to a media release.Aaron Ruelas, 39, of Santa Maria, Texas died when a utility truck at the plant, attempting to hitch to a trailer, struck and killed him.The truck driver says he didn’t see Ruelas behind him when he put the truck in reverse to connect with the trailer hitch. Ruelas worked for a trucking company from East Prairie, Missouri.Police report the driver is cooperating in the investigation and it appears to be accidental, though the investigation continues.

Truck driver killed in apparent accident at pork processing plant

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer and Public Information Officer Lisa Mussman about the successful I-70 bridge demolition in Trego County.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer and Public Information Officer Lisa Mussman about the successful I-70 bridge demolition in Trego County.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iy_AT6qdBDc?si=KYLLBy68A64bEd0c" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The bridge at mile post 117 on I-70 has successfully been demolished. Now onto the clean up so we can get I-70 back open! If you are on the detour, please refrain from taking county side roads. We’re already starting to see problems with people doing that. <a href="https://t.co/dvK0AkMUmg">pic.twitter.com/dvK0AkMUmg</a>&mdash; Trooper Tod (@TrooperTodKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperTodKHP/status/1831351195031548137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎤Forward Ever: KDOT I-70 bridge demolition

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Tourism unveiled its Mobile Visitor Center (MVC) on Thursday at the Kansas State Fair with a ribbon cutting inside the Pride of Kansas building.

The MVC will attend major sporting events, fairs, trade shows and festivals in and out of the state to help attract guests to visit Kansas.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and&nbsp;Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed joined Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe at the event on Thursday.

“Kansas is home to endless views, unique geography, one of a kind sights, vibrant communities and amazing people," Reed said. "Whether its a road trip that takes you to the Gypsum Hills, a treasure hunt on US-36, a camping trip to one of our many beautiful lakes, or hiking and biking on over 800 miles of biking and pedestrian trails in our state, Kansas is a destination for all road trips. Today, I am proud to be a part of the unveiling of the Kansas Mobile Visitors Center, which will provide us with the opportunity to showcase our amazing state."

Toland talked about how the idea and vision came about for the MVC.

"About a year and a half ago we had a series of conversations with the Kansas Tourism team," Toland said. "They were about the World Cup and specifically the east side of the state and the need for a visitors information center somewhere along I-70. So we had some conversations and decided to talk to KDOT to see what we could do."

Toland says Reed and his staff listened to the idea and had an even better vision.

"KDOT came with a concept of a mobile visitor center," Toland said. "They did some research about what cities around the country had been doing. There is a model where you don't wait for them to come to you, you go to them. You go to the people you want to bring to your place."

Toland and his staff were skeptical of this vision in the beginning, but now has a different opinion.

"They (KDOT) were right," Toland said. "They were absolutely right that we need to think differently about how we bring people to Kansas. It's not just about expecting them to pull off the highway and stop at our place. We need to go to Dallas, to Denver, to Ames, Iowa, to Lincoln, Nebraska, to Chicago and make the case for why they should come here."&nbsp;

Toland was very appreciative and supportive for all of the hard work done to bring visitors to the Sunflower State by Kansas Tourism and its Director Bridgette Jobe.

"I also want to think the Kansas Tourism team, because they are always open to those new ideas," Toland said. "Kansas has now achieved visitation numbers that are dramatically above where we were pre-COVID. We've got more people to come to Kansas than ever before, and that's because this team is getting out there and hustling. They're doing it in-person, they're going to the trade shows and our numbers are way up."

The van will hit the road shortly after the Kansas State Fair to make its debut outside of the state.

