By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The free summer meals program for any child ages 1-18 will again be offered in Hays starting June 3 and running through Aug. 8.

"We're going back to the popular drive-through method," said Jessica Younker, nutrition services director for USD 489. "It's convenient, especially for those who don't have the time to sit and eat."

The program is funded by the federal government which reimburses the Hays school district for every meal it serves. There are no income requirements.

"Last year, we served anywhere from 600 to 900 kids a day," she said.&nbsp;

"There's a big need for it, especially with the prices at the grocery store.&nbsp;

"There's a lot of kids that rely on the school meal series during the school year. This just kind of helps fill that gap over the summer with nutritious balanced meals to eat."

The meal site will be on the west side of Hays High School, 2600 E. 13th, near the gym doors.&nbsp;

Hays High has the biggest kitchen in USD 489.

"You'll see our tent out there with our staff," she said.

Breakfast and lunch are served at the same time.&nbsp;

"You'll get a hot box with a hot lunch and then a bag with cold food in it, and also a breakfast for the following day."&nbsp;

On Thursdays, participants will get four meals to cover breakfast and lunch on Fridays when the site is closed.

The children must be in the vehicle with an adult.

"That's one requirement, that we have to be able to see the child so we know the meal is going to children," Younker said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pick-up waivers are available if the child cannot be in the car.

 "Parents will be able to pick up meals without the children present, once we have that completed. Only parents can do this, not daycare providers or others," she said.

"We sometimes have teenage babysitters come through with the kids they're watching and the babysitters themselves are also eligible for the free meals."

The meal pick-up time is 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, June 3-Aug. 8.

Anyone with questions may call the Younker at 785-623-2400, Ext. 115.&nbsp;

THIS STORY WAS UPDATED AT 9:05 A.M. MONDAY TO REFLECT A CORRECTION ABOUT PICK-UP WAIVERS. THEY ARE AVAIBLE IF A CHILD CANNOT BE IN THE VEHICLE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714728788043.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe free summer meals program for any child ages 1-18 will again be offered in Hays starting June 3 and running through Aug. 8."We're going back to the popular drive-through method," said Jessica Younker, nutrition services director for USD 489. "It's convenient, especially for those who don't have the time to sit and eat."The program is funded by the federal government which reimburses the Hays school district for every meal it serves. There are no income requirements."Last year, we served anywhere from 600 to 900 kids a day," she said.&nbsp;"There's a big need for it, especially with the prices at the grocery store.&nbsp;"There's a lot of kids that rely on the school meal series during the school year. This just kind of helps fill that gap over the summer with nutritious balanced meals to eat."The meal site will be on the west side of Hays High School, 2600 E. 13th, near the gym doors.&nbsp;Hays High has the biggest kitchen in USD 489."You'll see our tent out there with our staff," she said.Breakfast and lunch are served at the same time.&nbsp;"You'll get a hot box with a hot lunch and then a bag with cold food in it, and also a breakfast for the following day."&nbsp;On Thursdays, participants will get four meals to cover breakfast and lunch on Fridays when the site is closed.The children must be in the vehicle with an adult."That's one requirement, that we have to be able to see the child so we know the meal is going to children," Younker said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pick-up waivers are available if the child cannot be in the car. "Parents will be able to pick up meals without the children present, once we have that completed. Only parents can do this, not daycare providers or others," she said."We sometimes have teenage babysitters come through with the kids they're watching and the babysitters themselves are also eligible for the free meals."The meal pick-up time is 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, June 3-Aug. 8.Anyone with questions may call the Younker at 785-623-2400, Ext. 115.&nbsp;THIS STORY WAS UPDATED AT 9:05 A.M. MONDAY TO REFLECT A CORRECTION ABOUT PICK-UP WAIVERS. THEY ARE AVAIBLE IF A CHILD CANNOT BE IN THE VEHICLE.

Free summer food program in Hays is for all kids; runs June 3-Aug. 8 at Hays High  

Larry Randall Roda, of Munjor, an Air Force veteran, loving husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, one day after the proud patriot celebrated his last Memorial Day. He was 78 years old.

He was born in Russell, Kansas on October 27, 1945, the son of George W. and Mary Amanda (Ellis) Roda, and he made most of his lifelong friends growing up there.&nbsp; He enlisted in the military after graduating from high school and never neglected an opportunity to proudly recount the “4 years, 8 months and 29 days” he served before being honorably discharged to care for his family after his only brother, Doug, was killed in an accident.&nbsp; Larry served his country with great pride, continued to support his fellow vets throughout his life, and held his status as an Air Force veteran in high esteem; second only to the love of his life, “Seyona May,” who he spent 33 cherished years with.&nbsp;

After his honorable discharge, Larry worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and retired after spending 25 years (and one day) with UPS.&nbsp; His legacy extends far beyond his working years where he brightened countless lives, making friends along his familiar routes. He didn’t know a stranger, would lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and you knew you were loved by Larry if you were assigned a nickname from him.

Larry was a devoted husband who would do anything for his wife, “the little woman,” and cared for her until his dying day and loved his family, friends, and his beloved chocolate lab Sadie Marie immensely.&nbsp; He was an avid hunter, skilled trap shooter, loved drag racing, and gambling.&nbsp; Larry would immediately migrate to the high limits area the minute he walked through the casino doors. He did hit a few of those large jackpots, but mostly he would say with a smirk, “I donated.”&nbsp;

Larry was a tough old bird and lived his life with perseverance, strength, and courage – which he especially demonstrated during his valiant battle with cancer. &nbsp;We will miss his orneriness, one-of-a-kind sense of humor, unique lingo, spark for life, and the way he filled every room he entered with his larger-than-life personality.

Survivors include his wife Seyona of Munjor, two sons, Kevin Roda and wife Tracie of Baird, TX and Ky Roda of Texas, two daughters, Carla Flipse and husband Dave of Shawnee and Stacy Dittmer and husband Wesley of Parkville, MO, eight grandchildren, Kirk Allen Roda and wife Keri, Bryce Roda and wife Summer, Kody Roda and wife Makenzie, Kashe Roda, Catie Flipse, Lexi Flipse and fiancé Josh, Sidney Dittmer and Lauren Dittmer, five great grandchildren, and many cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Douglas Roda, and his beloved dog, Sadie Marie.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rick Griffin and Fr. Damian Richards officiating.  Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until service time on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  Memorials are suggested to Humane Society of the High Plains, VFW Post #9076, or to Freedom Service Dogs of America.  Condolences and memories of Larry may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717206110557.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larry Randall Roda, of Munjor, an Air Force veteran, loving husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, one day after the proud patriot celebrated his last Memorial Day. He was 78 years old.He was born in Russell, Kansas on October 27, 1945, the son of George W. and Mary Amanda (Ellis) Roda, and he made most of his lifelong friends growing up there.&nbsp; He enlisted in the military after graduating from high school and never neglected an opportunity to proudly recount the “4 years, 8 months and 29 days” he served before being honorably discharged to care for his family after his only brother, Doug, was killed in an accident.&nbsp; Larry served his country with great pride, continued to support his fellow vets throughout his life, and held his status as an Air Force veteran in high esteem; second only to the love of his life, “Seyona May,” who he spent 33 cherished years with.&nbsp;After his honorable discharge, Larry worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and retired after spending 25 years (and one day) with UPS.&nbsp; His legacy extends far beyond his working years where he brightened countless lives, making friends along his familiar routes. He didn’t know a stranger, would lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and you knew you were loved by Larry if you were assigned a nickname from him.Larry was a devoted husband who would do anything for his wife, “the little woman,” and cared for her until his dying day and loved his family, friends, and his beloved chocolate lab Sadie Marie immensely.&nbsp; He was an avid hunter, skilled trap shooter, loved drag racing, and gambling.&nbsp; Larry would immediately migrate to the high limits area the minute he walked through the casino doors. He did hit a few of those large jackpots, but mostly he would say with a smirk, “I donated.”&nbsp;Larry was a tough old bird and lived his life with perseverance, strength, and courage – which he especially demonstrated during his valiant battle with cancer. &nbsp;We will miss his orneriness, one-of-a-kind sense of humor, unique lingo, spark for life, and the way he filled every room he entered with his larger-than-life personality.Survivors include his wife Seyona of Munjor, two sons, Kevin Roda and wife Tracie of Baird, TX and Ky Roda of Texas, two daughters, Carla Flipse and husband Dave of Shawnee and Stacy Dittmer and husband Wesley of Parkville, MO, eight grandchildren, Kirk Allen Roda and wife Keri, Bryce Roda and wife Summer, Kody Roda and wife Makenzie, Kashe Roda, Catie Flipse, Lexi Flipse and fiancé Josh, Sidney Dittmer and Lauren Dittmer, five great grandchildren, and many cherished friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Douglas Roda, and his beloved dog, Sadie Marie.Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rick Griffin and Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until service time on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Humane Society of the High Plains, VFW Post #9076, or to Freedom Service Dogs of America. Condolences and memories of Larry may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com

Larry Randall Roda

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican lawmakers reacted with immediate fury on Thursday as a New York jury&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0">convicted former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on 34 counts of falsifying business records to influence the 2016 election, speaking out with near unanimity in questioning the legitimacy of the trial and how it was conducted.

