On Wednesday, October 1, HaysMed proudly celebrated the remarkable commitment of its 2025 Service Award recipients. This year, 162 associates were recognized for reaching significant career milestones, honored every five years of service.

These individuals represent the heart of HaysMed’s mission. Their dedication not only strengthens our organization but also deeply impacts the communities we serve across Hays and western Kansas where our Associates live and raise their families. Their sustained contributions have helped elevate the quality of care we provide and reinforce our commitment to compassionate, community-centered healthcare.

HaysMed is grateful for their service and proud to celebrate their achievements.

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2024, HaysMed was named as one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association and earned the prestigious five-star designation in the 2024 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. Learn more at haysmed.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759859420730.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy HaysMed" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy HaysMed</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedOn Wednesday, October 1, HaysMed proudly celebrated the remarkable commitment of its 2025 Service Award recipients. This year, 162 associates were recognized for reaching significant career milestones, honored every five years of service.These individuals represent the heart of HaysMed’s mission. Their dedication not only strengthens our organization but also deeply impacts the communities we serve across Hays and western Kansas where our Associates live and raise their families. Their sustained contributions have helped elevate the quality of care we provide and reinforce our commitment to compassionate, community-centered healthcare.HaysMed is grateful for their service and proud to celebrate their achievements.Those recognized were:<figure>
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 </figure>About HaysMedHays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center.Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2024, HaysMed was named as one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association and earned the prestigious five-star designation in the 2024 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. Learn more at haysmed.com.

HaysMed honors 162 associates with service awards

Thomas More Prep-Marian Parents Teachers Friends Soup Supper is Sunday, October 26 from 4-7 p.m.&nbsp; We will have chili, green bean dumpling soup, sandwiches and cinnamon rolls.&nbsp;Carry out is available. 

It is a free will offering with proceeds to support classroom and student scholarships.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759849926341.png" alt="Thomas More Prep-Marian schools" />
 <figcaption>Thomas More Prep-Marian schools</figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas More Prep-Marian&nbsp;Thomas More Prep-Marian Parents Teachers Friends Soup Supper is Sunday, October 26 from 4-7 p.m.&nbsp; We will have chili, green bean dumpling soup, sandwiches and cinnamon rolls.&nbsp;Carry out is available. It is a free will offering with proceeds to support classroom and student scholarships.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thomas More Prep-Marian PTF Soup Supper fundraiser is Oct. 26

Earl R. Blauer Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather,
passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Kansas City, KS, at the age of
88.

Born on September 2, 1937, in Cocoa Beach, FL, Earl was the
son of Earl R. Blauer Sr. and Veda Blauer. He dedicated his life to the pursuit
of music education, beginning his career as a teacher in Palco, KS. Earl spent
35 years as a Band Director at Hays, USD 489, where he influenced and inspired
countless students with his passion for music. Upon his retirement from
teaching, he was presented with a plaque from his students that he cherished.
Upon it was inscribed “Mr. Blauer plays the music we like to play and that
makes music fun.”

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Earl
enjoyed playing the trumpet and singing with the Eddie Basgall Band for many
years, sharing his love for jazz and live music. He also loved performing with
the Hays City Big Band and the Hays Summer Community Band. His adventurous
spirit led him to earn his Private Pilot License. He enjoyed family travel to
air shows across the country—times that he cherished deeply with his wife and
children.

Earl was a member of several organizations, including the
Kansas Music Educators Association, the National Association of Jazz Educators,
and the Civil Air Patrol.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl R. Blauer Sr.
and Veda Blauer; his brother, Gary Blauer; and his parents-in-law, Frank and
Ada Harmon; and nephew, Paul Blauer.

Earl leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his
memory: his devoted wife, RoAnn Blauer; his daughter, Christina (Steve)
Ziegler; his son, David (Haley) Blauer; his sister, Kay (Gary) Hanson; his brother
and sister-in-law, Roger and Judy Harmon; sister-in-law Judy Blauer, and his
adored grandchildren, Kate and Andrew Ziegler, and Ryland Blauer. Earl is also
survived by six nieces and nephews, who will miss him dearly.

A private family service will be held to honor Earl's life
and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made
in memoriam to Grace United Methodist Church – Olathe, KS or the Fort Hays
State University Foundation for support of FHSU Bands. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757368603462.jpg" alt="Earl R. Blauer Jr." />
 <figcaption>Earl R. Blauer Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>Earl R. Blauer Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather,
passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Kansas City, KS, at the age of
88.Born on September 2, 1937, in Cocoa Beach, FL, Earl was the
son of Earl R. Blauer Sr. and Veda Blauer. He dedicated his life to the pursuit
of music education, beginning his career as a teacher in Palco, KS. Earl spent
35 years as a Band Director at Hays, USD 489, where he influenced and inspired
countless students with his passion for music. Upon his retirement from
teaching, he was presented with a plaque from his students that he cherished.
Upon it was inscribed “Mr. Blauer plays the music we like to play and that
makes music fun.”In addition to his professional accomplishments, Earl
enjoyed playing the trumpet and singing with the Eddie Basgall Band for many
years, sharing his love for jazz and live music. He also loved performing with
the Hays City Big Band and the Hays Summer Community Band. His adventurous
spirit led him to earn his Private Pilot License. He enjoyed family travel to
air shows across the country—times that he cherished deeply with his wife and
children.Earl was a member of several organizations, including the
Kansas Music Educators Association, the National Association of Jazz Educators,
and the Civil Air Patrol.He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl R. Blauer Sr.
and Veda Blauer; his brother, Gary Blauer; and his parents-in-law, Frank and
Ada Harmon; and nephew, Paul Blauer.Earl leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his
memory: his devoted wife, RoAnn Blauer; his daughter, Christina (Steve)
Ziegler; his son, David (Haley) Blauer; his sister, Kay (Gary) Hanson; his brother
and sister-in-law, Roger and Judy Harmon; sister-in-law Judy Blauer, and his
adored grandchildren, Kate and Andrew Ziegler, and Ryland Blauer. Earl is also
survived by six nieces and nephews, who will miss him dearly.A private family service will be held to honor Earl's life
and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made
in memoriam to Grace United Methodist Church – Olathe, KS or the Fort Hays
State University Foundation for support of FHSU Bands.

Earl R. Blauer Jr.

PAWNEE ROCK — To commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Heartland Center for Spirituality and Heartland Farm invite the public to a special viewing of The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code, followed including discussion led by Dr. Leo Oliva. The event will take place on Sunday, October 12, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Great Bend Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse.

Dr. Oliva, a retired history professor from Fort Hays State University, will offer historical insights into the Doctrine of Discovery and engage with attendees during a Q&amp;A session.

Originating from 15th-century Papal Bulls, the Doctrine of Discovery laid the groundwork for colonial expansion, legitimizing the seizure of Indigenous lands, the suppression of native cultures, and brutality toward and enslavement of African and other peoples. The Doctrine continues to influence U.S. and international property law to this day.

Dr. Oliva graduated from FHSU before seeking both his master’s degree in American History and doctorate in American Studies from the University of Denver. He is the author of eight books and many articles and served as the editor of the Santa Fe Trail quarterly, Wagon Tracks, for 25 years. Dr. Oliva’s areas of interest include the Santa Fe Trail, frontier military history, the conquest of Indigenous nations and their lands, and Kansas history since 1959. Dr. Oliva was a member of the Humanities Kansas Speakers’ Bureau and has presented more than 400 programs on various historical topics.

 In March 2025, FHSU honored Dr. Oliva with a distinguished professorship in history in his name.

Join us for this free event will be held in the auditorium at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse, located at 3600 Broadway, Great Bend. Light refreshments will be available, and voluntary donations are welcome.

To RSVP, please email your name and the number of attendees to ann.axman@heartlandspirituality.org or hfarminfo@oppeace.org.

<figure>
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 </figure>SubmittedPAWNEE ROCK — To commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Heartland Center for Spirituality and Heartland Farm invite the public to a special viewing of The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code, followed including discussion led by Dr. Leo Oliva. The event will take place on Sunday, October 12, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Great Bend Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse.Dr. Oliva, a retired history professor from Fort Hays State University, will offer historical insights into the Doctrine of Discovery and engage with attendees during a Q&amp;A session.Originating from 15th-century Papal Bulls, the Doctrine of Discovery laid the groundwork for colonial expansion, legitimizing the seizure of Indigenous lands, the suppression of native cultures, and brutality toward and enslavement of African and other peoples. The Doctrine continues to influence U.S. and international property law to this day.Dr. Oliva graduated from FHSU before seeking both his master’s degree in American History and doctorate in American Studies from the University of Denver. He is the author of eight books and many articles and served as the editor of the Santa Fe Trail quarterly, Wagon Tracks, for 25 years. Dr. Oliva’s areas of interest include the Santa Fe Trail, frontier military history, the conquest of Indigenous nations and their lands, and Kansas history since 1959. Dr. Oliva was a member of the Humanities Kansas Speakers’ Bureau and has presented more than 400 programs on various historical topics. In March 2025, FHSU honored Dr. Oliva with a distinguished professorship in history in his name.Join us for this free event will be held in the auditorium at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse, located at 3600 Broadway, Great Bend. Light refreshments will be available, and voluntary donations are welcome.To RSVP, please email your name and the number of attendees to ann.axman@heartlandspirituality.org or hfarminfo@oppeace.org.

Retired FHSU professor to discuss Doctrine of Discovery commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day

BOSTON (AP) — Joan B. Kennedy, the former wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy who endured a troubled marriage marked by family tragedies, her husband’s infidelities and her own decades-long struggles with alcoholism and mental health, died on Wednesday. She was 89.

