Morning Bull show host Dustin Armbruster interviews Walker Montgomery prior to his performance at 7 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park in Hays.

<a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">Learn more about the festival at&nbsp;https://wildwestfestival.com/.</a>

<div><iframe title="Walker Montgomery Wild West Festival Interview" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=wuhem-18f2409-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Morning Bull show host Dustin Armbruster interviews Walker Montgomery prior to his performance at 7 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park in Hays.<a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">Learn more about the festival at&nbsp;https://wildwestfestival.com/.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Walker Montgomery to perform at tonight's Wild West Festival

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Growing up in California, Carrie Silva-Thomas imagined she might one day be a marine biologist.

Today, Silva-Thomas, 50, is almost 20 years into being an in-home child care provider and loving it.

In 2006, Silva-Thomas was facing a career change after a layoff. A friend was adopting two children and Carrie had four of her own children. Becoming a licensed in-home child care provider was a way to spend time with her own children and make a good living.

"I do love kids," she said. "There is always something interesting when you have a house full of kids. It's a good time. There's always surprises."

Parent Katie Dorzweiler nominated Silva-Thomas as the June Child Care Champion.

"She loved my boys like they were her own. She still reaches out and keeps in touch even though my boys have been out of child care for five years now," Dorzweiler said.

Silva-Thomas said she enjoys the flexibility that being an in-home child care provider affords her.

"If I need to tend to something with my own children or my own life, I have that ability to do so," she said.

Silva-Thomas's child care is play-based.&nbsp;

"These kiddos will be spending many years sitting at desks, so I feel it’s important for them to use their imaginations, be creative and learn skills through play," she said. "Everything is a learning experience for young children, and it’s nice knowing I’ve played a part in helping and preparing them for their future."

The children color, play with Legos, play outside and have story time.

"We have lots of little statues all over the playroom that they don't want to take apart," she said.

Silva-Thomas has a large book of stories based on Disney characters, and the children love to hear about the adventures of their favorite characters. They also love Dr. Seuss.

The children in Silva-Thomas' child care range in age from 1 to 7. She said the older children especially love her water slide.&nbsp;

She said she enjoys watching the children learn and grow.

"Knowing I was there and taught them things," she said.

Silva-Thomas said she would recommend the profession to others.

"You have to like kids," she said. "You have to understand why the state implemented certain regulations and follow the regulations," she said. "It's not that hard or challenging. ...

"It's very rewarding. You get to be with your own children and provide an income for your family."

Some of the children Silva-Thomas had in child care are now in high school and beyond.

"One of my first day care kiddos recently got married, two years ago, and now has a baby," she said. "I went to the wedding, and now she has her own baby. That makes me think, 'Wow, you've been doing this a long time.'"

"I see kids all of the time. They come up at a football game or a baseball game to say, 'Hi.' They're all my Facebook friends," she said.

Her best advice to new providers is to pick your battles with the kids, parents and the state regulators.

She said the regulations are there for a purpose.

She said her own teen children struggled with some of the regulations, like making sure cabinets were closed and locked to keep the little ones safe.

She also advised, "Don't take things personally if a parent's having a rough day or they don't like the way you do something. If they prefer you tend to their children in a different way, take that into consideration."

Silva-Thomas' child care is full with a waitlist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751317153862.jpeg" alt="Carrie Silva-Thomas, June's Child Care Champion, and Asher Dreher, 4, who has been in her child care for almost three years. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Carrie Silva-Thomas, June's Child Care Champion, and Asher Dreher, 4, who has been in her child care for almost three years. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostGrowing up in California, Carrie Silva-Thomas imagined she might one day be a marine biologist.Today, Silva-Thomas, 50, is almost 20 years into being an in-home child care provider and loving it."Life took me somewhere else," she said.In 2006, Silva-Thomas was facing a career change after a layoff. A friend was adopting two children and Carrie had four of her own children. Becoming a licensed in-home child care provider was a way to spend time with her own children and make a good living."I do love kids," she said. "There is always something interesting when you have a house full of kids. It's a good time. There's always surprises."Parent Katie Dorzweiler nominated Silva-Thomas as the June Child Care Champion."She loved my boys like they were her own. She still reaches out and keeps in touch even though my boys have been out of child care for five years now," Dorzweiler said.Silva-Thomas said she enjoys the flexibility that being an in-home child care provider affords her."If I need to tend to something with my own children or my own life, I have that ability to do so," she said.Silva-Thomas's child care is play-based.&nbsp;"These kiddos will be spending many years sitting at desks, so I feel it’s important for them to use their imaginations, be creative and learn skills through play," she said. "Everything is a learning experience for young children, and it’s nice knowing I’ve played a part in helping and preparing them for their future."The children color, play with Legos, play outside and have story time."We have lots of little statues all over the playroom that they don't want to take apart," she said. Silva-Thomas has a large book of stories based on Disney characters, and the children love to hear about the adventures of their favorite characters. They also love Dr. Seuss.The children in Silva-Thomas' child care range in age from 1 to 7. She said the older children especially love her water slide.&nbsp;She said she enjoys watching the children learn and grow."Knowing I was there and taught them things," she said.Silva-Thomas said she would recommend the profession to others."You have to like kids," she said. "You have to understand why the state implemented certain regulations and follow the regulations," she said. "It's not that hard or challenging. ..."It's very rewarding. You get to be with your own children and provide an income for your family."Some of the children Silva-Thomas had in child care are now in high school and beyond."One of my first day care kiddos recently got married, two years ago, and now has a baby," she said. "I went to the wedding, and now she has her own baby. That makes me think, 'Wow, you've been doing this a long time.'""I see kids all of the time. They come up at a football game or a baseball game to say, 'Hi.' They're all my Facebook friends," she said.Her best advice to new providers is to pick your battles with the kids, parents and the state regulators.She said the regulations are there for a purpose.She said her own teen children struggled with some of the regulations, like making sure cabinets were closed and locked to keep the little ones safe.She also advised, "Don't take things personally if a parent's having a rough day or they don't like the way you do something. If they prefer you tend to their children in a different way, take that into consideration."Silva-Thomas' child care is full with a waitlist.

