WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Monday signed a sweeping executive order setting a 30-day deadline for drugmakers to lower the cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. or face new limits over what the government will pay.

The order calls on the health department, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-trump-health-secretary-vote-5dbefeef0537dc241e6fb33b8f2a748b">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, to broker new price tags for drugs. If a deal is not reached, a new rule will kick in that will tie the price of what the U.S. pays for medications to lower prices paid by other countries.

“We're going to equalize,” Trump said during a Monday morning press conference. “We're all going to pay the same. We're going to pay what Europe pays.”

It's unclear what — if any — impact the Republican president's executive order will have on millions of Americans who have private health insurance. The federal government has the most power to shape the price it pays for drugs covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

The federal government spends hundreds of billions of dollars on prescription drugs, injectables, transfusions and other medications every year through Medicare, which covers nearly 70 million older Americans. Medicaid, meanwhile, covers nearly 80 million poor and disabled people in the U.S.

Ahead of the signing, the nation's leading pharmaceutical lobby on Sunday pushed back against Trump's plan, calling it a “bad deal” for American patients. Drugmakers have long argued that any threats to their profits could impact the research they do to develop new drugs.

“Importing foreign prices will cut billions of dollars from Medicare with no guarantee that it helps patients or improves their access to medicines,” Stephen J. Ubl, the president and CEO of PhRMA, said in a statement. “It jeopardizes the hundreds of billions our member companies are planning to invest in America, making us more reliant on China for innovative medicines.”

Trump's so-called “most favored nation” approach to Medicare drug pricing has been controversial since he first tried to implement it during his first term. He signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-health-politics-business-medicare-61c0e95ec43c72d6bc3464da6240d272">a similar executive order</a>&nbsp;in the final weeks of his presidency, which called for the U.S. to only pay a lower price that other countries pay for some drugs — injectables or cancer drugs given through infusions — administered in a doctor's office.

That narrow executive order faced hurdles, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-medicaid-medicare-courts-b3ddb5c7856f7a11fd569b303b63eb6b">a court order</a>&nbsp;that blocked the rule from going into effect under President Joe Biden's administration. The pharmaceutical industry argued that Trump’s 2020 attempt would give foreign governments the “upper hand” in deciding the value of medicines in the U.S.

Trump repeatedly defended pharmaceutical companies, instead blaming other countries for the high price Americans pay for drugs, during a wide-ranging speech at the White House on Monday. The president was flanked by Kennedy, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and National Institutes of Health director Jay Bhattacharya.

He did, however, threaten the companies with federal investigations into their practices and opening up the U.S. drug market to bring in more imported medications from other countries.

“The pharmaceutical companies make most of their profits from America,” Trump said. “That’s not a good thing.”

Trump has played up the announcement, saying it will save taxpayers big money. He boasted in one post that his plan could save “TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS.”

“Our Country will finally be treated fairly, and our citizens Healthcare Costs will be reduced by numbers never even thought of before,” Trump said in another post ahead of Monday's announcement.

The White House did not release an analysis of how much money his order would save or which drugs would be impacted.

Oz, speaking on Monday, said that he and the agency’s other top leaders would be meeting with drug company executives over the next 30 days to offer new prices on drugs that are based off what other countries pay.

The health department has the most authority to change the prices of drugs covered by Medicare and Medicaid because it can set regulations. Even still, the agency's power to do so is limited. Congress just approved in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drug-prices-medicare-prescriptions-34886d6f362c242be268c05d5efd5411">a new law</a>&nbsp;that allows Medicare to negotiate the price it pays for a handful of prescription drugs starting in 2026. Prior to the law, Medicare paid what the drug companies charged. Drug companies unsuccessfully sued over the implementation of the law.

The price that millions of Americans covered by private insurance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drug-prices-medicare-prescriptions-34886d6f362c242be268c05d5efd5411">pay for drugs</a>&nbsp;is even harder for the agency to manipulate.

The U.S. routinely outspends other nations on drug prices, compared with other large and wealthy countries, a problem that has long drawn the ire of both major political parties, but a lasting fix has never cleared Congress.

Trump came into his first term accusing pharmaceutical companies of “getting away with murder” and complaining that other countries whose governments set drug prices were taking advantage of Americans.

On Sunday, Trump took aim at the industry again, writing that the “Pharmaceutical/Drug Companies would say, for years, that it was Research and Development Costs, and that all of these costs were, and would be, for no reason whatsoever, borne by the ‘suckers’ of America, ALONE.”

Referring to drug companies’ powerful lobbying efforts, he said that campaign contributions “can do wonders, but not with me, and not with the Republican Party.”

“We are going to do the right thing,” he wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747061944102.png" alt="White House image from the Monday morning news conference" />
 <figcaption>White House image from the Monday morning news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Monday signed a sweeping executive order setting a 30-day deadline for drugmakers to lower the cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. or face new limits over what the government will pay.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> just signed an executive order implementing Most Favored Nation prescription drug pricing — which will deliver dramatically lower drug prices for the American people. Here&#39;s what it does: REDUCING DRUG PRICES FOR AMERICANS AND TAXPAYERS: Today, President Donald… <a href="https://t.co/wjT4A5XofI">pic.twitter.com/wjT4A5XofI</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1921942976441282659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump Holds a Press Conference with the Secretary of Health and Human Services <a href="https://t.co/3hgZDuVi5E">https://t.co/3hgZDuVi5E</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1921925761277026697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The order calls on the health department, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-trump-health-secretary-vote-5dbefeef0537dc241e6fb33b8f2a748b">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, to broker new price tags for drugs. If a deal is not reached, a new rule will kick in that will tie the price of what the U.S. pays for medications to lower prices paid by other countries.“We're going to equalize,” Trump said during a Monday morning press conference. “We're all going to pay the same. We're going to pay what Europe pays.”It's unclear what — if any — impact the Republican president's executive order will have on millions of Americans who have private health insurance. The federal government has the most power to shape the price it pays for drugs covered by Medicare and Medicaid.The federal government spends hundreds of billions of dollars on prescription drugs, injectables, transfusions and other medications every year through Medicare, which covers nearly 70 million older Americans. Medicaid, meanwhile, covers nearly 80 million poor and disabled people in the U.S.Ahead of the signing, the nation's leading pharmaceutical lobby on Sunday pushed back against Trump's plan, calling it a “bad deal” for American patients. Drugmakers have long argued that any threats to their profits could impact the research they do to develop new drugs.“Importing foreign prices will cut billions of dollars from Medicare with no guarantee that it helps patients or improves their access to medicines,” Stephen J. Ubl, the president and CEO of PhRMA, said in a statement. “It jeopardizes the hundreds of billions our member companies are planning to invest in America, making us more reliant on China for innovative medicines.”Trump's so-called “most favored nation” approach to Medicare drug pricing has been controversial since he first tried to implement it during his first term. He signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-health-politics-business-medicare-61c0e95ec43c72d6bc3464da6240d272">a similar executive order</a>&nbsp;in the final weeks of his presidency, which called for the U.S. to only pay a lower price that other countries pay for some drugs — injectables or cancer drugs given through infusions — administered in a doctor's office.That narrow executive order faced hurdles, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-medicaid-medicare-courts-b3ddb5c7856f7a11fd569b303b63eb6b">a court order</a>&nbsp;that blocked the rule from going into effect under President Joe Biden's administration. The pharmaceutical industry argued that Trump’s 2020 attempt would give foreign governments the “upper hand” in deciding the value of medicines in the U.S.Trump repeatedly defended pharmaceutical companies, instead blaming other countries for the high price Americans pay for drugs, during a wide-ranging speech at the White House on Monday. The president was flanked by Kennedy, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and National Institutes of Health director Jay Bhattacharya.He did, however, threaten the companies with federal investigations into their practices and opening up the U.S. drug market to bring in more imported medications from other countries.“The pharmaceutical companies make most of their profits from America,” Trump said. “That’s not a good thing.”Trump has played up the announcement, saying it will save taxpayers big money. He boasted in one post that his plan could save “TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS.”“Our Country will finally be treated fairly, and our citizens Healthcare Costs will be reduced by numbers never even thought of before,” Trump said in another post ahead of Monday's announcement.The White House did not release an analysis of how much money his order would save or which drugs would be impacted.Oz, speaking on Monday, said that he and the agency’s other top leaders would be meeting with drug company executives over the next 30 days to offer new prices on drugs that are based off what other countries pay.The health department has the most authority to change the prices of drugs covered by Medicare and Medicaid because it can set regulations. Even still, the agency's power to do so is limited. Congress just approved in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drug-prices-medicare-prescriptions-34886d6f362c242be268c05d5efd5411">a new law</a>&nbsp;that allows Medicare to negotiate the price it pays for a handful of prescription drugs starting in 2026. Prior to the law, Medicare paid what the drug companies charged. Drug companies unsuccessfully sued over the implementation of the law.The price that millions of Americans covered by private insurance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drug-prices-medicare-prescriptions-34886d6f362c242be268c05d5efd5411">pay for drugs</a>&nbsp;is even harder for the agency to manipulate.The U.S. routinely outspends other nations on drug prices, compared with other large and wealthy countries, a problem that has long drawn the ire of both major political parties, but a lasting fix has never cleared Congress.Trump came into his first term accusing pharmaceutical companies of “getting away with murder” and complaining that other countries whose governments set drug prices were taking advantage of Americans.On Sunday, Trump took aim at the industry again, writing that the “Pharmaceutical/Drug Companies would say, for years, that it was Research and Development Costs, and that all of these costs were, and would be, for no reason whatsoever, borne by the ‘suckers’ of America, ALONE.”Referring to drug companies’ powerful lobbying efforts, he said that campaign contributions “can do wonders, but not with me, and not with the Republican Party.”“We are going to do the right thing,” he wrote.