House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said it was a “shameful day in American history” and the charges were “purely political.” Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance said the verdict was a “disgrace to the judicial system.” And Louisiana Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/steve-scalise">Steve Scalise</a>, the No. 2 House Republican, said that the decision was “a defeat for Americans who believe in the critical legal tenet that justice is blind.”

Within minutes of the verdict being read, Republicans who have in the past been divided over support for their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-delegates-republican-nomination-haley-12e336deeb619602f8335f1c4ca1663e">presumptive GOP presidential nominee</a>&nbsp;found common ground in attacking — with few specifics — the judge, the jury and President Joe Biden, even though the conviction came on state charges in a Manhattan court. As the nation's top federal official, Biden has no say in what happens in the New York City courtroom.

The jury found that Trump falsified the records in a scheme to influence his presidential election through hush money payments to a porn actor who had said she had sex with Trump. Few Republicans mentioned the details of the case but many echoed his repeated assertions that it was a “rigged, disgraceful trial.” He is expected to quickly appeal.

The ferocity of the outcry was remarkable, tossing aside the usual restraints that lawmakers and political figures have observed in the past when refraining from criticism of judges and juries. A lone Republican voice, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, took that approach, saying ahead of the verdict that the public should “respect the verdict and the legal process.”

“At this dangerously divided moment in our history, all leaders — regardless of party — must not pour fuel on the fire with more toxic partisanship,” posted Hogan, who is running for the Senate in Maryland, before the verdict was announced. “We must reaffirm what has made this nation great: the rule of law.”

There is no evidence that the trial was rigged. Trump's defense has complained about a $15 donation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-criminal-case-judge-merchan-d0e54b546043e0497b5c04e78b505d6a">Judge Juan Manuel Merchan</a>&nbsp;made to Biden in 2020 and his daughter's job as a Democratic political consultant, but the judge rejected Trump's lawyers' request for a recusal and said he was certain of his “ability to be fair and impartial."

Still, Republicans have seized on Trump's attacks on the judge and the system in the New York trial and in three other cases — local and federal charges in Atlanta and Washington that he conspired to undo the 2020 election, and a federal indictment in Florida charging him with illegally holding on to top-secret records after his presidency. Many GOP lawmakers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-speaker-mike-johnson-court-09aef3de395fa77843f2600f40da6ac3">including Johnson</a>, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaetz-boebert-republicans-protest-trump-trial-congress-1427438aca521ae95ee6ae7b465f001c">visited the courthouse</a>&nbsp;in New York to support him.

“This verdict says more about the system than the allegations,” said South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has been one of Trump’s most frequent allies.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-conviction-what-to-know-a70941a7cd367f7b2aa3218ea91ad922">The verdict</a>&nbsp;made Trump the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes. And it comes as almost all GOP lawmakers in Congress have forcefully rallied behind him in this year's election.

“Congratulations, progressives,” posted Utah Sen. Mike Lee. “You’ve just guaranteed Trump’s election.”

Republicans shared their criticism, which came as Congress is out of Washington on a weeklong recess, in posts on X, formerly Twitter, in press releases and TV appearances. And the backlash was not only from Trump’s GOP friends but from some of his detractors, as well.

Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who had distanced himself from the former president after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack of Trump’s supporters, said “this verdict is a disgrace, and this trial should have never happened.”

“Now more than ever, we need to rally around @realdonaldtrump, take back the White House and Senate, and get this country back on track,” said Cornyn, who is running to replace Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell when he steps down from the post after the November election. “The real verdict will be Election Day.”

South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican who is also running to be leader and has also been critical of Trump, said the case was “politically motivated from the beginning, and today’s verdict does nothing to absolve the partisan nature of this prosecution.”

Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial after the Capitol attack, said he disagreed with the verdict but wasn’t surprised “given the way the defense was conducted, the trial was managed.”

McConnell, who has long had a tense relationship with Trump but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-endorsement-donald-trump-super-tuesday-422a2ec6f19917b46804b4cf6ee40371">recently endorsed</a>&nbsp;his 2024 campaign, refrained from attacking the judge or jury. But he said the charges “never should have been brought in the first place.”

“I expect the conviction to be overturned on appeal,” McConnell said in a post on X.

As expected, Democrats rejoiced — and tried to blunt the GOP attacks on the process.