Child Care Champion: Life took me somewhere else

Sign up from 5:30 to 8:30 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park to become a finalist for a&nbsp;Yuengling Flight Golf Cart from our friends at A &amp; A in Hays. 

The Yuengling Flight Golf Cart, which is worth $10,000, will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST 2025!

Special thanks to our sponsors: High Plains Roofing and A &amp; A Coors Yuengling.

Keep listening and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751402885859.jpeg" alt="image000000.JPG" />
 <figcaption>image000000.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>Sign up from 5:30 to 8:30 tonight at the Wild West Festival in Municipal Park to become a finalist for a&nbsp;Yuengling Flight Golf Cart from our friends at A &amp; A in Hays. The Yuengling Flight Golf Cart, which is worth $10,000, will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST 2025!Special thanks to our sponsors: High Plains Roofing and A &amp; A Coors Yuengling.Keep listening and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

Enter to become a finalist for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart at Wild West Festival tonight!

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Hays community gathered along the streets on Tuesday in silent tribute to the fallen Phillips County deputy.

The Kansas Highway Patrol led the escort of Deputy Brandon Gaede from Wichita to Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg.

It traveled through Salina and continued west on Interstate 70 to exit 159 before going north on Vine Street. City of Hays and Ellis County first responders, businesses owners and residents gathered to pay their respects.

Gaede died Friday after responding to a call at 9:28 p.m. that led to an exchange of gunfire with a suspect in Phillipsburg.

Gaede arrived at the scene and contacted 27-year-old Colton Griffith, who was reported to have detonated illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks at 899 First St.&nbsp;

As the undersheriff attempted to place Griffith in handcuffs, a struggle broke out. Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire on the deputy.

Despite being struck by gunfire, the undersheriff returned fire and hit Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene.

EMS transported Gaede to a local hospital. Despite life-saving measures, medical personnel pronounced him dead at 10:24 p.m.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/59f88620-1925-4b38-bc9f-6dff1370347d">SEE RELATED STORY: Sheriff's deputy and suspect dead after gunfight in Phillipsburg</a>

Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8820f431-7baf-4723-a62a-6445ef14d03e">directed flags be flown at half-staff</a> on all state buildings, grounds and facilities from sunup to sundown on July 5 in honor of Gaede.

Funeral services for Gaede are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Huck Boyd Community Center in Phillipsburg.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751406362819.jpeg" alt="A Hays Police Officer paying his respects to&nbsp;Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede as the Kansas Highway Patrol leads the escort through Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A Hays Police Officer paying his respects to&nbsp;Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede as the Kansas Highway Patrol leads the escort through Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Hays community gathered along the streets on Tuesday in silent tribute to the fallen Phillips County deputy.The Kansas Highway Patrol led the escort of Deputy Brandon Gaede from Wichita to Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg.It traveled through Salina and continued west on Interstate 70 to exit 159 before going north on Vine Street. City of Hays and Ellis County first responders, businesses owners and residents gathered to pay their respects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751406116735.jpeg" alt="Hays community members lined up with flags as Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede arrives in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays community members lined up with flags as Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede arrives in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751406146464.jpeg" alt="Hays community members lined up with flags as Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede arrives in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays community members lined up with flags as Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede arrives in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751406180394.jpeg" alt="Two individuals sitting on the back of a truck with an American flag waiting for the arrival of Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two individuals sitting on the back of a truck with an American flag waiting for the arrival of Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751127258786.png" alt="Deputy Brandon Gaede. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Brandon Gaede. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Gaede died Friday after responding to a call at 9:28 p.m. that led to an exchange of gunfire with a suspect in Phillipsburg.Gaede arrived at the scene and contacted 27-year-old Colton Griffith, who was reported to have detonated illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks at 899 First St.&nbsp;As the undersheriff attempted to place Griffith in handcuffs, a struggle broke out. Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire on the deputy.Despite being struck by gunfire, the undersheriff returned fire and hit Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene.EMS transported Gaede to a local hospital. Despite life-saving measures, medical personnel pronounced him dead at 10:24 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751406201051.jpeg" alt="The hearse carrying Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede driving through Hays on its way to Phillipsburg. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The hearse carrying Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede driving through Hays on its way to Phillipsburg. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751406230019.jpeg" alt="A sign paying respect to&nbsp;Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A sign paying respect to&nbsp;Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751406253366.jpeg" alt="A sign paying respect to Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A sign paying respect to Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751406336810.jpeg" alt="A semi truck carrying multiple American flags parked near Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaedes' escort in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A semi truck carrying multiple American flags parked near Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaedes' escort in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/59f88620-1925-4b38-bc9f-6dff1370347d">SEE RELATED STORY: Sheriff's deputy and suspect dead after gunfight in Phillipsburg</a>Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8820f431-7baf-4723-a62a-6445ef14d03e">directed flags be flown at half-staff</a> on all state buildings, grounds and facilities from sunup to sundown on July 5 in honor of Gaede.Funeral services for Gaede are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Huck Boyd Community Center in Phillipsburg.