The former Joan Bennett, one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-7a9e69a087baf9e69eff0ad345bf47e7">last remaining members of a family generation</a>&nbsp;that included President John F. Kennedy, was a model and classically-trained pianist when she married Ted Kennedy in 1958.

Their lives would change unimaginably&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e418fe3d9b9044feb395cb3cbbced7a6">over the next decade</a>&nbsp;and a half. Brother-in-law John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1960 and assassinated three years later. Brother-in-law Robert F. Kennedy served as attorney general under JFK, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1964 and assassinated while seeking the presidency.

Her husband was elected to the U.S. Senate and became among the country’s most respected legislators despite initial misgivings that he was capitalizing on his family connections. But Ted Kennedy also lived through scandals of his own making. In 1969, the car he was driving plunged off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, killing his young female passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.

Kennedy, who swam to safety and waited hours before alerting police, later pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. Chappaquiddick shadowed him for the rest of his life, weighing against his own chances for the presidency.

Joan Kennedy had three children with her husband, but also had miscarriages, including one shortly after the Chappaquiddick accident. She stood by her husband through the scandal, but their estrangement was nearly impossible to hide by the time of his unsuccessful effort to defeat President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 Democratic primaries. They had been separated by then, and would later divorce. One bumper sticker from the campaign read “Vote for Jimmy Carter, Free Joan Kennedy.”

Her death comes about a year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethel-kennedy-dies-00eb88951db24e0cada9bd48b66ad8ea">Ethel Kennedy,</a>&nbsp;the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, died at the age of 96, having raised their 11 children after he was assassinated, and remaining dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter.

Virginia Joan Bennett was born into a prominent Bronxville, N.Y., family and as a teen she worked as a model in TV ads. She was a classmate of Jean Kennedy, the future senator’s sister, at Manhattanville College, where her exceptional beauty caught Ted Kennedy’s eye when he visited the campus for a building dedication in 1957.

They married a year later, but Joan Kennedy struggled from the start to fit in to the high-powered family.

“Joan was shy and a really reserved person, and the Kennedys aren’t,” Adam Clymer, author of “Edward M. Kennedy: A Biography” said in an 2005 interview with the AP.

Her love of piano would be a trademark for much of her life. She was known for opening her husband's campaign rallies with a piano serenade and, after they divorced, touring with orchestras around the world. Her family said she would combine her masterful playing with a message about the transformational potential of the arts and the need for equitable arts education.

In a 1992 Associated Press interview, she recalled playing piano for brother-in-law Bobby when he ran for president in 1968. “He took me with him and encouraged me,” she said. “He had a theme, ‘This Land Is Your Land,’ the Woody Guthrie song. I’d play that on the piano and everybody would come in, feeling really great about everything.”

“It seems like a long time ago, but it’s part of my memories,” she said, while promoting a book she wrote, which was a guide to appreciating classical music.

She also talked in the interview about how music helped her get through some difficult times, including the deaths of Jack and Bobby Kennedy, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-ddcdb608829b468685eaa722a4a24361">her son Ted Jr.</a>&nbsp;lost his leg to cancer and her separation and divorce from Ted Kennedy.

“I do advise listening to music when you're in grief,” she said. “Music has give me a lot of courage to carry on.”

In a statement, former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-mental-health-spokane-patrick-kennedy-c3192a14ea12469c9e106f20c53b5be4">Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island</a>&nbsp;praised his mother for her courage and talent.

“Besides being a loving mother, talented musician, and instrumental partner to my father as he launched his successful political career, Mom was a power of example to millions of people with mental health conditions,” his statement said. “She will be missed not just by the entire Kennedy Family, but by the arts community in the City of Boston and the many people whose lives that she touched.”

She also became one of the first women to publicly acknowledge her struggles with alcoholism and depression.

“I will always admire my mother for the way that she faced up to her challenges with grace, courage, humility, and honesty,” Ted Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. “She taught me how to be more truthful with myself and how careful listening is a more powerful communication skill than public speaking.”

After Chappaquiddick, her drinking worsened. A series of drunken driving arrests led to stays in alcohol treatment programs. Then in 2005, a passerby found her passed out on a Boston sidewalk in the rain, and she was hospitalized with a concussion and broken shoulder. Her children intervened, with Ted Jr. obtaining a court-ordered guardianship for his mother’s care.

Maria Shriver praised her cousins for doing “a great job caring for her, respecting her privacy, and loving her.”

“She courageously shared what it was like to lose a child, get divorced from a famous man, and carry on. Her life was challenging, but she persevered,” the daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver posted in a eulogy for her aunt. “As a young girl, I marveled at her grace, her beauty, her elegance. As a woman, I respected her grit, her resilience, her perseverance.”

Joan Kennedy is survived by her two sons, nine grandchildren, a great-grandchild and nearly 30 nieces and nephews. Her daughter, Kara, died in 2011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759933811580.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Joan B. Kennedy, the former wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy who endured a troubled marriage marked by family tragedies, her husband’s infidelities and her own decades-long struggles with alcoholism and mental health, died on Wednesday. She was 89.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My beloved aunt Joan Bennett Kennedy, former wife of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), classical pianist, music teacher, and advocate for mental health and addiction services, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Boston, Massachusetts yesterday at the age… <a href="https://t.co/a7B145a3Ay">pic.twitter.com/a7B145a3Ay</a>&mdash; Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1975982333166555553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The former Joan Bennett, one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-7a9e69a087baf9e69eff0ad345bf47e7">last remaining members of a family generation</a>&nbsp;that included President John F. Kennedy, was a model and classically-trained pianist when she married Ted Kennedy in 1958.Their lives would change unimaginably&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e418fe3d9b9044feb395cb3cbbced7a6">over the next decade</a>&nbsp;and a half. Brother-in-law John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1960 and assassinated three years later. Brother-in-law Robert F. Kennedy served as attorney general under JFK, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1964 and assassinated while seeking the presidency.Her husband was elected to the U.S. Senate and became among the country’s most respected legislators despite initial misgivings that he was capitalizing on his family connections. But Ted Kennedy also lived through scandals of his own making. In 1969, the car he was driving plunged off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, killing his young female passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.Kennedy, who swam to safety and waited hours before alerting police, later pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. Chappaquiddick shadowed him for the rest of his life, weighing against his own chances for the presidency.Joan Kennedy had three children with her husband, but also had miscarriages, including one shortly after the Chappaquiddick accident. She stood by her husband through the scandal, but their estrangement was nearly impossible to hide by the time of his unsuccessful effort to defeat President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 Democratic primaries. They had been separated by then, and would later divorce. One bumper sticker from the campaign read “Vote for Jimmy Carter, Free Joan Kennedy.”Her death comes about a year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethel-kennedy-dies-00eb88951db24e0cada9bd48b66ad8ea">Ethel Kennedy,</a>&nbsp;the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, died at the age of 96, having raised their 11 children after he was assassinated, and remaining dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter.Virginia Joan Bennett was born into a prominent Bronxville, N.Y., family and as a teen she worked as a model in TV ads. She was a classmate of Jean Kennedy, the future senator’s sister, at Manhattanville College, where her exceptional beauty caught Ted Kennedy’s eye when he visited the campus for a building dedication in 1957.They married a year later, but Joan Kennedy struggled from the start to fit in to the high-powered family.“Joan was shy and a really reserved person, and the Kennedys aren’t,” Adam Clymer, author of “Edward M. Kennedy: A Biography” said in an 2005 interview with the AP.Her love of piano would be a trademark for much of her life. She was known for opening her husband's campaign rallies with a piano serenade and, after they divorced, touring with orchestras around the world. Her family said she would combine her masterful playing with a message about the transformational potential of the arts and the need for equitable arts education.In a 1992 Associated Press interview, she recalled playing piano for brother-in-law Bobby when he ran for president in 1968. “He took me with him and encouraged me,” she said. “He had a theme, ‘This Land Is Your Land,’ the Woody Guthrie song. I’d play that on the piano and everybody would come in, feeling really great about everything.”“It seems like a long time ago, but it’s part of my memories,” she said, while promoting a book she wrote, which was a guide to appreciating classical music.She also talked in the interview about how music helped her get through some difficult times, including the deaths of Jack and Bobby Kennedy, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-ddcdb608829b468685eaa722a4a24361">her son Ted Jr.</a>&nbsp;lost his leg to cancer and her separation and divorce from Ted Kennedy.“I do advise listening to music when you're in grief,” she said. “Music has give me a lot of courage to carry on.”In a statement, former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-mental-health-spokane-patrick-kennedy-c3192a14ea12469c9e106f20c53b5be4">Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island</a>&nbsp;praised his mother for her courage and talent.“Besides being a loving mother, talented musician, and instrumental partner to my father as he launched his successful political career, Mom was a power of example to millions of people with mental health conditions,” his statement said. “She will be missed not just by the entire Kennedy Family, but by the arts community in the City of Boston and the many people whose lives that she touched.”She also became one of the first women to publicly acknowledge her struggles with alcoholism and depression.“I will always admire my mother for the way that she faced up to her challenges with grace, courage, humility, and honesty,” Ted Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. “She taught me how to be more truthful with myself and how careful listening is a more powerful communication skill than public speaking.”After Chappaquiddick, her drinking worsened. A series of drunken driving arrests led to stays in alcohol treatment programs. Then in 2005, a passerby found her passed out on a Boston sidewalk in the rain, and she was hospitalized with a concussion and broken shoulder. Her children intervened, with Ted Jr. obtaining a court-ordered guardianship for his mother’s care.Maria Shriver praised her cousins for doing “a great job caring for her, respecting her privacy, and loving her.”“She courageously shared what it was like to lose a child, get divorced from a famous man, and carry on. Her life was challenging, but she persevered,” the daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver posted in a eulogy for her aunt. “As a young girl, I marveled at her grace, her beauty, her elegance. As a woman, I respected her grit, her resilience, her perseverance.”Joan Kennedy is survived by her two sons, nine grandchildren, a great-grandchild and nearly 30 nieces and nephews. Her daughter, Kara, died in 2011.