🎥 Trump sets deadline for drugmakers to lower prescription drug costs

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Say hello to Jessie Groff, the incoming assistant principal of Roosevelt Elementary School for the upcoming school year.

Groff is a former Roosevelt student who graduated from Hays High School in 2007 and went on to receive multiple master's degrees.

"I actually went to Roosevelt as an elementary student. It's kind of cool that I get to come back and be a leader here at the school," Groff said.

In 2010, Groff graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She then worked as a first-grade teacher at Wilson Elementary for 14 years.&nbsp;

She eventually transitioned to Roosevelt Elementary in a student support role, handling a variety of responsibilities, including reading intervention and behavior support.

She will officially begin as assistant principal on July 1 and looks forward to working alongside families, especially children.

"I'm excited to work and get to know all the students in our building... to be able to create those relationships with them," Groff said.

Groff said she went into education to make a difference in kids' lives and shifted toward administration to help effect broader changes in the school.

"I wanted to be able to not only stand up for my colleagues, but share ideas that could be at the table that's making changes for the district," she said.

Her top goals for her first year as assistant principal are to build trusting relationships, support students' academic and emotional growth, and enhance the school climate by promoting inclusion and equity.

"A positive school culture is one where every member of the community, students, staff and families feel valued," Groff said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746626649178.jpeg" alt="Roosevelt Elementary School assistant principal Jessie Groff" />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt Elementary School assistant principal Jessie Groff</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostSay hello to Jessie Groff, the incoming assistant principal of Roosevelt Elementary School for the upcoming school year.Groff is a former Roosevelt student who graduated from Hays High School in 2007 and went on to receive multiple master's degrees."I actually went to Roosevelt as an elementary student. It's kind of cool that I get to come back and be a leader here at the school," Groff said.In 2010, Groff graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She then worked as a first-grade teacher at Wilson Elementary for 14 years.&nbsp;She eventually transitioned to Roosevelt Elementary in a student support role, handling a variety of responsibilities, including reading intervention and behavior support.She will officially begin as assistant principal on July 1 and looks forward to working alongside families, especially children."I'm excited to work and get to know all the students in our building... to be able to create those relationships with them," Groff said.Groff said she went into education to make a difference in kids' lives and shifted toward administration to help effect broader changes in the school."I wanted to be able to not only stand up for my colleagues, but share ideas that could be at the table that's making changes for the district," she said.Her top goals for her first year as assistant principal are to build trusting relationships, support students' academic and emotional growth, and enhance the school climate by promoting inclusion and equity."A positive school culture is one where every member of the community, students, staff and families feel valued," Groff said.

Hays welcomes new Roosevelt Elementary School assistant principal

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’ll sign an executive order on Monday that, if implemented, could bring down the costs of some medications — reviving a failed effort from his first term on an issue he’s talked up since even before becoming president.

The order Trump is promising will direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to tie what Medicare pays for medications administrated in a doctor’s office to the lowest price paid by other countries.

“I will be instituting a MOST FAVORED NATION’S POLICY whereby the United States will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World,” the president posted Sunday on his social media site, pledging to sign the order on Monday morning at the White House.

“Our Country will finally be treated fairly, and our citizens Healthcare Costs will be reduced by numbers never even thought of before,” Trump added.

His proposal would likely only impact certain drugs covered by Medicare and given in an office — think infusions that treat cancer, and other injectables. But it could potentially bring significant savings to the government, although the “TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS” Trump boasted about in his post may be an exaggeration.

Medicare provides health insurance for roughly 70 million older Americans. Complaints about U.S. drug prices being notoriously high, even when compared with other large and wealthy countries, have long drawn the ire of both parties, but a lasting fix has never cleared Congress.

Under the planned order, the federal government would tie what it pays pharmaceutical companies for those drugs to the price paid by a group of other, economically advanced countries — the so-called “most favored nation” approach.

The proposal will face fierce opposition from the pharmaceutical industry.

It was a rule that Trump tried to adopt during his first term, but could never get through. He signed a similar executive order in the final weeks of his presidency, but a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-medicaid-medicare-courts-b3ddb5c7856f7a11fd569b303b63eb6b">court order</a>&nbsp;later blocked the rule from going into effect under the Biden administration.

The pharmaceutical industry argued that Trump’s 2020 attempt would give foreign governments the “upper hand” in deciding the value of medicines in the U.S.. The industry has long argued that forcing lower prices will hurt profits, and ultimately affect innovation and its efforts to develop new medicines.

Only drugs on Medicare Part B — the insurance for doctor’s office visits — are likely to be covered under the plan. Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for picking up some of the costs to get those medications during doctor’s visits, and for traditional Medicare enrollees there is no annual out-of-pocket cap on what they pay.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_legacy_files//197401/Part-B%20Drugs-International-Issue-Brief.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;by the Trump administration during its first term found that the U.S. spends twice as much as some other countries in covering those drugs. Medicare Part B drug spending topped $33 billion in 2021.

More common prescription drugs filled at a pharmacy would probably not be covered by the new order.

Trump’s post formally previewing the action came after he teased a “very big announcement” last week. He gave no details, except to note that it wasn’t related to trade or the tariffs he has announced imposing on much of the world.

“We’re going to have a very, very big announcement to make — like as big as it gets,” Trump said last week.