"I think two days after the fair is over he (Kevin Crockett) is heading to Nebraska City for a major event," Jobe said. "We have it scheduled to be on the road every week between now and the end of the year."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726172844931.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Tourism unveiled its Mobile Visitor Center (MVC) on Thursday at the Kansas State Fair with a ribbon cutting inside the Pride of Kansas building.The MVC will attend major sporting events, fairs, trade shows and festivals in and out of the state to help attract guests to visit Kansas.Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and&nbsp;Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed joined Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe at the event on Thursday.“Kansas is home to endless views, unique geography, one of a kind sights, vibrant communities and amazing people," Reed said. "Whether its a road trip that takes you to the Gypsum Hills, a treasure hunt on US-36, a camping trip to one of our many beautiful lakes, or hiking and biking on over 800 miles of biking and pedestrian trails in our state, Kansas is a destination for all road trips. Today, I am proud to be a part of the unveiling of the Kansas Mobile Visitors Center, which will provide us with the opportunity to showcase our amazing state."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726172904770.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>Toland talked about how the idea and vision came about for the MVC."About a year and a half ago we had a series of conversations with the Kansas Tourism team," Toland said. "They were about the World Cup and specifically the east side of the state and the need for a visitors information center somewhere along I-70. So we had some conversations and decided to talk to KDOT to see what we could do."Toland says Reed and his staff listened to the idea and had an even better vision."KDOT came with a concept of a mobile visitor center," Toland said. "They did some research about what cities around the country had been doing. There is a model where you don't wait for them to come to you, you go to them. You go to the people you want to bring to your place."Toland and his staff were skeptical of this vision in the beginning, but now has a different opinion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726172963986.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland cuts the ribbon at the ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland cuts the ribbon at the ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>"They (KDOT) were right," Toland said. "They were absolutely right that we need to think differently about how we bring people to Kansas. It's not just about expecting them to pull off the highway and stop at our place. We need to go to Dallas, to Denver, to Ames, Iowa, to Lincoln, Nebraska, to Chicago and make the case for why they should come here."&nbsp;Toland was very appreciative and supportive for all of the hard work done to bring visitors to the Sunflower State by Kansas Tourism and its Director Bridgette Jobe."I also want to think the Kansas Tourism team, because they are always open to those new ideas," Toland said. "Kansas has now achieved visitation numbers that are dramatically above where we were pre-COVID. We've got more people to come to Kansas than ever before, and that's because this team is getting out there and hustling. They're doing it in-person, they're going to the trade shows and our numbers are way up."The van will hit the road shortly after the Kansas State Fair to make its debut outside of the state."I think two days after the fair is over he (Kevin Crockett) is heading to Nebraska City for a major event," Jobe said. "We have it scheduled to be on the road every week between now and the end of the year."

Kansas Tourism unveils new mobile visitors center 

Unwind at the newest spot for soothing massages and affordable services at Healing Touch Massage in Hays.

The spa at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., Suite 40, is a partnership between the former mall massage kiosk and owner Xingdong Li.

Li is from Jiangsu, China, and works alongside his friend Fuqing Chu to offer the community a low-cost relaxation experience.

Services include deep tissue massages, body massages, foot massages, hot stone massages, oil massages and couple massages in private rooms.

Li said his massage business stands out from others in Hays with its competitive prices and convenient location.

Healing Touch Massage provides massages starting at $12 for 10 minutes, $36 for 30 minutes and $66 for one hour.

Chu previously ran the massage kiosk on the mall's south side but closed it to partner with Li and grow their team of massage therapists.

"It's been great working with him," Li said.

Li and Chu relocated to Hays from Oklahoma and had long discussed opening a store. They finally achieved this goal on Sept. 1.

Branson Hoffman, marketing director for Big Creek Crossing, said he is excited about the services Li and Chu are introducing to the mall.

"This is something we don't have much of in this building," he said. "We hope the community opens up to it and takes advantage of it."

Li is offering a limited-time promotion of purchasing six 30-minute massages and receiving a complimentary 30-minute gift card.