Joan Kennedy, first wife of Sen. Edward Kennedy, has died

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Wednesday, October 8
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pm

Thursday, October 9
 none

Friday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pm

Sunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Wednesday, October 8
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, October 9
 noneFriday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pmSaturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pmSunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement on Tuesday released the name of the suspect in the homicide investigation involving a missing Kansas woman.

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;– This is an update to the September 28th media release regarding the homicide investigation of 43-year-old Rachel Johnson of Wichita.

The suspect in this case has been identified as 39-year-old Brentton Walker of Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

&nbsp;Walker was located with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed that Walker and Rachel Johnson had a prior dating relationship.&nbsp;

On Sept. 28, investigators were directed to a residence in the 1800 block of South Longford Circle. There, officers located a reported missing Ford Fusion and found Johnson deceased inside the vehicle. Officers then entered the home and located Walker in the basement. He was pronounced deceased.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. A mother has lost her life to a senseless and cowardly act, leaving a family devastated and a community grieving.&nbsp; October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We are reminded that domestic violence continues to impact countless lives, often in silence and behind closed doors. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call 911 immediately. If it’s not safe to call right away, reach out when you can to trusted local resources such as Harbor House or the Wichita Family Crisis Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759140655197.png" alt="Rachel Johnson photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Rachel Johnson photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement on Tuesday released the name of the suspect in the homicide investigation involving a missing Kansas woman.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Wichita Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 43-year-old Rachel Johnson, who was reported missing on Saturday, September 27. <a href="https://t.co/VmhQ5G6zKP">pic.twitter.com/VmhQ5G6zKP</a>&mdash; Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaPolice/status/1972316873602781605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;– This is an update to the September 28th media release regarding the homicide investigation of 43-year-old Rachel Johnson of Wichita.The suspect in this case has been identified as 39-year-old Brentton Walker of Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.&nbsp;Walker was located with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed that Walker and Rachel Johnson had a prior dating relationship.&nbsp;On Sept. 28, investigators were directed to a residence in the 1800 block of South Longford Circle. There, officers located a reported missing Ford Fusion and found Johnson deceased inside the vehicle. Officers then entered the home and located Walker in the basement. He was pronounced deceased.Statement from Chief Joe Sullivan:“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. A mother has lost her life to a senseless and cowardly act, leaving a family devastated and a community grieving.&nbsp; October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We are reminded that domestic violence continues to impact countless lives, often in silence and behind closed doors. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call 911 immediately. If it’s not safe to call right away, reach out when you can to trusted local resources such as Harbor House or the Wichita Family Crisis Center.--------------

Police release name of suspect in murder of missing Kan. woman

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pam-bondi">Attorney General Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;repeatedly deflected questions as she sought during a combative congressional hearing on Tuesday to defend herself against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-justice-department-trump-bondi-bove-adams-a003af9d9aebe89cd289361a65c9401b">growing criticism</a>&nbsp;that she's turning the law enforcement agency into a weapon to seek vengeance against President Donald Trump’s political opponents.

Democrats sought to use the hearing, coming on the heels of the indictment of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-comey-charged-lying-congress-a2c72e1a5bb73d588f3af7fdb56caa82">former FBI Director James Comey</a>, to warn of what they view as the politicization of a department that has long prided itself on remaining independent from the White House.

Bondi brushed aside with seeming disdain questions about her tumultuous tenure, flatly refusing to answer time and again as Democrats pressed her on politically charged investigations, the firings of career prosecutors and other matters. Her refusal to engage on the questions meant little if any fresh insight was offered about her actions and decisions, with Bondi instead opting to respond to Democrats' attacks by echoing conservative claims that President Joe Biden's Justice Department — which brought two criminal cases against Trump — was the one that had been weaponized.

“They were playing politics with law enforcement powers and will go down as a historic betrayal of public trust,” Bondi said of the Biden Justice Department. “This is the kind of conduct that shatters the American people’s faith in our law enforcement system. We will work to earn that back every single day.”

The hearing split early along deeply partisan lines, with Republicans repeatedly leaping to her defense to highlight the criminal cases against the president that they say show the institution she inherited was deeply politicized. They pointed to revelations from a day earlier that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-january-6-senate-grassley-26dcd37c3b9e84c0173e63799baf3fa4">the FBI had analyzed phone records</a>&nbsp;of several Republican lawmakers as part of an investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden, a Democrat.

“This is an outrage, an unconstitutional breach and ought to be immediately addressed by you and Director Patel,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Republican chairman of the committee, told Bondi, referring to FBI Director Kash Patel.

Democrats, meanwhile, accused Bondi of destroying the department's credibility and eroding its longstanding independence from the White House as the Republican president publicly calls for the prosecution of his political foes.

“What has taken place since January 20th, 2025, would make even President Nixon recoil,” Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the committee, said of the president who resigned to avoid being impeached in connection with the Watergate scandal. “This is your legacy, Attorney General Bondi. In eight short months, you fundamentally transformed the Justice Department and left an enormous stain in American history. It will take decades to recover.”

Democrats press Bondi on her pledge not to play politics

The hearing marked Bondi's first before the panel since her confirmation hearing last January, when she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-bondi-garland-01edf039f8102271943da4fb85d56fa7">pledged to not play politics</a>&nbsp;with the Justice Department — a promise Democrats pounced on as they pressed the attorney general on whether she can withstand political pressure from the White House.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, reminded Bondi of that commitment and asked her if she thought she had upheld it. Bondi replied that she believed she absolutely had.

“I pledged that I would end the weaponization also of the Justice Department and that America would once again have a one tier system of justice for all,” Bondi said. “And that is what we are doing.”

Bondi set the tone for the hearing at the outset, repeatedly snapping with a raised voice at Durbin and deflecting questions from him by pointing to the murder rate in Chicago and asserting that lawmakers from his party were responsible for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493">shutting the government down</a>.

“You’re sitting here grilling me, and they’re on their way to Chicago to keep your state safe,” Bondi said, referring to Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

“Madam Attorney General,” Durbin replied, “it’s my job to grill you.”

Bondi refuses to answer questions about Comey and other matters

She refused repeatedly to discuss matters, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-homan-bribery-investigation-justice-department-461cc66955e2ba25445a9bf931250580">a bribery investigation</a>&nbsp;into Trump border czar Tom Homan that was shuttered under the Trump administration. That drew the ire of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, who accused Bondi of responding with “far-right internet talking points.”

She also declined to say whether she talked to the president about the case against Comey, who was charged last month with lying to the Senate Judiciary Committee when he said he had not authorized anyone else at the FBI to be an anonymous source in news reports about a particular investigation. His indictment came just days after Trump appeared to publicly implore her on social media to take that action against him and other perceived political enemies.

“This is supposed to be an oversight hearing in which members of Congress can get serious answer to serious questions about the coverup of corruption, about the prosecution of the president’s enemies," Sen. Adam Schiff of California, a Democrat from California, said as Bondi repeatedly interrupted him. "And when will be that the members of this committee on a bipartisan basis demand answers to those questions and refuse to accept personal slander as an answer to those questions?”

Comey is set to make his first court appearance on Wednesday in the case, which was brought despite career prosecutors' reservations about the strength of evidence, after the Trump administration raced install a new prosecutor to secure the charges following the resignation under pressure of the experienced leader of that office.