Hays honors fallen Phillipsburg deputy at escort

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission approved the final plat application for the Fairview Patch Addition during its Tuesday meeting.

The proposed 13-parcel residential development is north of Severin Road and 400th Avenue. Ten parcels will measure 3 acres each, one about 3.1 acres, and two larger parcels about 4.5 and 4.7 acres.

The homeowners association will maintain the private roads. Bill Jeter, county counselor, stated that the roads will be built to county specifications; however, the county is not obligated to maintain them.

The commission approved the final plat in a 2-1 vote. Commissioner Nathan Leiker voted against the plat, stating that it does not align with county planning.

"We've dealt with a lot of localized subdivisions, and this is getting pretty far out there," Leiker said.

Highway 40 and Main Street intersection in Victoria

Brendan Mackay, Ellis County public works director, received approval for $25,000 in funding to reconstruct the East Main Street approach to Old Highway 40 in Victoria.

At a previous meeting, the commission&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f411c2a9-c20a-4cf3-963d-d834ddb0f613">voted against approving financial assistance</a>&nbsp;for the approach reconstruction after the city of Victoria requested the county cover one-third of the total $124,685 cost.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mackay received approval to restructure the Public Works Department. The plan is to reallocate existing positions to improve efficiency, career development, workload distribution and long-term planning without adding new positions.

The restructuring could result in a maximum increase of $10,000 in the Public Works budget if all affected employees opt for family plan insurance policies,&nbsp;Mackay said.

The Ellis County Commission received an update on the 2025 Ellis County Fair from Justin Scheck, Ellis County Fair board president. The theme for the fair is "Another Day in Fairadise."

Mackay also received approval to purchase a $358,000 road grader to replace one that requires significant repairs. The county will owe about $51,420 for the first year's payment.

The commission approved a two-year cell phone contract with Verizon to replace the expired contract with Nex-Tech Wireless. The Ellis County IT department determined Verizon offers a more cost-effective option, saving $14,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission approved the final plat application for the Fairview Patch Addition during its Tuesday meeting.The proposed 13-parcel residential development is north of Severin Road and 400th Avenue. Ten parcels will measure 3 acres each, one about 3.1 acres, and two larger parcels about 4.5 and 4.7 acres.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745343295386.jpeg" alt="Fairview Patch preliminary plat" />
 <figcaption>Fairview Patch preliminary plat</figcaption>
 </figure>The homeowners association will maintain the private roads. Bill Jeter, county counselor, stated that the roads will be built to county specifications; however, the county is not obligated to maintain them.The commission approved the final plat in a 2-1 vote. Commissioner Nathan Leiker voted against the plat, stating that it does not align with county planning."We've dealt with a lot of localized subdivisions, and this is getting pretty far out there," Leiker said.<h2>Highway 40 and Main Street intersection in Victoria</h2>Brendan Mackay, Ellis County public works director, received approval for $25,000 in funding to reconstruct the East Main Street approach to Old Highway 40 in Victoria.At a previous meeting, the commission&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f411c2a9-c20a-4cf3-963d-d834ddb0f613">voted against approving financial assistance</a>&nbsp;for the approach reconstruction after the city of Victoria requested the county cover one-third of the total $124,685 cost.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Ellis County Public Works restructure</h2>Mackay received approval to restructure the Public Works Department. The plan is to reallocate existing positions to improve efficiency, career development, workload distribution and long-term planning without adding new positions.The restructuring could result in a maximum increase of $10,000 in the Public Works budget if all affected employees opt for family plan insurance policies,&nbsp;Mackay said.<h2>Other business</h2>The Ellis County Commission received an update on the 2025 Ellis County Fair from Justin Scheck, Ellis County Fair board president. The theme for the fair is "Another Day in Fairadise."Mackay also received approval to purchase a $358,000 road grader to replace one that requires significant repairs. The county will owe about $51,420 for the first year's payment.The commission approved a two-year cell phone contract with Verizon to replace the expired contract with Nex-Tech Wireless. The Ellis County IT department determined Verizon offers a more cost-effective option, saving $14,000.

On a split vote, Ellis County Commission approves final housing plans

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Crew members from a Disney cruise ship saved a girl who fell overboard and her father who jumped in after her.

The Disney Dream rescue team pulled the girl and her father into a small boat on Sunday as the cruise ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from the Bahamas on the last day of the voyage, according to Disney and passengers who recorded the rescue on video.

Passengers were alerted that someone had fallen overboard by an announcement over the ship’s loudspeakers, said passenger Kevin Furuta in a social media post.

“Thankfully the (Disney Cruise Lines) rescue team was on it immediately and both were saved!” Furuta said in a post to the Facebook group, Disney Dream Cruise Ship Group.

No information has been released about how the girl fell overboard.

“We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes,” Disney said in a statement. “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”

The Coast Guard didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751373006811.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Crew members from a Disney cruise ship saved a girl who fell overboard and her father who jumped in after her.The Disney Dream rescue team pulled the girl and her father into a small boat on Sunday as the cruise ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from the Bahamas on the last day of the voyage, according to Disney and passengers who recorded the rescue on video.Passengers were alerted that someone had fallen overboard by an announcement over the ship’s loudspeakers, said passenger Kevin Furuta in a social media post.“Thankfully the (Disney Cruise Lines) rescue team was on it immediately and both were saved!” Furuta said in a post to the Facebook group, Disney Dream Cruise Ship Group.No information has been released about how the girl fell overboard.“We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes,” Disney said in a statement. “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”The Coast Guard didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.

Disney cruise ship rescue team saves girl and father after overboard fall

What began as a casual visit turned into a new beginning for two regulars who are now the new owners of the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market in Hays.

