Speaker: Ten Republicans in House refuse to sign petition to change U.S. House boundaries

TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins stripped three Republicans of committee chairmanships for refusing to sign a petition calling for a special legislative session to redraw congressional boundaries in a bid to block reelection of Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and to tackle a handful of unrelated bills.

Hawkins relied on his unilateral power as the House’s top leader to alter committee assignments and remove as chairmen GOP Reps. Steven Howe of Salina, Nathan Butler of Junction City and Jesse Borjon of Topeka. Hawkins also removed Rep. Clarke Sanders of Salina and Rep. Leah Howell of Derby from vice chair positions.

Sanders, who was vice chair of the House Higher Education Budget Committee, said Hawkins called him Friday with the news. Sanders said Republicans in committee leadership positions who wouldn’t sign the special session petition were targeted.

“Those of us who were chairs and vice chairs … have been relieved because we didn’t agree to sign on for a special session,” Sanders said. “I understand it. I knew that not signing it came with a risk. I just didn’t think it was the right thing to do. I hope to maintain a good relationship with the speaker, but this was something he felt he had to do.”

It’s likely additional committee vice chairs could be removed from leadership positions by the House speaker. Rank-and-file members of the House also could face sanctions in terms of committee assignments ahead of the 2026 legislative session in January.

The committee leaders demoted by Hawkins were among 10 Republican House members who declined to sign the petition for the special session. Neither Howe, Butler nor Borjon could be immediately reached for comment.

“I’m not shocked. It wasn’t too much of a surprise to me,” said Rep. Mark Schreiber, an Emporia Republican who was among the GOP representatives who didn’t sign the petition. “I’ve been there quite a long time as a lobbyist and legislator. I’ve seen that from leadership.”

He said the Republicans who lost committee assignments wouldn’t be deprived of an opportunity to represent their constituents in the House.

“They still have votes on the floor and can speak from the (House) well,” Schreiber said.

Hawkins was able to convince 78 of the 88 GOP members of the House to sign, which fell below the two-thirds requirement of 84 signatures from 125 House members to authorize the special session. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson was able to secure the necessary 27 signatures to complete special session requirements in that chamber. The special session had been scheduled for Nov. 7.

On Tuesday, Hawkins threw in the towel on a plan to circumvent Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and call a special session devoted to congressional redistricting intended to undermine Davids, a four-term congresswoman with a district centered on Johnson County.

The Kansas Constitution permits the state’s governor to call special sessions. The Legislature also could convene the House and Senate at the Capitol for a special session, but that required petition signatures from at least two-thirds of members in the House and Senate.

Under legislative rules, Hawkins said, once the Nov. 7 deadline was breached the original House and Senate petitions would be voided and the signature search would have to start over.

“To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement,” Hawkins said in his newsletter posted Friday. “At this late date, the only option was to wait until we return for the regular session on January 12.”

In terms of Kansas’ four congressional districts, President Donald Trump urged GOP-led legislatures in Kansas and other states to redraw boundaries to promote election of more Republicans in November 2026 so the U.S. House might remain under GOP control.

Hawkins wanted the Legislature to gather in November to address Trump’s plea for mid-decade redistricting and to consider how to handle federal funding of rural health care and a court decision allowing Kansans to change gender information on a driver’s license. There also were discussions about taking up property tax legislation during the special session.

He said in a statement Tuesday that scheduling conflicts and competing agendas made planning a special session an “uphill battle.”

In the House speaker’s newsletter Friday, he said delaying decisions until January meant Kelly would have “full discretion” on allocation of new federal funding for health care in rural Kansas. Without advance guardrails, he said, funding accepted by Kelly couldn’t be returned to the federal government.

“Those who refused to sign a petition played right into the governor’s hands by giving her free rein without oversight on hundreds of millions of dollars. Sad,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins said delaying passage of a gender identification bill meant the Legislature’s action to nullify the court decision would be “very costly and difficult.”

The timeline for imposing new congressional districts on Kansans — the focus has been on splitting voter-rich Johnson County among multiple districts — would be “greatly shortened,” Hawkins said.

He also disclosed there were “valid” complaints about the cost to taxpayers of a special session, especially since the regular session would begin in two months on Jan. 12. The GOP-controlled Legislative Coordinating Council voted in October to allocate $460,000 to the special session.

“It’s also important to remember that the Legislature did their business in record time this (2025 regular) session saving a significant amount of money,” Hawkins said. “These savings would have been more than enough to cover the cost of a special session.”

Hawkins notified the chief clerk of the House of committee changes in a memo dated Friday.

The memo shows Rep. Adam Turk of Shawnee replaced Howe as the chair of Higher Education Budget Committee. Rep. Rick James of La Cygne replaced Butler as chair of the Veterans and Military Committee. Rep. Carl Turner of Leawood replaced Borjon as chair of the Legislative Modernization Committee.

Rep. Kyler Sweely of Hutchinson replaced Sanders as vice chair on the Higher Education Budget Committee, and Rep. John Resman of Olathe replaced Howell as vice chair on the Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee.

In other changes, Rep. Blake Carpenter was removed from the Interstate Cooperation Committee, Rep. Brian Bergkamp was removed from the Child Welfare and Foster Care Committee, and Rep. Megan Steele was removed from the Veterans and Military Committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762552150857.png" alt=" Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican campaigning for state insurance commissioner, removed at least three House Republicans from committee chairmanships for declining to sign a petition allowing a special session of the Kansas Legislature to consider President Donald Trump's request to redraw the state's U.S. House district boundaries to improve odds of defeating Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids in the November 2026 election. This March 2025 image is of Hawkins speaking to a GOP colleague. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican campaigning for state insurance commissioner, removed at least three House Republicans from committee chairmanships for declining to sign a petition allowing a special session of the Kansas Legislature to consider President Donald Trump's request to redraw the state's U.S. House district boundaries to improve odds of defeating Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids in the November 2026 election. This March 2025 image is of Hawkins speaking to a GOP colleague. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Speaker: Ten Republicans in House refuse to sign petition to change U.S. House boundaries</h2>TIM CARPENTER Kansas Reflector&nbsp;TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins stripped three Republicans of committee chairmanships for refusing to sign a petition calling for a special legislative session to redraw congressional boundaries in a bid to block reelection of Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and to tackle a handful of unrelated bills.Hawkins relied on his unilateral power as the House’s top leader to alter committee assignments and remove as chairmen GOP Reps. Steven Howe of Salina, Nathan Butler of Junction City and Jesse Borjon of Topeka. Hawkins also removed Rep. Clarke Sanders of Salina and Rep. Leah Howell of Derby from vice chair positions.Sanders, who was vice chair of the House Higher Education Budget Committee, said Hawkins called him Friday with the news. Sanders said Republicans in committee leadership positions who wouldn’t sign the special session petition were targeted.“Those of us who were chairs and vice chairs … have been relieved because we didn’t agree to sign on for a special session,” Sanders said. “I understand it. I knew that not signing it came with a risk. I just didn’t think it was the right thing to do. I hope to maintain a good relationship with the speaker, but this was something he felt he had to do.”It’s likely additional committee vice chairs could be removed from leadership positions by the House speaker. Rank-and-file members of the House also could face sanctions in terms of committee assignments ahead of the 2026 legislative session in January.The committee leaders demoted by Hawkins were among 10 Republican House members who declined to sign the petition for the special session. Neither Howe, Butler nor Borjon could be immediately reached for comment.“I’m not shocked. It wasn’t too much of a surprise to me,” said Rep. Mark Schreiber, an Emporia Republican who was among the GOP representatives who didn’t sign the petition. “I’ve been there quite a long time as a lobbyist and legislator. I’ve seen that from leadership.”He said the Republicans who lost committee assignments wouldn’t be deprived of an opportunity to represent their constituents in the House.“They still have votes on the floor and can speak from the (House) well,” Schreiber said.Hawkins was able to convince 78 of the 88 GOP members of the House to sign, which fell below the two-thirds requirement of 84 signatures from 125 House members to authorize the special session. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson was able to secure the necessary 27 signatures to complete special session requirements in that chamber. The special session had been scheduled for Nov. 7.On Tuesday, Hawkins threw in the towel on a plan to circumvent Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and call a special session devoted to congressional redistricting intended to undermine Davids, a four-term congresswoman with a district centered on Johnson County.The Kansas Constitution permits the state’s governor to call special sessions. The Legislature also could convene the House and Senate at the Capitol for a special session, but that required petition signatures from at least two-thirds of members in the House and Senate.Under legislative rules, Hawkins said, once the Nov. 7 deadline was breached the original House and Senate petitions would be voided and the signature search would have to start over.“To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement,” Hawkins said in his newsletter posted Friday. “At this late date, the only option was to wait until we return for the regular session on January 12.”In terms of Kansas’ four congressional districts, President Donald Trump urged GOP-led legislatures in Kansas and other states to redraw boundaries to promote election of more Republicans in November 2026 so the U.S. House might remain under GOP control.Hawkins wanted the Legislature to gather in November to address Trump’s plea for mid-decade redistricting and to consider how to handle federal funding of rural health care and a court decision allowing Kansans to change gender information on a driver’s license. There also were discussions about taking up property tax legislation during the special session.He said in a statement Tuesday that scheduling conflicts and competing agendas made planning a special session an “uphill battle.”In the House speaker’s newsletter Friday, he said delaying decisions until January meant Kelly would have “full discretion” on allocation of new federal funding for health care in rural Kansas. Without advance guardrails, he said, funding accepted by Kelly couldn’t be returned to the federal government.“Those who refused to sign a petition played right into the governor’s hands by giving her free rein without oversight on hundreds of millions of dollars. Sad,” Hawkins said.Hawkins said delaying passage of a gender identification bill meant the Legislature’s action to nullify the court decision would be “very costly and difficult.”The timeline for imposing new congressional districts on Kansans — the focus has been on splitting voter-rich Johnson County among multiple districts — would be “greatly shortened,” Hawkins said.He also disclosed there were “valid” complaints about the cost to taxpayers of a special session, especially since the regular session would begin in two months on Jan. 12. The GOP-controlled Legislative Coordinating Council voted in October to allocate $460,000 to the special session.“It’s also important to remember that the Legislature did their business in record time this (2025 regular) session saving a significant amount of money,” Hawkins said. “These savings would have been more than enough to cover the cost of a special session.”Hawkins notified the chief clerk of the House of committee changes in a memo dated Friday.The memo shows Rep. Adam Turk of Shawnee replaced Howe as the chair of Higher Education Budget Committee. Rep. Rick James of La Cygne replaced Butler as chair of the Veterans and Military Committee. Rep. Carl Turner of Leawood replaced Borjon as chair of the Legislative Modernization Committee.Rep. Kyler Sweely of Hutchinson replaced Sanders as vice chair on the Higher Education Budget Committee, and Rep. John Resman of Olathe replaced Howell as vice chair on the Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee.In other changes, Rep. Blake Carpenter was removed from the Interstate Cooperation Committee, Rep. Brian Bergkamp was removed from the Child Welfare and Foster Care Committee, and Rep. Megan Steele was removed from the Veterans and Military Committee.