He came into his first term accusing pharmaceutical companies of “getting away with murder” and complaining that other countries whose governments set drug prices were taking advantage of Americans.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’ll sign an executive order on Monday that, if implemented, could bring down the costs of some medications — reviving a failed effort from his first term on an issue he’s talked up since even before becoming president.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JUST IN: PRESIDENT TRUMP&#39;S &quot;MOST IMPORTANT AND IMPACTFUL&quot; TRUTH EVER ISSUED ⬇️ &quot;I am pleased to announce that Tomorrow morning, in the White House, at 9:00 A.M., I will be signing one of the most consequential Executive Orders in our Country’s history....&quot; <a href="https://t.co/YfyKzked0S">pic.twitter.com/YfyKzked0S</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1921695676032856313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The order Trump is promising will direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to tie what Medicare pays for medications administrated in a doctor’s office to the lowest price paid by other countries.“I will be instituting a MOST FAVORED NATION’S POLICY whereby the United States will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World,” the president posted Sunday on his social media site, pledging to sign the order on Monday morning at the White House.“Our Country will finally be treated fairly, and our citizens Healthcare Costs will be reduced by numbers never even thought of before,” Trump added.His proposal would likely only impact certain drugs covered by Medicare and given in an office — think infusions that treat cancer, and other injectables. But it could potentially bring significant savings to the government, although the “TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS” Trump boasted about in his post may be an exaggeration.Medicare provides health insurance for roughly 70 million older Americans. Complaints about U.S. drug prices being notoriously high, even when compared with other large and wealthy countries, have long drawn the ire of both parties, but a lasting fix has never cleared Congress.Under the planned order, the federal government would tie what it pays pharmaceutical companies for those drugs to the price paid by a group of other, economically advanced countries — the so-called “most favored nation” approach.The proposal will face fierce opposition from the pharmaceutical industry.It was a rule that Trump tried to adopt during his first term, but could never get through. He signed a similar executive order in the final weeks of his presidency, but a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-medicaid-medicare-courts-b3ddb5c7856f7a11fd569b303b63eb6b">court order</a>&nbsp;later blocked the rule from going into effect under the Biden administration.The pharmaceutical industry argued that Trump’s 2020 attempt would give foreign governments the “upper hand” in deciding the value of medicines in the U.S.. The industry has long argued that forcing lower prices will hurt profits, and ultimately affect innovation and its efforts to develop new medicines.Only drugs on Medicare Part B — the insurance for doctor’s office visits — are likely to be covered under the plan. Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for picking up some of the costs to get those medications during doctor’s visits, and for traditional Medicare enrollees there is no annual out-of-pocket cap on what they pay.A&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_legacy_files//197401/Part-B%20Drugs-International-Issue-Brief.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;by the Trump administration during its first term found that the U.S. spends twice as much as some other countries in covering those drugs. Medicare Part B drug spending topped $33 billion in 2021.More common prescription drugs filled at a pharmacy would probably not be covered by the new order.Trump’s post formally previewing the action came after he teased a “very big announcement” last week. He gave no details, except to note that it wasn’t related to trade or the tariffs he has announced imposing on much of the world.“We’re going to have a very, very big announcement to make — like as big as it gets,” Trump said last week.He came into his first term accusing pharmaceutical companies of “getting away with murder” and complaining that other countries whose governments set drug prices were taking advantage of Americans.On Sunday, Trump took aim at the industry again, writing that the “Pharmaceutical/Drug Companies would say, for years, that it was Research and Development Costs, and that all of these costs were, and would be, for no reason whatsoever, borne by the ‘suckers’ of America, ALONE.”Referring to drug companies’ powerful lobbying efforts, he said that campaign contributions “can do wonders, but not with me, and not with the Republican Party.”“We are going to do the right thing,” he wrote.

Read Trump's historic statement on cutting prescription drugs costs

The TMP-Marian Monarchs have earned the top seed in the Hays
2-1A baseball regional and will open regional play on Friday, May 16th.


The Monarchs (18-4) will take on the winner of the day's
first game between the No. 8 seed Oberlin and the No. 9 seed Ell-Saline. Those
two teams will play at 3 p.m. at TMP.

The four versus five matchup will feature Ellinwood and Bennington
in Ellinwood.

Sacred Heart is the No. 2 seed and will host the 7-seed Republic
County.

The No. 3 seed Ellis will host No. 6 seed Plainville. 

All the first-round games will be played on May 16th
at the higher seeds. 

The winners will play in the semifinals at TMP on May 21st,
starting at 2 p.m., with the regional finals to follow at 6 p.m. at TMP.

Hays Post Sports The TMP-Marian Monarchs have earned the top seed in the Hays
2-1A baseball regional and will open regional play on Friday, May 16th.
The Monarchs (18-4) will take on the winner of the day's
first game between the No. 8 seed Oberlin and the No. 9 seed Ell-Saline. Those
two teams will play at 3 p.m. at TMP.The four versus five matchup will feature Ellinwood and Bennington
in Ellinwood.Sacred Heart is the No. 2 seed and will host the 7-seed Republic
County.The No. 3 seed Ellis will host No. 6 seed Plainville. All the first-round games will be played on May 16th
at the higher seeds. The winners will play in the semifinals at TMP on May 21st,
starting at 2 p.m., with the regional finals to follow at 6 p.m. at TMP.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746995772965.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div></div>

⚾ TMP earns the top seed in 2-1A regional

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will hear a report from its architect, DLR, and the building and grounds department about renovating the current Hays High School into a middle school.

Hays High staff are already preparing for the move into the new high school building, which is set to be completed in August.

Work will begin soon on the current high school to renovate it into a middle school. Middle school students and staff are set to move into their new building in January 2026.

The current middle school will be converted into a new elementary school.

The board will also hear a request for a $59,449 change order on the new high school project.

The board will consider the renewal of a five-year lease agreement with Sumner One for print management, copy machines, support and maintenance for $63,049 per year.

They will also hear a report on the district hiring process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608234493687.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will hear a report from its architect, DLR, and the building and grounds department about renovating the current Hays High School into a middle school.Hays High staff are already preparing for the move into the new high school building, which is set to be completed in August.Work will begin soon on the current high school to renovate it into a middle school. Middle school students and staff are set to move into their new building in January 2026.The current middle school will be converted into a new elementary school.<h2>Change order</h2>The board will also hear a request for a $59,449 change order on the new high school project.The board will consider the renewal of a five-year lease agreement with Sumner One for print management, copy machines, support and maintenance for $63,049 per year.They will also hear a report on the district hiring process.

Hays USD 489 to hear plans to remodel high school into middle school

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the agency's annual report on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<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=rd5bx-18a4639-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>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the agency's annual report on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Williams gives update on Grow Hays annual report

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The COVID-19 pandemic, staff turnover and surges in filings created a backlog of cases at the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, challenging the organization’s ability to meet statutory requirements for timely rulings.

County appraisers have seen increased delays in resolving some tax appeals, and although they don’t blame BOTA employees who are working to clear delays, they are concerned about the effects on taxpayers.

“Given that high property taxes are a major concern for Kansans, this remains a highly sensitive matter for all parties involved,” said Douglas County appraiser Brad Eldridge. “Providing timely due process in property tax cases is essential, yet it requires additional funding, creating the difficult reality that ensuring fairness and efficiency comes at the cost of more taxpayer dollars.”

In January 2025 budget testimony to the Legislature, BOTA chair Kristen Wheeler said in Fiscal Year 2024, the board saw an increase of about 700 cases in its Regular Division, as well as an additional 300 cases in its exemption tax appeals and 300 cases in its property tax appeals.

The BOTA comprises the Regular Division, in which cases are heard by an appointed, three-member board, and the Small Claims and Expedited Claims Division, which offers informal, faster processes.

More than 11 different kinds of tax appeals are heard by BOTA’s board or staff, from property tax exemption requests to homeowners upset about their property taxes and unable to resolve the issue at the county level.

Jonathan Roberts, BOTA executive director, said they receive as many as 50 or 60 requests for tax exemption appeals every day.

“It takes at the minimum a half-hour to hear each of those requests,” he said. “When you start to compound those, it creates a monumental task to get through every one. It’s just a matter of the requests coming in exceed the time available to hear them.”

During the legislative budget process, the state board requested and received $30,000 to hire contract employees to help get caught up. BOTA also asked for $25,000 to increase attorney salaries because they currently are below what their peers receive for similar work. A long-term vacant position contributed to delays.

“The Board is currently recruiting to fill a vacant staff attorney position; the Board would note that position has been posted since the fall and to date, despite active advertising, the Board has yet to have a single applicant,” the budget request said. “The Board notes the starting salary for that position is below other starting-level attorney positions advertised for other state entities.”