“Trump toadies are going to attack the jury and the court because they have a plan to dismantle our democracy and it relies on everyone believing the justice system is rigged,” posted Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. “It isn’t. Donald Trump committed a crime. He got caught. He got convicted. That’s the rule of law.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717104142973.png" alt="“This was a rigged, disgraceful trial,” Trump told reporters after leaving the courtroom-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>“This was a rigged, disgraceful trial,” Trump told reporters after leaving the courtroom-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican lawmakers reacted with immediate fury on Thursday as a New York jury&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0">convicted former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on 34 counts of falsifying business records to influence the 2016 election, speaking out with near unanimity in questioning the legitimacy of the trial and how it was conducted.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The political persecution of Donald Trump is the most egregious miscarriage of justice in our nation’s history. This happens in banana republics, under authoritarian regimes, not here in America. The true judge and jury will speak loudly in November, and Donald Trump will…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1796287517274100008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Americans are not fooled by this overly political ruling. I am looking forward to President Trump&#39;s appeal. <a href="https://t.co/r6eqolTCac">https://t.co/r6eqolTCac</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1796298168570675286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Not since the Alien and Sedition Acts in the 1790s has a president tried to CRIMINALIZE his political opposition. Congrats, Joe Biden. You’re the worst president ever&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1796293774613586327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Soviet-style show trials have predictable results. What happened in New York today is no different. The American people will reject this unprecedented lawfare in November.&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1796287681636483116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">(2/2) Whether someone supports or opposes Trump or his policies, the verdict today paints a sad state of affairs in this great nation, &amp; the relentless attacks against Trump for political gain are only further dividing the country &amp; sowing doubt about our federal institutions.&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1796335760058020078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Show me the man I&#39;ll show you the crime&quot; was coined by Stalin&#39;s Soviet Union and that mindset sadly lives on today in New York City. This is a dark day for the American justice system. This prosecution, in a state where the attorney general campaigned for office on a promise to…&mdash; Derek Schmidt (@DerekSchmidtKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DerekSchmidtKS/status/1796296888716595593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said it was a “shameful day in American history” and the charges were “purely political.” Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance said the verdict was a “disgrace to the judicial system.” And Louisiana Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/steve-scalise">Steve Scalise</a>, the No. 2 House Republican, said that the decision was “a defeat for Americans who believe in the critical legal tenet that justice is blind.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on President Trump trial verdict: Today is a shameful day in American history. Democrats cheered as they convicted the leader of the opposing party on ridiculous charges, predicated on the testimony of a disbarred, convicted felon. This was a purely political…&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1796288179944685719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Within minutes of the verdict being read, Republicans who have in the past been divided over support for their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-delegates-republican-nomination-haley-12e336deeb619602f8335f1c4ca1663e">presumptive GOP presidential nominee</a>&nbsp;found common ground in attacking — with few specifics — the judge, the jury and President Joe Biden, even though the conviction came on state charges in a Manhattan court. As the nation's top federal official, Biden has no say in what happens in the New York City courtroom.The jury found that Trump falsified the records in a scheme to influence his presidential election through hush money payments to a porn actor who had said she had sex with Trump. Few Republicans mentioned the details of the case but many echoed his repeated assertions that it was a “rigged, disgraceful trial.” He is expected to quickly appeal.The ferocity of the outcry was remarkable, tossing aside the usual restraints that lawmakers and political figures have observed in the past when refraining from criticism of judges and juries. A lone Republican voice, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, took that approach, saying ahead of the verdict that the public should “respect the verdict and the legal process.”“At this dangerously divided moment in our history, all leaders — regardless of party — must not pour fuel on the fire with more toxic partisanship,” posted Hogan, who is running for the Senate in Maryland, before the verdict was announced. “We must reaffirm what has made this nation great: the rule of law.”There is no evidence that the trial was rigged. Trump's defense has complained about a $15 donation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-criminal-case-judge-merchan-d0e54b546043e0497b5c04e78b505d6a">Judge Juan Manuel Merchan</a>&nbsp;made to Biden in 2020 and his daughter's job as a Democratic political consultant, but the judge rejected Trump's lawyers' request for a recusal and said he was certain of his “ability to be fair and impartial."Still, Republicans have seized on Trump's attacks on the judge and the system in the New York trial and in three other cases — local and federal charges in Atlanta and Washington that he conspired to undo the 2020 election, and a federal indictment in Florida charging him with illegally holding on to top-secret records after his presidency. Many GOP lawmakers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-speaker-mike-johnson-court-09aef3de395fa77843f2600f40da6ac3">including Johnson</a>, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaetz-boebert-republicans-protest-trump-trial-congress-1427438aca521ae95ee6ae7b465f001c">visited the courthouse</a>&nbsp;in New York to support him.“This verdict says more about the system than the allegations,” said South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has been one of Trump’s most frequent allies.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-conviction-what-to-know-a70941a7cd367f7b2aa3218ea91ad922">The verdict</a>&nbsp;made Trump the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes. And it comes as almost all GOP lawmakers in Congress have forcefully rallied behind him in this year's election.“Congratulations, progressives,” posted Utah Sen. Mike Lee. “You’ve just guaranteed Trump’s election.”Republicans shared their criticism, which came as Congress is out of Washington on a weeklong recess, in posts on X, formerly Twitter, in press releases and TV appearances. And the backlash was not only from Trump’s GOP friends but from some of his detractors, as well.Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who had distanced himself from the former president after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack of Trump’s supporters, said “this verdict is a disgrace, and this trial should have never happened.”“Now more than ever, we need to rally around @realdonaldtrump, take back the White House and Senate, and get this country back on track,” said Cornyn, who is running to replace Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell when he steps down from the post after the November election. “The real verdict will be Election Day.”South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican who is also running to be leader and has also been critical of Trump, said the case was “politically motivated from the beginning, and today’s verdict does nothing to absolve the partisan nature of this prosecution.”Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial after the Capitol attack, said he disagreed with the verdict but wasn’t surprised “given the way the defense was conducted, the trial was managed.”McConnell, who has long had a tense relationship with Trump but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-endorsement-donald-trump-super-tuesday-422a2ec6f19917b46804b4cf6ee40371">recently endorsed</a>&nbsp;his 2024 campaign, refrained from attacking the judge or jury. But he said the charges “never should have been brought in the first place.”“I expect the conviction to be overturned on appeal,” McConnell said in a post on X.As expected, Democrats rejoiced — and tried to blunt the GOP attacks on the process.“Trump toadies are going to attack the jury and the court because they have a plan to dismantle our democracy and it relies on everyone believing the justice system is rigged,” posted Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. “It isn’t. Donald Trump committed a crime. He got caught. He got convicted. That’s the rule of law.”

Kan. lawmakers react with fury to Trump verdict and rally to his defense

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Andrea Hoss of Hays has been a child care provider for 39 years.

She was nominated for the May Child Care Champion award by parent Audra O'Reagan.

"She goes above and beyond to make sure my children are safe and happy," O'Reagan said. "My kids love going to day care and always say they had a good day. I love having a day care provider. I trust [her], so I don't have to worry at all when they are in her care."

Hoss, 58, didn't set out to be a child care provider. She was working in a bank. When she was pregnant with her first child, she had to stay home because of a complication with her pregnancy. She cared for two children during that time.

When her son was born, she went back to work for a week and a half and decided she couldn't send her child to day care.

She wanted to be home to raise her son herself.

Opening her child care allowed her to stay home with her son and eventually care for all five of her grandchildren as well.

"One, I love kids, and this profession has provided a good income for me," she said. "It supported me when I was married and when I was single. It adapted so I could do things with my children and be here for my children. When they came home from school, I was here."

She said she thought she would be a child care provider until her children graduated high school, but she loved her child care children so much, she's still a provider today.

Hoss said she wished she had counted the many children who had passed through her child care in her almost four decades as a provider. She estimates it's been about 400 children.

Generations have played with blocks and dressed up in her home. The children of children she had in her care are now attending her child care.

With her grandchildren still in school, she often attends programs for the children she had in her child care.&nbsp;

She sits in the back of the church when they get married and cries. She's a big crier, she admitted.

The profession is intergenerational for Hoss. Her mother also ran a child care.

Hoss tries to maintain a strict schedule. She promotes exercise by taking the children for daily morning walks and outdoor play when the weather allows.

"They just like to be outside running," Hoss said of the kids. She has a large fenced backyard.

Inside, she has a room with three play kitchens and a rack of dress-up clothes. The second playroom has two child-size tents and a play campfire complete with roasting sticks with plastic marshmallows.&nbsp;

She said the children in her care become members of her family.

A family who was using her child care just had another baby. Hoss had the baby for three weeks, and now the family is moving.

"It's been hard," she said, her eyes filling with tears," because they are like my kids.

&nbsp;"You build those bonds and connections with families."

She said her most significant challenge as a child care provider has been accommodating the diverse needs of families and individual children. She's had children in her care who had special needs, children who have autism and ADHD.

"You have seven people with all different backgrounds, and for the most part, it all works," she said.

Hoss has also had to navigate the ever-changing rules and regulations of being a licensed child care provider.

Years ago, she needed training to match her own schedule.

She organized a training session for a small group of providers in Hays. Those trainings have grown steadily. She now has more than 80 providers on her contact list.&nbsp;

Two years ago, she handed over the organization of the training sessions to Dana Stanton, child care program specialist for the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center.&nbsp;

Their last training had 152 people. This year, the training will be open to 200 providers from across northwest Kansas.

Hoss said she has no intent to retire anytime soon. 

She said as more child providers and centers open in Ellis County, the demand for child care has decreased.

Although she once had a long waiting list, she's now concerned about filling the two openings she will have in August. While child care centers can adjust their expenses when they are not full, vacancies for a home provider can be disastrous very quickly.

"I feel blessed that I have been able to be in a job as long as I have been," she said. "Not many people can say they have been in their job for 39 plus years. There's a few of us out there."

"I give credit to all of those women who are still out there."

She said she was shy about receiving her award because she said caring for children is her job.