Matt and Tiffany Mayo marked the grand reopening of The Paisley Pear, 1100 Main St., with a Friday ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber in Hays.

"We just want to continue supporting the Hays community, the locals, travelers and people who like to come in. For anybody that has not been here, we welcome you to come because we always love seeing faces," Matt said.

Matt is a former FedEx driver, and Tiffany is a longtime financial adviser. They purchased the business to begin a new chapter and preserve a place they had grown to love as customers.

"I'm excited to be off the road and be able to interact with a lot more people than I used to," Matt said.

The couple kept the establishment's original charm while expanding its offerings to include bourbon tastings, comedy and open mic nights, and heartier menu options like pasta.

The menu also features blackened lemon herb salmon, bierocks, an extensive wine selection, and monthly food and drink specials.

The building also includes a semi-private back room that can host small gatherings of 20 to 25 people, such as bridal showers, baby showers and other special celebrations.

Former owners Shaun and Heather Musil listed The Paisley Pear for sale in April 2024. Matt and Tiffany purchased it that October.

"Shaun was very forthcoming and helpful," Matt said. "He's been very good to work with, and I appreciate everything he's done."

Shaun and Heather announced their decision to sell the Paisley Pear to prioritize time with loved ones.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/223bd7bf-8dea-4547-ae5c-bd7da96b547f">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays' original wine bar The Paisley Pear up for sale</a>

The Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays.

You can follow the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thePaisleyPear">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and visit their website&nbsp;<a href="https://paisleypear.net/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0Yyy7sLH091DPxWw_n5nDmkRMfU8xNnGzsVPgp8ZMFwIvebLjlAuwa61o_aem_AfmQLKtB-j65K_4yC10SCjc6BPDT5J4mhempbdXCuwrlYHWPOFToxi5TX68ZRrK7lkXlSHHzPjrGrFhZlOI0bEAT">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751052620064.jpeg" alt="Matt and Tiffany Mayo cutting a ribbon outside the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market, joined by attendees during a ceremony hosted by the Chamber in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Matt and Tiffany Mayo cutting a ribbon outside the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market, joined by attendees during a ceremony hosted by the Chamber in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostWhat began as a casual visit turned into a new beginning for two regulars who are now the new owners of the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market in Hays.Matt and Tiffany Mayo marked the grand reopening of The Paisley Pear, 1100 Main St., with a Friday ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber in Hays."We just want to continue supporting the Hays community, the locals, travelers and people who like to come in. For anybody that has not been here, we welcome you to come because we always love seeing faces," Matt said.Matt is a former FedEx driver, and Tiffany is a longtime financial adviser. They purchased the business to begin a new chapter and preserve a place they had grown to love as customers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751052675150.jpeg" alt="Matt and Tiffany Mayo at the grand reopening of the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Matt and Tiffany Mayo at the grand reopening of the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"I'm excited to be off the road and be able to interact with a lot more people than I used to," Matt said.The couple kept the establishment's original charm while expanding its offerings to include bourbon tastings, comedy and open mic nights, and heartier menu options like pasta.The menu also features blackened lemon herb salmon, bierocks, an extensive wine selection, and monthly food and drink specials.The building also includes a semi-private back room that can host small gatherings of 20 to 25 people, such as bridal showers, baby showers and other special celebrations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751052702764.jpeg" alt="The Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Former owners Shaun and Heather Musil listed The Paisley Pear for sale in April 2024. Matt and Tiffany purchased it that October."Shaun was very forthcoming and helpful," Matt said. "He's been very good to work with, and I appreciate everything he's done."Shaun and Heather announced their decision to sell the Paisley Pear to prioritize time with loved ones.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/223bd7bf-8dea-4547-ae5c-bd7da96b547f">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays' original wine bar The Paisley Pear up for sale</a>The Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays.You can follow the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thePaisleyPear">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and visit their website&nbsp;<a href="https://paisleypear.net/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0Yyy7sLH091DPxWw_n5nDmkRMfU8xNnGzsVPgp8ZMFwIvebLjlAuwa61o_aem_AfmQLKtB-j65K_4yC10SCjc6BPDT5J4mhempbdXCuwrlYHWPOFToxi5TX68ZRrK7lkXlSHHzPjrGrFhZlOI0bEAT">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays' The Paisley Pear celebrates grand reopening

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate came to a standstill Tuesday after slogging through a tense overnight session, with Republican leaders searching for ways to secure support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;big bill of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-bill-republicans-medicaid-snap-5106fb5d07a5675e01644aabde1f7df8">tax breaks and spending cuts</a>&nbsp;while fending off proposed amendments, mostly from Democrats trying to defeat the package.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-bill-thune-senate-leader-daf1aee85669ac9a242908e2a13f9346">Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota</a>&nbsp;spent the night reaching for last-minute agreements between those in his party worried the bill's reductions to Medicaid will leave millions without care and his most conservative flank, which wants even steeper cuts to hold down deficits ballooning with the tax cuts.

Vice President JD Vance was at the Capitol, on hand to break a tie vote if needed.

It's a pivotal moment for the Republicans, who have control of Congress and are racing to wrap up work with just days to go before Trump's holiday deadline Friday. The 940-page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.budget.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/the_one_big_beautiful_bill_act.pdf">“One Big Beautiful Bill Act,”</a>&nbsp;as it’s formally titled, has consumed Congress as its shared priority with the president.

At the same time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-johnson-trump-tax-bill-christian-prayer-f82ed140d9110d5cc7b4029b681ea9eb">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;of Louisiana has signaled more potential problems ahead, warning the Senate package could run into trouble when it is sent back to the House for a final round of voting, as skeptical lawmakers are being called back to Washington ahead of Trump’s Fourth of July deadline.