Roberts said a new information technology system being installed is expected to help with processing.&nbsp;

“We’re engaging in some things within the office to help with workflow and things like that, but given the sheer number of some of the cases that we have in front of us, it’s not going to clear them all up right away,” Roberts said.

Depending on the cases, the board faces statutory requirements regarding the time to hear and decide cases. In small claims, cases must be heard within 60 days of filing and decided within 30 days after that. So far, BOTA staff have been able to meet that deadline, Roberts said. In the Regular Division, the board must render a decision after a hearing within 14 days, although requirements vary depending on the case.

In testimony, BOTA reported the percent of 14-day summary decisions issued timely in the Regular Division, with a goal of 100%. After three years of missing that goal, the organization is moving back on track.

In FY2019 and FY2020, BOTA issued decisions within 14 days 100% of the time. In FY2021, they dropped to 93%, and in subsequent years 91%, 90% and 99%. BOTA reports 100% for FY2025 so far.

Lucky DeFries, a Topeka tax attorney who has been trying cases in front of the board since the late 1970s, said his clients haven’t faced significant delays. He and opposing counsel often reach agreement in the case, so it moves through the system quickly.

DeFries remembers when there were 58 employees at BOTA. Today, there are 16 when they’re fully staffed, he said, noting the retirement of a longtime attorney and another staff member on medical leave.

“We’ve seen across the country steady increases in the valuation of residential property. That’s where a lot of the appeals come from,” DeFries said. “The numbers of employees have gone down precipitously and the case load has either increased or stayed pretty static.”

The delay in hearing tax appeals affects county operations statewide. Eldridge said the slow process consumes time and financial resources. The challenges began during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

“Schedule delays were a result of hearing cancellations in 2020,” Eldridge said. “In 2020-2021, there was turnover in BOTA positions, and they went several months without having a full board to hold hearings. BOTA essentially did not hold any Regular Division hearings for about one year.”

If BOTA finds in favor of the individual, organization or business in a tax appeal, the county must refund any taxes that were paid, based on that appeal. Eldridge said interest is paid on refunds, with the percentage varying depending on the year the appeal was filed.

In Crawford County, Jan Meredith, office supervisor, handles tax exemptions. Like Eldridge, she understands the issues that have been delaying tax appeals and is sympathetic. Still, she doesn’t recall delays as long as they have been in the past two to three years.

Tax appeals filed in 2023 have recently come through the system and been cleared, she said, and that puts her small county near to caught up. Meredith tells taxpayers filing an appeal that it likely will take four to six months until they receive decisions from BOTA, so any appeals filed in the past six months she doesn’t consider delayed.

Larger counties tend to see a more significant impact. In its budget report, BOTA said most of its small claims appeals in FY2024 were received from Johnson County (576), Morris County (345), Sedgwick County (448) and Wyandotte County (608).&nbsp;

“Douglas County has matters before the Regular Division of BOTA going back to 2021 that are scheduled to be heard this year,” Eldridge said.

In Johnson County, spokeswoman Anne Christiansen-Bullers said appeals go back more than seven years.&nbsp;

“The Kansas Board of Tax Appeals has approximately 1,500-1,600 pending appeals involving property in Johnson County for tax years 2018-2024,” she said.

It’s difficult to determine exactly how far behind tax appeals are, said Terri Yamashita, BOTA board secretary. More complex cases, which are often appeals over large tax amounts owed or commercial cases, sometimes have multiple attorneys involved and many filings.

For instance, in the regular hearing division where cases go before the BOTA, commercial business owners often want to get their own appraisals done, she said. That can cause delays. BOTA staff normally try to schedule a hearing within at least five months of the filing, but it could be seven to eight months, depending on the case.

Some cases lingering in the system are delayed because parties don’t get the proper information submitted or for reasons out of BOTA’s control, Yamashita said. Each type of tax appeal has different statutory requirements to meet.

The number of appeals asking for tax exemptions is one of the more challenging areas, although those don’t have to go to a full board hearing, she said. Exemptions and the majority of tax grievances don’t go to full hearings but are managed in the small claims division.

Grievances include cases that are about clerical errors or penalties that have been assessed on someone who didn’t file taxes on time, she said.

Those issues absorb staff time. BOTA recently contracted with an additional staff person to help clear exemption cases. In testimony, the BOTA board said that its hearings of Regular Division cases suffer when they receive influxes of small claims cases because staff attorneys shift to do that work.