Kansas House speaker punishes GOP colleagues for not supporting special session

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Agiliti expansion and other city incentive requests on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Please submit your questions for Doug for future interviews to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" 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=fisfa-19b7e93-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%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Agiliti expansion and other city incentive requests on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.Please submit your questions for Doug for future interviews to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays on Agiliti expansion in Hays

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-a-lieb">DAVID A. LIEB</a> Associated Press

People in some U.S. states will be able to buy groceries with federally funded SNAP benefits Saturday while those in other states were still waiting for November food benefits that had been delayed by a protracted legal battle over the federal government shutdown.

The Trump administration initially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-aid-government-shutdown-snap-trump-democrats-8a52a63b26a707ea676962226b090bb1">said last month</a>&nbsp;that it would not fund&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-how-it-works-cards-e061c2af0f3cc997b69a24296238783c">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>&nbsp;benefits for November because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/the-government-shutdown-is-now-the-longest-in-history-d732b4616fa5467a9f6772793d1b8906">U.S. government shutdown</a>. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-food-government-shutdown-trump-a807e9f0c0a7213e203c074553dc1f9b">twists and turns</a>&nbsp;since have exacerbated uncertainty for the nearly 1 in 8 Americans who receive monthly SNAP benefits to spend at grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

On Friday, some states began issuing full monthly SNAP benefits to people, a day after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to provide the funds.

But Friday night, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily paused that judicial order to allow time for an appeals court to decide whether to issue a more lasting halt. Jackson acted because she handles emergency matters from Massachusetts.

Stay up to date with the news and the best of AP by following our WhatsApp channel.

Nearly 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, for help buying groceries. Most have incomes below the poverty line, which is about $32,000 for a family of four.

An individual can receive a monthly maximum food benefit of nearly $300 and a family of four up to nearly $1,000, although many receive less than that under a formula that takes into consideration their income.

The delay in payments has led to a surge in demand at food banks and pantries across the country, as well as long lines for free meals or drive-thru giveaways.

Some states have provided emergency funding to food banks to help them respond to the increased need. Some states also used their own dollars to fund direct payments to people while the federal benefits were in limbo.

Where have people already received benefits?

Whether SNAP beneficiaries see money on their electronic benefits transfer cards depends on where they live.

In Hawaii, Oregon and Wisconsin, officials worked quickly after a judge ordered full benefit payments Thursday to instruct their EBT providers to process the full payments.

“We moved with haste once we verified everything,” Joseph Campos II, deputy director of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services, told The Associated Press.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, said state employees “worked through the night” to issue full November benefits “to make sure every Oregon family relying on SNAP could buy groceries” over the weekend.

Officials in California, Kansas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington also confirmed that some SNAP recipients were issued their full November payments on Friday.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said more than 250,00 households that missed their regular monthly SNAP payment during the first week of November received their full amount on Friday. The remaining beneficiaries would receive their November funds on their regularly scheduled dates later this month — if distribution does not remain blocked by legal challenges.

The Trump administration said in a legal filing with the Supreme Court that “there is no ready mechanism for the government to recover those funds” that already have been distributed.

Before Jackson ordered a pause, Colorado and Massachusetts had said SNAP participants could receive their full November payments as soon as Saturday. New York had said access to full SNAP benefits should begin by Sunday. New Hampshire had said full benefits should be available over the weekend.

And Arizona, Connecticut and Minnesota all had said that full SNAP benefits should be accessible in the coming days.

Whether people actually will receive those benefits on their EBT cards remains unclear.

For peoples in some other states, the wait appears likely to extend into next week. Numerous state officials said they had been waiting for further guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP.

What has been holding up November benefits?

Because of the federal government shutdown, the Trump administration originally had said SNAP benefits would not be available in November. After two judges ruled the administration could not skip November’s benefits entirely, the administration said it would use an emergency reserve fund containing more than $4.6 billion to provide partial benefits in November.