The Justice Department under Bondi has opened criminal investigations into other vocal critics of the president, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-james-attorney-general-justice-department-subpoena-9dec45248df0e06b1d99ff9944e6d327">Schiff</a>&nbsp;on accusations of mortgage fraud, New York Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-letitia-james-siebert-trump-9ec1a96c05fa77d8acc558bd803622a2">Letitia James</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cuomo-mamdani-jewish-nyc-mayor-a046d4a050dac37d61014062f60a5f31">Andrew Cuomo</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-cuomo-justice-department-coronavirus-pam-bondi-40dcf2947f457c5b3d7be8fedab2a592">former New York governor and current mayoral candidate</a>. They have all denied wrongdoing, as has Comey, and have slammed the investigations as politically motivated.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pam-bondi">Attorney General Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;repeatedly deflected questions as she sought during a combative congressional hearing on Tuesday to defend herself against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-justice-department-trump-bondi-bove-adams-a003af9d9aebe89cd289361a65c9401b">growing criticism</a>&nbsp;that she's turning the law enforcement agency into a weapon to seek vengeance against President Donald Trump’s political opponents.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>&#39;s opening remarks before the Senate Judiciary Committee: &quot;We learned the former FBI secretly investigated you and your colleagues... this is the kind of conduct that shatters the American people&#39;s faith in our law enforcement system. We will work to earn that back… <a href="https://t.co/Y5ZiXCTCPD">pic.twitter.com/Y5ZiXCTCPD</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1975563351452246212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: Pam Bondi just DEMOLISHED Senator Blumenthal after he ACCUSED her of impropriety: &quot;I CANNOT BELIEVE that you would ACCUSE ME of impropriety when YOU LIED about your MILITARY SERVICE.&quot; &quot;You LIED to be elected a US Senator.&quot; &quot;Don&#39;t YOU EVER challenge MY integrity. I… <a href="https://t.co/Fx0reJH5J7">pic.twitter.com/Fx0reJH5J7</a>&mdash; Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) <a href="https://twitter.com/GuntherEagleman/status/1975587653442502949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pam Bondi is incapable of answering simple questions. <a href="https://t.co/VtD3KIYxx9">pic.twitter.com/VtD3KIYxx9</a>&mdash; Sheldon Whitehouse (@SenWhitehouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenWhitehouse/status/1975617275567759701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Your city has a murder rate five times higher than New. York&#39;s — 571 homicides last year,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> to the insufferable <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorDurbin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorDurbin</a> on the National Guard in Chicago. &quot;We&#39;re there to help make America safe and Illinois safe — whether or not you want to.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qgbZIryITP">pic.twitter.com/qgbZIryITP</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1975568173291515944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. SCHIFF: You’ve refused to answer questions about ethics, the Qatari plane, the Epstein files, Tom Homan’s alleged bribery, political prosecutions, military authorization… Bondi: *tries interrupting* Schiff: Excuse me. This is an oversight hearing. We demand answers. <a href="https://t.co/GSeAoMtcf4">pic.twitter.com/GSeAoMtcf4</a>&mdash; Senate Judiciary Democrats 🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/JudiciaryDems/status/1975669931955134611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a> cooks <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorDurbin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorDurbin</a>: &quot;I wish you loved Chicago as much as you hate President Trump — and currently, the National Guard are on the way to Chicago. If you&#39;re not going to protect your citizens, President Trump will.&quot; 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/4CoNdH5w4p">pic.twitter.com/4CoNdH5w4p</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1975561272919015731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. DURBIN: Why was the FBI directed to flag Donald Trump’s name in the Epstein files? Bondi: I&#39;m not going to discuss anything related to these files. Durbin: Eventually, you&#39;re going to have to answer. <a href="https://t.co/OEUJEaReeM">pic.twitter.com/OEUJEaReeM</a>&mdash; Senate Judiciary Democrats 🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/JudiciaryDems/status/1975621594841305544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. KLOBUCHAR: Do you support raising the age to 21 to purchase assault weapons? Bondi: I won’t discuss pending litigation. Sen. KLOBUCHAR: Your views are not pending litigation. <a href="https://t.co/RpCItcSjf5">pic.twitter.com/RpCItcSjf5</a>&mdash; Senate Judiciary Democrats 🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/JudiciaryDems/status/1975625224537378969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Democrats sought to use the hearing, coming on the heels of the indictment of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-comey-charged-lying-congress-a2c72e1a5bb73d588f3af7fdb56caa82">former FBI Director James Comey</a>, to warn of what they view as the politicization of a department that has long prided itself on remaining independent from the White House.Bondi brushed aside with seeming disdain questions about her tumultuous tenure, flatly refusing to answer time and again as Democrats pressed her on politically charged investigations, the firings of career prosecutors and other matters. Her refusal to engage on the questions meant little if any fresh insight was offered about her actions and decisions, with Bondi instead opting to respond to Democrats' attacks by echoing conservative claims that President Joe Biden's Justice Department — which brought two criminal cases against Trump — was the one that had been weaponized.“They were playing politics with law enforcement powers and will go down as a historic betrayal of public trust,” Bondi said of the Biden Justice Department. “This is the kind of conduct that shatters the American people’s faith in our law enforcement system. We will work to earn that back every single day.”The hearing split early along deeply partisan lines, with Republicans repeatedly leaping to her defense to highlight the criminal cases against the president that they say show the institution she inherited was deeply politicized. They pointed to revelations from a day earlier that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-january-6-senate-grassley-26dcd37c3b9e84c0173e63799baf3fa4">the FBI had analyzed phone records</a>&nbsp;of several Republican lawmakers as part of an investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden, a Democrat.“This is an outrage, an unconstitutional breach and ought to be immediately addressed by you and Director Patel,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Republican chairman of the committee, told Bondi, referring to FBI Director Kash Patel.Democrats, meanwhile, accused Bondi of destroying the department's credibility and eroding its longstanding independence from the White House as the Republican president publicly calls for the prosecution of his political foes.“What has taken place since January 20th, 2025, would make even President Nixon recoil,” Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the committee, said of the president who resigned to avoid being impeached in connection with the Watergate scandal. “This is your legacy, Attorney General Bondi. In eight short months, you fundamentally transformed the Justice Department and left an enormous stain in American history. It will take decades to recover.”<h2>Democrats press Bondi on her pledge not to play politics</h2>The hearing marked Bondi's first before the panel since her confirmation hearing last January, when she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-bondi-garland-01edf039f8102271943da4fb85d56fa7">pledged to not play politics</a>&nbsp;with the Justice Department — a promise Democrats pounced on as they pressed the attorney general on whether she can withstand political pressure from the White House.Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, reminded Bondi of that commitment and asked her if she thought she had upheld it. Bondi replied that she believed she absolutely had.“I pledged that I would end the weaponization also of the Justice Department and that America would once again have a one tier system of justice for all,” Bondi said. “And that is what we are doing.”Bondi set the tone for the hearing at the outset, repeatedly snapping with a raised voice at Durbin and deflecting questions from him by pointing to the murder rate in Chicago and asserting that lawmakers from his party were responsible for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493">shutting the government down</a>.“You’re sitting here grilling me, and they’re on their way to Chicago to keep your state safe,” Bondi said, referring to Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.“Madam Attorney General,” Durbin replied, “it’s my job to grill you.”<h2>Bondi refuses to answer questions about Comey and other matters</h2>She refused repeatedly to discuss matters, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-homan-bribery-investigation-justice-department-461cc66955e2ba25445a9bf931250580">a bribery investigation</a>&nbsp;into Trump border czar Tom Homan that was shuttered under the Trump administration. That drew the ire of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, who accused Bondi of responding with “far-right internet talking points.”She also declined to say whether she talked to the president about the case against Comey, who was charged last month with lying to the Senate Judiciary Committee when he said he had not authorized anyone else at the FBI to be an anonymous source in news reports about a particular investigation. His indictment came just days after Trump appeared to publicly implore her on social media to take that action against him and other perceived political enemies.“This is supposed to be an oversight hearing in which members of Congress can get serious answer to serious questions about the coverup of corruption, about the prosecution of the president’s enemies," Sen. Adam Schiff of California, a Democrat from California, said as Bondi repeatedly interrupted him. "And when will be that the members of this committee on a bipartisan basis demand answers to those questions and refuse to accept personal slander as an answer to those questions?”Comey is set to make his first court appearance on Wednesday in the case, which was brought despite career prosecutors' reservations about the strength of evidence, after the Trump administration raced install a new prosecutor to secure the charges following the resignation under pressure of the experienced leader of that office.The Justice Department under Bondi has opened criminal investigations into other vocal critics of the president, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-james-attorney-general-justice-department-subpoena-9dec45248df0e06b1d99ff9944e6d327">Schiff</a>&nbsp;on accusations of mortgage fraud, New York Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-letitia-james-siebert-trump-9ec1a96c05fa77d8acc558bd803622a2">Letitia James</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cuomo-mamdani-jewish-nyc-mayor-a046d4a050dac37d61014062f60a5f31">Andrew Cuomo</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-cuomo-justice-department-coronavirus-pam-bondi-40dcf2947f457c5b3d7be8fedab2a592">former New York governor and current mayoral candidate</a>. They have all denied wrongdoing, as has Comey, and have slammed the investigations as politically motivated.___

🎥Some highlights of AG Pam Bondi's fiery Senate hearing

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation is seeking input from the public on regional transportation priorities at Local Consult meetings across the state in October.

“Local Consult meetings are a great opportunity for those who use our highways to give feedback on the projects and improvements that are most important to them,” said District Three Engineer Jeff Stewart. “That feedback is important to help KDOT prioritize and identify projects that will best serve our communities.”

People in northwest Kansas (District 3) are invited to participate:

COLBY - 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct. 15: City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range Ave.

Attendees will also hear about transportation investments being made in their area and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.

STATEWIDE VIRTUAL MEETING - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28:&nbsp;Please register in advance – visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Flocal-consult-2025%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010199b9b4cec1-ff7a1d38-9138-4660-892b-63a458da4a6a-000000/VkUsBu5dZMEJq9oy5o7thBvm6cxFG-rjCzjWj8hCUgY=425">https://www.ksdot.gov/local-consult-2025</a>&nbsp;to attend the virtual meeting.

Local Consult meetings occur every two years to provide Kansans opportunities to ask questions and speak with local, state and federal officials about transportation needs across the state.

For more meeting or project information, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOT.Engagement@ks.gov">KDOT.Engagement@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759853699306.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of TransportationTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation is seeking input from the public on regional transportation priorities at Local Consult meetings across the state in October.“Local Consult meetings are a great opportunity for those who use our highways to give feedback on the projects and improvements that are most important to them,” said District Three Engineer Jeff Stewart. “That feedback is important to help KDOT prioritize and identify projects that will best serve our communities.”People in northwest Kansas (District 3) are invited to participate:COLBY - 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct. 15: City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range Ave.Attendees will also hear about transportation investments being made in their area and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.STATEWIDE VIRTUAL MEETING - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28:&nbsp;Please register in advance – visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Flocal-consult-2025%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010199b9b4cec1-ff7a1d38-9138-4660-892b-63a458da4a6a-000000/VkUsBu5dZMEJq9oy5o7thBvm6cxFG-rjCzjWj8hCUgY=425">https://www.ksdot.gov/local-consult-2025</a>&nbsp;to attend the virtual meeting.Local Consult meetings occur every two years to provide Kansans opportunities to ask questions and speak with local, state and federal officials about transportation needs across the state.For more meeting or project information, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOT.Engagement@ks.gov">KDOT.Engagement@ks.gov</a>.