Healing Touch Massage operates on a walk-in basis only and does not accept appointments.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726075522286.jpeg" alt="Healing Touch Massage at Big Creek Crossing. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Healing Touch Massage at Big Creek Crossing. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostUnwind at the newest spot for soothing massages and affordable services at Healing Touch Massage in Hays.The spa at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., Suite 40, is a partnership between the former mall massage kiosk and owner Xingdong Li.Li is from Jiangsu, China, and works alongside his friend Fuqing Chu to offer the community a low-cost relaxation experience.Services include deep tissue massages, body massages, foot massages, hot stone massages, oil massages and couple massages in private rooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726084893242.jpeg" alt="A massage table in a private room at Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero" />
 <figcaption>A massage table in a private room at Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero</figcaption>
 </figure>Li said his massage business stands out from others in Hays with its competitive prices and convenient location."My prices are more favorable," he said.Healing Touch Massage provides massages starting at $12 for 10 minutes, $36 for 30 minutes and $66 for one hour.Chu previously ran the massage kiosk on the mall's south side but closed it to partner with Li and grow their team of massage therapists."It's been great working with him," Li said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726084931942.jpeg" alt="Two massage chairs at Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two massage chairs at Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726084950983.jpeg" alt="Two reclined massage chairs at&nbsp;Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two reclined massage chairs at&nbsp;Healing Touch Massage. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Li and Chu relocated to Hays from Oklahoma and had long discussed opening a store. They finally achieved this goal on Sept. 1.Branson Hoffman, marketing director for Big Creek Crossing, said he is excited about the services Li and Chu are introducing to the mall."This is something we don't have much of in this building," he said. "We hope the community opens up to it and takes advantage of it."Li is offering a limited-time promotion of purchasing six 30-minute massages and receiving a complimentary 30-minute gift card.Healing Touch Massage operates on a walk-in basis only and does not accept appointments.It is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Healing Touch Massage opens at Big Creek Crossing in Hays

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On the heels of moving into the Top 25 of the national rankings, No. 22 ranked Fort Hays State posted a dominant 5-0 win over previously ranked Maryville University on Thursday night at Children's Mercy Victory Field at Swope Soccer Village. The Tigers moved to 3-0 overall on the season, while Maryville fell to 0-2-1 to start the year.&nbsp;

Bastian Carlman&nbsp;netted a hat trick to provide the first three scores for FHSU, then Anders Sandsto&nbsp;put the finishing touches on the win with the final two.

The Tigers picked up their first-ever win over Maryville after going 0-2-1 in their first three tries. The Saints made it to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament in both 2022 and 2023 before holding a No. 12 preseason national ranking this year.

The Tigers made a habit of grabbing a quick lead at Children's Mercy Victory Field after scoring their game-winning goal on Sunday against Upper Iowa in the first minute. It took just 3:39 this time for Carlman to find the back of the net, assisted by Tadhg Walsh. That goal set the tone for what turned into a big night for Carlman and the Tigers offensively as they went on to outshoot the Saints 25-9.In the 33rd&nbsp;minute, Carlman struck again by putting home a rebound off an Elias Ovelar Semeniuk&nbsp;shot that hit the crossbar. The Tigers took a 2-0 advantage into halftime and didn't take their foot off the pedal in the second half. After holding a strong 12-3 advantage in shots through one half, it was more of the same from the Tigers in the second half with a 13-6 advantage.

The final three goals for the Tigers came in a bundle over about a six-minute span from 77:07 to 82:55 expired in the match. Carlman became the ninth player in program history to record a hat trick scoring the first of three second half goals. It was the second-straight year the Tigers had a player record a hat trick after Blake Arndt&nbsp;accomplished the feat against Ouachita Baptist last year. Just over two minutes later, Sandsto&nbsp;notched his first goal of the season on an assist from Collin Hershberger. Sandsto added another score in the 83rd&nbsp;minute off an assist from Siem Duijs.

To go with the offensive outburst, the Tigers put up another strong defensive effort holding an opponent under 10 shots for the third-straight match. FHSU allowed only one shot on goal again for the second-straight match, saved by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/jorge-valentin/8378">Jorge Valentin</a>&nbsp;in the 83rd&nbsp;minute just before the fifth and final goal of the match. Valentin and the Tigers picked up their second-straight clean sheet. FHSU has allowed only four shots on goal through three matches.