"I want to give all day care providers credit," she said, "because it is not a job for everybody. You have to want to do it. It's not an easy task."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">Submit your Child Care Champion of the Month nomination by clicking here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717101601796.jpeg" alt="Andrea Hoss of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Andrea Hoss of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAndrea Hoss of Hays has been a child care provider for 39 years.She was nominated for the May Child Care Champion award by parent Audra O'Reagan."She goes above and beyond to make sure my children are safe and happy," O'Reagan said. "My kids love going to day care and always say they had a good day. I love having a day care provider. I trust [her], so I don't have to worry at all when they are in her care."Hoss, 58, didn't set out to be a child care provider. She was working in a bank. When she was pregnant with her first child, she had to stay home because of a complication with her pregnancy. She cared for two children during that time.When her son was born, she went back to work for a week and a half and decided she couldn't send her child to day care.She wanted to be home to raise her son herself.Opening her child care allowed her to stay home with her son and eventually care for all five of her grandchildren as well."One, I love kids, and this profession has provided a good income for me," she said. "It supported me when I was married and when I was single. It adapted so I could do things with my children and be here for my children. When they came home from school, I was here."She said she thought she would be a child care provider until her children graduated high school, but she loved her child care children so much, she's still a provider today.Hoss said she wished she had counted the many children who had passed through her child care in her almost four decades as a provider. She estimates it's been about 400 children.Generations have played with blocks and dressed up in her home. The children of children she had in her care are now attending her child care.With her grandchildren still in school, she often attends programs for the children she had in her child care.&nbsp;She sits in the back of the church when they get married and cries. She's a big crier, she admitted.The profession is intergenerational for Hoss. Her mother also ran a child care."It trickled down the tree," she said.Hoss tries to maintain a strict schedule. She promotes exercise by taking the children for daily morning walks and outdoor play when the weather allows."They just like to be outside running," Hoss said of the kids. She has a large fenced backyard.Inside, she has a room with three play kitchens and a rack of dress-up clothes. The second playroom has two child-size tents and a play campfire complete with roasting sticks with plastic marshmallows.&nbsp;She said the children in her care become members of her family.A family who was using her child care just had another baby. Hoss had the baby for three weeks, and now the family is moving."It's been hard," she said, her eyes filling with tears," because they are like my kids.&nbsp;"You build those bonds and connections with families."She said her most significant challenge as a child care provider has been accommodating the diverse needs of families and individual children. She's had children in her care who had special needs, children who have autism and ADHD."You have seven people with all different backgrounds, and for the most part, it all works," she said.Hoss has also had to navigate the ever-changing rules and regulations of being a licensed child care provider.Years ago, she needed training to match her own schedule.She organized a training session for a small group of providers in Hays. Those trainings have grown steadily. She now has more than 80 providers on her contact list.&nbsp;Two years ago, she handed over the organization of the training sessions to Dana Stanton, child care program specialist for the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center.&nbsp;Their last training had 152 people. This year, the training will be open to 200 providers from across northwest Kansas.Hoss said she has no intent to retire anytime soon. She said as more child providers and centers open in Ellis County, the demand for child care has decreased.Although she once had a long waiting list, she's now concerned about filling the two openings she will have in August. While child care centers can adjust their expenses when they are not full, vacancies for a home provider can be disastrous very quickly."I feel blessed that I have been able to be in a job as long as I have been," she said. "Not many people can say they have been in their job for 39 plus years. There's a few of us out there.""I give credit to all of those women who are still out there."She said she was shy about receiving her award because she said caring for children is her job."I want to give all day care providers credit," she said, "because it is not a job for everybody. You have to want to do it. It's not an easy task."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">Submit your Child Care Champion of the Month nomination by clicking here.</a>

After 39 years as provider, Child Care Champion says 'I feel blessed'

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission gave preliminary approval for the Whispering Gales Addition in rural Ellis County during a public hearing Wednesday.

The housing addition will be north of Interstate 70 at the Yocemento interchange.

Professional surveyor James Meis presented early plans for a 20-lot subdivision north of Interstate 70. Eighteen lots are intended for single-family residential homes.

The area will exclude mobile homes, storage buildings made from shipping containers and will allow a limited number of pets.

The homeowners will oversee the design of the lots through an architectural control committee, which will discuss any proposed changes.

"If somebody wants to make changes to their lot structures, they have to get it approved by everybody, so everyone is on the same page," Meis said.

Meis said one lot will serve as an area for stormwater retention and walking trails, while another, the largest lot, will remain flexible for potential future commercial development.

"For instance, maybe a gas station or something of that nature, but it's 10 acres, so you can't do a lot with that," he said.

Each subdivision, spanning three blocks and accessible through two entry points, ranges from 4.24 to 10.04 acres.

With no gas service in the area, residents will need to use propane tanks. Western Electric Cooperative will provide electrical services.

Karst Water Well Drilling &amp; Service has drilled three water wells, each reaching a depth of 40 feet. Each lot will have its own septic tank system.

"Rural water is not an option," Meis said. "Everything is going to be a private water well."

New private roads will be constructed to county standards. A homeowners association will collect fees from landowners to fund road maintenance, Meis said.

Residents, landowners, guests, emergency services and government employees will have access to the private roads.

"There's not a lot of lots like this in Ellis County with its size and location," Meis said.

The planning commission approved the motion for the preliminary plat of Whispering Gales Addition. The early plans will be presented to the Ellis County Commission on Tuesday for consideration.

If accepted, a final plat application will be submitted, which the planning committee will meet to discuss. Meis said a final plat has already been prepared in anticipation of the preliminary approval.

The next Ellis County Joint Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for July 24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717095323342.jpg" alt="Photo courtey of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtey of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Joint Planning Commission gave preliminary approval for the Whispering Gales Addition in rural Ellis County during a public hearing Wednesday.The housing addition will be north of Interstate 70 at the Yocemento interchange.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717096093134.jpeg" alt="Whispering Gales Addition map" />
 <figcaption>Whispering Gales Addition map</figcaption>
 </figure>Professional surveyor James Meis presented early plans for a 20-lot subdivision north of Interstate 70. Eighteen lots are intended for single-family residential homes.The area will exclude mobile homes, storage buildings made from shipping containers and will allow a limited number of pets.The homeowners will oversee the design of the lots through an architectural control committee, which will discuss any proposed changes."If somebody wants to make changes to their lot structures, they have to get it approved by everybody, so everyone is on the same page," Meis said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717092011565.jpeg" alt="Preliminary plat layout of Whispering Gales Addition&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Preliminary plat layout of Whispering Gales Addition&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Meis said one lot will serve as an area for stormwater retention and walking trails, while another, the largest lot, will remain flexible for potential future commercial development."For instance, maybe a gas station or something of that nature, but it's 10 acres, so you can't do a lot with that," he said.Each subdivision, spanning three blocks and accessible through two entry points, ranges from 4.24 to 10.04 acres.With no gas service in the area, residents will need to use propane tanks. Western Electric Cooperative will provide electrical services.Karst Water Well Drilling &amp; Service has drilled three water wells, each reaching a depth of 40 feet. Each lot will have its own septic tank system."Rural water is not an option," Meis said. "Everything is going to be a private water well."New private roads will be constructed to county standards. A homeowners association will collect fees from landowners to fund road maintenance, Meis said.Residents, landowners, guests, emergency services and government employees will have access to the private roads."There's not a lot of lots like this in Ellis County with its size and location," Meis said.The planning commission approved the motion for the preliminary plat of Whispering Gales Addition. The early plans will be presented to the Ellis County Commission on Tuesday for consideration.If accepted, a final plat application will be submitted, which the planning committee will meet to discuss. Meis said a final plat has already been prepared in anticipation of the preliminary approval.The next Ellis County Joint Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for July 24.

Ellis County Planning Commission approves preliminary plans for housing addition

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Joint British-U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;killed at least 16 people and wounded 35 others, the rebels said Friday, the highest publicly acknowledged death toll from the multiple rounds of strikes carried out over the rebels' attacks on shipping.

Three U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe a then-ongoing attack, described the strikes Thursday as hitting a wide range of underground facilities, missile launchers, command and control sites, a Houthi vessel and other facilities. They called it a response to a recent surge in attacks by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">Iran-backed militia group</a>&nbsp;on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over the Israel-Hamas war.

The U.S. F/A-18 fighter jets involved in the strikes took off from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, officials said. Other U.S. warships in the region also participated.

But the Houthis focused Friday morning on just one of the strikes, which they said struck a building housing Hodeida Radio and civilian homes in the port city on the Red Sea. Their Al Masirah satellite news channel aired images of one bloodied man being carried down stairs and others in the hospital, receiving aid.

The Houthis described all those killed and hurt in Hodeida as civilians, something The Associated Press couldn't immediately confirm. The rebel force that's held Yemen's capital, Sanaa, since 2014 includes fighters who often aren't in uniform.

Other strikes hit outside of Sanaa near its airport, and communication equipment in Taiz, the broadcaster said. Little other information was released on those sites — likely signaling that Houthi military sites had been struck.

“We confirm this brutal aggression against Yemen as punishment for its position in support of Gaza, in support of Israel to continue its crimes of genocide against the wounded, besieged and steadfast Gaza Strip,” Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam posted on X.

Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi official, threatened both the U.S. and U.K. with further retaliation.

“We will meet escalation with escalation,” he wrote on X.

In the United Kingdom, the country's Defense Ministry said that Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s conducted strikes on both Hodeida and further south in Ghulayfiqah. It described its targets as “buildings identified as housing drone ground control facilities and providing storage for very long-range drones, as well as surface-to-air weapons.”

“The strikes were taken in self-defense in the face of an ongoing threat that the Houthis pose,” U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said. “There's an ongoing threat that the Houthis pose.”