Trump acknowledged it's “very complicated stuff,” as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-everglades-immigrant-detention-facility-visit-5dc5568ec15534947c29c9149b773d1d">departed the White House for Florida</a>.

“We’re going to have to see the final version,” the president said. "I don’t want to go too crazy with cuts. I don’t like cuts.”

What started as a routine, but laborious day of amendment voting, in a process called vote-a-rama, spiraled into an almost round-the-clock marathon as Republican leaders were buying time to shore up support. It was among the longest sessions processing the most amendments in modern times.

The droning roll calls in the chamber belied the frenzied action to steady the bill. Grim-faced scenes played out on and off the Senate floor, and tempers flared.

The GOP leaders have no room to spare, with narrow majorities in both chambers. Thune can lose no more than three Republican senators, and already two —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thom-tillis-trumps-big-bill-election-north-carolina-51ba539bb59921324c663fe99ca32055">Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina</a>, who warns people will lose access to Medicaid health care, and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who opposes raising the debt limit by $5 trillion — have indicated opposition.

Attention quickly turned to key senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, who have also worked to stem the health care cuts, but also a loose coalition of four conservative GOP senators pushing for even steeper reductions.

Asked if she’ll support the bill, Collins told the AP she continues to have a “lot of serious reservations about the bill.”

Murkowski in particular was the subject of the GOP leadership's attention, as Thune and others sat beside her in conversation. By daybreak, she was huddled intensely for more than an hour in the back of the chamber with others, scribbling notes on papers.

At another point, all eyes shifted to Paul after he returned from a visit to Thune’s office with a stunning offer that could win his vote. He had suggested substantially lowering the proposed increase in the amount of the debt ceiling, according to two people familiar with the private meeting and granted anonymity to discuss it.

And on social media, billionaire Elon Musk was again lashing out at Republicans as “the PORKY PIG PARTY!!” for including the $5 trillion debt limit provision, which is needed to allow continued borrowing to pay the bills.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said “Republicans are in shambles because they know the bill is so unpopular."

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cbo-trump-tax-bill-republicans-senate-5f591bea21bd95eec45ba90c93c50687">A new analysis</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cbo-big-beautiful-bill-trump-republican-deficit-debt-d432b67a965790e4a26de46ea8db1266">the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;found 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034 if the bill became law. The CBO said the package would increase the deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion over the decade.

Few Republicans appear fully satisfied as the final package emerges, in either the House or Senate.

Collins had proposed bolstering the $25 billion proposed rural hospital fund to $50 billion, offset with a higher tax rate on those earning more than $25 million a year, but her amendment failed.

And Murkowski was trying to secure provisions to spare people in her state from some food stamp cuts, which appeared to be accepted, while she was also working to beef up federal reimbursements to hospitals in Alaska and others states, that failed to comply with parliamentary rules.

“Radio silence,” Murkowski said when asked how she would vote.

At the same time, conservative Senate Republicans had insisted on a vote on their plan for health care cuts, including Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Lee of Utah, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming.

A few of the amendments from Democrats were winning support from a few Republicans, though almost none passed.

One amendment was overwhelmingly approved, 99-1. It would strip a provision barring states from regulating artificial intelligence if they receive certain federal funding.

All told, the Senate bill includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, according to the latest CBO analysis, making permanent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-beautiful-bill-trump-tax-spending-cuts-78fabe42ae09e0c5ac692a92dca8af5b">Trump's 2017 rates</a>, which would expire at the end of the year if Congress fails to act, while adding the new ones he campaigned on, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-tax-on-tips-things-to-know-budget-bill-02b9d99dbe17cef93a81bc0cbb2cffcb">no taxes on tips</a>.

The Senate package would roll back billions of dollars in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-clean-energy-tax-credits-trump-87f7ac850247f8a183d7c7933645b331">green energy tax credits</a>, which Democrats warn will wipe out wind and solar investments nationwide. It would impose $1.2 trillion in cuts, largely to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-bill-hospital-provider-tax-f6f4343bbc9c9a279bd7861c2e5c1b7b">Medicaid</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-food-stamps-tax-cuts-senate-spending-101d16d8ca61956fc37f0cce7551fa24">food stamps</a>, by imposing work requirements on able-bodied people, including some parents and older Americans, making sign-up eligibility more stringent and changing federal reimbursements to states.

Additionally, the bill would provide a $350 billion infusion for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-budget-congress-trump-bill-e37bb0a5c5ca883438db349239a6c251">border and national security</a>, including for deportations, some of it paid for with new fees charged to immigrants.

Unable to stop the march toward passage, the Democrats tried to drag out the process, including with a weekend reading of the full bill.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, raised particular concern at the start of debate late Sunday about the accounting method being used by the Republicans, which says the tax breaks from Trump's first term are now “current policy” and the cost of extending them should not be counted toward deficits.

She said that kind of “magic math” won't fly with Americans trying to balance their own household books.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-tax-cuts-trump-big-bill-bf3f94471b13db3e5d50f0cd1f8fe793">WASHINGTON (AP) —The Senate slogged</a>&nbsp;through a tense overnight session that has now dragged into Tuesday morning, with Republican leaders searching for ways to secure support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;big bill of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-bill-republicans-medicaid-snap-5106fb5d07a5675e01644aabde1f7df8">tax breaks and spending cuts</a>&nbsp;while fending off proposed amendments, mostly from Democrats trying to defeat the package.