The Tigers will rest up for a week before a big matchup with No. 7 ranked Midwestern State next Thursday in Texas. The match will be the first of a pair for FHSU in Wichita Falls as they are set to meet Eastern New Mexico two days later.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726222238275.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Walton, Maryville Athletics Media Relations" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Walton, Maryville Athletics Media Relations</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – On the heels of moving into the Top 25 of the national rankings, No. 22 ranked Fort Hays State posted a dominant 5-0 win over previously ranked Maryville University on Thursday night at Children's Mercy Victory Field at Swope Soccer Village. The Tigers moved to 3-0 overall on the season, while Maryville fell to 0-2-1 to start the year.&nbsp;Bastian Carlman&nbsp;netted a hat trick to provide the first three scores for FHSU, then Anders Sandsto&nbsp;put the finishing touches on the win with the final two.The Tigers picked up their first-ever win over Maryville after going 0-2-1 in their first three tries. The Saints made it to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament in both 2022 and 2023 before holding a No. 12 preseason national ranking this year.The Tigers made a habit of grabbing a quick lead at Children's Mercy Victory Field after scoring their game-winning goal on Sunday against Upper Iowa in the first minute. It took just 3:39 this time for Carlman to find the back of the net, assisted by Tadhg Walsh. That goal set the tone for what turned into a big night for Carlman and the Tigers offensively as they went on to outshoot the Saints 25-9.In the 33rd&nbsp;minute, Carlman struck again by putting home a rebound off an Elias Ovelar Semeniuk&nbsp;shot that hit the crossbar. The Tigers took a 2-0 advantage into halftime and didn't take their foot off the pedal in the second half. After holding a strong 12-3 advantage in shots through one half, it was more of the same from the Tigers in the second half with a 13-6 advantage.The final three goals for the Tigers came in a bundle over about a six-minute span from 77:07 to 82:55 expired in the match. Carlman became the ninth player in program history to record a hat trick scoring the first of three second half goals. It was the second-straight year the Tigers had a player record a hat trick after Blake Arndt&nbsp;accomplished the feat against Ouachita Baptist last year. Just over two minutes later, Sandsto&nbsp;notched his first goal of the season on an assist from Collin Hershberger. Sandsto added another score in the 83rd&nbsp;minute off an assist from Siem Duijs.To go with the offensive outburst, the Tigers put up another strong defensive effort holding an opponent under 10 shots for the third-straight match. FHSU allowed only one shot on goal again for the second-straight match, saved by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/jorge-valentin/8378">Jorge Valentin</a>&nbsp;in the 83rd&nbsp;minute just before the fifth and final goal of the match. Valentin and the Tigers picked up their second-straight clean sheet. FHSU has allowed only four shots on goal through three matches.The Tigers will rest up for a week before a big matchup with No. 7 ranked Midwestern State next Thursday in Texas. The match will be the first of a pair for FHSU in Wichita Falls as they are set to meet Eastern New Mexico two days later.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Carlman hat trick leads Tigers to win over Maryville

HAYS - The Hays High boys soccer edged Emporia 2-1 Thursday to advance to the finals of the Salina South Invitational. 

Mason Schleicher scored both goals for the Indians who improved to 2-1 on the season. The first goal came in the 46th minute off an assist from Oscar Perez. The game winner came five minutes later.

Hays will play host Salina South in Saturday's finals at four. The Cougars beat St. James Academy 3-0 and have outscored their two opponents in the tournament 8-0.

Hays PostHAYS - The Hays High boys soccer edged Emporia 2-1 Thursday to advance to the finals of the Salina South Invitational. Mason Schleicher scored both goals for the Indians who improved to 2-1 on the season. The first goal came in the 46th minute off an assist from Oscar Perez. The game winner came five minutes later.Hays will play host Salina South in Saturday's finals at four. The Cougars beat St. James Academy 3-0 and have outscored their two opponents in the tournament 8-0.

⚽ HHS edges Emporia to move to Salina South Tourney finals

DODGE CITY - The Hays High volleyball team picked three wins in Dodge City Thursday. 

The Indians swept Sublette 25-6, 25-8 in their opening match then knocked off the host Red Demons 25-22, 20-25, 25-21 then swept Lakin 25-7, 25-16.

Hays def. Sublette 25-6, 25-8 Hays def. Dodge City&nbsp;25-22, 20-25, 25-21 Hays def. Lakin 25-7, 25-16

Hays improved to 7-3 on the season. They travel to Manhattan Tuesday before returning home to host Garden City on Thursday.