The U.S. and the U.K. have launched strikes against the Houthis since January, with the U.S. regularly carrying out its own in the time since as well. Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthis’ secretive supreme leader, offered an overall death toll for the strikes up to that point as 40 people killed and 35 others wounded. He didn't offer a breakdown between civilian and combatant casualties at the time.

The Houthis have stepped up attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, demanding that Israel end the war in Gaza, which has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">war began after Hamas-led militants</a>&nbsp;attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. This week, they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">attacked a ship carrying grain to Iran</a>, the rebels' main benefactor.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/FFEAU_ALINDIEN/status/1795837694960189920">another U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone</a>&nbsp;apparently crashed in Yemen, with the Houthis claiming they fired a surface-to-air missile at it. The U.S. Air Force didn’t report any aircraft missing, leading to suspicion that the drone may have been piloted by the CIA. As many as three may have been lost in May alone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708813391502.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Joint British-U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;killed at least 16 people and wounded 35 others, the rebels said Friday, the highest publicly acknowledged death toll from the multiple rounds of strikes carried out over the rebels' attacks on shipping.Three U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe a then-ongoing attack, described the strikes Thursday as hitting a wide range of underground facilities, missile launchers, command and control sites, a Houthi vessel and other facilities. They called it a response to a recent surge in attacks by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">Iran-backed militia group</a>&nbsp;on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over the Israel-Hamas war.The U.S. F/A-18 fighter jets involved in the strikes took off from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, officials said. Other U.S. warships in the region also participated.But the Houthis focused Friday morning on just one of the strikes, which they said struck a building housing Hodeida Radio and civilian homes in the port city on the Red Sea. Their Al Masirah satellite news channel aired images of one bloodied man being carried down stairs and others in the hospital, receiving aid.The Houthis described all those killed and hurt in Hodeida as civilians, something The Associated Press couldn't immediately confirm. The rebel force that's held Yemen's capital, Sanaa, since 2014 includes fighters who often aren't in uniform.Other strikes hit outside of Sanaa near its airport, and communication equipment in Taiz, the broadcaster said. Little other information was released on those sites — likely signaling that Houthi military sites had been struck.“We confirm this brutal aggression against Yemen as punishment for its position in support of Gaza, in support of Israel to continue its crimes of genocide against the wounded, besieged and steadfast Gaza Strip,” Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam posted on X.Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi official, threatened both the U.S. and U.K. with further retaliation.“We will meet escalation with escalation,” he wrote on X.In the United Kingdom, the country's Defense Ministry said that Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s conducted strikes on both Hodeida and further south in Ghulayfiqah. It described its targets as “buildings identified as housing drone ground control facilities and providing storage for very long-range drones, as well as surface-to-air weapons.”“The strikes were taken in self-defense in the face of an ongoing threat that the Houthis pose,” U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said. “There's an ongoing threat that the Houthis pose.”The U.S. and the U.K. have launched strikes against the Houthis since January, with the U.S. regularly carrying out its own in the time since as well. Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthis’ secretive supreme leader, offered an overall death toll for the strikes up to that point as 40 people killed and 35 others wounded. He didn't offer a breakdown between civilian and combatant casualties at the time.The Houthis have stepped up attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, demanding that Israel end the war in Gaza, which has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">war began after Hamas-led militants</a>&nbsp;attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. This week, they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">attacked a ship carrying grain to Iran</a>, the rebels' main benefactor.On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/FFEAU_ALINDIEN/status/1795837694960189920">another U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone</a>&nbsp;apparently crashed in Yemen, with the Houthis claiming they fired a surface-to-air missile at it. The U.S. Air Force didn’t report any aircraft missing, leading to suspicion that the drone may have been piloted by the CIA. As many as three may have been lost in May alone.

US-British airstrikes hit several strategic sites across Yemen

Dixie Lee Black, age 90, formerly of Johnson, Kansas, died Saturday, May 25, 2024, at her home in Joplin, Missouri. The daughter of Roy and Vera (Conard) Wilkerson, she was born on October 12, 1933, in a rock house in southwest Stanton County near the Manter Dam.

She was a Registered Nurse for 50+ years- many of those were in Stanton County with Dr. Daily and Dr. Bill. Eventually she retired to Joplin, Missouri. She enjoyed fishing and bird watching, she adored her dogs, camping at the lake, reading the Johnson Pioneer, spending time with her grandchildren and reading her Bible.

Dixie is survived by one son, Edward Combs of Joplin, Missouri, sister, Lynne Rodriguez of Garden City, Kansas; her beloved dog, Zoe; grandchildren, Misty Posey, Mindy Lum, Derek Gibson, Brittany Combs, Chance Combs, Shaina Combs, Kelcee Felker, Jacob Posey, Haley Posey, Taylor Posey, and Cortlen Combs; and many great and great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Black; sons, Jerry and Danny Combs; daughter, Penny Combs; mother, Vera Wilkerson; father, Roy Wilkerson; and sister, Betty Johnson.

Graveside service will be Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Ulysses Cemetery in Ulysses, Kansas with Pastor Andy McMillan officiating. Arrangements are in the care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Dixie Lee Black, age 90, formerly of Johnson, Kansas, died Saturday, May 25, 2024, at her home in Joplin, Missouri. The daughter of Roy and Vera (Conard) Wilkerson, she was born on October 12, 1933, in a rock house in southwest Stanton County near the Manter Dam.She was a Registered Nurse for 50+ years- many of those were in Stanton County with Dr. Daily and Dr. Bill. Eventually she retired to Joplin, Missouri. She enjoyed fishing and bird watching, she adored her dogs, camping at the lake, reading the Johnson Pioneer, spending time with her grandchildren and reading her Bible.Dixie is survived by one son, Edward Combs of Joplin, Missouri, sister, Lynne Rodriguez of Garden City, Kansas; her beloved dog, Zoe; grandchildren, Misty Posey, Mindy Lum, Derek Gibson, Brittany Combs, Chance Combs, Shaina Combs, Kelcee Felker, Jacob Posey, Haley Posey, Taylor Posey, and Cortlen Combs; and many great and great-great grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Black; sons, Jerry and Danny Combs; daughter, Penny Combs; mother, Vera Wilkerson; father, Roy Wilkerson; and sister, Betty Johnson.Graveside service will be Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Ulysses Cemetery in Ulysses, Kansas with Pastor Andy McMillan officiating. Arrangements are in the care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Dixie Lee Black

By BOYCE DURR FHSU University Communications

 Hayden Albright, a standout sprinter on the Fort Hays State University men’s track and field team, recently crossed the commencement stage, donning his cap and gown. Albright earned his bachelor's degree in&nbsp;Information Networking and Telecommunications, with a concentration in&nbsp;Cybersecurity. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Albright’s academic journey.

While many of his peers are venturing into the workforce, Albright has chosen a different path. He will return to FHSU after graduation to pursue a&nbsp;Masters of Professional Studies in Information Assurance Management while also completing his final year of eligibility for both the indoor and outdoor track seasons.

Hailing from Kingman, Albright’s college experience has included many challenges and triumphs. Despite the demands of his rigorous academic program, he maintained an impressive&nbsp;GPA of 3.78.

Beyond the classroom, Albright has achieved much success on the FHSU track team. His accolades include being a&nbsp;4-time All-American, earning honors in the indoor 400 meters in 2023, as well as being a member of the indoor distance medley relay team in 2024 and the outdoor 4x100 and 4x400-meter relay teams in 2021. Albright is also a 2-time MIAA Champion and a&nbsp;7-time All-MIAA&nbsp;athlete.

“Hayden’s story is uniquely inspirational, one I’ll share with high school and college athletes in the future,” said Kelly Meyer, FHSU online admissions advisor and assistant track and field sprints coach. “Hayden joined our team as a walk-on, but consistently gave his best every day. Because of his hard work and dedication, he continued to develop.”

“Of course, now, he's a 4x All-American and a key leader on our team,” Meyer said. “I'm so proud of the student, athlete, and person he has become.” &nbsp;

Albright credits much of his growth and success as an athlete to the FHSU athletics department and the great coaches he has worked with.

“My sprints coach, Kelly Meyer, has been a huge part of my life in Hays,” Albright said. “She was like having a second mom here at FHSU.”