A judge on Thursday said that wasn’t good enough, and ordered other funds to be used to make the full monthly payment. The Trump administration appealed, asking a higher court to suspend any orders that require it to spend more money than is available in the contingency fund. That is what led to Jackson’s temporary hold issued late Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761944916334.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-a-lieb">DAVID A. LIEB</a> Associated PressPeople in some U.S. states will be able to buy groceries with federally funded SNAP benefits Saturday while those in other states were still waiting for November food benefits that had been delayed by a protracted legal battle over the federal government shutdown.The Trump administration initially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-aid-government-shutdown-snap-trump-democrats-8a52a63b26a707ea676962226b090bb1">said last month</a>&nbsp;that it would not fund&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-how-it-works-cards-e061c2af0f3cc997b69a24296238783c">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>&nbsp;benefits for November because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/the-government-shutdown-is-now-the-longest-in-history-d732b4616fa5467a9f6772793d1b8906">U.S. government shutdown</a>. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-food-government-shutdown-trump-a807e9f0c0a7213e203c074553dc1f9b">twists and turns</a>&nbsp;since have exacerbated uncertainty for the nearly 1 in 8 Americans who receive monthly SNAP benefits to spend at grocery stores and farmer’s markets.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Governor Kelly issues statement on President Trump petitioning the Supreme Court of the United States to deny food to hungry Kansans: <a href="https://t.co/z35nSbKEfP">pic.twitter.com/z35nSbKEfP</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1987018555267703031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Friday, some states began issuing full monthly SNAP benefits to people, a day after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to provide the funds.But Friday night, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily paused that judicial order to allow time for an appeals court to decide whether to issue a more lasting halt. Jackson acted because she handles emergency matters from Massachusetts.Stay up to date with the news and the best of AP by following our WhatsApp channel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689674819900.png" alt="USDA image" />
 <figcaption>USDA image</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How are SNAP recipients faring?</h2>Nearly 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, for help buying groceries. Most have incomes below the poverty line, which is about $32,000 for a family of four.An individual can receive a monthly maximum food benefit of nearly $300 and a family of four up to nearly $1,000, although many receive less than that under a formula that takes into consideration their income.The delay in payments has led to a surge in demand at food banks and pantries across the country, as well as long lines for free meals or drive-thru giveaways.Some states have provided emergency funding to food banks to help them respond to the increased need. Some states also used their own dollars to fund direct payments to people while the federal benefits were in limbo.<h2>Where have people already received benefits?</h2>Whether SNAP beneficiaries see money on their electronic benefits transfer cards depends on where they live.In Hawaii, Oregon and Wisconsin, officials worked quickly after a judge ordered full benefit payments Thursday to instruct their EBT providers to process the full payments.“We moved with haste once we verified everything,” Joseph Campos II, deputy director of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services, told The Associated Press.Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, said state employees “worked through the night” to issue full November benefits “to make sure every Oregon family relying on SNAP could buy groceries” over the weekend.Officials in California, Kansas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington also confirmed that some SNAP recipients were issued their full November payments on Friday.Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said more than 250,00 households that missed their regular monthly SNAP payment during the first week of November received their full amount on Friday. The remaining beneficiaries would receive their November funds on their regularly scheduled dates later this month — if distribution does not remain blocked by legal challenges.The Trump administration said in a legal filing with the Supreme Court that “there is no ready mechanism for the government to recover those funds” that already have been distributed.<h2>How long might residents elsewhere wait?</h2>Before Jackson ordered a pause, Colorado and Massachusetts had said SNAP participants could receive their full November payments as soon as Saturday. New York had said access to full SNAP benefits should begin by Sunday. New Hampshire had said full benefits should be available over the weekend.And Arizona, Connecticut and Minnesota all had said that full SNAP benefits should be accessible in the coming days.Whether people actually will receive those benefits on their EBT cards remains unclear.For peoples in some other states, the wait appears likely to extend into next week. Numerous state officials said they had been waiting for further guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP.<h2>What has been holding up November benefits?</h2>Because of the federal government shutdown, the Trump administration originally had said SNAP benefits would not be available in November. After two judges ruled the administration could not skip November’s benefits entirely, the administration said it would use an emergency reserve fund containing more than $4.6 billion to provide partial benefits in November.A judge on Thursday said that wasn’t good enough, and ordered other funds to be used to make the full monthly payment. The Trump administration appealed, asking a higher court to suspend any orders that require it to spend more money than is available in the contingency fund. That is what led to Jackson’s temporary hold issued late Friday.<h2>___</h2>

Kansans issued full SNAP food aid while others wait for Nov. benefits

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Several projects that would create more jobs in Hays and advance business and housing developments were reviewed by city commissioners on Thursday.

The requests were moved on to next week's meeting for a final vote.

A proposed expansion project by Agiliti Hays would add 140 new employees to its workforce of 91. The medical equipment manufacturer leases its facility at 500 Commerce Parkway and wants to&nbsp;buy, renovate and expand the buildings, which formerly housed Sizewise.&nbsp;

The developer is requesting industrial revenue bonds be issued, using the city as a conduit, to benefit the $6.55-million project.&nbsp;

The bonds would allow the developer to obtain a sales tax exemption for all purchases related to construction and a real property tax abatement for the project for up to 10 years.

Industrial revenue bonds issuances do not count against the city’s debt limit or rating and do not require taxpayer commitment.

24-7 Travel Plaza and Convenience Store

Triplett, Salina, developer of a new 24/7 Travel Store plaza to be built just north of Interstate 70, Exit 157, is also requesting the issuance of industrial revenue bonds. The city commission has already created a tax increment financing district on the property.&nbsp;The developer will also request a community improvement district from the city in the future.

The 9,000-square-foot travel plaza and convenience store would include gas and diesel fuel, electric vehicle charging stations, a dog park, RV overnight camp sites and some food service.

Ted Augustine, president of 24/7 Travel Stores, told commissioners it has been difficult to secure a full-service restaurant for the plaza, and project development will continue as the search for a restaurant continues.

"We do plan to proceed without one," Augustine said. "It's been a challenge to encourage a franchisee to join us out there. We do plan to provide some quick-service food in there."

The industrial revenue bonds are estimated to provide a benefit valued at $125,687. The project cost is about $11.1 million, with estimated annual retail sales of $5 million and fuel sales of $20 million.&nbsp;

Audience member David Koshiol, who made an unsuccessful run for the Hays City Commission, asked commissioners if it was always necessary for the city to offer economic incentives to development investors.

"We're the middle grounds between Kansas City and Denver. People are going to come here to invest in Hays," Koshiol said. "I think they'd still be willing to come and invest in Hays because they're still going to make more than they invest."

Newly re-elected commissioner Shaun Musil said when he first started 12 years ago, the city gave out no incentives and wasn't growing.

"The last five or six years we've been giving out more than we ever have, and we've seen a lot of growth.&nbsp; ... It's just the way people are doing business now," Musil said.

"...I hate giving out incentives," he said, "but if we bring more people to this town, more people stopping in Hays, I think it's worth it."

Commissioner Alaina Cunningham said she agreed with Koshiol that Hays is a desirable location, "but in conversations I've had with developers, without incentives, we just can't get anyone here."

Former Lincoln Elementary School renovation

Hays developer Michael Graham is seeking a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District to renovate the former Lincoln Elementary School building, 1906 Ash, into a 26-unit multi-family housing facility and to construct seven additional structures on the property, each with four units.

Graham is requesting the district finance the project on a pay-as-you-go basis over 25 years, estimated to generate $1.3 million in incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site. Eligible project costs are estimated to be about $4.3 million.

Mayor Sandy Jacobs said she is excited about the housing project, especially because it is considered infill.

"No additional infrastructure needed. Everything is there, ready to go," she said. "It's also walkable to so many places."

The city is working with Grow Hays and the Heart of America to develop 101 lots in the Tallgrass Phase 4 housing development in east Hays, which requires the installation of gas and electric utilities.

The city earlier agreed to finance infrastructure costs. 

Midwest Energy requires prepayment for contracts related to electric and gas installations, estimated at $797,457. If the proposed agreement is approved, Midwest Energy will be paid from the temporary notes, which will cover all other infrastructure costs associated with the development. Reinvestment Housing Incentive District revenues would ultimately pay those costs.

The Kansas Department of Transportation solicited proposals for Hays' north multi-use path from 41st and Hall east to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp;

It will eventually connect with the HaysMed/Grove path, which is currently under construction, and the 22nd Street path.

The low bid came from Morgan Brothers of La Crosse for $1.6 million.

If approved, the city will pay $387,000, and KDOT will pay the remaining $1.2 million.

The city received a 2026 renewal proposal for employees' health insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield, which would result in a 12.8% increase in premiums.

Market bids from two other companies were significantly higher, according to Erin Giebler, human resources director. 

She told commissioners a significant portion of the premium increase is due to employee utilization, while the remainder can be attributed to market inflation.

"This is a high amount for the city but still well below the average," Giebler said. "We're still getting good rates from Blue Cross Blue Shield."