Hays PostDODGE CITY - The Hays High volleyball team picked three wins in Dodge City Thursday. The Indians swept Sublette 25-6, 25-8 in their opening match then knocked off the host Red Demons 25-22, 20-25, 25-21 then swept Lakin 25-7, 25-16.Hays def. Sublette 25-6, 25-8 Hays def. Dodge City&nbsp;25-22, 20-25, 25-21 Hays def. Lakin 25-7, 25-16 Hays improved to 7-3 on the season. They travel to Manhattan Tuesday before returning home to host Garden City on Thursday.

🏐 HHS wins three in Dodge City

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge declined Thursday to vacate the conviction and death sentence of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marcellus-williams-innocence-missouri-death-row-dcc03c8f998648783f4755818aaec6fd">Marcellus Williams</a>, a Missouri man scheduled for execution later this month in the stabbing death of a woman in 1998, despite questions about DNA evidence on the knife used in the attack.

St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton presided over an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marcellus-williams-missouri-death-row-f7b3b4257c8a18542a6686d810472646">evidentiary hearing</a>&nbsp;last month challenging Williams' guilt. Williams, 55, was convicted in the killing of Lisha Gayle, a social worker and former reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. His execution by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-death-row-inquiry-board-state-supreme-court-0103d6047d1caa04eefbb6ef262063fb">lethal injection is scheduled for Sept. 24</a>&nbsp;unless the courts or Republican Gov. Mike Parson intervene.

“Every claim of error Williams has asserted on direct appeal, post-conviction review, and habeas review has been rejected by Missouri's courts,” Hilton wrote. “There is no basis for a court to find that Williams is innocent, and no court has made such a finding. Williams is guilty of first-degree murder, and has been sentenced to death.”

Williams' attorney, Tricia Bushnell, said in a statement that the Midwest Innocence Project "will continue pursuing every possible option to prevent Mr. Williams’ wrongful execution. There is still time for the courts or Governor Parson to ensure that Missouri does not commit the irreparable injustice of executing an innocent person.”

Representatives of the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Missouri Attorney General's Office did not respond to messages seeking comment.

In January, Democratic St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-death-row-inmate-dna-evidence-0a179b0aafb1a0c0a3e144f7e3592a62">Wesley Bell cited questions about DNA evidence</a>&nbsp;on the murder weapon in seeking a hearing to consider vacating Williams’ conviction. Bell said the evidence indicated that someone else’s DNA was on the butcher knife used to kill Gayle.

Bell brought the challenge under a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-kansas-city-kansas-missouri-f73d1486d17a1884ff95ce84af75b00f">2021 Missouri law</a>&nbsp;that allows prosecutors to ask a court to review a conviction they believe is unjust. That and the setting of an execution date saw Williams facing the prospect of everything from having his conviction overturned and being set free, to having it confirmed and facing pending execution.

Despite Bell's motion, the Missouri Supreme Court in June set the Sept. 24 execution date. Then, an August hearing date was set on the motion by Bell involving the DNA evidence.

But just before the Aug. 21 hearing, a new DNA report revealed that the DNA evidence was contaminated because officials in the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office touched the knife without gloves before the original trial in 2001.

With the DNA evidence spoiled, lawyers working on behalf of Williams from the Midwest Innocence Project reached a compromise with the prosecutor’s office: Williams would enter a new, no-contest plea to first-degree murder in exchange for a new sentence of life in prison without parole.

Hilton signed off on the agreement. So did Gayle’s family. But the Missouri Attorney General’s Office did not.

At Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s urging, the Missouri Supreme Court blocked the agreement and ordered Hilton to proceed with the evidentiary hearing on Aug. 28.

An attorney for Williams, Jonathan Potts, said during the hearing that the mishandling of the murder weapon was devastating for Williams because it “destroyed his last and best chance” to prove his innocence.

“In light of this report, (Williams) cannot demonstrate that the genetic material on the knife handle can form a basis for a ‘clear and convincing showing’ of Williams’ innocence,” Hilton wrote.