Albright’s academic achievements include the&nbsp;CSC Academic All-District&nbsp;distinction in 2023. Additionally, he received the&nbsp;USTFCCCA All-Academic Award&nbsp;three times, the&nbsp;MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award&nbsp;five times, was named to the&nbsp;MIAA Academic Honor Roll&nbsp;on five occasions, and received the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award twice. His commitment to both athletics and academics exemplifies the well-rounded student-athlete.

Albright also credits his professors and instructors in the Informatics Department as key to his academic success.

“Kevin Shaffer (Associate Professor and Interim Chair of Informatics) was always willing to help; he has helped me out a lot,” Albright said. “He has helped me both in class and with choosing classes to make sure I got everything I needed.”

As Albright embarks on his post-graduation journey, he recognizes that hard work is the key to success.

“Sometimes,&nbsp;the only way to be successful was to put my head down, work hard, and make sacrifices,” Albright said. “This meant not hanging out with friends sometimes so that I could achieve my desired grade or put more work into track. However, I still had plenty of chances to have fun with friends and enjoy college.”

Hayden Albright’s story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring graduates. To paraphrase his own beliefs, dedication and perseverance pave the way to achievement, whether on the track or in the classroom.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716543712093.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Hayden Albright. Photo courtesy FHSU" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Hayden Albright. Photo courtesy FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By BOYCE DURR FHSU University Communications Hayden Albright, a standout sprinter on the Fort Hays State University men’s track and field team, recently crossed the commencement stage, donning his cap and gown. Albright earned his bachelor's degree in&nbsp;Information Networking and Telecommunications, with a concentration in&nbsp;Cybersecurity. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Albright’s academic journey.While many of his peers are venturing into the workforce, Albright has chosen a different path. He will return to FHSU after graduation to pursue a&nbsp;Masters of Professional Studies in Information Assurance Management while also completing his final year of eligibility for both the indoor and outdoor track seasons.Hailing from Kingman, Albright’s college experience has included many challenges and triumphs. Despite the demands of his rigorous academic program, he maintained an impressive&nbsp;GPA of 3.78.Beyond the classroom, Albright has achieved much success on the FHSU track team. His accolades include being a&nbsp;4-time All-American, earning honors in the indoor 400 meters in 2023, as well as being a member of the indoor distance medley relay team in 2024 and the outdoor 4x100 and 4x400-meter relay teams in 2021. Albright is also a 2-time MIAA Champion and a&nbsp;7-time All-MIAA&nbsp;athlete.“Hayden’s story is uniquely inspirational, one I’ll share with high school and college athletes in the future,” said Kelly Meyer, FHSU online admissions advisor and assistant track and field sprints coach. “Hayden joined our team as a walk-on, but consistently gave his best every day. Because of his hard work and dedication, he continued to develop.”“Of course, now, he's a 4x All-American and a key leader on our team,” Meyer said. “I'm so proud of the student, athlete, and person he has become.” &nbsp;Albright credits much of his growth and success as an athlete to the FHSU athletics department and the great coaches he has worked with.“My sprints coach, Kelly Meyer, has been a huge part of my life in Hays,” Albright said. “She was like having a second mom here at FHSU.”Albright’s academic achievements include the&nbsp;CSC Academic All-District&nbsp;distinction in 2023. Additionally, he received the&nbsp;USTFCCCA All-Academic Award&nbsp;three times, the&nbsp;MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award&nbsp;five times, was named to the&nbsp;MIAA Academic Honor Roll&nbsp;on five occasions, and received the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award twice. His commitment to both athletics and academics exemplifies the well-rounded student-athlete.Albright also credits his professors and instructors in the Informatics Department as key to his academic success.“Kevin Shaffer (Associate Professor and Interim Chair of Informatics) was always willing to help; he has helped me out a lot,” Albright said. “He has helped me both in class and with choosing classes to make sure I got everything I needed.”As Albright embarks on his post-graduation journey, he recognizes that hard work is the key to success.“Sometimes,&nbsp;the only way to be successful was to put my head down, work hard, and make sacrifices,” Albright said. “This meant not hanging out with friends sometimes so that I could achieve my desired grade or put more work into track. However, I still had plenty of chances to have fun with friends and enjoy college.”Hayden Albright’s story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring graduates. To paraphrase his own beliefs, dedication and perseverance pave the way to achievement, whether on the track or in the classroom.&nbsp;

FHSU men’s track and field standout sprinter graduates with honors

Following the Civil War, many officers born and raised in the East continued serving their country on the Kansas frontier. That legion included Captain Albert Barnitz, born in Pennsylvania in 1835 and reared in Ohio. He studied first at Kenyon College and later continued his education at Cleveland Law College. While there, he published a book of poetry titled Mystic Delvings. This hinted at writing tendencies modern readers continue to enjoy.

Barnitz’s path to Kansas began after the death of his first wife who died in childbirth in 1860. Still grieving, he joined the 13th Ohio Infantry as a three-month volunteer in 1861. Following that service, he enlisted in the 2nd Ohio Cavalry as a sergeant. By 1863, Barnitz achieved senior captain rank.

Following his recovery from severe injuries, Barnitz returned to serve under the command of George A. Custer in the Shenandoah Valley and fought his last battle at Appomattox. He returned briefly to civilian life, but received a captain’s commission in the U.S. Army in 1866. The following year he married his second wife Jennie Platt, and they began their Great Plains adventure that included the two writing and saving a series of letters and journals that reflect the military and social life of the period.

During his military career, Barnitz served at several frontier forts, including Leavenworth, Riley, and Harker. His wife Jennie joined him at several of these postings. When they weren’t together, they wrote one another regularly. Albert also kept a journal of his experiences over decades. Fortunately for posterity, they saved these documents.

Through these letters and journals, readers can time travel to the years 1866 – 1869 on the Plains. Robert Utley collected and edited them into a book titled Life in Custer’s 7th Cavalry. Barnitz and Jennie write about military experiences, life on the prairie, Hancock’s failed expedition, a battle with Indians at Fort Wallace, Camp Alfred Gibbs (just west of Ellis, Kansas), and Jennie surviving a flash flood at the first site of Fort Hays.

Piquing the interest of history buffs, Albert and Jennie’s letters reveal personal information about the Custers, Colonel Alfred Gibbs, Major Joel Elliott, Miles Keogh, and other famous colleagues. Through this couple’s running commentary, readers see historical personages as real people complete with strengths and frailties. In addition, they see Barnitz’s attitudes about these individuals evolve, showing how his and Jennie’s opinions changed continually. This couple’s correspondence would’ve enthralled historian Robert Utley as he studied their decades of communication.

Their letters reveal Albert and Jennie’s love story, his desire to be a good officer, and his disgust with fellow officers who drank too much or abused their troops. Interested in nature, he provides excellent accounts of regional wildlife, plants, and weather as well.

Because Barnitz had the observational and writing skills of a poet, his records of military life during one of the frontier’s most active periods provide a time machine-like glimpse into a vanished era. Life in Custer’s Cavalry offers more than communication between a man and woman. It’s an invitation to visit their world, one we occupy today.

By KAREN MADORINFollowing the Civil War, many officers born and raised in the East continued serving their country on the Kansas frontier. That legion included Captain Albert Barnitz, born in Pennsylvania in 1835 and reared in Ohio. He studied first at Kenyon College and later continued his education at Cleveland Law College. While there, he published a book of poetry titled Mystic Delvings. This hinted at writing tendencies modern readers continue to enjoy.Barnitz’s path to Kansas began after the death of his first wife who died in childbirth in 1860. Still grieving, he joined the 13th Ohio Infantry as a three-month volunteer in 1861. Following that service, he enlisted in the 2nd Ohio Cavalry as a sergeant. By 1863, Barnitz achieved senior captain rank.Following his recovery from severe injuries, Barnitz returned to serve under the command of George A. Custer in the Shenandoah Valley and fought his last battle at Appomattox. He returned briefly to civilian life, but received a captain’s commission in the U.S. Army in 1866. The following year he married his second wife Jennie Platt, and they began their Great Plains adventure that included the two writing and saving a series of letters and journals that reflect the military and social life of the period.During his military career, Barnitz served at several frontier forts, including Leavenworth, Riley, and Harker. His wife Jennie joined him at several of these postings. When they weren’t together, they wrote one another regularly. Albert also kept a journal of his experiences over decades. Fortunately for posterity, they saved these documents.Through these letters and journals, readers can time travel to the years 1866 – 1869 on the Plains. Robert Utley collected and edited them into a book titled Life in Custer’s 7th Cavalry. Barnitz and Jennie write about military experiences, life on the prairie, Hancock’s failed expedition, a battle with Indians at Fort Wallace, Camp Alfred Gibbs (just west of Ellis, Kansas), and Jennie surviving a flash flood at the first site of Fort Hays.Piquing the interest of history buffs, Albert and Jennie’s letters reveal personal information about the Custers, Colonel Alfred Gibbs, Major Joel Elliott, Miles Keogh, and other famous colleagues. Through this couple’s running commentary, readers see historical personages as real people complete with strengths and frailties. In addition, they see Barnitz’s attitudes about these individuals evolve, showing how his and Jennie’s opinions changed continually. This couple’s correspondence would’ve enthralled historian Robert Utley as he studied their decades of communication.Their letters reveal Albert and Jennie’s love story, his desire to be a good officer, and his disgust with fellow officers who drank too much or abused their troops. Interested in nature, he provides excellent accounts of regional wildlife, plants, and weather as well.Because Barnitz had the observational and writing skills of a poet, his records of military life during one of the frontier’s most active periods provide a time machine-like glimpse into a vanished era. Life in Custer’s Cavalry offers more than communication between a man and woman. It’s an invitation to visit their world, one we occupy today.