Local Consult meeting in Colby on Oct. 15 to focus on regional transportation priorities

Fort Hays State University Alumni Office

Community members, alumni, and Tiger fans traveled far and wide for Homecoming at Fort Hays State University September 25 - 27.&nbsp;Whether to catch up with classmates and friends or take part in time-honored traditions, the turnout was outstanding.

Homecoming festivities teed off Thursday morning with 36 teams participating in the annual sold-out Homecoming Golf Tournament at Smoky Hill Country Club. While rain earlier in the week canceled the beloved bonfire that night, Tiger spirit ignited the evening pep rally.

The FHSU community gathered on campus Friday morning to celebrate a transformative seven-figure gift and the renaming of the university’s library. Currently undergoing a nearly $28 million comprehensive renovation, the library will now be known as the Tebo Library in recognition of alum Stephen Tebo’s generosity, alongside his wife Tatiana and the Tebo family. 

Read more about the library’s renaming here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0b8qTGUC-2BWTp-2FgE8trnmiRAmqWsXudrdOTwQYq1O75GnAv067-2BZKviK1FL1K07AZjHYGKgtGDedXMkN6eMkMr0GArSuiE-2BLhN1mUrKCxzxm7z3QYklNsQRZwwrK7Hf7S7Q-3D-3DWj2x_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOcietdQGfFVQkm17oTQEFYO0H0q9wOl1NcUCkniCbAT5ySMYV3-2BTPDy1j-2BH7-2Bpfo1y4yhip3V249-2BbACdRV-2FRsNqWNXWClpv6L3f3gbBPyBP-2FELKHssyDL3FHTSv4W4wDSD5SfnTPJUL9KUnQHxPw7NTrN80yFhldCE28wYIOFkkg90-2Bb0kw3Tfr3NTG-2FsZS6I47hZoijnt3WWREez29VMC1gzCtWqWp6zC7RaeLIsxICJjIBnnvqvW7LpUdX3Gfa">foundation.fhsu.edu/fort-hays-state-university-announces-seven-figure-gift-to-campus-library</a>

Also honored throughout the weekend were six Fort Hays State University Alumni Award recipients. This year’s awardees included two Alumni Achievement Award recipients, Michelle (George) Dillard&nbsp;’11&nbsp;and Police Commander Benjamin A. Kelso&nbsp;’14, ’17,&nbsp;a Distinguished Service recipient, Dr. Jeff Curtis&nbsp;’77, a Nita Landrum Award recipient, Dr. Mike Slattery&nbsp;’73, ’77, ’89, and two Young Alumni Award recipients, Dr. Sara Brungardt&nbsp;’08, ’11,&nbsp;and Jacie Hoyt&nbsp;’11. 

Learn more about each recipient here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aYR9Z8tDg7NaDuaaD04HBOwrASeRkFfF9qUs-2Bz2YCAlbmbJRCDVQSQwjO2fP4B0UjwsNSkZgkz4UUJSd4ekSWatFp4jkYXFbuUXiNKWgvZtR53R_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOcietdQGfFVQkm17oTQEFYO0H0q9wOl1NcUCkniCbAT5ySMYV3-2BTPDy1j-2BH7-2Bpfo1y4yhip3V249-2BbACdRV-2FRsDwwuXeBWWWYHcUWMAeXLd9vulD76evdrvlmvQfD-2B2zhvjPhX8m54V3K-2BZ54IQOUTjwE8NgAzowF1CaPx6thqnzE1c-2ByZWpiKKzaZwyqvOxjBEPPR-2BfS65udvmMAtuXOXiuTzCow4JuHr0yiNj2ddQHvHSa7aG8Wj5-2FRKKoLfmWZ">FHSUalumni.com/fhsu-reveals-2025-slate-of-alumni-award-recipients</a>

The classes of 1965 and 1975 celebrated 50- and 60-year milestones since their graduation from Fort Hays State on Friday at the annual Half Century Club luncheon. During the event, the Class of 1975 was officially inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. Among the inductees was Keith Harper, a standout athlete who played both baseball and basketball during his time on campus.

“The friendships and camaraderie I built through playing two different sports over four years created bonds I still cherish today,” Harper said. “I married the love of my life during my sophomore year, welcomed a child, lived in Wooster Place, and was honored as the 1975 Busch-Gross Award recipient – all while receiving a tremendous education at Fort Hays State. I’m not sure where the past 50 years have gone, but they flew by, and I’m looking forward to many more Homecoming celebrations to come. Go Tigers!”

Saturday morning kicked off with class reunion breakfasts and a lively Homecoming parade in downtown Hays. Tiger fans reunited for tailgating festivities before cheering Fort Hays State to a 31 to 23 victory over Missouri Western at Lewis Field Stadium. With more than 8,200 fans in attendance, the game drew one of the largest crowds in university history.

Mark your calendars for October 1&nbsp;-&nbsp;3, 2026, and make plans to attend FHSU Homecoming again next year! 

Members of the Class of 1976 will celebrate their 50-year reunion and will be inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. All FHSU graduates from 1976 and prior are encouraged to attend the weekend’s Half Century Club Social and Luncheon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759852020483.jpeg" alt="Keith Harper, FHSU Class of 1975, Hays, celebrates his induction into the university's Half Century Club. Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Keith Harper, FHSU Class of 1975, Hays, celebrates his induction into the university's Half Century Club. Photo courtesy Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State University Alumni OfficeCommunity members, alumni, and Tiger fans traveled far and wide for Homecoming at Fort Hays State University September 25 - 27.&nbsp;Whether to catch up with classmates and friends or take part in time-honored traditions, the turnout was outstanding.Homecoming festivities teed off Thursday morning with 36 teams participating in the annual sold-out Homecoming Golf Tournament at Smoky Hill Country Club. While rain earlier in the week canceled the beloved bonfire that night, Tiger spirit ignited the evening pep rally.The FHSU community gathered on campus Friday morning to celebrate a transformative seven-figure gift and the renaming of the university’s library. Currently undergoing a nearly $28 million comprehensive renovation, the library will now be known as the Tebo Library in recognition of alum Stephen Tebo’s generosity, alongside his wife Tatiana and the Tebo family. Read more about the library’s renaming here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0b8qTGUC-2BWTp-2FgE8trnmiRAmqWsXudrdOTwQYq1O75GnAv067-2BZKviK1FL1K07AZjHYGKgtGDedXMkN6eMkMr0GArSuiE-2BLhN1mUrKCxzxm7z3QYklNsQRZwwrK7Hf7S7Q-3D-3DWj2x_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOcietdQGfFVQkm17oTQEFYO0H0q9wOl1NcUCkniCbAT5ySMYV3-2BTPDy1j-2BH7-2Bpfo1y4yhip3V249-2BbACdRV-2FRsNqWNXWClpv6L3f3gbBPyBP-2FELKHssyDL3FHTSv4W4wDSD5SfnTPJUL9KUnQHxPw7NTrN80yFhldCE28wYIOFkkg90-2Bb0kw3Tfr3NTG-2FsZS6I47hZoijnt3WWREez29VMC1gzCtWqWp6zC7RaeLIsxICJjIBnnvqvW7LpUdX3Gfa">foundation.fhsu.edu/fort-hays-state-university-announces-seven-figure-gift-to-campus-library</a>Also honored throughout the weekend were six Fort Hays State University Alumni Award recipients. This year’s awardees included two Alumni Achievement Award recipients, Michelle (George) Dillard&nbsp;’11&nbsp;and Police Commander Benjamin A. Kelso&nbsp;’14, ’17,&nbsp;a Distinguished Service recipient, Dr. Jeff Curtis&nbsp;’77, a Nita Landrum Award recipient, Dr. Mike Slattery&nbsp;’73, ’77, ’89, and two Young Alumni Award recipients, Dr. Sara Brungardt&nbsp;’08, ’11,&nbsp;and Jacie Hoyt&nbsp;’11. Learn more about each recipient here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aYR9Z8tDg7NaDuaaD04HBOwrASeRkFfF9qUs-2Bz2YCAlbmbJRCDVQSQwjO2fP4B0UjwsNSkZgkz4UUJSd4ekSWatFp4jkYXFbuUXiNKWgvZtR53R_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOcietdQGfFVQkm17oTQEFYO0H0q9wOl1NcUCkniCbAT5ySMYV3-2BTPDy1j-2BH7-2Bpfo1y4yhip3V249-2BbACdRV-2FRsDwwuXeBWWWYHcUWMAeXLd9vulD76evdrvlmvQfD-2B2zhvjPhX8m54V3K-2BZ54IQOUTjwE8NgAzowF1CaPx6thqnzE1c-2ByZWpiKKzaZwyqvOxjBEPPR-2BfS65udvmMAtuXOXiuTzCow4JuHr0yiNj2ddQHvHSa7aG8Wj5-2FRKKoLfmWZ">FHSUalumni.com/fhsu-reveals-2025-slate-of-alumni-award-recipients</a>The classes of 1965 and 1975 celebrated 50- and 60-year milestones since their graduation from Fort Hays State on Friday at the annual Half Century Club luncheon. During the event, the Class of 1975 was officially inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. Among the inductees was Keith Harper, a standout athlete who played both baseball and basketball during his time on campus.“The friendships and camaraderie I built through playing two different sports over four years created bonds I still cherish today,” Harper said. “I married the love of my life during my sophomore year, welcomed a child, lived in Wooster Place, and was honored as the 1975 Busch-Gross Award recipient – all while receiving a tremendous education at Fort Hays State. I’m not sure where the past 50 years have gone, but they flew by, and I’m looking forward to many more Homecoming celebrations to come. Go Tigers!”Saturday morning kicked off with class reunion breakfasts and a lively Homecoming parade in downtown Hays. Tiger fans reunited for tailgating festivities before cheering Fort Hays State to a 31 to 23 victory over Missouri Western at Lewis Field Stadium. With more than 8,200 fans in attendance, the game drew one of the largest crowds in university history.Mark your calendars for October 1&nbsp;-&nbsp;3, 2026, and make plans to attend FHSU Homecoming again next year! Members of the Class of 1976 will celebrate their 50-year reunion and will be inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. All FHSU graduates from 1976 and prior are encouraged to attend the weekend’s Half Century Club Social and Luncheon.