The recommended 2026 renewal agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of&nbsp;Kansas would provide employees with a triple-option health insurance, not to exceed&nbsp;$2,013,000. It would be funded out of the Employee Benefit Levy Fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762536301572.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners during the Nov. 6 work session. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners during the Nov. 6 work session. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostSeveral projects that would create more jobs in Hays and advance business and housing developments were reviewed by city commissioners on Thursday.The requests were moved on to next week's meeting for a final vote.Agiliti HaysA proposed expansion project by Agiliti Hays would add 140 new employees to its workforce of 91. The medical equipment manufacturer leases its facility at 500 Commerce Parkway and wants to&nbsp;buy, renovate and expand the buildings, which formerly housed Sizewise.&nbsp;The developer is requesting industrial revenue bonds be issued, using the city as a conduit, to benefit the $6.55-million project.&nbsp;The bonds would allow the developer to obtain a sales tax exemption for all purchases related to construction and a real property tax abatement for the project for up to 10 years.Industrial revenue bonds issuances do not count against the city’s debt limit or rating and do not require taxpayer commitment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762532255941.png" alt="Site of planned 24/7 Travel Store in Hays at&nbsp;the southeast corner of 230th Avenue and 55th Street. City of Hays image" />
 <figcaption>Site of planned 24/7 Travel Store in Hays at&nbsp;the southeast corner of 230th Avenue and 55th Street. City of Hays image</figcaption>
 </figure>24-7 Travel Plaza and Convenience StoreTriplett, Salina, developer of a new 24/7 Travel Store plaza to be built just north of Interstate 70, Exit 157, is also requesting the issuance of industrial revenue bonds. The city commission has already created a tax increment financing district on the property.&nbsp;The developer will also request a community improvement district from the city in the future.The 9,000-square-foot travel plaza and convenience store would include gas and diesel fuel, electric vehicle charging stations, a dog park, RV overnight camp sites and some food service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762531071745.jpeg" alt="24/7 Travel Stores President Ted Augustine gave an update Nov. 6 to the Hays City Commission about plans for the new 24/7 Travel Store truck stop and convenience store at Interstate 70, Exit 157. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>24/7 Travel Stores President Ted Augustine gave an update Nov. 6 to the Hays City Commission about plans for the new 24/7 Travel Store truck stop and convenience store at Interstate 70, Exit 157. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Ted Augustine, president of 24/7 Travel Stores, told commissioners it has been difficult to secure a full-service restaurant for the plaza, and project development will continue as the search for a restaurant continues."We do plan to proceed without one," Augustine said. "It's been a challenge to encourage a franchisee to join us out there. We do plan to provide some quick-service food in there."The industrial revenue bonds are estimated to provide a benefit valued at $125,687. The project cost is about $11.1 million, with estimated annual retail sales of $5 million and fuel sales of $20 million.&nbsp;Audience member David Koshiol, who made an unsuccessful run for the Hays City Commission, asked commissioners if it was always necessary for the city to offer economic incentives to development investors."We're the middle grounds between Kansas City and Denver. People are going to come here to invest in Hays," Koshiol said. "I think they'd still be willing to come and invest in Hays because they're still going to make more than they invest."Newly re-elected commissioner Shaun Musil said when he first started 12 years ago, the city gave out no incentives and wasn't growing."The last five or six years we've been giving out more than we ever have, and we've seen a lot of growth.&nbsp; ... It's just the way people are doing business now," Musil said."...I hate giving out incentives," he said, "but if we bring more people to this town, more people stopping in Hays, I think it's worth it."Commissioner Alaina Cunningham said she agreed with Koshiol that Hays is a desirable location, "but in conversations I've had with developers, without incentives, we just can't get anyone here."Former Lincoln Elementary School renovationHays developer Michael Graham is seeking a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District to renovate the former Lincoln Elementary School building, 1906 Ash, into a 26-unit multi-family housing facility and to construct seven additional structures on the property, each with four units.Graham is requesting the district finance the project on a pay-as-you-go basis over 25 years, estimated to generate $1.3 million in incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site. Eligible project costs are estimated to be about $4.3 million.Mayor Sandy Jacobs said she is excited about the housing project, especially because it is considered infill."No additional infrastructure needed. Everything is there, ready to go," she said. "It's also walkable to so many places."Tallgrass Phase 4 utilities&nbsp;The city is working with Grow Hays and the Heart of America to develop 101 lots in the Tallgrass Phase 4 housing development in east Hays, which requires the installation of gas and electric utilities.The city earlier agreed to finance infrastructure costs. Midwest Energy requires prepayment for contracts related to electric and gas installations, estimated at $797,457. If the proposed agreement is approved, Midwest Energy will be paid from the temporary notes, which will cover all other infrastructure costs associated with the development. Reinvestment Housing Incentive District revenues would ultimately pay those costs.North side multi-use pathThe Kansas Department of Transportation solicited proposals for Hays' north multi-use path from 41st and Hall east to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp;It will eventually connect with the HaysMed/Grove path, which is currently under construction, and the 22nd Street path.The low bid came from Morgan Brothers of La Crosse for $1.6 million.If approved, the city will pay $387,000, and KDOT will pay the remaining $1.2 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762534296672.jpeg" alt="Erin Giebler, director of human resources, said the 12.8% premium increase for employees health insurance is mostly due to the cost of doing business. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Erin Giebler, director of human resources, said the 12.8% premium increase for employees health insurance is mostly due to the cost of doing business. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City employee health insuranceThe city received a 2026 renewal proposal for employees' health insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield, which would result in a 12.8% increase in premiums.Market bids from two other companies were significantly higher, according to Erin Giebler, human resources director. She told commissioners a significant portion of the premium increase is due to employee utilization, while the remainder can be attributed to market inflation."This is a high amount for the city but still well below the average," Giebler said. "We're still getting good rates from Blue Cross Blue Shield."The recommended 2026 renewal agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of&nbsp;Kansas would provide employees with a triple-option health insurance, not to exceed&nbsp;$2,013,000. It would be funded out of the Employee Benefit Levy Fund.

Hays City Commission says Incentives necessary as plans for business, housing move forward

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/john-seewer">JOHN SEEWER</a> Associated Press

Hundreds of flights at the busiest airports in the U.S. are being scratched this weekend as airlines move forward with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cuts-government-shutdown-airlines-c21ffa6c3d55e3d2fe7f53702112727b">reducing air service due</a>&nbsp;to the lingering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-democrats-trump-senate-7cc1938d861b396fab07b5d2b7b28e62">government shutdown</a>.

So far, the government-ordered slowdown across the airline industry that began Friday hasn’t caused any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cuts-government-shutdown-airlines-c21ffa6c3d55e3d2fe7f53702112727b">widespread disruptions</a>.

But analysts warn that the upheaval will intensify and be felt far beyond air travel if the cancellations pick up and move closer to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Already there are concerns about the impact on cities and businesses that rely on tourism and the possibility of shipping interruptions that could delay getting holiday items on store shelves.

Here’s what to know about the flight reductions:

The first day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-aviation-administration">Federal Aviation Administration’s</a>&nbsp;slowdown saw more than 1,000 flights canceled, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions.

Over 700 were off for Saturday — typically a slow travel day.

Those numbers represent just a small portion of the overall flights nationwide, but they are certain to rise in the coming days if the slowdown continues.

The FAA said the reductions impacting all commercial airlines are starting at 4% of flights at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/faa-government-shutdown-flight-cuts-airports-list-a11237fe6d6e14bed0935930dffed72e">40 targeted airports</a>&nbsp;and will ramp up to 10% over the coming week.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Friday that additional flight cuts might be needed if the government shutdown continues and more air traffic controllers are off the job.

Air traffic controllers have gone without paychecks for nearly a month as the shutdown continues, leading many to call in sick and add to already existing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-delays-cancellations-government-shutdown-5034216cb5bb41bd40e27bb7861b2dd3">staffing shortages</a>.

Most controllers are working mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown without pay, and some are taking second jobs to pay their bills, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has said.

Most were relieved to find that airlines mostly stayed on schedule Friday, and those whose flights were called off were able to quickly rebook.

There’s still a lot of uncertainty about what flights will be canceled next.