An endgame appeared to be taking shape.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-bill-thune-senate-leader-daf1aee85669ac9a242908e2a13f9346">Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota</a>&nbsp;spent the night reaching for last-minute agreements between those in his party worried the bill’s reductions to Medicaid will leave millions without care and his most conservative flank, which wants even steeper cuts to hold down deficits ballooning with the tax cuts.

It’s a pivotal moment for the Republicans, who have control of Congress and are racing to wrap up work with just days to go before Trump’s self-imposed July 4 deadline. The 940-page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.budget.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/the_one_big_beautiful_bill_act.pdf">“One Big Beautiful Bill Act,”</a>&nbsp;as it’s formally titled, has consumed Congress as its shared priority with the president.

Senate ‘vote-o-rama’ for Trump’s big bill already among longest-running in modern times

The all-night session has been grinding on for nearly 24 hours, having started at roughly 9:30 a.m. on Monday.

Senators have voted on more than three dozen amendments so far. More voting is likely.

The marathon voting session is part of the cumbersome process Republicans are using to try and pass the bill with a simple majority.

Republicans are letting the process drag on as they try to lock up last-minute agreements to push the bill to passage. For now, the Senate floor is at a standstill.

Senate strikes AI provision from GOP bill after uproar from the states

The proposal to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade was soundly defeated in the Senate on Tuesday, thwarting attempts to insert the measure into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Trump’s</a>&nbsp;big bill of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-medicaid-food-stamps-tax-cuts-trump-04ba626c7e35c6a0070436f69616ab35?user_email=4fd4c27baee4d42584b8424a80aaaef9499833441d8a179eef98bf79418cf799&amp;utm_medium=Morning_Wire&amp;utm_source=Sailthru_AP&amp;utm_campaign=Morning%20Wire%2006/30&amp;utm_term=Morning%20Wire%20Subscribers">tax breaks and spending cuts</a>.

The Senate voted 99-1 to strike the AI provision for the legislation after weeks of criticism from both Republican and Democratic governors and state officials.

Originally proposed as a 10-year ban on states doing anything to regulate AI, lawmakers later tied it to federal funding so that only states that backed off on AI regulations would be able to get subsidies for broadband internet or AI infrastructure.

Trump responds to Elon Musk’s criticism of tax cut and spending bill

Trump said the billionaire could lose a lot more than the electrical vehicle subsidies that would be eliminated if the measure becomes law.

“We might have to put DOGE on Elon,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a trip to Florida. “DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon.”

DOGE is the Department of Government Efficiency. Trump put Musk in charge of DOGE to cut government spending. Musk owns an electric vehicle company and a space company and has lucrative federal government contracts.

By LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN&nbsp;

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is slogging through a tense overnight session that has dragged into Tuesday, with Republican leaders buying time as they search for ways to secure support for President Donald Trump's big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts while fending off proposed amendments, mostly from Democrats trying to defeat the package.

An endgame was not immediately in sight. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota is reaching for a last-minute agreement between those in his party worried the bill's reductions to Medicaid will leave millions without care and his most conservative flank, which wants even steeper cuts to hold down deficits ballooning with the tax cuts.

Thune declared at one point they were in the "homestretch" as he dashed through the halls at the Capitol, only to backtrack a short time later, suggesting any progress was "elusive."

At the same time House Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled more potential problems ahead, warning the Senate package could run into trouble when it is sent back to the House for a final round of voting, as skeptical lawmakers are being called back to Washington ahead of Trump's Fourth of July deadline.

"I have prevailed upon my Senate colleagues to please, please, please keep it as close to the House product as possible," said Johnson, the Louisiana Republican. House Republicans had already passed their version last month.

It's a pivotal moment for the Republicans, who have control of Congress and are racing to wrap up work with just days to go before Trump's holiday deadline Friday. The 940-page "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," as it's formally titled, has consumed Congress as its shared priority with the president.

In a midnight social media post urging them on, Trump called the bill "perhaps the greatest and most important of its kind." Vice President JD Vance summed up his own series of posts, simply imploring senators to "Pass the bill."

The GOP leaders have no room to spare, with narrow majorities in both chambers. Thune can lose no more than three Republican senators, and already two — Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who warns people will lose access to Medicaid health care, and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who opposes raising the debt limit — have indicated opposition.

Attention quickly turned to key senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, who have also raised concerns about health care cuts, but also a loose coalition of four conservative GOP senators pushing for even steeper reductions.

Murkowski in particular was the subject of the GOP leadership's attention, as Thune and others sat beside her in conversation. Then Paul drew eyes after he returned from a visit to Thune's office.

And on social media, billionaire Elon Musk was again lashing out at Republicans as "the PORKY PIG PARTY!!" for including a provision that would raise the nation's debt limit by $5 trillion, which is needed to allow continued borrowing to pay the bills.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said his side was working to show "how awful this is."

"Republicans are in shambles because they know the bill is so unpopular," Schumer said as he walked the halls.

A new analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034 if the bill became law. The CBO said the package would increase the deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion over the decade.

Tillis said it is a betrayal of the president's promises not to kick people off health care, especially if rural hospitals close.

Collins had proposed bolstering the $25 billion proposed rural hospital fund to $50 billion, but her amendment failed. And Murkowski was trying to secure provisions to spare people in her state from some health care and food stamp cuts while also working to beef up federal reimbursements to Alaska's hospitals. They have not said how they would vote for the final package.

"Radio silence," Murkowski said when asked.

At the same time, conservative Senate Republicans proposing steeper health care cuts, including Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Lee of Utah, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, filed into Thune's office for a near-midnight meeting.

