In Loving Memory April Kay Clark passed forward on February
1, 2025 at her home in Hill City, Kansas, surrounded by her beloved family and
her cherished cats. She was 78 years old. 

She is survived by her sons, Jason Shelton, Hoxie, Jordan
Shelton, Portland, OR., a grandson Latham Shelton, Portland, OR., her sister
and brother-in-law, Roberta Clark Meckel and Mark Meckel, Nashville, TN.,
nephew Nathan Meckel and wife Marianne, and niece Abra Niemiec and husband Mark
all of Nashville, TN, great nieces and nephews Sofia and Cohen Meckel, and
Silas and Emma Niemiec all of Nashville, TN. She was preceded in death by her
parents W. Kenneth Clark and Lorraine Latham Clark of Hill City.

Born on May 11, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas, Kay spent her early
childhood in Hoxie, her father having moved there to start his law practice. At
the age of 7 she moved with her family to Hill City, where she attended local
schools, graduating from Hill City High School in 1964. Even during her school
years, Kay’s love for language arts was evident as she contributed a weekly
column to the Hill City Times. 

She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology
and special education from Fort Hays State University, later completing a
master’s degree in education. Kay spent many years teaching special education
in the Hill City school system, where she was known for her dedication,
compassion, and unwavering commitment to her students. She was honored as
“Educator of the Year” by the Northwest Kansas Council for Exceptional
Children, Chapter No. 892, and also served as the chapter’s Membership Chairperson.

Kay’s passion for her community was evident throughout her
life. She worked with the Graham County Arts Council, coordinating school and
library arts programs, sang in the Graham County Chorus, which performed an
annual Easter Cantata, and was a volunteer for many other activities in the
community. She was an active member of the Hill City Presbyterian Church,
participating in many church events, including the Presbyterian Centennial
Auction.

She later became Principal of The Beamgard Learning Center
in Atwood, Kansas. She also served as a board member of High Plains Public
Radio, where she was recognized for her support of public broadcasting,
particularly through fundraising and membership drives.

Kay moved to Wichita, where she taught for a decade at Judge
Riddel’s Boys Ranch, a residential school for adjudicated youth and part of the
Wichita School System. She taught there until its closure. She attended the
Wichita – Sedgwick County Law Enforcement Citizen Police Academy, and continued
serving the community through volunteer work related to public safety. 

Kay loved teaching and viewed each student as a unique,
developing person with individual talents and skills. She looked forward to IEP
(Individualized Educational Program) meetings because she truly believed each
student should receive a coordinated plan to meet the educational needs of the
individual student, recognizing the strengths and challenges of each student,
thus helping to set goals and rewards for that student. She talked respectfully
and affectionatly about her students long after she quit teaching. She truly
cared for each student as an individual and was excited for each and every
student who made strides toward their goals. Kay retired from teaching in 2009.
After a brief retirement adjustment……….the fun began.

Kay was a voracious reader from an early age, checking out
stacks of books from the public library on a weekly basis began in early grade
school. She had a deep interest in local history and in her high school years
could often be found exploring old 1800’s cemeteries in and around Graham
County. She was always saddened to see tombstones of an entire family who had
died from epidemics such as small pox, diphtheria, measles, etc. 

Kay was always fascinated by “old things,” and loved to hear
stories about her pioneer great-grandparents who settled in Sheridan County.
She began collecting antique furniture, glassware, dishes, clothing items,
photos, and many others. While teaching in Hill City, she and two friends
opened an antique store. This gave her reason (or an excuse) to go to auctions
and estate sales all over western Kansas. She began to collect specific items
keen to her interests including old post cards, miniatures, watches, jewelry –
especially brooches, photos, and period clothing. 

Kay came to be known by the brooches (some would say gaudy
brooches) she wore on a daily basis. In fact, Kay was rarely seen without a
big, colorful, gaudy, antique brooch. Her brooches initiated conversation -
many times with total strangers, occasionally catalyzing new friendships. Some
people failed to admire her fine ornaments, but others appreciated her love for
the weird pins she wore. She had a relationship with each brooch and would
willingly give historic information about each one.

Kay also collected antitque watches, i.e., Vintage, Art
Noveau style, Modern, Classic, Pocket, etc, and of course they all had to be
wound by hand. In addition, she collected old and antique clocks such as Parlor
Shelf clocks, Mantle clocks, Bombay clocks, Wall Clocks, and Cuckoo clocks. She
had a beautiful grandfather clock, built by her son Jason. At one period in her
life, she had fourteen large clocks in her house. They all had multiple parts
and each required a unique winding method on a daily basis, some with special
keys, others with chains. The cuckoos sounded every hour. But at the stroke of
midnight, every night….it sounded like a concert in her house with all clocks
chimming at the same time. Kay understood the inner workings and knew the
history of each clock. 