“I just don’t want to be stranded at the airport sleeping on a bench,” Michele Cuthbert, of Columbus, Ohio, said about an upcoming flight to Dallas.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-travel-air-flights-aviation-506f6b7705a44b404e3f981c881d116c">Rental car companies</a>&nbsp;reported a sharp increase in one-way reservations Friday, and some people are simply canceling flight altogether.

What could be the impacts beyond air travel?

First, there’s the potential for higher prices in stores, as nearly half of all U.S. air freight is shipped in the bellies of passenger aircraft.

Major flight disruptions could bring higher shipping costs that get passed on to consumers, said Patrick Penfield, professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University.

More losses will ripple through the economy if the slowdown continues — from tourism to manufacturing, said Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group.

“This shutdown is going to impact everything from cargo aircraft to people getting to business meetings to tourists being able to travel,” he said. “It’s going to hit the hotel taxes and city taxes. There’s a cascading effect that results from this thing.’’

Associated Press journalists Paul Wiseman in Washington; Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska; Matt Sedensky in New York; contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762603446371.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/john-seewer">JOHN SEEWER</a> Associated PressHundreds of flights at the busiest airports in the U.S. are being scratched this weekend as airlines move forward with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cuts-government-shutdown-airlines-c21ffa6c3d55e3d2fe7f53702112727b">reducing air service due</a>&nbsp;to the lingering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-democrats-trump-senate-7cc1938d861b396fab07b5d2b7b28e62">government shutdown</a>.So far, the government-ordered slowdown across the airline industry that began Friday hasn’t caused any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cuts-government-shutdown-airlines-c21ffa6c3d55e3d2fe7f53702112727b">widespread disruptions</a>.But analysts warn that the upheaval will intensify and be felt far beyond air travel if the cancellations pick up and move closer to the Thanksgiving holiday.Already there are concerns about the impact on cities and businesses that rely on tourism and the possibility of shipping interruptions that could delay getting holiday items on store shelves.Here’s what to know about the flight reductions:<h2>How many flights have been canceled?</h2>The first day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-aviation-administration">Federal Aviation Administration’s</a>&nbsp;slowdown saw more than 1,000 flights canceled, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions.Over 700 were off for Saturday — typically a slow travel day.Those numbers represent just a small portion of the overall flights nationwide, but they are certain to rise in the coming days if the slowdown continues.The FAA said the reductions impacting all commercial airlines are starting at 4% of flights at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/faa-government-shutdown-flight-cuts-airports-list-a11237fe6d6e14bed0935930dffed72e">40 targeted airports</a>&nbsp;and will ramp up to 10% over the coming week.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Friday that additional flight cuts might be needed if the government shutdown continues and more air traffic controllers are off the job.Stay up to date with the news and the best of AP by following our WhatsApp channel.Follow on<figure>
 <img src="https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/f50b139/2147483647/strip/true/crop/131x31+0+0/resize/131x31!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8c%2Fe0%2F2615e5984b5ebb8b89fd3ade6941%2Fwhatsapp-logo.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Why are the flights being canceled?</h2>Air traffic controllers have gone without paychecks for nearly a month as the shutdown continues, leading many to call in sick and add to already existing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-delays-cancellations-government-shutdown-5034216cb5bb41bd40e27bb7861b2dd3">staffing shortages</a>.Most controllers are working mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown without pay, and some are taking second jobs to pay their bills, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has said.<h2>How are passengers being affected?</h2>Most were relieved to find that airlines mostly stayed on schedule Friday, and those whose flights were called off were able to quickly rebook.There’s still a lot of uncertainty about what flights will be canceled next.“I just don’t want to be stranded at the airport sleeping on a bench,” Michele Cuthbert, of Columbus, Ohio, said about an upcoming flight to Dallas.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-travel-air-flights-aviation-506f6b7705a44b404e3f981c881d116c">Rental car companies</a>&nbsp;reported a sharp increase in one-way reservations Friday, and some people are simply canceling flight altogether.<h2>What could be the impacts beyond air travel?</h2>First, there’s the potential for higher prices in stores, as nearly half of all U.S. air freight is shipped in the bellies of passenger aircraft.Major flight disruptions could bring higher shipping costs that get passed on to consumers, said Patrick Penfield, professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University.More losses will ripple through the economy if the slowdown continues — from tourism to manufacturing, said Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group.“This shutdown is going to impact everything from cargo aircraft to people getting to business meetings to tourists being able to travel,” he said. “It’s going to hit the hotel taxes and city taxes. There’s a cascading effect that results from this thing.’’___Associated Press journalists Paul Wiseman in Washington; Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska; Matt Sedensky in New York; contributed.

Government shutdown: Flight cancellations ruin weekend plans

In light of the federal food assistance challenges our country is facing, Hays Post is hosting a food drive this coming week. 

On Tuesday, we will be collecting food for the Community Assistance Center, on Wednesday, we will collect food for First Call for Help, and Thursday, we will collect food for St. Joseph’s Food Bank. 

We will have our big, red radio station truck in front of the station from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, to make it easy for you to drop off your non-perishable food items.

If you would rather contribute cash to these organizations, you can bring your cash donation into the radio station, and we’ll deliver it to the designated pantry of your choice.

It's the Hays Post Food Drive, this coming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp; 

Please consider giving if you can, and thank you from all of us at Hays Post dot com, Hull Broadcasting, and Eagle Media…Our Community…Connected!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762359923942.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In light of the federal food assistance challenges our country is facing, Hays Post is hosting a food drive this coming week. On Tuesday, we will be collecting food for the Community Assistance Center, on Wednesday, we will collect food for First Call for Help, and Thursday, we will collect food for St. Joseph’s Food Bank. We will have our big, red radio station truck in front of the station from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, to make it easy for you to drop off your non-perishable food items.If you would rather contribute cash to these organizations, you can bring your cash donation into the radio station, and we’ll deliver it to the designated pantry of your choice.It's the Hays Post Food Drive, this coming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp; Please consider giving if you can, and thank you from all of us at Hays Post dot com, Hull Broadcasting, and Eagle Media…Our Community…Connected!

Hays Post to sponsor food drive this week

By JOHATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Sports

SMITH CENTER – The Smith Center Redmen converted on five
straight fourth-quarter, third downs while clinging to a two-point lead as
they earned their 11th straight win over TMP Friday night, 24-14, to
advance to the third round of the 1A playoffs.

Neither offense was able to find a rhythm early in Friday
night’s 1A Regional game until midway through the second quarter.

The first quarter saw TMP’s defense force Smith Center into
a pair of punts, and TMP also punted twice in their first two possessions.

Playing for field position, TMP elected to punt near
midfield, pinning Smith Center on the one-yard line to start their third possession.
&nbsp;

But the Redmen answered with a 99-yard drive that took six
minutes off the clock, and with the two-point conversion, they led TMP, 8-0 with
just under five minutes left in the first half.

TMP took the ensuing kickoff and drove right down the field
on just five plays, scoring on a Carson Liles two-yard touchdown run. He added
the extra point, making it 8-8 with just under three minutes left in the first
half.

Each team had a chance to take the lead on a final
possession of the first half, but neither team came away with the ball, and the
game was tied 8-8 at halftime.

TMP opened the second half, driving inside the Redmen's
25-yard line before an interception ended the drive.

Smith Center then put together a drive that covered eight
minutes and 23 seconds and capped it off with a touchdown and two-point
conversion, building a 16-8 lead to close out the third quarter.

TMP answered with a catch and run of 32 yards for Jacob Seib,
from Carson Liles pulling TMP with two at 16-14 with just under nine minutes
left in the fourth quarter.

But the Monarchs were called for an illegal procedure penalty,
negating a two-point conversion that would have tied the game at 16. On the
retry, they failed to convert and found themselves down 16-14.

Smith Center, on their next possession, drained nearly six minutes
off the fourth-quarter clock, converting on five straight third downs before
scoring a final touchdown and two-point conversion on their way to a 24-14
victory.

Three Smith Center Redmen combined to rush for 320 yards as
they outgained TMP 317 to 196.

Carson Liles finished 13-of-27 passing for 186 yards with
one touchdown and an interception. He also ran for a score.

Caden Dinkel hauled in a career-high five receptions for 70
yards. Jacob Seib also recorded five catches for 73 yards.

By JOHATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post SportsSMITH CENTER – The Smith Center Redmen converted on five
straight fourth-quarter, third downs while clinging to a two-point lead as
they earned their 11th straight win over TMP Friday night, 24-14, to
advance to the third round of the 1A playoffs.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2208886457&color=%23234c78&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-grant-stephenson-vs-smith" title="TMP Grant Stephenson vs Smith center Interview 11-07-25" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP Grant Stephenson vs Smith center Interview 11-07-25</a></div></div>Neither offense was able to find a rhythm early in Friday
night’s 1A Regional game until midway through the second quarter.The first quarter saw TMP’s defense force Smith Center into
a pair of punts, and TMP also punted twice in their first two possessions.Playing for field position, TMP elected to punt near
midfield, pinning Smith Center on the one-yard line to start their third possession.
&nbsp;But the Redmen answered with a 99-yard drive that took six
minutes off the clock, and with the two-point conversion, they led TMP, 8-0 with
just under five minutes left in the first half.TMP took the ensuing kickoff and drove right down the field
on just five plays, scoring on a Carson Liles two-yard touchdown run. He added
the extra point, making it 8-8 with just under three minutes left in the first
half.Each team had a chance to take the lead on a final
possession of the first half, but neither team came away with the ball, and the
game was tied 8-8 at halftime.TMP opened the second half, driving inside the Redmen's
25-yard line before an interception ended the drive.Smith Center then put together a drive that covered eight
minutes and 23 seconds and capped it off with a touchdown and two-point
conversion, building a 16-8 lead to close out the third quarter.TMP answered with a catch and run of 32 yards for Jacob Seib,
from Carson Liles pulling TMP with two at 16-14 with just under nine minutes
left in the fourth quarter.But the Monarchs were called for an illegal procedure penalty,
negating a two-point conversion that would have tied the game at 16. On the
retry, they failed to convert and found themselves down 16-14.Smith Center, on their next possession, drained nearly six minutes
off the fourth-quarter clock, converting on five straight third downs before
scoring a final touchdown and two-point conversion on their way to a 24-14
victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2208886646&color=%23234c78&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-fb-vs-smith-center" title="TMP FB vs Smith Center Highlights 11-07-25" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB vs Smith Center Highlights 11-07-25</a></div></div>Three Smith Center Redmen combined to rush for 320 yards as
they outgained TMP 317 to 196.Carson Liles finished 13-of-27 passing for 186 yards with
one touchdown and an interception. He also ran for a score.Caden Dinkel hauled in a career-high five receptions for 70
yards. Jacob Seib also recorded five catches for 73 yards.TMP finished the season 6-3.Smith Center moves to 10-0.

🏈 Monarchs' season ends with playoff loss to Smith Center

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post Sports

HUTCHINSON - The Hays High Indians visited the Hutchinson Salthawks in the Regional round of the 5A playoffs on Friday night. It was the second consecutive playoff meeting between the two in Hutchinson. Hays never trailed in a 27-6 win over Hutchinson to continue their 2025 postseason run.

Hays (8-2) won the toss and chose to receive the football. Ten plays later Holden Lind put the first points of the night on the scoreboard with a one yard run. The Carson Moore extra point put the Indians up 7-0.

Hutchinson's (7-3) first play of offense for the night was the final play of the first drive. Caleb Thompson intercepted a pass deep down the middle. Zane Viegra found Jarek Purdy for a 41 yard pass play to set up another Lind touchdown. Lind's four yard score also broke the school record for career rushing yards.&nbsp;

Hays led 13-0 after one quarter and held that score to halftime. Hutchinson had two drives of double digit plays in the second half. Neither resulted in points. The first drive was cut short on fourth down at the Hays 40. The second drive ended on the final play of the half. Thompson intercepted a pass in the end zone. His ninth career pick tied the school record.

Hutchinson opened the second half with a 53 yard reverse-pass. The Salthawks scored their only points of the game five plays later. A five yard touchdown made the score 13-6. The point after attempt hit the upright to keep the score idle.

Hays scored the second half points through the air. Four plays after Hutchinson scored Viegra found Brogan Albers on the team's longest pass play of the season. The 46 yard score was also the first career receiving touchdown for Albers. The Salthawks could not string together a series longer than six plays for the remainder of the game.

Hutchinson failed to convert on fourth and six from their own 26 in the fourth quarter. Viegra found Albers for a second score four plays later. The Moore extra point gave the final margin of 27-6.

Lind ran for 177 yards on 27 carries. He broke the school record for career rushing previously held by Malik Bah. Lind has run for 3,662 in his career. 1,984 yards have come in the 2025 season.

Viegra threw for 120 yards on four completions.

The Hays defense allowed 203 yards. 53 of those on one pass play.

The Indians will travel to Great Bend (10-0) next week.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post SportsHUTCHINSON - The Hays High Indians visited the Hutchinson Salthawks in the Regional round of the 5A playoffs on Friday night. It was the second consecutive playoff meeting between the two in Hutchinson. Hays never trailed in a 27-6 win over Hutchinson to continue their 2025 postseason run.Hays (8-2) won the toss and chose to receive the football. Ten plays later Holden Lind put the first points of the night on the scoreboard with a one yard run. The Carson Moore extra point put the Indians up 7-0.Hutchinson's (7-3) first play of offense for the night was the final play of the first drive. Caleb Thompson intercepted a pass deep down the middle. Zane Viegra found Jarek Purdy for a 41 yard pass play to set up another Lind touchdown. Lind's four yard score also broke the school record for career rushing yards.&nbsp;Hays led 13-0 after one quarter and held that score to halftime. Hutchinson had two drives of double digit plays in the second half. Neither resulted in points. The first drive was cut short on fourth down at the Hays 40. The second drive ended on the final play of the half. Thompson intercepted a pass in the end zone. His ninth career pick tied the school record.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2208886172&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-fb-game-highlights-v-1" title="HHS FB Game Highlights v Hutchinson Nov 7, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS FB Game Highlights v Hutchinson Nov 7, 2025</a></div></div>Hutchinson opened the second half with a 53 yard reverse-pass. The Salthawks scored their only points of the game five plays later. A five yard touchdown made the score 13-6. The point after attempt hit the upright to keep the score idle.Hays scored the second half points through the air. Four plays after Hutchinson scored Viegra found Brogan Albers on the team's longest pass play of the season. The 46 yard score was also the first career receiving touchdown for Albers. The Salthawks could not string together a series longer than six plays for the remainder of the game.Hutchinson failed to convert on fourth and six from their own 26 in the fourth quarter. Viegra found Albers for a second score four plays later. The Moore extra point gave the final margin of 27-6.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2208885968&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-coach-post-game-v" title="HHS Coach Post Game v Hutchinson Nov 7, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS Coach Post Game v Hutchinson Nov 7, 2025</a></div></div>Lind ran for 177 yards on 27 carries. He broke the school record for career rushing previously held by Malik Bah. Lind has run for 3,662 in his career. 1,984 yards have come in the 2025 season.Viegra threw for 120 yards on four completions.The Hays defense allowed 203 yards. 53 of those on one pass play.The Indians will travel to Great Bend (10-0) next week.

🏈 Hays notches playoff win over Hutchinson

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

HILL CITY -&nbsp;Hill City continued its dominant postseason run Friday night, overpowering Oxford 50-0 in the regional round of the 8-Man Division I playoffs to advance to the quarterfinals. The Ringnecks (9-1) earned their eighth straight win and will now face unbeaten Trego (10-0) in a Week 1 rematch next Friday.

From the opening whistle, Hill City left no doubt. After forcing a quick three-and-out, the Ringnecks struck on their first touch of the ball — a 70-yard punt return set them up at the Oxford five, and senior Tyler Ashbaugh scored one play later for an early 8-0 lead. Hill City’s defense suffocated Oxford all night, holding the Wildcats to just 62 total yards and forcing three turnovers.

Quarterback Tate Balthazor extended the lead on the next drive, capping a 57-yard series with a keeper to make it 14-0 midway through the first quarter. Oxford’s best chance came after that, reaching the Hill City eight before turning it over on downs.