“Not only do these staff attorneys have less time and resources available to work on other matters, but they are unavailable or difficult to schedule to assist with Regular Division hearings,” the testimony said. “Undoubtedly these factors all contribute to greater than necessary resolution times for matters in the Regular Division.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746737689897.png" alt="Kristen Wheeler, chairwoman of the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, tells the Kansas House General Government Budget Committee about the need for additional funding to manage increased tax appeals and to alleviate staff shortages. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature video)" />
 <figcaption>Kristen Wheeler, chairwoman of the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, tells the Kansas House General Government Budget Committee about the need for additional funding to manage increased tax appeals and to alleviate staff shortages. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature video)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The COVID-19 pandemic, staff turnover and surges in filings created a backlog of cases at the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, challenging the organization’s ability to meet statutory requirements for timely rulings.County appraisers have seen increased delays in resolving some tax appeals, and although they don’t blame BOTA employees who are working to clear delays, they are concerned about the effects on taxpayers.“Given that high property taxes are a major concern for Kansans, this remains a highly sensitive matter for all parties involved,” said Douglas County appraiser Brad Eldridge. “Providing timely due process in property tax cases is essential, yet it requires additional funding, creating the difficult reality that ensuring fairness and efficiency comes at the cost of more taxpayer dollars.”In January 2025 budget testimony to the Legislature, BOTA chair Kristen Wheeler said in Fiscal Year 2024, the board saw an increase of about 700 cases in its Regular Division, as well as an additional 300 cases in its exemption tax appeals and 300 cases in its property tax appeals.The BOTA comprises the Regular Division, in which cases are heard by an appointed, three-member board, and the Small Claims and Expedited Claims Division, which offers informal, faster processes.More than 11 different kinds of tax appeals are heard by BOTA’s board or staff, from property tax exemption requests to homeowners upset about their property taxes and unable to resolve the issue at the county level.Jonathan Roberts, BOTA executive director, said they receive as many as 50 or 60 requests for tax exemption appeals every day.“It takes at the minimum a half-hour to hear each of those requests,” he said. “When you start to compound those, it creates a monumental task to get through every one. It’s just a matter of the requests coming in exceed the time available to hear them.”<h2>Adding resources</h2>During the legislative budget process, the state board requested and received $30,000 to hire contract employees to help get caught up. BOTA also asked for $25,000 to increase attorney salaries because they currently are below what their peers receive for similar work. A long-term vacant position contributed to delays.“The Board is currently recruiting to fill a vacant staff attorney position; the Board would note that position has been posted since the fall and to date, despite active advertising, the Board has yet to have a single applicant,” the budget request said. “The Board notes the starting salary for that position is below other starting-level attorney positions advertised for other state entities.”Roberts said a new information technology system being installed is expected to help with processing.&nbsp;“We’re engaging in some things within the office to help with workflow and things like that, but given the sheer number of some of the cases that we have in front of us, it’s not going to clear them all up right away,” Roberts said.Depending on the cases, the board faces statutory requirements regarding the time to hear and decide cases. In small claims, cases must be heard within 60 days of filing and decided within 30 days after that. So far, BOTA staff have been able to meet that deadline, Roberts said. In the Regular Division, the board must render a decision after a hearing within 14 days, although requirements vary depending on the case.In testimony, BOTA reported the percent of 14-day summary decisions issued timely in the Regular Division, with a goal of 100%. After three years of missing that goal, the organization is moving back on track.In FY2019 and FY2020, BOTA issued decisions within 14 days 100% of the time. In FY2021, they dropped to 93%, and in subsequent years 91%, 90% and 99%. BOTA reports 100% for FY2025 so far.Lucky DeFries, a Topeka tax attorney who has been trying cases in front of the board since the late 1970s, said his clients haven’t faced significant delays. He and opposing counsel often reach agreement in the case, so it moves through the system quickly.DeFries remembers when there were 58 employees at BOTA. Today, there are 16 when they’re fully staffed, he said, noting the retirement of a longtime attorney and another staff member on medical leave.“We’ve seen across the country steady increases in the valuation of residential property. That’s where a lot of the appeals come from,” DeFries said. “The numbers of employees have gone down precipitously and the case load has either increased or stayed pretty static.”<h2>County impact</h2>The delay in hearing tax appeals affects county operations statewide. Eldridge said the slow process consumes time and financial resources. The challenges began during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;“Schedule delays were a result of hearing cancellations in 2020,” Eldridge said. “In 2020-2021, there was turnover in BOTA positions, and they went several months without having a full board to hold hearings. BOTA essentially did not hold any Regular Division hearings for about one year.”If BOTA finds in favor of the individual, organization or business in a tax appeal, the county must refund any taxes that were paid, based on that appeal. Eldridge said interest is paid on refunds, with the percentage varying depending on the year the appeal was filed.In Crawford County, Jan Meredith, office supervisor, handles tax exemptions. Like Eldridge, she understands the issues that have been delaying tax appeals and is sympathetic. Still, she doesn’t recall delays as long as they have been in the past two to three years.Tax appeals filed in 2023 have recently come through the system and been cleared, she said, and that puts her small county near to caught up. Meredith tells taxpayers filing an appeal that it likely will take four to six months until they receive decisions from BOTA, so any appeals filed in the past six months she doesn’t consider delayed.Larger counties tend to see a more significant impact. In its budget report, BOTA said most of its small claims appeals in FY2024 were received from Johnson County (576), Morris County (345), Sedgwick County (448) and Wyandotte County (608).&nbsp;“Douglas County has matters before the Regular Division of BOTA going back to 2021 that are scheduled to be heard this year,” Eldridge said.In Johnson County, spokeswoman Anne Christiansen-Bullers said appeals go back more than seven years.&nbsp;“The Kansas Board of Tax Appeals has approximately 1,500-1,600 pending appeals involving property in Johnson County for tax years 2018-2024,” she said.<h2>Tough to determine</h2>It’s difficult to determine exactly how far behind tax appeals are, said Terri Yamashita, BOTA board secretary. More complex cases, which are often appeals over large tax amounts owed or commercial cases, sometimes have multiple attorneys involved and many filings.For instance, in the regular hearing division where cases go before the BOTA, commercial business owners often want to get their own appraisals done, she said. That can cause delays. BOTA staff normally try to schedule a hearing within at least five months of the filing, but it could be seven to eight months, depending on the case.Some cases lingering in the system are delayed because parties don’t get the proper information submitted or for reasons out of BOTA’s control, Yamashita said. Each type of tax appeal has different statutory requirements to meet.The number of appeals asking for tax exemptions is one of the more challenging areas, although those don’t have to go to a full board hearing, she said. Exemptions and the majority of tax grievances don’t go to full hearings but are managed in the small claims division.Grievances include cases that are about clerical errors or penalties that have been assessed on someone who didn’t file taxes on time, she said.Those issues absorb staff time. BOTA recently contracted with an additional staff person to help clear exemption cases. In testimony, the BOTA board said that its hearings of Regular Division cases suffer when they receive influxes of small claims cases because staff attorneys shift to do that work.“Not only do these staff attorneys have less time and resources available to work on other matters, but they are unavailable or difficult to schedule to assist with Regular Division hearings,” the testimony said. “Undoubtedly these factors all contribute to greater than necessary resolution times for matters in the Regular Division.”

Kansas tax appeal process bogged down by staff shortages, increased filings

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Just like in years past, Randy Beck had been thinking about what to get for his wife, Shayla, for Mother’s Day.

He gathered their four young sons together to ask for ideas of what they wanted to give their mother this year, along with their personal handmade cards.

Shayla always looks forward to her sons’ personal cards. But ask her what she would like for Mother’s Day this year, and she will tell you she has only one wish: for her husband to be around for more Mother’s Days and Father’s Days and every other holiday for years to come.

The Beck family’s life changed dramatically back in January when Randy learned he had Stage IV metastatic melanoma, a fast-spreading cancer.

Four months following surgery and multiple treatments, the Becks celebrate every holiday – every day – with gusto.

“People sometimes ask me if we wish we had a girl,” Shayla said. “We are just grateful we had four healthy kids, four healthy boys. Now with all this with Randy, we are just grateful to be together as a family, period.”

Randy said if anyone out of his family had to undergo a bout with cancer, he is glad it’s him.

“I was definitely glad it was me and not Shayla or one of the boys,” he said. “I believe that God gives his hardest battles to his strongest and his toughest people. I’ve grown up playing sports, and I’ve been a competitor my whole life. I will be the one that beats this.”

The Becks have local ties. Shayla grew up in Hays, and Randy is from Claflin. They met while Randy was playing football at Fort Hays State University, got married and started raising their family in Hays.

They moved to Oklahoma about four years ago when Randy received a promotion with his company, Pepsi Beverages Co.

So news of Randy’s diagnosis spread quickly, and support of family and friends came pouring in from near and far.

Grandparents and other relatives have gone to stay with the boys when Randy and Shayla travel to Houston for treatments.

The outpouring of generosity, even from people they don’t know, has overwhelmed the Becks with gratitude.

Someone started a T-shirt fundraiser to help with travel expenses, and neighbors organized a meal train for the family. A lawn company has offered to mow the Becks’ yard the entire summer.

The latest fundraiser is a raffle spurred by a donation of two beef quarters from PJ and Kim Nowak, owners of Double Tree Feeders out of Gotham, and Rob and Michelle Corley from Victoria.

The raffle is still ongoing until May 19, with the drawing on May 20. Tickets can be purchased by texting Shayla at 785-656-2618 or her mom, Janice Maska Jacobs, at 785-365-9595.

“You just don’t realize how much people care until something like this happens,” Randy said. “We have gotten to know some people in Tulsa (since they moved there), but so many others we have never met have really stepped up to help. Prayers, cards, texts … It’s amazing. All this changes how you look at everything.”

Life seemed to be humming along quite perfectly for the Becks after moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in October 2020.

Randy enjoyed his new job, Shayla was working in the area as a real estate agent, and their boys were getting settled in their new surroundings.

Then last August, Randy discovered a lump in front of his right ear.

It was first diagnosed as a swollen lymph node, but antibiotics didn’t faze it. By the end of October, a CT scan was ordered after Randy started losing weight.

After the lump was diagnosed as cancerous, it was removed, and Randy started recovering from the 9-inch incision down his neck.&nbsp;

Following the surgery, the Becks decided to get a second opinion for a treatment plan at MD Anderson in Houston, the world’s largest cancer center. There, doctors recommended a schedule for radiation and immunotherapy.

He will continue to make the 8-hour trip to Houston for monthly immunotherapy treatments throughout the next year, then return for scans every three months for the next two years. The time between scans will decrease in the next few years, but Randy will have to undergo at least a yearly scan for the rest of his life.

There is always a chance the cancer will spread; this particular type of melanoma is aggressive, with a high percentage of recurrence.

But the Becks will deal with whatever comes their way as a family, along with all the other people in their corner.

Randy has been able to return to work as a territory sales manager for Pepsi, even around the immunotherapy treatments.

He had coached his oldest son’s football team for several years but is not yet certain if he will be able to do so this year.

If not, he will still be on the sidelines as one of Eli’s biggest cheerleaders.

A hands-on dad, Randy is grateful to be able to continue spending time outdoors with Eli, 10; Zayne, 8; Kyzer, 6; and Sutton, 5.

“Immunotherapy and chemotherapy are different,” Randy explained. “I’ve had hair loss and some sores and blisters from radiation, but hardly any side effects from immunotherapy.”