The Senate has spent some 18 hours churning through more than two dozen amendments in what is called a vote-a-rama, a typically laborious process that went on longer than usual as negotiations happen on and off the chamber floor. The White House legislative team also was at the Capitol.

A few of the amendments — to strike parts of the bill that would limit Medicaid funds to rural hospitals or shift the costs of food stamp benefits to the states — were winning support from a few Republicans, though almost none were passing.

One amendment was overwhelmingly approved. It would strip a provision barring states from regulating artificial intelligence if they receive certain federal funding. It was approved 99-1.

All told, the Senate bill includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, according to the latest CBO analysis, making permanent Trump's 2017 rates, which would expire at the end of the year if Congress fails to act, while adding the new ones he campaigned on, including no taxes on tips.

The Senate package would roll back billions of dollars in green energy tax credits, which Democrats warn will wipe out wind and solar investments nationwide. It would impose $1.2 trillion in cuts, largely to Medicaid and food stamps, by imposing work requirements on able-bodied people, including some parents and older Americans, making sign-up eligibility more stringent and changing federal reimbursements to states.

Additionally, the bill would provide a $350 billion infusion for border and national security, including for deportations, some of it paid for with new fees charged to immigrants.

Unable to stop the march toward passage, the Democrats as the minority party in Congress are using the tools at their disposal to delay and drag out the process.

Democrats forced a full reading of the text, which took 16 hours, and they have a stream of amendments.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, raised particular concern at the start of debate late Sunday about the accounting method being used by the Republicans, which says the tax breaks from Trump's first term are now "current policy" and the cost of extending them should not be counted toward deficits.

She said that kind of "magic math" won't fly with Americans trying to balance their own household books.

Associated Press writers Ali Swenson, Fatima Hussein, Michelle L. Price, Kevin Freking, Matt Brown, Seung Min Kim and Chris Megerian contributed to this report.

Moran, Marshall up all night: ‘Vote-o-rama’ on Big, Beautiful Bill continues

HAYS
– The Hays Larks sent 20 batters to the plate in a 14-run third inning and closed
out their three game homestand with 20-2 blowout of the Dodge City A’s Monday
night at Larks Park.

Dylan
LaRue homered twice in the big frame. His two-run shot which pushed the lead to
8-1. Lane Sparks added a three-run blast to push the lead to 11-1. LaRue then added
another three-run homer to increase the lead to 15-1. The Larks (15-3-1, 11-3
RMBL) took advantage of six walks and had 10 hits in the inning.

Trent
Baker hit a two-run homer in the second to push the Larks lead to 6-1. Sparks
had&nbsp; two-run single and Thomas Lyssy a
two-run double earlier in the inning. 

Dodge
City (10-13, 5-6 RMBL) scored on a wild pitch in the second to take an early
1-0 lead.

Sparks
finished with three hits and seven RBIs which is the most since Brady Evans drive in seven vs. Colorado Springs Outlaws on July 8, 2022. LaRue had three hits and drove in
five, Baker also had three hits and three RBIs.

Nick
Gray (4-0) allowed one run on three hits with seven strikeouts over five
innings and picked up his team-leading fourth win.

The
20 runs scored by the Larks are the most in a game since they scored 21 at the
Colorado Springs Cage Rats on June 24, 2023. 

It’s
the second time this season the Larks have hit four or more home runs against
the A’s. They hit five out in their home opener on June 7th.

The
Larks have won five straight and move to 15-3-1 and 11-3 in the Rocky Mountain
Baseball League.



The Larks head to Colorado for a three-game road trip
beginning with the Collegiate Roughriders in Denver on Wednesday, July 2.

Hays Post SportsHAYS
– The Hays Larks sent 20 batters to the plate in a 14-run third inning and closed
out their three game homestand with 20-2 blowout of the Dodge City A’s Monday
night at Larks Park.Dylan
LaRue homered twice in the big frame. His two-run shot which pushed the lead to
8-1. Lane Sparks added a three-run blast to push the lead to 11-1. LaRue then added
another three-run homer to increase the lead to 15-1. The Larks (15-3-1, 11-3
RMBL) took advantage of six walks and had 10 hits in the inning.Trent
Baker hit a two-run homer in the second to push the Larks lead to 6-1. Sparks
had&nbsp; two-run single and Thomas Lyssy a
two-run double earlier in the inning. Dodge
City (10-13, 5-6 RMBL) scored on a wild pitch in the second to take an early
1-0 lead.Sparks
finished with three hits and seven RBIs which is the most since Brady Evans drive in seven vs. Colorado Springs Outlaws on July 8, 2022. LaRue had three hits and drove in
five, Baker also had three hits and three RBIs.Nick
Gray (4-0) allowed one run on three hits with seven strikeouts over five
innings and picked up his team-leading fourth win.The
20 runs scored by the Larks are the most in a game since they scored 21 at the
Colorado Springs Cage Rats on June 24, 2023. It’s
the second time this season the Larks have hit four or more home runs against
the A’s. They hit five out in their home opener on June 7th.The
Larks have won five straight and move to 15-3-1 and 11-3 in the Rocky Mountain
Baseball League.

UP
NEXTThe Larks head to Colorado for a three-game road trip
beginning with the Collegiate Roughriders in Denver on Wednesday, July 2.

⚾ Larks hit 4 homers in rout of Dodge City

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students as part of a deal with prosecutors to avoid the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-murders-students-stabbed-kohberger-da6b7758a2beda6c05a5373286f6a692">death penalty</a>, multiple media outlets reported Monday.