That was as close as Oxford (7-2) would get. Hill City erupted for 30 points in the second quarter alone, including a trick-play touchdown when Ashbaugh threw a 31-yard pass to Balthazor. Balthazor later connected twice with Jaxson Smith — both 27-yard touchdown strikes — and Ryan Budig added a one-yard score before halftime to make it 44-0.

Ashbaugh sealed the mercy-rule win early in the third with his second rushing touchdown, a 16-yard run that ended the contest at 9:25 in the quarter.

Balthazor finished with 117 passing yards, two touchdown throws, one rushing score, and even a touchdown reception on the trick play. Smith caught five passes for 117 yards and two scores, while Ashbaugh totaled three touchdowns and a fumble recovery.

Hill City’s defense held Oxford star runner Logan Gaither to just 18 yards after he rushed for 272 in last week’s win. Oxford quarterback Chase Douglas completed six passes for 54 yards and an interception.

The Ringnecks compiled 311 total yards and went 5-for-6 in the red zone, continuing a streak of scoring 46 or more points in nine straight games.

With the victory, Hill City moves within one win of returning to the state semifinals for the first time since 2022. Next week’s matchup against Trego — the team that handed them their only loss, 30-20, in the season opener — now looms as one of the state’s most anticipated rematches.

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsHILL CITY -&nbsp;Hill City continued its dominant postseason run Friday night, overpowering Oxford 50-0 in the regional round of the 8-Man Division I playoffs to advance to the quarterfinals. The Ringnecks (9-1) earned their eighth straight win and will now face unbeaten Trego (10-0) in a Week 1 rematch next Friday.From the opening whistle, Hill City left no doubt. After forcing a quick three-and-out, the Ringnecks struck on their first touch of the ball — a 70-yard punt return set them up at the Oxford five, and senior Tyler Ashbaugh scored one play later for an early 8-0 lead. Hill City’s defense suffocated Oxford all night, holding the Wildcats to just 62 total yards and forcing three turnovers.Quarterback Tate Balthazor extended the lead on the next drive, capping a 57-yard series with a keeper to make it 14-0 midway through the first quarter. Oxford’s best chance came after that, reaching the Hill City eight before turning it over on downs.That was as close as Oxford (7-2) would get. Hill City erupted for 30 points in the second quarter alone, including a trick-play touchdown when Ashbaugh threw a 31-yard pass to Balthazor. Balthazor later connected twice with Jaxson Smith — both 27-yard touchdown strikes — and Ryan Budig added a one-yard score before halftime to make it 44-0.Ashbaugh sealed the mercy-rule win early in the third with his second rushing touchdown, a 16-yard run that ended the contest at 9:25 in the quarter.Balthazor finished with 117 passing yards, two touchdown throws, one rushing score, and even a touchdown reception on the trick play. Smith caught five passes for 117 yards and two scores, while Ashbaugh totaled three touchdowns and a fumble recovery.Hill City’s defense held Oxford star runner Logan Gaither to just 18 yards after he rushed for 272 in last week’s win. Oxford quarterback Chase Douglas completed six passes for 54 yards and an interception.The Ringnecks compiled 311 total yards and went 5-for-6 in the red zone, continuing a streak of scoring 46 or more points in nine straight games.With the victory, Hill City moves within one win of returning to the state semifinals for the first time since 2022. Next week’s matchup against Trego — the team that handed them their only loss, 30-20, in the season opener — now looms as one of the state’s most anticipated rematches.

🏈 Hill City rolls past Oxford, advances to quarterfinals for second straight year

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team captured the opening set against Emporia State Friday evening but ultimately fell in four sets to the Hornets, 25-17, 18-25, 22-25, 19-25.

The Tigers (15-10, 4-9 MIAA) came out of the gates on fire, posting an attack percentage of .429 in the opening set thanks to 18 kills and just three errors. Multiple kills from Gracie Rains and Caiya Stucky Reyes and a combo block from Carsyn Cormaney and Peyton Bergschneider helped FHSU race in front 8-4. The Hornets (19-5, 10-3 MIAA) battled back to pull within 9-8, but a 10-5 run helped the Tigers stretch the lead to six, 19-13. Cormaney teamed up with Ashlyn Reeves for another block to prompt an ESU timeout, but the visitors were unable to rally, with the Tigers eventually taking the set convincingly, 25-17.

The visitors battled back in the second set, jumping out to an 8-3 lead. The Tigers later trailed by as many as 10, but a four-point run helped the home team pull within four late in the frame, 22-18. But after a trio of errors, ESU regained its footing to take the set, 25-18.

Early on in the third set, the Tigers capitalized on Hornet errors, with Reyes and Reeves combining for key blocks. As the set progressed, the Tigers maintained pressure with a series of successful plays including a service ace by Grace Schmedding and kills from Cormaney and Reeves. The lead changed hands four times in the tightly contested set, with the Tigers leading as late as 17-16. However, the Hornets managed to edge out with a final score of 25-22.

A successful challenge helped the Tigers rally from an early three-point deficit to take an 8-7 lead in the fourth set, but the Hornets responded with seven-straight points to go up 14-8. ESU maintained its lead the rest of the way, with FHSU later scoring four in a row to hold off match point before one final Hornet kill brought things to a close.

Reeves led the way with six blocks and eight kills, while Rains matched the team lead with eight kills. Abrey Galt distributed 23 assists alongside 11 digs and four kills, with Reyes adding 17 assists and five kills. Schmedding tallied two service aces and 14 digs, tied with Bergschneider for the most digs by a Tiger in the match.

The Tigers will wrap up the weekend Saturday afternoon (Nov. 11) at 1 p.m. when they host No. 6 Washburn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762625360668.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Parker Nisbeth" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Parker Nisbeth</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team captured the opening set against Emporia State Friday evening but ultimately fell in four sets to the Hornets, 25-17, 18-25, 22-25, 19-25.The Tigers (15-10, 4-9 MIAA) came out of the gates on fire, posting an attack percentage of .429 in the opening set thanks to 18 kills and just three errors. Multiple kills from Gracie Rains and Caiya Stucky Reyes and a combo block from Carsyn Cormaney and Peyton Bergschneider helped FHSU race in front 8-4. The Hornets (19-5, 10-3 MIAA) battled back to pull within 9-8, but a 10-5 run helped the Tigers stretch the lead to six, 19-13. Cormaney teamed up with Ashlyn Reeves for another block to prompt an ESU timeout, but the visitors were unable to rally, with the Tigers eventually taking the set convincingly, 25-17.The visitors battled back in the second set, jumping out to an 8-3 lead. The Tigers later trailed by as many as 10, but a four-point run helped the home team pull within four late in the frame, 22-18. But after a trio of errors, ESU regained its footing to take the set, 25-18.Early on in the third set, the Tigers capitalized on Hornet errors, with Reyes and Reeves combining for key blocks. As the set progressed, the Tigers maintained pressure with a series of successful plays including a service ace by Grace Schmedding and kills from Cormaney and Reeves. The lead changed hands four times in the tightly contested set, with the Tigers leading as late as 17-16. However, the Hornets managed to edge out with a final score of 25-22.A successful challenge helped the Tigers rally from an early three-point deficit to take an 8-7 lead in the fourth set, but the Hornets responded with seven-straight points to go up 14-8. ESU maintained its lead the rest of the way, with FHSU later scoring four in a row to hold off match point before one final Hornet kill brought things to a close.Reeves led the way with six blocks and eight kills, while Rains matched the team lead with eight kills. Abrey Galt distributed 23 assists alongside 11 digs and four kills, with Reyes adding 17 assists and five kills. Schmedding tallied two service aces and 14 digs, tied with Bergschneider for the most digs by a Tiger in the match.The Tigers will wrap up the weekend Saturday afternoon (Nov. 11) at 1 p.m. when they host No. 6 Washburn.

🏐 Tigers takes opening set before falling to Hornets

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has pardoned former New York Mets great&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/television-fc6318ff6f3d4133890956a7576999e6">Darryl Strawberry</a>&nbsp;on past tax evasion and drug charges, citing the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year’s post-career embrace of his Christian faith and longtime sobriety.