However, the unknown has become his family’s “new normal.”

“It definitely affects your whole life – and everyone around it,” Shayla said.&nbsp;

Randy and Shayla said they decided from early on to fight this as a family, which included involving their sons.

When possible, the boys have been involved with the fundraisers, and the Becks plan to take them all to MD Anderson at one of Randy’s summer appointments to learn more about the whole process.&nbsp;

“We have always told them the truth,” Shayla said.

“Absolutely,” Randy said. “But I told them ‘I’m scared, too.’ They have a lot of questions. We all have a lot of questions. We’ll get them answered together.”

“I believe God has kept me here for Shayla and the boys for a reason,” Randy insisted, “and I’m going to continue to be here for them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817646128.jpeg" alt="Former Hays resident Randy Beck, center, is in a strong fight against cancer with some of his biggest supporters – his four young sons, ages 5 to 10. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Former Hays resident Randy Beck, center, is in a strong fight against cancer with some of his biggest supporters – his four young sons, ages 5 to 10. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817974242.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostJust like in years past, Randy Beck had been thinking about what to get for his wife, Shayla, for Mother’s Day.He gathered their four young sons together to ask for ideas of what they wanted to give their mother this year, along with their personal handmade cards.Shayla always looks forward to her sons’ personal cards. But ask her what she would like for Mother’s Day this year, and she will tell you she has only one wish: for her husband to be around for more Mother’s Days and Father’s Days and every other holiday for years to come.The Beck family’s life changed dramatically back in January when Randy learned he had Stage IV metastatic melanoma, a fast-spreading cancer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817723110.jpeg" alt="The Beck family from left: Sutton, Kyzer, Shayla, Randy, Eli and Zayne. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Beck family from left: Sutton, Kyzer, Shayla, Randy, Eli and Zayne. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Four months following surgery and multiple treatments, the Becks celebrate every holiday – every day – with gusto.One of those will be today.“People sometimes ask me if we wish we had a girl,” Shayla said. “We are just grateful we had four healthy kids, four healthy boys. Now with all this with Randy, we are just grateful to be together as a family, period.”Randy said if anyone out of his family had to undergo a bout with cancer, he is glad it’s him.“I was definitely glad it was me and not Shayla or one of the boys,” he said. “I believe that God gives his hardest battles to his strongest and his toughest people. I’ve grown up playing sports, and I’ve been a competitor my whole life. I will be the one that beats this.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817771977.jpeg" alt="Randy Beck, right, was greeted home from one of his hospital stays with homemade cards by his four young sons. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Randy Beck, right, was greeted home from one of his hospital stays with homemade cards by his four young sons. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Support from near and far</h2>The Becks have local ties. Shayla grew up in Hays, and Randy is from Claflin. They met while Randy was playing football at Fort Hays State University, got married and started raising their family in Hays.They moved to Oklahoma about four years ago when Randy received a promotion with his company, Pepsi Beverages Co.So news of Randy’s diagnosis spread quickly, and support of family and friends came pouring in from near and far.Grandparents and other relatives have gone to stay with the boys when Randy and Shayla travel to Houston for treatments.The outpouring of generosity, even from people they don’t know, has overwhelmed the Becks with gratitude.Someone started a T-shirt fundraiser to help with travel expenses, and neighbors organized a meal train for the family. A lawn company has offered to mow the Becks’ yard the entire summer.The latest fundraiser is a raffle spurred by a donation of two beef quarters from PJ and Kim Nowak, owners of Double Tree Feeders out of Gotham, and Rob and Michelle Corley from Victoria.The raffle is still ongoing until May 19, with the drawing on May 20. Tickets can be purchased by texting Shayla at 785-656-2618 or her mom, Janice Maska Jacobs, at 785-365-9595.“You just don’t realize how much people care until something like this happens,” Randy said. “We have gotten to know some people in Tulsa (since they moved there), but so many others we have never met have really stepped up to help. Prayers, cards, texts … It’s amazing. All this changes how you look at everything.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817822327.jpeg" alt="Whether coaching Eli in football, or giving some of the finer points of T-Ball to Sutton while Kyzer waits to field the ball, or teaching Zayne how to ride a bicycle, Randy Beck is bound and determined to stick around to watch his sons grow up. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Whether coaching Eli in football, or giving some of the finer points of T-Ball to Sutton while Kyzer waits to field the ball, or teaching Zayne how to ride a bicycle, Randy Beck is bound and determined to stick around to watch his sons grow up. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Dealing with alarming news</h2>Life seemed to be humming along quite perfectly for the Becks after moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in October 2020.Randy enjoyed his new job, Shayla was working in the area as a real estate agent, and their boys were getting settled in their new surroundings.Then last August, Randy discovered a lump in front of his right ear.It was first diagnosed as a swollen lymph node, but antibiotics didn’t faze it. By the end of October, a CT scan was ordered after Randy started losing weight.After the lump was diagnosed as cancerous, it was removed, and Randy started recovering from the 9-inch incision down his neck.&nbsp;Following the surgery, the Becks decided to get a second opinion for a treatment plan at MD Anderson in Houston, the world’s largest cancer center. There, doctors recommended a schedule for radiation and immunotherapy.He will continue to make the 8-hour trip to Houston for monthly immunotherapy treatments throughout the next year, then return for scans every three months for the next two years. The time between scans will decrease in the next few years, but Randy will have to undergo at least a yearly scan for the rest of his life.There is always a chance the cancer will spread; this particular type of melanoma is aggressive, with a high percentage of recurrence.But the Becks will deal with whatever comes their way as a family, along with all the other people in their corner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746817865327.jpeg" alt="Tickets for an ongoing benefit raffle sponsored by area residents can still be purchased. See story for details. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tickets for an ongoing benefit raffle sponsored by area residents can still be purchased. See story for details. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘We’re in this together’</h2>Randy has been able to return to work as a territory sales manager for Pepsi, even around the immunotherapy treatments.He had coached his oldest son’s football team for several years but is not yet certain if he will be able to do so this year.If not, he will still be on the sidelines as one of Eli’s biggest cheerleaders.A hands-on dad, Randy is grateful to be able to continue spending time outdoors with Eli, 10; Zayne, 8; Kyzer, 6; and Sutton, 5.“Immunotherapy and chemotherapy are different,” Randy explained. “I’ve had hair loss and some sores and blisters from radiation, but hardly any side effects from immunotherapy.”However, the unknown has become his family’s “new normal.”“It definitely affects your whole life – and everyone around it,” Shayla said.&nbsp;Randy and Shayla said they decided from early on to fight this as a family, which included involving their sons.When possible, the boys have been involved with the fundraisers, and the Becks plan to take them all to MD Anderson at one of Randy’s summer appointments to learn more about the whole process.&nbsp;“We have always told them the truth,” Shayla said.Does that frighten them?“Absolutely,” Randy said. “But I told them ‘I’m scared, too.’ They have a lot of questions. We all have a lot of questions. We’ll get them answered together.”“I believe God has kept me here for Shayla and the boys for a reason,” Randy insisted, “and I’m going to continue to be here for them.”

NWester: Beck family grateful to celebrate holidays, every day amid cancer scare

NORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place April 16, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Ellsworth ‑&nbsp;70‑27 KA‑7551‑01 – I‑70, from the Russell/Ellsworth county line east to the Ellsworth/Lincoln county line, pavement patching, 23.3 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $360,959.50.

Geary ‑&nbsp;70‑31 KA‑6483‑01 – I‑70, bridge #016 over I‑70 at J. Hill Road located 2.37 miles east of the U.S. 40B west junction, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $3,447,245.49.

Lincoln ‑&nbsp;70‑53 KA‑7552‑01 – I‑70, from the Ellsworth/Lincoln county line east to the Lincoln/Saline county line, pavement patching, 7.2 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $279,790.50.