Assistant Attorney General Michael Spillane said other evidence pointed to his guilt.

“They refer to the evidence in this case as being weak. It was overwhelming,” Spillane said at the hearing.

Prosecutors at Williams’ original trial said he broke into Gayle’s home on Aug. 11, 1998, heard water running in the shower, and found a large butcher knife. When Gayle came downstairs, she was stabbed 43 times. Her purse and her husband’s laptop were stolen.

Authorities said Williams stole a jacket to conceal blood on his shirt. Williams’ girlfriend asked him why he would wear a jacket on a hot day. The girlfriend said she later saw the laptop in the car and that Williams sold it a day or two later.

Prosecutors also cited testimony from Henry Cole, who shared a cell with Williams in 1999 while Williams was jailed on unrelated charges. Cole told prosecutors Williams confessed to the killing and offered details about it.

Williams’ attorneys responded that the girlfriend and Cole were both convicted of felonies and wanted a $10,000 reward.

Three other men —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-case-conviction-overturned-christopher-dunn-f128653d7b67aa4099faa91d0fcba31c">Christopher Dunn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wrongful-conviction-vacated-3eb7e5fbe6210dbc38b11995902b9947">Lamar Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-missouri-bba67efd61eaa165165e29a7298a1dc3">Kevin Strickland</a>&nbsp;— have been freed after decades in prison under the 2021 Missouri law.

Williams has been close to execution before. In August 2017, just hours before his scheduled death, then-Gov. Eric Greitens, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-a97937db95a34c03b116817d2ed3c340">granted a stay</a>&nbsp;after reviewing the same DNA evidence that spurred Bell's effort to vacate the conviction.

A rising star in Missouri Democratic politics,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-congress-election-bush-bell-f507703334e182528489ca078bc5ce70">Bell defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Cori Bush</a>&nbsp;in a primary this month and is heavily favored in the November general election.

Williams is Black and at the hearing, the man who prosecuted him, Keith Larner, was asked why the trial jury included just one Black juror. Larner said he struck just three potential Black jurors, including one who he said looked like Williams.

Williams’ trial attorney, Joseph Green, told Hilton that when Williams was tried, he also was representing a man who killed his wife and injured several others in a St. Louis County courthouse shooting in 1992. That case took time away from working on Williams’ defense, Green said at the hearing.