Strawberry was an outfielder and eight-time All-Star, including seven with the Mets from 1983-90. He hit 335 homers and had 1,000 RBIs and 221 stolen bases in 17 seasons.

Plagued by later legal, health and personal problems, Strawberry was indicted for tax evasion and eventually pleaded guilty in 1995 to a single felony count. That was based on his failure to report $350,000 in income from autographs, personal appearances and sales of memorabilia.

Strawberry agreed to pay more than $430,000 as part of the case. He was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy in 1998.

The following year, Strawberry was sentenced to probation and suspended from baseball after pleading no contest to charges of possession of cocaine and soliciting a prostitute. He eventually spoke in court about struggling with depression, and was charged with violating his probation numerous times — including on his 40th birthday in 2002.

Strawberry ultimately served 11 months in Florida state prison, and was released in 2003.

A White House official said Friday that Trump approved a pardon for Strawberry, who had served time and paid back taxes. Speaking on condition of anonymity to detail a pardon that had not yet been formally announced, the official noted that Strawberry found faith in Christianity and has been sober for more than a decade, and that he’d become active in ministry and started a still-active recovery center.

Strawberry&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQwok6mkUvw/?img_index=1&amp;igsh=NGJia3RzOGc3cXpv" target="_blank">posted on Instagram</a>&nbsp;a picture of himself and Trump and wrote, “Thank you, President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/realdonaldtrump/" target="_blank">@realdonaldtrump</a>&nbsp;for my full pardon and for finalizing this part of my life, allowing me to be truly free and clean from all of my past.”

He described being home Thursday afternoon, caring for his wife, who was recovering from surgery, “when my phone kept ringing relentlessly.”

“Half asleep, I glanced over and saw a call from Washington DC. Curious, I answered, and to my amazement, the lady on the line said, ‘Darryl Strawberry, you have a call from the President of the United States, Donald Trump,’” Strawberry wrote. “I put it on speakerphone with my wife nearby, and President Trump spoke warmly about my baseball days in NYC, praising me as one the greatest player of the ’80s and celebrating the Mets. Then, he told me he was granting me a full pardon from my past.”

Trump was a New York real estate mogul before becoming a reality television star and twice winning the presidency.

Strawberry said he was “overwhelmed with gratitude — thanking God for setting me free from my past, helping me become a better Man, Husband and Father.”

“This experience has deepened my faith and commitment to working for His kingdom as a true follower of Jesus Christ,” Strawberry wrote, while also noting, “This has nothing to do with politics — it’s about a Man, President Trump, caring deeply for a friend. God used him as a vessel to set me free forever!”

The president has broad constitutional powers to grant pardons, which don’t expunge the recipient’s criminal record but can be seen as acts of justice or mercy, often in cases that can further public welfare.

Strawberry’s followed Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-former-tennessee-house-speaker-fa22308ddf176ad83f35d649e7f0e498">issuing pardons</a>&nbsp;this week for a former Republican speaker of the Tennessee House and a onetime aide on public corruption charges. It also adds to a list of celebrities and political allies who have similarly received&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-justice-department-f9c5b82dfea0128a49c218fa7f1cbeac">unlikely pardons</a>&nbsp;— including a former Republican governor of Connecticut, an ex-GOP congressman and reality TV stars who had been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/television-personalities-sentenced-years-federal-prison-fraud-and-tax-evasion" target="_blank">convicted of cheating banks</a>&nbsp;and evading taxes.

Strawberry played for the Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants between 1983 and 1999. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-dodgers-mets-nlcs-1988-c9695f6b9931a217725e9c740dc06816">won the World Series</a>&nbsp;with the 1986 Mets, starring alongside the likes of Dwight Gooden and Keith Hernandez, and with the Yankees in 1996, 1998 and 1999.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762564349274.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has pardoned former New York Mets great&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/television-fc6318ff6f3d4133890956a7576999e6">Darryl Strawberry</a>&nbsp;on past tax evasion and drug charges, citing the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year’s post-career embrace of his Christian faith and longtime sobriety.Strawberry was an outfielder and eight-time All-Star, including seven with the Mets from 1983-90. He hit 335 homers and had 1,000 RBIs and 221 stolen bases in 17 seasons.Plagued by later legal, health and personal problems, Strawberry was indicted for tax evasion and eventually pleaded guilty in 1995 to a single felony count. That was based on his failure to report $350,000 in income from autographs, personal appearances and sales of memorabilia.Strawberry agreed to pay more than $430,000 as part of the case. He was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy in 1998.The following year, Strawberry was sentenced to probation and suspended from baseball after pleading no contest to charges of possession of cocaine and soliciting a prostitute. He eventually spoke in court about struggling with depression, and was charged with violating his probation numerous times — including on his 40th birthday in 2002.Strawberry ultimately served 11 months in Florida state prison, and was released in 2003.A White House official said Friday that Trump approved a pardon for Strawberry, who had served time and paid back taxes. Speaking on condition of anonymity to detail a pardon that had not yet been formally announced, the official noted that Strawberry found faith in Christianity and has been sober for more than a decade, and that he’d become active in ministry and started a still-active recovery center.Strawberry&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQwok6mkUvw/?img_index=1&amp;igsh=NGJia3RzOGc3cXpv" target="_blank">posted on Instagram</a>&nbsp;a picture of himself and Trump and wrote, “Thank you, President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/realdonaldtrump/" target="_blank">@realdonaldtrump</a>&nbsp;for my full pardon and for finalizing this part of my life, allowing me to be truly free and clean from all of my past.”He described being home Thursday afternoon, caring for his wife, who was recovering from surgery, “when my phone kept ringing relentlessly.”“Half asleep, I glanced over and saw a call from Washington DC. Curious, I answered, and to my amazement, the lady on the line said, ‘Darryl Strawberry, you have a call from the President of the United States, Donald Trump,’” Strawberry wrote. “I put it on speakerphone with my wife nearby, and President Trump spoke warmly about my baseball days in NYC, praising me as one the greatest player of the ’80s and celebrating the Mets. Then, he told me he was granting me a full pardon from my past.”Trump was a New York real estate mogul before becoming a reality television star and twice winning the presidency.Strawberry said he was “overwhelmed with gratitude — thanking God for setting me free from my past, helping me become a better Man, Husband and Father.”“This experience has deepened my faith and commitment to working for His kingdom as a true follower of Jesus Christ,” Strawberry wrote, while also noting, “This has nothing to do with politics — it’s about a Man, President Trump, caring deeply for a friend. God used him as a vessel to set me free forever!”The president has broad constitutional powers to grant pardons, which don’t expunge the recipient’s criminal record but can be seen as acts of justice or mercy, often in cases that can further public welfare.Strawberry’s followed Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-former-tennessee-house-speaker-fa22308ddf176ad83f35d649e7f0e498">issuing pardons</a>&nbsp;this week for a former Republican speaker of the Tennessee House and a onetime aide on public corruption charges. It also adds to a list of celebrities and political allies who have similarly received&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-justice-department-f9c5b82dfea0128a49c218fa7f1cbeac">unlikely pardons</a>&nbsp;— including a former Republican governor of Connecticut, an ex-GOP congressman and reality TV stars who had been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/television-personalities-sentenced-years-federal-prison-fraud-and-tax-evasion" target="_blank">convicted of cheating banks</a>&nbsp;and evading taxes.Strawberry played for the Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants between 1983 and 1999. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-dodgers-mets-nlcs-1988-c9695f6b9931a217725e9c740dc06816">won the World Series</a>&nbsp;with the 1986 Mets, starring alongside the likes of Dwight Gooden and Keith Hernandez, and with the Yankees in 1996, 1998 and 1999.Strawberry was hospitalized with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strawberry-darryl-heart-attack-002a53fd990e168734bfaa652260505a">heart attack</a>&nbsp;in March 2024, a day before he turned 62. That same year, the Mets retired his No. 18 and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/darryl-strawberry-mets-c8fe5620df275dd5280568ecc71862dd">emotional Strawberry</a>&nbsp;told the Citi Field crowd: “I’m truly, deeply sorry that I ever left you guys. I never played baseball in front of fans greater than you guys.”