The news was delivered to families of the victims in a letter from prosecutors, according to ABC News. A change of plea hearing was set for Wednesday. Kohberger's trial had been set to begin in August.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23564673/122922-affidavit-exhibit-a-statement-of-brett-payne_redacted.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the full&nbsp;unsealed affidavit, which explains the basis for Kohberger's arrest.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-idaho-students-killings-arrest-b3b1ffd8138827f0bdad16d20e17cf83">Kohberger</a>, 30, is accused in the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. Autopsies showed the four were all likely asleep when they were attacked, some had defensive wounds and each was stabbed multiple times.

Goncalves' family expressed outrage in a Facebook post: “We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected.”

Kohberger, then a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/law-enforcement-idaho-pennsylvania-crime-5a9c3c1117dbf2efcd37cdf04e5c01ae">arrested in Pennsylvania</a>&nbsp;weeks after the killings. Investigators said they matched his DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene.

In a court filing, his lawyers said Kohberger was on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-students-stabbed-bryan-kohberger-alibi-9854c98806921d698dd85a896481f5f2">long drive by himself</a>&nbsp;around the time the four were killed.

The killings shook the small farming community of about 25,000 people, which hadn’t had a homicide in about five years. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bryan-kohberger-idaho-students-killed-trial-boise-45ca6dc670fa9e0088e7774772752f80">trial was moved</a>&nbsp;from rural northern Idaho to Boise after the defense expressed concerns that Kohberger couldn’t get a fair trial in the county where the killings occurred.

In Idaho, judges may reject plea agreements, though such moves are rare. If a judge rejects a plea agreement, the defendant is allowed to withdraw the guilty plea.

Earlier Monday, a Pennsylvania judge had ordered that three people whose testimony was requested by defense attorneys would have to travel to Idaho to appear at Kohberger’s trial.

The defense subpoenas were granted regarding a boxing trainer who knew Kohberger as a teenager, a childhood acquaintance of Kohberger’s and a third man whose significance was not explained.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-state-government-law-enforcement-crime-0118f189f18ea76194b752e211becd1f">gag order</a>&nbsp;has largely kept attorneys, investigators and others from speaking publicly about the investigation or trial.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672924870681.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students as part of a deal with prosecutors to avoid the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-murders-students-stabbed-kohberger-da6b7758a2beda6c05a5373286f6a692">death penalty</a>, multiple media outlets reported Monday.The news was delivered to families of the victims in a letter from prosecutors, according to ABC News. A change of plea hearing was set for Wednesday. Kohberger's trial had been set to begin in August.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23564673/122922-affidavit-exhibit-a-statement-of-brett-payne_redacted.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the full&nbsp;unsealed affidavit, which explains the basis for Kohberger's arrest.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-idaho-students-killings-arrest-b3b1ffd8138827f0bdad16d20e17cf83">Kohberger</a>, 30, is accused in the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. Autopsies showed the four were all likely asleep when they were attacked, some had defensive wounds and each was stabbed multiple times.Goncalves' family expressed outrage in a Facebook post: “We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected.”Kohberger, then a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/law-enforcement-idaho-pennsylvania-crime-5a9c3c1117dbf2efcd37cdf04e5c01ae">arrested in Pennsylvania</a>&nbsp;weeks after the killings. Investigators said they matched his DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene.In a court filing, his lawyers said Kohberger was on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-students-stabbed-bryan-kohberger-alibi-9854c98806921d698dd85a896481f5f2">long drive by himself</a>&nbsp;around the time the four were killed.The killings shook the small farming community of about 25,000 people, which hadn’t had a homicide in about five years. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bryan-kohberger-idaho-students-killed-trial-boise-45ca6dc670fa9e0088e7774772752f80">trial was moved</a>&nbsp;from rural northern Idaho to Boise after the defense expressed concerns that Kohberger couldn’t get a fair trial in the county where the killings occurred.In Idaho, judges may reject plea agreements, though such moves are rare. If a judge rejects a plea agreement, the defendant is allowed to withdraw the guilty plea.Earlier Monday, a Pennsylvania judge had ordered that three people whose testimony was requested by defense attorneys would have to travel to Idaho to appear at Kohberger’s trial.The defense subpoenas were granted regarding a boxing trainer who knew Kohberger as a teenager, a childhood acquaintance of Kohberger’s and a third man whose significance was not explained.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-state-government-law-enforcement-crime-0118f189f18ea76194b752e211becd1f">gag order</a>&nbsp;has largely kept attorneys, investigators and others from speaking publicly about the investigation or trial.

Plea deal for suspect in murder of 4 Univ. of Idaho students

ATLANTA — Major League Baseball announced Monday the rosters for the 2025 All-Star Futures Game, scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta.

Among the 50 top prospects selected for the annual showcase are a pair of Kansas City Royals farmhands: catcher Carter Jensen and left-handed pitcher Frank Mozzicato.

Jensen, ranked No. 80 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list, is the No. 3 prospect in the Royals’ system. Mozzicato, the No. 12 prospect in the organization, is currently pitching for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751303557826.png" alt="Photo Courtesy MLB" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy MLB</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA — Major League Baseball announced Monday the rosters for the 2025 All-Star Futures Game, scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta.Among the 50 top prospects selected for the annual showcase are a pair of Kansas City Royals farmhands: catcher Carter Jensen and left-handed pitcher Frank Mozzicato.Jensen, ranked No. 80 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list, is the No. 3 prospect in the Royals’ system. Mozzicato, the No. 12 prospect in the organization, is currently pitching for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.Mozzicato has posted a 1-2 record with a 4.29 ERA in 14 starts this season. Over 63 innings, he has recorded 55 strikeouts, allowed 45 hits, and held opposing hitters to a .206 batting average.