McPherson ‑&nbsp;61‑59 KA‑7612‑01 – K‑61, bridge #099 carrying northbound K‑61 over K‑153 spur/old U.S. 81 located at the K‑61/K‑153 spur junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $316,070.50.

McPherson ‑&nbsp;135‑59 KA‑6063‑02 – I‑135, from the Harvey/McPherson county line north to 6.3 miles north of the Harvey/McPherson county line, guard fence, 6.3 miles, Jon Fulsom Construction LLC, Wellington, Kansas, $449,895.86.

Mitchell ‑&nbsp;14‑62 KA‑6972‑01 – K‑14, bridge #029 Solomon River located 2.19 miles south of U.S. 24 in Beloit, bridge repair, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $2,384,983.95.

Saline ‑&nbsp;4‑85 KA‑3230‑02 – K‑4, from bridge #144 over Smoky Hill River east to 0.3 mile east of the K‑4/South Kipp Road intersection (2.23 miles east of the K‑4/K‑104 junction), grading, bridge and surfacing, 7.1 miles, Sporer Land Development Inc., Oakley, Kansas, $23,887,983.03.

Washington ‑&nbsp;101 C‑5296‑01 – Washington County, bridge over Little Blue River Tributary on West Washington Street located in Hanover, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $584,273.00.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;135‑106 KA‑7202‑01 – Bridge approaches from Limestone Road north to 8.41 miles north of U.S. 56 on I‑135, includes bridges #040 and #041 located 5.4 miles north of the I‑135/U.S. 56 junction in McPherson County and bridges #148 and #149 located at the I‑135/U.S. 81/K‑4 south junction in Saline County, milling and overlay, 8.0 miles, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $4,462,160.11.

Russell ‑&nbsp;70‑84 KA‑7144‑02 – I‑70 crossroad pipe, located 0.57 mile east of 178th Street, special, Esfeld Construction Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $197,500.00.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7284‑01 – Routes U.S. 83, K‑25 and U.S. 40 in Logan and Thomas counties, signing, KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&amp;H Co., Elko New Market, Minnesota, $344,277.00.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689603343931.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTNORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place April 16, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.Area bids include:District Two — North CentralEllsworth ‑&nbsp;70‑27 KA‑7551‑01 – I‑70, from the Russell/Ellsworth county line east to the Ellsworth/Lincoln county line, pavement patching, 23.3 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $360,959.50.Geary ‑&nbsp;70‑31 KA‑6483‑01 – I‑70, bridge #016 over I‑70 at J. Hill Road located 2.37 miles east of the U.S. 40B west junction, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $3,447,245.49.Lincoln ‑&nbsp;70‑53 KA‑7552‑01 – I‑70, from the Ellsworth/Lincoln county line east to the Lincoln/Saline county line, pavement patching, 7.2 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $279,790.50.McPherson ‑&nbsp;61‑59 KA‑7612‑01 – K‑61, bridge #099 carrying northbound K‑61 over K‑153 spur/old U.S. 81 located at the K‑61/K‑153 spur junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $316,070.50.McPherson ‑&nbsp;135‑59 KA‑6063‑02 – I‑135, from the Harvey/McPherson county line north to 6.3 miles north of the Harvey/McPherson county line, guard fence, 6.3 miles, Jon Fulsom Construction LLC, Wellington, Kansas, $449,895.86.Mitchell ‑&nbsp;14‑62 KA‑6972‑01 – K‑14, bridge #029 Solomon River located 2.19 miles south of U.S. 24 in Beloit, bridge repair, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $2,384,983.95.Saline ‑&nbsp;4‑85 KA‑3230‑02 – K‑4, from bridge #144 over Smoky Hill River east to 0.3 mile east of the K‑4/South Kipp Road intersection (2.23 miles east of the K‑4/K‑104 junction), grading, bridge and surfacing, 7.1 miles, Sporer Land Development Inc., Oakley, Kansas, $23,887,983.03.Washington ‑&nbsp;101 C‑5296‑01 – Washington County, bridge over Little Blue River Tributary on West Washington Street located in Hanover, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $584,273.00.Statewide ‑&nbsp;135‑106 KA‑7202‑01 – Bridge approaches from Limestone Road north to 8.41 miles north of U.S. 56 on I‑135, includes bridges #040 and #041 located 5.4 miles north of the I‑135/U.S. 56 junction in McPherson County and bridges #148 and #149 located at the I‑135/U.S. 81/K‑4 south junction in Saline County, milling and overlay, 8.0 miles, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $4,462,160.11.District Three — NorthwestRussell ‑&nbsp;70‑84 KA‑7144‑02 – I‑70 crossroad pipe, located 0.57 mile east of 178th Street, special, Esfeld Construction Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $197,500.00.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7284‑01 – Routes U.S. 83, K‑25 and U.S. 40 in Logan and Thomas counties, signing, KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&amp;H Co., Elko New Market, Minnesota, $344,277.00.

KDOT announces approved April bids

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF May 12 – May 16, 2025

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

--May 12 • Memorial of St. Nereus and St. Achilleus, Martyrs; St. Pancras, Martyr. • Free Dress Day – for meeting our school Race for Ed goal. • Wacky Hair Day for Kindergarten. • New Preschool Open House for PK3 and PK4 incoming students. • Field Day – activities in the morning and grilled hot dog lunch outside with classmates. Students &amp; staff will need to come through the A.C. to grab their lunch to take outside. • Rent-a-5th Grader 2:00 p.m. • Students should all head down to the L.T. at _____ to witness the principals getting “PIED” in the face before dismissal.&nbsp;

--May 13 • Our Lady of Fatima. • 5th Graders had their recognition mass this morning at IHM. They have an awards ceremony in the IHM basement following mass and will be dismissed from HFE following. • Last Day of School for 5th Grade. • 2B will have Lunch with the Principal Day for a feed the pig prize. • 1A will have Readers’ Theatre of “Wizard of Oz” at 2:30pm.

--May 14 • Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle. • Kindergarten Field Trip around Hays. • The State of our Catholic Schools Video/Form and HFE/TMP parent form is due today. • Teacher Massages will be set up in the Lounge from 11:00 – 3:00 from Home &amp; School and the Staff Snack/Appreciation Committee. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon. • 1A Readers’ Theatre of “Wizard of Oz” at 2:30 p.m.&nbsp;

--May 15 • Memorial of St. Isidore. • We recognized our milestone anniversaries at mass this morning for teachers. • End of Qtr. 4 / Semester 2. • LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – Half Day; students will dismiss at 11:00 a.m. • • • • There will be no lunch, no bus services or After School Care today due to the half day. • The office will close at 11:45 a.m. for End of Year Luncheon – luncheon begins at 12:00 in the L.T.&nbsp;

--May 16 • NO SCHOOL – SUMMER BREAK

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737555085782.png" alt="Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF May 12 – May 16, 2025THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!MONDAY--May 12 • Memorial of St. Nereus and St. Achilleus, Martyrs; St. Pancras, Martyr. • Free Dress Day – for meeting our school Race for Ed goal. • Wacky Hair Day for Kindergarten. • New Preschool Open House for PK3 and PK4 incoming students. • Field Day – activities in the morning and grilled hot dog lunch outside with classmates. Students &amp; staff will need to come through the A.C. to grab their lunch to take outside. • Rent-a-5th Grader 2:00 p.m. • Students should all head down to the L.T. at _____ to witness the principals getting “PIED” in the face before dismissal.&nbsp;TUESDAY--May 13 • Our Lady of Fatima. • 5th Graders had their recognition mass this morning at IHM. They have an awards ceremony in the IHM basement following mass and will be dismissed from HFE following. • Last Day of School for 5th Grade. • 2B will have Lunch with the Principal Day for a feed the pig prize. • 1A will have Readers’ Theatre of “Wizard of Oz” at 2:30pm.WEDNESDAY--May 14 • Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle. • Kindergarten Field Trip around Hays. • The State of our Catholic Schools Video/Form and HFE/TMP parent form is due today. • Teacher Massages will be set up in the Lounge from 11:00 – 3:00 from Home &amp; School and the Staff Snack/Appreciation Committee. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon. • 1A Readers’ Theatre of “Wizard of Oz” at 2:30 p.m.&nbsp;THURSDAY--May 15 • Memorial of St. Isidore. • We recognized our milestone anniversaries at mass this morning for teachers. • End of Qtr. 4 / Semester 2. • LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – Half Day; students will dismiss at 11:00 a.m. • • • • There will be no lunch, no bus services or After School Care today due to the half day. • The office will close at 11:45 a.m. for End of Year Luncheon – luncheon begins at 12:00 in the L.T.&nbsp;FRIDAY--May 16 • NO SCHOOL – SUMMER BREAK

Holy Family Elementary School Notes, May 12-16, 2025

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

HAYS - Hays High ended the 2025 Diamond Classic with a 2-2 record after beating Life Prep and losing to TMP.