FHSU Homecoming a weekend to remember for alumni

By KENDRA FRASIER Cottonwood Extension District

Medicare can be challenging to navigate. 

If you are eligible, you know that enrolling in hospital insurance, Part B, supplemental coverage, and a drug plan can be overwhelming. 

The good news is that if you aren’t pleased with your current coverage, open enrollment allows you to make some changes. For example, you can review your current drug plan and see if it will be your best option next year. Since Part D plans tend to change yearly, it’s smart to see what that means for your coverage and costs.

The Cottonwood Extension District is here to help. Certified Senior Health Insurance Counselors in Kansas (SHICK) offer free, unbiased, and confidential Part D assistance to help you find the best drug plan. If you want to compare drug plans, switch plans, or shop around, we are available to visit with you and see what works best for your situation. Open Enrollment is from October 15 – December 7, and you can schedule an appointment today in Hays or Ellis with a certified counselor.

When you schedule an appointment with the Cottonwood District, you will receive a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug -Coverage Worksheet. Medicare beneficiaries need to list all prescription drugs taken, dosage, and 30-day quantity on the worksheet. Bring the worksheet, your Medicare card, and recent letters from Social Security or Medicare to your appointment. 

To schedule your appointment in Hays or Ellis, please call 785-628-9430.

Or if you are in surrounding areas such as Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, or Claflin, please call 620-793-1910 to schedule an appointment with Michelle Beran.

Karissa Frasier, M.S., is a Certified Community Health Worker for Cottonwood Extension District in Hays. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or by email at&nbsp;krfrasier@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Frasier,&nbsp;Certified Community Health Worker, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Frasier,&nbsp;Certified Community Health Worker, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KENDRA FRASIER Cottonwood Extension DistrictMedicare can be challenging to navigate. If you are eligible, you know that enrolling in hospital insurance, Part B, supplemental coverage, and a drug plan can be overwhelming. The good news is that if you aren’t pleased with your current coverage, open enrollment allows you to make some changes. For example, you can review your current drug plan and see if it will be your best option next year. Since Part D plans tend to change yearly, it’s smart to see what that means for your coverage and costs.The Cottonwood Extension District is here to help. Certified Senior Health Insurance Counselors in Kansas (SHICK) offer free, unbiased, and confidential Part D assistance to help you find the best drug plan. If you want to compare drug plans, switch plans, or shop around, we are available to visit with you and see what works best for your situation. Open Enrollment is from October 15 – December 7, and you can schedule an appointment today in Hays or Ellis with a certified counselor.When you schedule an appointment with the Cottonwood District, you will receive a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug -Coverage Worksheet. Medicare beneficiaries need to list all prescription drugs taken, dosage, and 30-day quantity on the worksheet. Bring the worksheet, your Medicare card, and recent letters from Social Security or Medicare to your appointment. To schedule your appointment in Hays or Ellis, please call 785-628-9430.Or if you are in surrounding areas such as Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, or Claflin, please call 620-793-1910 to schedule an appointment with Michelle Beran.Karissa Frasier, M.S., is a Certified Community Health Worker for Cottonwood Extension District in Hays. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or by email at&nbsp;krfrasier@ksu.edu.

FRASIER: Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

HAYS - The Hays High volleyball team sent their seniors out on a winning note. The Indians picked up a pair of sweeps in their final regular season matches at their new gym Tuesday with wins over&nbsp;Garden City and Phillipsburg.

HHS def. Garden City 29-27, 25-23 HHS def. Phillipsburg 25-21, 25-22

Hays improved to 20-9 overall. They travel to Junction City for a triangular on Thursday, October 16 then will be in Great Bend for the Western Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday, October 18.

Hays Post SportsHAYS - The Hays High volleyball team sent their seniors out on a winning note. The Indians picked up a pair of sweeps in their final regular season matches at their new gym Tuesday with wins over&nbsp;Garden City and Phillipsburg.HHS def. Garden City 29-27, 25-23 HHS def. Phillipsburg 25-21, 25-22Hays improved to 20-9 overall. They travel to Junction City for a triangular on Thursday, October 16 then will be in Great Bend for the Western Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday, October 18.

🏐 HHS picks up a pair of wins on Senior Night

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City area man faces felony charges for the stabbing and attempted robbery of a man hired to clean a city-owned park.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2740/Lewis-Austin-Complaint-Packet_Redacted">Austin R. Lewis</a>, 30, is charged with 1st Degree Attempted Robbery, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

On October 5, Kansas City police were dispatched to an area near the National WWI Museum and Memorial regarding a reported cutting, a<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2739/Austin-Lewis-Statement-of-Probable-Cause_Redacted">ccording to court records</a>. Based on witness reports, detectives determined that Lewis approached the victim, a worker cleaning the sidewalks, and asked for a dollar. When the victim, who did not speak English, did not respond, Lewis stabbed him with a knife in full view of witnesses before fleeing the scene.&nbsp;

The victim is alive and in stable condition.&nbsp;

Officers located Lewis a few minutes after responding to the scene and took him into custody. He declined to speak with detectives.&nbsp;

Lewis is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759845288270.png" alt="Lewis photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Lewis photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City area man faces felony charges for the stabbing and attempted robbery of a man hired to clean a city-owned park.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2740/Lewis-Austin-Complaint-Packet_Redacted">Austin R. Lewis</a>, 30, is charged with 1st Degree Attempted Robbery, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.On October 5, Kansas City police were dispatched to an area near the National WWI Museum and Memorial regarding a reported cutting, a<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2739/Austin-Lewis-Statement-of-Probable-Cause_Redacted">ccording to court records</a>. Based on witness reports, detectives determined that Lewis approached the victim, a worker cleaning the sidewalks, and asked for a dollar. When the victim, who did not speak English, did not respond, Lewis stabbed him with a knife in full view of witnesses before fleeing the scene.&nbsp;The victim is alive and in stable condition.&nbsp;Officers located Lewis a few minutes after responding to the scene and took him into custody. He declined to speak with detectives.&nbsp;Lewis is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

Police: Man attacked worker hired to clean KC owned park

EDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 12th at the Skip Wagnon Invitational, hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma October 6-7. Cooper Scheck led the Tigers tying for 11th place individually at 3-under par overall.

Three Tigers produced under par rounds during the tournament. Scheck's 4-under par 66 in the opening round was the best for the tournament by a Tiger, while Chutithep Rungpajchim and Jordan McCaslin each had 1-under par rounds of 69 as their best rounds.

Scheck posted rounds of 66, 71, and 70 to finish at 3-under overall. He had 10 birdies throughout the tournament, including five in the first round. Rungpajchim shot 69 to open the tournament and then back-to-back rounds of 74. He posted eight birdies throughout the tournament and finished at 7-over par overall and a tie for 50th individually.

Jordan McCaslin tied for 64th individually after rounds of 72, 69, and 78, carding seven birdies throughout the tournament. He had five during his 1-under par second round and finished at 9-over par for the tournament. Colby Hays tied for 79th with rounds of 74, 71, and 77. He had five birdies and an eagle on a par four, shooting 12-over par overall. Grant McAtee shot rounds of 76, 73, and 75 and had four birdies in the tournament, finishing at 14-over par and a tie for 87th.

The Tigers shot 21-over par as a team overall. The Tigers opened with a 1-over par 281, followed by 284 and then 296.

St. Mary's (Texas) and Central Oklahoma ran away from the field. The Rattlers finished at 34-under par as a team to win the tournament, shooting -11, -16, and -7, while UCO finished at 30-under par with rounds of -10, -12, and -8. St. Mary's had the top two finishers, both in double digits under par. Kongpop Kaikaew won the tournament at 13-under par overall, while Guillaume Paquette shot 11-under par. Both shot 7-under par in the second round.