MADORIN: Captain Albert Barnitz, his letters and journals

Marvin G. Heffel, of Dorrance, KS, passed away on April 28, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS, at the age of 78. He was born on January 17, 1946, to Arthur and Helen (Lind) Heffel in Ellsworth, KS. Marvin married Sylvia Baral on August 27, 1974, in Wichita, KS. They were blessed with three children: Stacy, Stephanie, and Travis.

Marvin grew up in Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1964. He went on to Fort Hays University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. He started out working as a driver and manager for Bankers Dispatch and other divisions. He then owned and operated Overnight Express Courier Services in Los Angeles, CA for 10 years. In 1992 he sold the company and moved back to Russell and worked for 4-Way Trucking out of Hays for 6 years and was currently working with Quest-Diagnostics.

Marvin was a KU, Chiefs, and Royals fan. He enjoyed Sunday family dinners, drives with his wife, listening to music as well as playing Rock-N-Roll songs on the piano for his family, especially his grandkids. Marvin loved birdwatching; he knew all the species. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He also was the Commander and Vice Commander in the Dorrance American Legion Post #334 and a member of the First Lutheran Church in Dorrance.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Sylvia Heffel of the home in Dorrance; children, Stacy and John Bonds of Broomfield, CO, Stephanie and David Cardinal of Salina, KS, and Travis and Kristy Heffel of Wilson, KS; sister, Karen Kircher (Ken) of Indianola, NE; brother, Larry Heffel (Marilyn) of Lenexa, KS; 8 grandchildren, Taylor, Tehya, Takotah, Ivorie, Solei, and Raydio Bonds, Lydia and Brekyn Heffel; step-grandson, David Cardinal Jr.; 2 great-grandchildren, Aubree and Kinzlee Bonds and soon to be Jett Bonds; and 2 step-great-grandchildren, David III and Damir Cardinal.

Preceding Marvin in death are his parents, Art and Helen; brother, Arlan “Dots” Heffel; and step-granddaughter, Sydnee Cardinal.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10:30AM at the First Lutheran Church in Dorrance, KS.

Memorials are suggested to Marvin G. Heffel Memorial Fund and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717012138671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marvin G. Heffel, of Dorrance, KS, passed away on April 28, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS, at the age of 78. He was born on January 17, 1946, to Arthur and Helen (Lind) Heffel in Ellsworth, KS. Marvin married Sylvia Baral on August 27, 1974, in Wichita, KS. They were blessed with three children: Stacy, Stephanie, and Travis.Marvin grew up in Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1964. He went on to Fort Hays University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. He started out working as a driver and manager for Bankers Dispatch and other divisions. He then owned and operated Overnight Express Courier Services in Los Angeles, CA for 10 years. In 1992 he sold the company and moved back to Russell and worked for 4-Way Trucking out of Hays for 6 years and was currently working with Quest-Diagnostics.Marvin was a KU, Chiefs, and Royals fan. He enjoyed Sunday family dinners, drives with his wife, listening to music as well as playing Rock-N-Roll songs on the piano for his family, especially his grandkids. Marvin loved birdwatching; he knew all the species. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He also was the Commander and Vice Commander in the Dorrance American Legion Post #334 and a member of the First Lutheran Church in Dorrance.Marvin is survived by his wife, Sylvia Heffel of the home in Dorrance; children, Stacy and John Bonds of Broomfield, CO, Stephanie and David Cardinal of Salina, KS, and Travis and Kristy Heffel of Wilson, KS; sister, Karen Kircher (Ken) of Indianola, NE; brother, Larry Heffel (Marilyn) of Lenexa, KS; 8 grandchildren, Taylor, Tehya, Takotah, Ivorie, Solei, and Raydio Bonds, Lydia and Brekyn Heffel; step-grandson, David Cardinal Jr.; 2 great-grandchildren, Aubree and Kinzlee Bonds and soon to be Jett Bonds; and 2 step-great-grandchildren, David III and Damir Cardinal.Preceding Marvin in death are his parents, Art and Helen; brother, Arlan “Dots” Heffel; and step-granddaughter, Sydnee Cardinal.A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10:30AM at the First Lutheran Church in Dorrance, KS.Memorials are suggested to Marvin G. Heffel Memorial Fund and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663.Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.

Marvin G. Heffel

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the Burkholder family of Hays.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b61c6d71-39ba-44bf-b56b-c40b39c93a34"> The father Joshua B. Burkholder and his son, Kyle, were in an accident on Sunday after a basketball tournament in Wichita. </a>

JB has some abdominal pain and some bleeding. He is hoping to be released from Wesley Medical in Wichita soon, the GoFundMe page said,

Kyle, has a T12 Spine fracture and also had an aortic tear, the page said. Both of Kyle's injuries will require surgery for repair. He has been moved to St. Loius. 

"Though we are thankful these injuries are not life-threatening, we would like to relieve the Burkholder family of some of the burden that will be involved with the medical expenses, travel, food, hotels, etc.," the page said.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol report, Burholder's car moved to the left lane to avoid traffic backed up due to an oversized load, which was stopped. Burkholder's car rear-ended a 2015 GMC Terrain.

The driver and a passenger in the GMC were also transported to a hospital in Wichita.

The GoFundMe was created by&nbsp;Dustin Pfeifer. It had raised $11,275 as of this post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717009569243.png" alt="<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b61c6d71-39ba-44bf-b56b-c40b39c93a34">Kyle</a>&nbsp;Burkholder" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b61c6d71-39ba-44bf-b56b-c40b39c93a34">Kyle</a>&nbsp;Burkholder</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostA GoFundMe account has been set up for the Burkholder family of Hays.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b61c6d71-39ba-44bf-b56b-c40b39c93a34"> The father Joshua B. Burkholder and his son, Kyle, were in an accident on Sunday after a basketball tournament in Wichita. </a>JB has some abdominal pain and some bleeding. He is hoping to be released from Wesley Medical in Wichita soon, the GoFundMe page said,Kyle, has a T12 Spine fracture and also had an aortic tear, the page said. Both of Kyle's injuries will require surgery for repair. He has been moved to St. Loius. "Though we are thankful these injuries are not life-threatening, we would like to relieve the Burkholder family of some of the burden that will be involved with the medical expenses, travel, food, hotels, etc.," the page said.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol report, Burholder's car moved to the left lane to avoid traffic backed up due to an oversized load, which was stopped. Burkholder's car rear-ended a 2015 GMC Terrain.The driver and a passenger in the GMC were also transported to a hospital in Wichita.The GoFundMe was created by&nbsp;Dustin Pfeifer. It had raised $11,275 as of this post.

GoFundMe set up for Hays boy injured in weekend crash

OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — A Kansas teen advanced to the quarterfinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Tuesday.&nbsp;Carey Chebii Chesire , 13, is representing Andover Middle School among the 245 competitors.

Emory Jobe, 14, 8th Grade student from Mission Trail Middle School in Olathe, misspelled&nbsp;savoir faire in the opening round. She spelled it savourafare, according to the Scripps Spelling Bee web site.&nbsp; The quarterfinals and semifinals are Wednesday.