“I don’t believe he got our best,” said Green, now a judge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726156556643.png" alt="Williams photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Williams photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge declined Thursday to vacate the conviction and death sentence of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marcellus-williams-innocence-missouri-death-row-dcc03c8f998648783f4755818aaec6fd">Marcellus Williams</a>, a Missouri man scheduled for execution later this month in the stabbing death of a woman in 1998, despite questions about DNA evidence on the knife used in the attack.St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton presided over an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marcellus-williams-missouri-death-row-f7b3b4257c8a18542a6686d810472646">evidentiary hearing</a>&nbsp;last month challenging Williams' guilt. Williams, 55, was convicted in the killing of Lisha Gayle, a social worker and former reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. His execution by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-death-row-inquiry-board-state-supreme-court-0103d6047d1caa04eefbb6ef262063fb">lethal injection is scheduled for Sept. 24</a>&nbsp;unless the courts or Republican Gov. Mike Parson intervene.“Every claim of error Williams has asserted on direct appeal, post-conviction review, and habeas review has been rejected by Missouri's courts,” Hilton wrote. “There is no basis for a court to find that Williams is innocent, and no court has made such a finding. Williams is guilty of first-degree murder, and has been sentenced to death.”Williams' attorney, Tricia Bushnell, said in a statement that the Midwest Innocence Project "will continue pursuing every possible option to prevent Mr. Williams’ wrongful execution. There is still time for the courts or Governor Parson to ensure that Missouri does not commit the irreparable injustice of executing an innocent person.”Representatives of the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Missouri Attorney General's Office did not respond to messages seeking comment.In January, Democratic St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-death-row-inmate-dna-evidence-0a179b0aafb1a0c0a3e144f7e3592a62">Wesley Bell cited questions about DNA evidence</a>&nbsp;on the murder weapon in seeking a hearing to consider vacating Williams’ conviction. Bell said the evidence indicated that someone else’s DNA was on the butcher knife used to kill Gayle.Bell brought the challenge under a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-kansas-city-kansas-missouri-f73d1486d17a1884ff95ce84af75b00f">2021 Missouri law</a>&nbsp;that allows prosecutors to ask a court to review a conviction they believe is unjust. That and the setting of an execution date saw Williams facing the prospect of everything from having his conviction overturned and being set free, to having it confirmed and facing pending execution.Despite Bell's motion, the Missouri Supreme Court in June set the Sept. 24 execution date. Then, an August hearing date was set on the motion by Bell involving the DNA evidence.But just before the Aug. 21 hearing, a new DNA report revealed that the DNA evidence was contaminated because officials in the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office touched the knife without gloves before the original trial in 2001.With the DNA evidence spoiled, lawyers working on behalf of Williams from the Midwest Innocence Project reached a compromise with the prosecutor’s office: Williams would enter a new, no-contest plea to first-degree murder in exchange for a new sentence of life in prison without parole.Hilton signed off on the agreement. So did Gayle’s family. But the Missouri Attorney General’s Office did not.At Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s urging, the Missouri Supreme Court blocked the agreement and ordered Hilton to proceed with the evidentiary hearing on Aug. 28.An attorney for Williams, Jonathan Potts, said during the hearing that the mishandling of the murder weapon was devastating for Williams because it “destroyed his last and best chance” to prove his innocence.Hilton, in his ruling, agreed.“In light of this report, (Williams) cannot demonstrate that the genetic material on the knife handle can form a basis for a ‘clear and convincing showing’ of Williams’ innocence,” Hilton wrote.Assistant Attorney General Michael Spillane said other evidence pointed to his guilt.“They refer to the evidence in this case as being weak. It was overwhelming,” Spillane said at the hearing.Prosecutors at Williams’ original trial said he broke into Gayle’s home on Aug. 11, 1998, heard water running in the shower, and found a large butcher knife. When Gayle came downstairs, she was stabbed 43 times. Her purse and her husband’s laptop were stolen.Authorities said Williams stole a jacket to conceal blood on his shirt. Williams’ girlfriend asked him why he would wear a jacket on a hot day. The girlfriend said she later saw the laptop in the car and that Williams sold it a day or two later.Prosecutors also cited testimony from Henry Cole, who shared a cell with Williams in 1999 while Williams was jailed on unrelated charges. Cole told prosecutors Williams confessed to the killing and offered details about it.Williams’ attorneys responded that the girlfriend and Cole were both convicted of felonies and wanted a $10,000 reward.Three other men —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-case-conviction-overturned-christopher-dunn-f128653d7b67aa4099faa91d0fcba31c">Christopher Dunn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wrongful-conviction-vacated-3eb7e5fbe6210dbc38b11995902b9947">Lamar Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-missouri-bba67efd61eaa165165e29a7298a1dc3">Kevin Strickland</a>&nbsp;— have been freed after decades in prison under the 2021 Missouri law.Williams has been close to execution before. In August 2017, just hours before his scheduled death, then-Gov. Eric Greitens, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-a97937db95a34c03b116817d2ed3c340">granted a stay</a>&nbsp;after reviewing the same DNA evidence that spurred Bell's effort to vacate the conviction.A rising star in Missouri Democratic politics,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-congress-election-bush-bell-f507703334e182528489ca078bc5ce70">Bell defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Cori Bush</a>&nbsp;in a primary this month and is heavily favored in the November general election.Williams is Black and at the hearing, the man who prosecuted him, Keith Larner, was asked why the trial jury included just one Black juror. Larner said he struck just three potential Black jurors, including one who he said looked like Williams.Williams’ trial attorney, Joseph Green, told Hilton that when Williams was tried, he also was representing a man who killed his wife and injured several others in a St. Louis County courthouse shooting in 1992. That case took time away from working on Williams’ defense, Green said at the hearing.“I don’t believe he got our best,” said Green, now a judge.