Hays High 6, Life Prep 5 It was an improbable comeback in game one that led the Indians to a one run victory. Hays trailed the Fire of Life Prep 2-0 after four innings. Life Prep (12-15) scored on a bases loaded walk and a sacrifice fly for the first advantage.&nbsp;

They added a single run in the fifth with an RBI single for a 3-0 edge.

Hays got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth when Landon Hardman led the inning off with a single and later scored on a fielder's choice for a 3-1 game.

The runs were earned back in the top of the sixth by Life Prep. The Fire led off the inning with a pair of singles and later scored. The final run was scored on a wild pitch for a 5-1 score.

Hays went down in order in the sixth. The Indians were down to their final strike in the bottom of the seventh before Jalen Smith put a ball in play and reached on an error. Carter Graham followed that up with a walk. Brett Rhoades singled and Trace Jacobs did the same to score Smith.&nbsp;

Life Prep made a pitching change and Hays waited the new pitcher out as he couldn't find the strike zone. Bennett Smith walked to drive in a run and Ian McGuire was hit by a pitch to score another. Hardman was walked on a 3-2 pitch count to tie the game. Kal Londsdale on his first start of the season was hit on a 1-2 pitch count to score Smith for the 6-5 victory.

Johnny Cano (4-1) pitched the seventh inning for the win. Carter Graham went six inning. He allowed six hits, five runs, three earned with two walks and three strike outs.

Hardman, Graham and Cano each had two hits.

TMP 5, Hays High 2 TMP (19-5) scored three runs in the first inning without recording and hit on their way to a 5-2 victory over the Hays High Indians.

Three walks, a hit batter and a fielder's choice led to a 3-0 first inning lead for the Monarchs. Starting pitcher Brett Rhoades recorded one out before giving way to Johnny Canon in relief. Cano and the Indian defense held TMP scoreless over the next four innings.&nbsp;

Hays (13-8) however couldn't figure out Carson Lyles. The TMP starting pitcher worked all seven innings for the victory. The Indians had just one baserunner through the first four innings.&nbsp;

Hays threatened in the fifth with two on and one out but couldn't score. TMP notched a run in the top of the sixth on three straight singles from Connor Breit, Isaac Purinton and Jacob Seib for a 4-0 lead.

The Indians managed two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Johnny Cano singled then Jalen Smith drove him in with a double. Carter Graham singled home Smith for a 4-2 game. Brett Rhoades reached on a single but was thrown out at second on a fielder's choice on the next at-bat. As base running error on a pop up to right field resulted in a double play and ended the inning.&nbsp;

TMP added an insurance run for Lyles (3-1) in the top of the seventh after Grant Nehls singled and later scored on a wild pitch for the final of 5-2.

Lyles allowed seven hits and two runs while walking one and striking out six in the victory. Cano went five and two-thirds innings before being lifted on pitch count on the combination of game one and two. He allowed six hits and one run. Cano walked two and struck out four. Trace Jacobs allowed one run on one hit and two walks in the seventh.&nbsp;

Graham recorded two hits for the Indians. Grant Nehls and Connor Breit had two hits each for TMP.

Hays will finish the regular season with a trip to Liberal for a single game on Thursday and then host Junction City for a doubleheader on Friday.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostHAYS - Hays High ended the 2025 Diamond Classic with a 2-2 record after beating Life Prep and losing to TMP.Hays High 6, Life Prep 5 It was an improbable comeback in game one that led the Indians to a one run victory. Hays trailed the Fire of Life Prep 2-0 after four innings. Life Prep (12-15) scored on a bases loaded walk and a sacrifice fly for the first advantage.&nbsp;They added a single run in the fifth with an RBI single for a 3-0 edge.Hays got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth when Landon Hardman led the inning off with a single and later scored on a fielder's choice for a 3-1 game.The runs were earned back in the top of the sixth by Life Prep. The Fire led off the inning with a pair of singles and later scored. The final run was scored on a wild pitch for a 5-1 score.Hays went down in order in the sixth. The Indians were down to their final strike in the bottom of the seventh before Jalen Smith put a ball in play and reached on an error. Carter Graham followed that up with a walk. Brett Rhoades singled and Trace Jacobs did the same to score Smith.&nbsp;Life Prep made a pitching change and Hays waited the new pitcher out as he couldn't find the strike zone. Bennett Smith walked to drive in a run and Ian McGuire was hit by a pitch to score another. Hardman was walked on a 3-2 pitch count to tie the game. Kal Londsdale on his first start of the season was hit on a 1-2 pitch count to score Smith for the 6-5 victory.<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/2093609331&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-bsb-highlights-v-life-prep" title="HHS BSB Highlights v Life Prep Academy May 10, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS BSB Highlights v Life Prep Academy May 10, 2025</a></div></div>Johnny Cano (4-1) pitched the seventh inning for the win. Carter Graham went six inning. He allowed six hits, five runs, three earned with two walks and three strike outs.Hardman, Graham and Cano each had two hits.TMP 5, Hays High 2 TMP (19-5) scored three runs in the first inning without recording and hit on their way to a 5-2 victory over the Hays High Indians.Three walks, a hit batter and a fielder's choice led to a 3-0 first inning lead for the Monarchs. Starting pitcher Brett Rhoades recorded one out before giving way to Johnny Canon in relief. Cano and the Indian defense held TMP scoreless over the next four innings.&nbsp;Hays (13-8) however couldn't figure out Carson Lyles. The TMP starting pitcher worked all seven innings for the victory. The Indians had just one baserunner through the first four innings.&nbsp;Hays threatened in the fifth with two on and one out but couldn't score. TMP notched a run in the top of the sixth on three straight singles from Connor Breit, Isaac Purinton and Jacob Seib for a 4-0 lead.<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/2093650761&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-bsb-highlights-v-tmp-may" title="HHS BSB Highlights v TMP May 10, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS BSB Highlights v TMP May 10, 2025</a></div></div>The Indians managed two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Johnny Cano singled then Jalen Smith drove him in with a double. Carter Graham singled home Smith for a 4-2 game. Brett Rhoades reached on a single but was thrown out at second on a fielder's choice on the next at-bat. As base running error on a pop up to right field resulted in a double play and ended the inning.&nbsp;TMP added an insurance run for Lyles (3-1) in the top of the seventh after Grant Nehls singled and later scored on a wild pitch for the final of 5-2.Lyles allowed seven hits and two runs while walking one and striking out six in the victory. Cano went five and two-thirds innings before being lifted on pitch count on the combination of game one and two. He allowed six hits and one run. Cano walked two and struck out four. Trace Jacobs allowed one run on one hit and two walks in the seventh.&nbsp;<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/2093651001&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-bsb-coach-post-int-v-tmp" title="HHS BSB Coach Post Int v TMP May 10, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS BSB Coach Post Int v TMP May 10, 2025</a></div></div>Graham recorded two hits for the Indians. Grant Nehls and Connor Breit had two hits each for TMP.Hays will finish the regular season with a trip to Liberal for a single game on Thursday and then host Junction City for a doubleheader on Friday.