Fort Hays State heads to the MSSU Invitational at Shangri-La Golf Club and Resort in Monkey Island, Okla. for its next tournament, October 20-21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759918918553.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 12th at the Skip Wagnon Invitational, hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma October 6-7. Cooper Scheck led the Tigers tying for 11th place individually at 3-under par overall.Three Tigers produced under par rounds during the tournament. Scheck's 4-under par 66 in the opening round was the best for the tournament by a Tiger, while Chutithep Rungpajchim and Jordan McCaslin each had 1-under par rounds of 69 as their best rounds.Scheck posted rounds of 66, 71, and 70 to finish at 3-under overall. He had 10 birdies throughout the tournament, including five in the first round. Rungpajchim shot 69 to open the tournament and then back-to-back rounds of 74. He posted eight birdies throughout the tournament and finished at 7-over par overall and a tie for 50th individually.Jordan McCaslin tied for 64th individually after rounds of 72, 69, and 78, carding seven birdies throughout the tournament. He had five during his 1-under par second round and finished at 9-over par for the tournament. Colby Hays tied for 79th with rounds of 74, 71, and 77. He had five birdies and an eagle on a par four, shooting 12-over par overall. Grant McAtee shot rounds of 76, 73, and 75 and had four birdies in the tournament, finishing at 14-over par and a tie for 87th.The Tigers shot 21-over par as a team overall. The Tigers opened with a 1-over par 281, followed by 284 and then 296.St. Mary's (Texas) and Central Oklahoma ran away from the field. The Rattlers finished at 34-under par as a team to win the tournament, shooting -11, -16, and -7, while UCO finished at 30-under par with rounds of -10, -12, and -8. St. Mary's had the top two finishers, both in double digits under par. Kongpop Kaikaew won the tournament at 13-under par overall, while Guillaume Paquette shot 11-under par. Both shot 7-under par in the second round.Fort Hays State heads to the MSSU Invitational at Shangri-La Golf Club and Resort in Monkey Island, Okla. for its next tournament, October 20-21.

⛳ Tiger men finish 12th at Skip Wagnon Invitational

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;

Just after 12:30p.m.&nbsp;October 5, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff's office conducted a traffic stop on a gray Dodge Durango with a stolen license plate in the 2000 block of SE California Avenue, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics and multiple stolen items were located.

Deputies arrested 47-year-old Tashara D. Yeargin-Charles of Topeka and she was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; identity theft, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into the human body, Possession of stolen property, Vehicles; display plate not assigned, Vehicle liability insurance and Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759850096982.png" alt="Yeargin-Charles photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Yeargin-Charles photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;Just after 12:30p.m.&nbsp;October 5, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff's office conducted a traffic stop on a gray Dodge Durango with a stolen license plate in the 2000 block of SE California Avenue, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, illegal narcotics and multiple stolen items were located.Deputies arrested 47-year-old Tashara D. Yeargin-Charles of Topeka and she was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; identity theft, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into the human body, Possession of stolen property, Vehicles; display plate not assigned, Vehicle liability insurance and Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license.

Sheriff: Kansas woman jailed for alleged ID theft

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved up six spots in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll on Tuesday. The Tigers are ranked No. 7 in the nation, their highest ranking in the national poll since 2022 when they held the same ranking in the preseason poll. It is the sixth season in the program's highly successful 15-year history the Tigers have been in the top 10 of the national poll. The Tigers are 7-0-2 overall for the season and 3-0 in GAC play so far.

The top eight teams in the latest national poll are still unbeaten for the season. In fact, 14 of the teams listed in the top 25 have yet to take a loss this season.

Fort Hays State is now the highest ranked team from the Great American Conference after wins over Rogers State and Southern Nazarene last week. Rogers State (7-1-2) held the No. 8 ranking last week, but slipped to No. 15 after FHSU handed the Hillcats their first loss of the season last week. Newman and Southern Nazarene continue to receive votes in the poll.

Fort Hays State plays host to Harding and Ouachita Baptist this week in Hays on Thursday and Saturday (Oct. 9 &amp; 11).

United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll (October 7, 2025) Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	Lynn University	1	7-0-1 2	Southern New Hampshire University	3	7-0-2 3	California State University Stanislaus	2	7-0-1 4	University of Charleston	5	7-0-3 5	Young Harris College	9	8-0-1 6	Anderson University (S.C.)	4	5-0-3 7	Fort Hays State University	13	7-0-2 8	Palm Beach Atlantic University	19	7-0-1 9	Fort Lewis College	15	4-1-3 10	Cedarville University	10	6-0-3 11	Colorado State University-Pueblo	7	4-0-6 12	Seattle Pacific University	17	6-1-2 13	Post University	14	4-0-4 14	Florida Tech	22	4-0-4 15	Rogers State University	8	7-1-2 16	Cal Poly Pomona	11	5-1-3 17	Saginaw Valley State University	20	5-0-3 18	University of Tampa	6	5-1-3 19	Bloomsburg University	RV	4-0-3 20	Lincoln University (Mo.)	12	6-0-2 21	University of West Florida	NR	6-1-2 22	Midwestern State University	18	5-2-3 22	University of North Georgia	RV	4-3-4 23	Wilmington University	NR	5-1-3 24	California State University-San Bernardino	NR	5-1-3 25	Nova Southeastern University	16	4-1-1

Receiving Votes: University of North Georgia, Concord University, University of Indianapolis, Lander University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Newman University, California State University-Los Angeles, Metropolitan State University of Denver, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Southern Nazarene University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759918527256.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved up six spots in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll on Tuesday. The Tigers are ranked No. 7 in the nation, their highest ranking in the national poll since 2022 when they held the same ranking in the preseason poll. It is the sixth season in the program's highly successful 15-year history the Tigers have been in the top 10 of the national poll. The Tigers are 7-0-2 overall for the season and 3-0 in GAC play so far.The top eight teams in the latest national poll are still unbeaten for the season. In fact, 14 of the teams listed in the top 25 have yet to take a loss this season.Fort Hays State is now the highest ranked team from the Great American Conference after wins over Rogers State and Southern Nazarene last week. Rogers State (7-1-2) held the No. 8 ranking last week, but slipped to No. 15 after FHSU handed the Hillcats their first loss of the season last week. Newman and Southern Nazarene continue to receive votes in the poll.Fort Hays State plays host to Harding and Ouachita Baptist this week in Hays on Thursday and Saturday (Oct. 9 &amp; 11).United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll (October 7, 2025) Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	Lynn University	1	7-0-1 2	Southern New Hampshire University	3	7-0-2 3	California State University Stanislaus	2	7-0-1 4	University of Charleston	5	7-0-3 5	Young Harris College	9	8-0-1 6	Anderson University (S.C.)	4	5-0-3 7	Fort Hays State University	13	7-0-2 8	Palm Beach Atlantic University	19	7-0-1 9	Fort Lewis College	15	4-1-3 10	Cedarville University	10	6-0-3 11	Colorado State University-Pueblo	7	4-0-6 12	Seattle Pacific University	17	6-1-2 13	Post University	14	4-0-4 14	Florida Tech	22	4-0-4 15	Rogers State University	8	7-1-2 16	Cal Poly Pomona	11	5-1-3 17	Saginaw Valley State University	20	5-0-3 18	University of Tampa	6	5-1-3 19	Bloomsburg University	RV	4-0-3 20	Lincoln University (Mo.)	12	6-0-2 21	University of West Florida	NR	6-1-2 22	Midwestern State University	18	5-2-3 22	University of North Georgia	RV	4-3-4 23	Wilmington University	NR	5-1-3 24	California State University-San Bernardino	NR	5-1-3 25	Nova Southeastern University	16	4-1-1Receiving Votes: University of North Georgia, Concord University, University of Indianapolis, Lander University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Newman University, California State University-Los Angeles, Metropolitan State University of Denver, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Southern Nazarene University.

⚽ FHSU men jumps to No. 7 in United Soccer Coaches top 25 poll

Susan Elaine (Stull) Zordel departed this world
peacefully on October 3, 2025, at Rhode Island Suites surrounded by family
after a short battle with cancer.

Susan was born June 21, 1946, to Ronald A &amp; Thais N
(Ramsey) Stull in Ransom Kansas.&nbsp; She had
one older brother, Ronald N Stull. She spent much of her life in Ransom
attending school there. She married August R Zordel on May 26, 1964. To this
union four children were born.

She spent 14 years living on a ranch south of Quinter,
Kansas before moving back to Ransom in August of 1979. 

She spent some time cooking at the cafe in Ransom, then
as the head of housekeeping at Grissel Memorial Hospital. Most of her life she spent as a homemaker &amp; mother.

She leaves to mourn her four children: Elaine (Kenny)
Flax of Gove, KS, Nolan (Jill) Zordel of La Crosse, KS, Anita Jo (Kevin
Schaffer) Shepard of Bison, KS, and David (Albert Manrique) Zordel of Independence,
MO. Ten grandchildren: Nicole (Michael) Petersen of Kensington, KS, Holly
(Matthew) Marcotte of Copperas Cove, TX, Chenoa Zordel of Scott City, KS,
Carmen (Steven) Banks of Mankato, KS, Dalton Janousek of Dodge City, KS, Thomas
(August) Shepard of Scranton, KS, Addie Shepard of Ellis, KS, Josie Shepard of
Hays, KS, and Quinton Shepard of Manhattan, KS, as well as twelve great
grandchildren and two great-great grandsons. She is also survived by her
brother in-law Albert (Louise) Zordel of Ransom, KS, sister in-law Dollie Jean
Shoupe of Missoula, MT, cousin Gayle Garrelts of Hays, KS and a host of family
&amp; friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband August,
her parents, her brother and two great grandsons.

Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Monday,
November 10, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at the Ransom Cemetery, Ransom, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Ransom Go Getters senior center
or Northwest Kansas Talking Books.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759765078086.jpeg" alt="Susan Elaine (Stull) Zordel" />
 <figcaption>Susan Elaine (Stull) Zordel</figcaption>
 </figure>Susan Elaine (Stull) Zordel departed this world
peacefully on October 3, 2025, at Rhode Island Suites surrounded by family
after a short battle with cancer.Susan was born June 21, 1946, to Ronald A &amp; Thais N
(Ramsey) Stull in Ransom Kansas.&nbsp; She had
one older brother, Ronald N Stull. She spent much of her life in Ransom
attending school there. She married August R Zordel on May 26, 1964. To this
union four children were born.She spent 14 years living on a ranch south of Quinter,
Kansas before moving back to Ransom in August of 1979. She spent some time cooking at the cafe in Ransom, then
as the head of housekeeping at Grissel Memorial Hospital. Most of her life she spent as a homemaker &amp; mother.She leaves to mourn her four children: Elaine (Kenny)
Flax of Gove, KS, Nolan (Jill) Zordel of La Crosse, KS, Anita Jo (Kevin
Schaffer) Shepard of Bison, KS, and David (Albert Manrique) Zordel of Independence,
MO. Ten grandchildren: Nicole (Michael) Petersen of Kensington, KS, Holly
(Matthew) Marcotte of Copperas Cove, TX, Chenoa Zordel of Scott City, KS,
Carmen (Steven) Banks of Mankato, KS, Dalton Janousek of Dodge City, KS, Thomas
(August) Shepard of Scranton, KS, Addie Shepard of Ellis, KS, Josie Shepard of
Hays, KS, and Quinton Shepard of Manhattan, KS, as well as twelve great
grandchildren and two great-great grandsons. She is also survived by her
brother in-law Albert (Louise) Zordel of Ransom, KS, sister in-law Dollie Jean
Shoupe of Missoula, MT, cousin Gayle Garrelts of Hays, KS and a host of family
&amp; friends.She was preceded in death by her beloved husband August,
her parents, her brother and two great grandsons.Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Monday,
November 10, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at the Ransom Cemetery, Ransom, Kansas.Memorials may be given to Ransom Go Getters senior center
or Northwest Kansas Talking Books.

Susan Elaine (Stull) Zordel

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;administration warned on Tuesday of no guaranteed back pay for federal workers during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493">a government shutdown</a>, reversing what has been long-standing policy for some 750,000 furloughed employees, according to a memo being circulated by the White House.

Trump signed into law after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">the longest government shutdown in 2019</a>&nbsp;legislation to ensure federal workers receive back pay during any federal funding lapse. But in the new memo, his Office of Management and Budget says back pay must be provided by Congress, if it chooses to do so, as part of any bill to fund the government.

The move by the Republican administration was widely seen as a strong-arm tactic — a way to pressure lawmakers to reopen the government, now in the seventh day of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">a shutdown</a>.

“There are some people that don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we’ll take care of them in a different way,” Trump said during an event at the White House.

He said back pay “depends on who we’re talking about.” Asked a second time about backpay for furloughed federal workers given that the requirement is spelled out in law, Trump said: “I follow the law, and what the law says is correct.”

Refusing retroactive pay to the workers, some of whom must remain on the job as essential employees, would be a stark departure from norms and practices and almost certainly would be met with legal action.

While federal workers — as well as service members of the military — have often missed paychecks during past shutdowns, they are almost always reimbursed once the government reopens.

“That should turn up the urgency and the necessity of the Democrats doing the right thing here,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said at a press conference at the Capitol.

Johnson, a lawyer, said he hadn’t fully read the memo but “there are some legal analysts who are saying” that it may not be necessary or appropriate to repay the federal workers.

But Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington blasted the Trump administration as defying the law.

“Another baseless attempt to try and scare &amp; intimidate workers by an administration run by crooks and cowards,” said Murray, who is the ranking lawmaker on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “The letter of the law is as plain as can be — federal workers, including furloughed workers, are entitled to their backpay following a shutdown.”

And Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, said, “My assumption is that the furloughed workers will get paid.”

In the memo draft prepared for Trump’s Office of Management and Budget director Russ Vought, first reported by Axios, the office’s general counsel Mark R. Paoletta lays out a legal rationale for no back pay for federal workers.

The memo explains that while the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 says workers shall be paid after federal funding is restored, it argues the action is not self-executing. Instead, the memo says, repaying the federal workers would have to be part of subsequent legislation, presumably in the bill to reopen the government.

The OMB analysis draws on language familiar to budget experts by suggesting that the 2019 bill created an authorization to pay the federal workers but not the actual appropriation.

Congress, it says, is able to decide whether it wants to pay the workers or not.

For now, Congress remains at a standstill, with neither side — nor the White House — appearing willing to budge. Democrats are fighting for health care funds to prevent a lapse in federal subsidies that threaten to send insurance rates skyrocketing. Republicans say the issue can be dealt with later.

Associated Press writers Will Weissert, Kevin Freking, Joey Cappelletti and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;administration warned on Tuesday of no guaranteed back pay for federal workers during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493">a government shutdown</a>, reversing what has been long-standing policy for some 750,000 furloughed employees, according to a memo being circulated by the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Is it the White House&#39;s position that furloughed workers should be paid for their back-pay?&quot; President Trump: &quot;I would say it depends on who we&#39;re talking about. I can tell you this, the Democrats have put a lot of people in great risk and jeopardy, but it really depends on… <a href="https://t.co/dbftoc2vC2">pic.twitter.com/dbftoc2vC2</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1975596357172802032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump signed into law after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">the longest government shutdown in 2019</a>&nbsp;legislation to ensure federal workers receive back pay during any federal funding lapse. But in the new memo, his Office of Management and Budget says back pay must be provided by Congress, if it chooses to do so, as part of any bill to fund the government.The move by the Republican administration was widely seen as a strong-arm tactic — a way to pressure lawmakers to reopen the government, now in the seventh day of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">a shutdown</a>.“There are some people that don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we’ll take care of them in a different way,” Trump said during an event at the White House.He said back pay “depends on who we’re talking about.” Asked a second time about backpay for furloughed federal workers given that the requirement is spelled out in law, Trump said: “I follow the law, and what the law says is correct.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759875311575.png" alt="Image from U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s website on Oct. 7, 2025, stating, “Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.”&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image from U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s website on Oct. 7, 2025, stating, “Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.”&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Refusing retroactive pay to the workers, some of whom must remain on the job as essential employees, would be a stark departure from norms and practices and almost certainly would be met with legal action.While federal workers — as well as service members of the military — have often missed paychecks during past shutdowns, they are almost always reimbursed once the government reopens.“That should turn up the urgency and the necessity of the Democrats doing the right thing here,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said at a press conference at the Capitol.Johnson, a lawyer, said he hadn’t fully read the memo but “there are some legal analysts who are saying” that it may not be necessary or appropriate to repay the federal workers.But Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington blasted the Trump administration as defying the law.“Another baseless attempt to try and scare &amp; intimidate workers by an administration run by crooks and cowards,” said Murray, who is the ranking lawmaker on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “The letter of the law is as plain as can be — federal workers, including furloughed workers, are entitled to their backpay following a shutdown.”And Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, said, “My assumption is that the furloughed workers will get paid.”In the memo draft prepared for Trump’s Office of Management and Budget director Russ Vought, first reported by Axios, the office’s general counsel Mark R. Paoletta lays out a legal rationale for no back pay for federal workers.The memo explains that while the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 says workers shall be paid after federal funding is restored, it argues the action is not self-executing. Instead, the memo says, repaying the federal workers would have to be part of subsequent legislation, presumably in the bill to reopen the government.The OMB analysis draws on language familiar to budget experts by suggesting that the 2019 bill created an authorization to pay the federal workers but not the actual appropriation.Congress, it says, is able to decide whether it wants to pay the workers or not.For now, Congress remains at a standstill, with neither side — nor the White House — appearing willing to budge. Democrats are fighting for health care funds to prevent a lapse in federal subsidies that threaten to send insurance rates skyrocketing. Republicans say the issue can be dealt with later.___Associated Press writers Will Weissert, Kevin Freking, Joey Cappelletti and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

🎥Trump admin. threatens no back pay for federal workers in shutdown

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A 23-year-old man identified as Knowledge McPherson of Wichita has died from injuries sustained in the shooting on Oct. 1 during a fight in a convenience store parking lot in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

A 16-year-old juvenile suspect of Wichita remains in custody.

Just before 3a.m. on Sept. 30, police responded to a report of a shooting in the QuikTrip parking lot at Pawnee and Meridian in Wichita. Investigators determined several people were involved in an argument that turned physical. During the altercation, the 16-year-old suspect pulled out a firearm and shot McPherson.

A passerby attempted life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported McPherson to a local hospital. He underwent surgery and was listed in extremely critical condition before succumbing to his injuries&nbsp;

The 16-year-old suspect was initially booked into juvenile detention on requested charges of Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building, Juvenile in possession of a firearm and Aggravated battery

Charges will be amended after consultation with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759266282958.png" alt="Police on the scene early October 1, photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene early October 1, photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A 23-year-old man identified as Knowledge McPherson of Wichita has died from injuries sustained in the shooting on Oct. 1 during a fight in a convenience store parking lot in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.A 16-year-old juvenile suspect of Wichita remains in custody.Just before 3a.m. on Sept. 30, police responded to a report of a shooting in the QuikTrip parking lot at Pawnee and Meridian in Wichita. Investigators determined several people were involved in an argument that turned physical. During the altercation, the 16-year-old suspect pulled out a firearm and shot McPherson.A passerby attempted life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported McPherson to a local hospital. He underwent surgery and was listed in extremely critical condition before succumbing to his injuries&nbsp;The 16-year-old suspect was initially booked into juvenile detention on requested charges of Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building, Juvenile in possession of a firearm and Aggravated batteryCharges will be amended after consultation with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed his frustration with the ongoing violence involving juveniles and firearms.“This has got to stop. It is unacceptable for juveniles to have access to guns,” Sullivan said. “Picking up a firearm to solve a temporary problem is not the answer. Too many lives are being destroyed by these reckless choices.”