There are spellers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Texas has the largest representation with 20 national competitors. California and Ohio are next with 17 each, followed by Florida, Illinois and New York with 13 each.&nbsp;

As the competition continues, spellers try to address weaknesses, including 'super short, tricky words.

Last year, a four-letter word sent Shradha Rachamreddy to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-spelling-bee-finals-updates-1b09d39ba7631d26f3a3c833f7aeefea">a third-place finish</a>&nbsp;in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

As the remaining spellers dwindled, Shradha was given “orle,” a heraldry term that means several small charges arranged to form a border within the edge of a field. It sounds exactly like “oral.” Shradha went with “orel” and heard the dreaded bell that signals a misspelled word.

“I overcomplicated it,” Shradha said nearly a year later. “It looks simple. It should have been simple, but I missed it.”

The good news for Shradha was that she nearly won it all as a seventh-grader, meaning she had one year of eligibility left. The 14-year-old from San Jose, California, returned as one of 245 spellers competing in this year's bee, which began with Tuesday's preliminary rounds at a convention center outside Washington, D.C.

Like other returning spellers, Shradha tried to learn from her mistake. She devoted part of her studying this year to the sorts of words she tends to miss.

“I did miss on a four-letter word, so my weakness tends to be those super short, tricky words, and I worked on compiling those into one list,” Shradha said. “I try to identify the words that seem likely to show up. If they're not spelled particularly the way they sound, then I'm like, ‘OK, it’s fair game,’ and I study that.”

Learning as many words as possible isn't a foolproof approach. No one in the nearly century-long history of the bee has been able to memorize the more than 500,000 words in Webster's Unabridged dictionary, any of which can be selected for inclusion by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-spelling-bee-word-list-6b67fd86e9008d3f61cc7f256dbad480">Scripps' word panel</a>&nbsp;of former bee champions, linguists and other experts.

Last year's champion, Dev Shah, wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/28/dev-shah-spelling-bee-winner/">in a Washington Post op-ed</a>&nbsp;that to become a champion speller, you must accept that you'll be asked a word you don't know — and be calm enough to figure it out.

“The skill of guessing is everything,” he wrote.

Aryan Khedkhar, a 13-year-old from Rochester Hills, Michigan, who finished tied for fifth last year, breaks down tricky words into categories.

“There are words with roots and words without roots that you just have to memorize. The ones that you have to memorize, I use language patterns. That really helps. If it doesn't have language patterns, I just try to use the simplest way possible,” Aryan said. “That's what the spelling bee is about. It's not about knowing as many words as you can.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716912172264.png" alt="Carey Chebii Chesire , 13, Andover Middle School- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Carey Chebii Chesire , 13, Andover Middle School- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — A Kansas teen advanced to the quarterfinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Tuesday.&nbsp;Carey Chebii Chesire , 13, is representing Andover Middle School among the 245 competitors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716911963934.png" alt="Emory Jobe, 14, 8th Grade, Mission Trail Middle School in Olathe, Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Emory Jobe, 14, 8th Grade, Mission Trail Middle School in Olathe, Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Emory Jobe, 14, 8th Grade student from Mission Trail Middle School in Olathe, misspelled&nbsp;savoir faire in the opening round. She spelled it savourafare, according to the Scripps Spelling Bee web site.&nbsp; The quarterfinals and semifinals are Wednesday.There are spellers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Texas has the largest representation with 20 national competitors. California and Ohio are next with 17 each, followed by Florida, Illinois and New York with 13 each.&nbsp;As the competition continues, spellers try to address weaknesses, including 'super short, tricky words.Last year, a four-letter word sent Shradha Rachamreddy to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-spelling-bee-finals-updates-1b09d39ba7631d26f3a3c833f7aeefea">a third-place finish</a>&nbsp;in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.As the remaining spellers dwindled, Shradha was given “orle,” a heraldry term that means several small charges arranged to form a border within the edge of a field. It sounds exactly like “oral.” Shradha went with “orel” and heard the dreaded bell that signals a misspelled word.“I overcomplicated it,” Shradha said nearly a year later. “It looks simple. It should have been simple, but I missed it.”The good news for Shradha was that she nearly won it all as a seventh-grader, meaning she had one year of eligibility left. The 14-year-old from San Jose, California, returned as one of 245 spellers competing in this year's bee, which began with Tuesday's preliminary rounds at a convention center outside Washington, D.C.Like other returning spellers, Shradha tried to learn from her mistake. She devoted part of her studying this year to the sorts of words she tends to miss.“I did miss on a four-letter word, so my weakness tends to be those super short, tricky words, and I worked on compiling those into one list,” Shradha said. “I try to identify the words that seem likely to show up. If they're not spelled particularly the way they sound, then I'm like, ‘OK, it’s fair game,’ and I study that.”Learning as many words as possible isn't a foolproof approach. No one in the nearly century-long history of the bee has been able to memorize the more than 500,000 words in Webster's Unabridged dictionary, any of which can be selected for inclusion by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-spelling-bee-word-list-6b67fd86e9008d3f61cc7f256dbad480">Scripps' word panel</a>&nbsp;of former bee champions, linguists and other experts.Last year's champion, Dev Shah, wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/28/dev-shah-spelling-bee-winner/">in a Washington Post op-ed</a>&nbsp;that to become a champion speller, you must accept that you'll be asked a word you don't know — and be calm enough to figure it out.“The skill of guessing is everything,” he wrote.Aryan Khedkhar, a 13-year-old from Rochester Hills, Michigan, who finished tied for fifth last year, breaks down tricky words into categories.“There are words with roots and words without roots that you just have to memorize. The ones that you have to memorize, I use language patterns. That really helps. If it doesn't have language patterns, I just try to use the simplest way possible,” Aryan said. “That's what the spelling bee is about. It's not about knowing as many words as you can.”Aditi Muthukumar said she tried to address her weaknesses on words derived from French or from the many languages of the Indian subcontinent. But the 13-year-old from Westminster, Colorado, expects she'll have to confront a word she doesn't know while competing in her final bee.“I mean, probably,” she said, “and I hope I'll be OK with it.”TEAM GHANAThis year's three spellers from Ghana showed up in a uniform — black turtlenecks, white pants, shoes adorned with the Ghanian flag. The centerpiece: custom-designed jackets with sleeves made of woven kente fabric.“We have to wear it,” speller Abena Kwaffo said with a laugh.Spelling is an individual pursuit, but Team Ghana was unified by national pride. Ghana has sent a contingent of spellers for years, long enough that former competitor Darren Sackey is coaching this year's trio.“It's teamwork. The spellers work very hard together,” said Salome Dzakpasu, the Ghanian program director. “Training together on weekends, on weekdays, sometimes evenings, learning how to combine schoolwork and preparing for the bee.”While the past quarter-century of the bee has been dominated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spelling-bee-indian-americans-immigration-b14ba87533dfcd8af813de568ee5958f">the offspring of Indian immigrants</a>, the only international champion was Jody-Anne Maxwell of Jamaica in 1998. Ghana's best finish was a tie for 18th by Afua Ansah in 2016.N'Dom Darko-Asare, a Ghanian seventh-grader competing for the third time, is more comfortable than ever.“You may be scared of standing on stage. Once you've been there before, it doesn't really intimidate you as much,” 13-year-old N'Dom said.VOCABULARY, DEFINEDSpellers have been asked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-spelling-bees-198b3c72f86dc81954de8d344e838b18">multiple-choice vocabulary questions</a>&nbsp;onstage since 2021, and before that, vocabulary was part of a written test that determined which spellers made the semifinals.Nonetheless, Scripps treated “vocabulary” like a dirty word, instead employing a euphemism: “word meaning.” That meant when introducing the vocabulary questions, pronouncers Jacques Bailly and the Rev. Brian Sietsema were forced to use the awkward construction, “Your word meaning word is ...”In Tuesday's preliminary rounds, Sietsema handled pronunciation duties for the first batch of spellers. Those who spelled their first word correctly remained at the microphone while Sietsema told them, to cite one example, “Your vocabulary word is ‘terrarium.’” (Jordin Oremosu, a 14-year-old speller from Florida, giggled with relief when she was asked to define that word.)“There were discussions about it,” Bailly said, adding though he wasn't responsible for the change, “I always thought it should be ‘vocabulary.’”