Kay had always been interested in button collecting. The
last couple of decades of her life, she became much more focused (some might
say obsessed) and passionate about buttons. Many of her collection enteries in
button contests, won numerous blue ribbons, in addition to red and green
ribbons. Her wealth of information about buttons led to many speaking and
program presentations to various clubs and organizations. Kay was a member of
the National Button Society, Kansas Button Society, and the South Central Button
Club. She attended many state and national button conventions.

Of all the collections Kay had, she knew the most important
one was her collection of friends. Kay had a gift for friendship and cherished
every bond she formed. From a young age, she made friends easily and nurtured
those connections throughout her life. She kept in touch with many of her
childhood and school friends. Her high school graduating class held a special
place in her heart—she loved attending annual class reunions. 

Her circle of close friendships expanded through the years,
including deep connections with teaching colleagues and members of various
social and community groups.

Kay was an active and beloved member of book clubs, the
Unity and Presbyterian churches, and the ever-spirited Button Club. In fact,
Button Club was like family to her. 

Her life was enriched by the many friendships she
cultivated, and in return she enriched the lives of those around her. 

Kay was always in touch with her “inner child.” She was
funny and fun-loving, delighted by life’s simple pleasures, and always up for a
good surprise. Her joyful spirit was infectious—whether she was laughing with
friends, marveling at a small kindness, or bringing light-heartedness to
everyday moments, Kay had a way of making life feel a little more magical. Kay
has been described as interesting, spontaneous, quirky, wacky, upbeat,
thoughtful, helpful, and fun. She never knew a stranger—her warmth and openness
made everyone feel welcome. Whether she was sharing a laugh, telling a story,
or planning her next venture, Kay brought energy and color wherever she went.

Kay shared a special bond and heartfelt connection with each
member of her family. Though small in number, her family - supportive and
united by love, knew she was not only cherished but irreplaceable – a constant
presence whose kindness, generosity, and humor left a lasting imprint on their
lives.

Kay will be remembered for her compassion, her tireless
advocacy for students, her deep and lasting friendships, her childlike wonder,
and her ability to find joy in the little things. Her legacy lives on in the
countless lives she touched – as a teacher, mentor, friend, sister, mother and
grandmother.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at
Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas, at 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746623015214.jpeg" alt="April Kay Clark&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>April Kay Clark&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>In Loving Memory April Kay Clark passed forward on February
1, 2025 at her home in Hill City, Kansas, surrounded by her beloved family and
her cherished cats. She was 78 years old. She is survived by her sons, Jason Shelton, Hoxie, Jordan
Shelton, Portland, OR., a grandson Latham Shelton, Portland, OR., her sister
and brother-in-law, Roberta Clark Meckel and Mark Meckel, Nashville, TN.,
nephew Nathan Meckel and wife Marianne, and niece Abra Niemiec and husband Mark
all of Nashville, TN, great nieces and nephews Sofia and Cohen Meckel, and
Silas and Emma Niemiec all of Nashville, TN. She was preceded in death by her
parents W. Kenneth Clark and Lorraine Latham Clark of Hill City.Born on May 11, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas, Kay spent her early
childhood in Hoxie, her father having moved there to start his law practice. At
the age of 7 she moved with her family to Hill City, where she attended local
schools, graduating from Hill City High School in 1964. Even during her school
years, Kay’s love for language arts was evident as she contributed a weekly
column to the Hill City Times. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology
and special education from Fort Hays State University, later completing a
master’s degree in education. Kay spent many years teaching special education
in the Hill City school system, where she was known for her dedication,
compassion, and unwavering commitment to her students. She was honored as
“Educator of the Year” by the Northwest Kansas Council for Exceptional
Children, Chapter No. 892, and also served as the chapter’s Membership Chairperson.Kay’s passion for her community was evident throughout her
life. She worked with the Graham County Arts Council, coordinating school and
library arts programs, sang in the Graham County Chorus, which performed an
annual Easter Cantata, and was a volunteer for many other activities in the
community. She was an active member of the Hill City Presbyterian Church,
participating in many church events, including the Presbyterian Centennial
Auction.She later became Principal of The Beamgard Learning Center
in Atwood, Kansas. She also served as a board member of High Plains Public
Radio, where she was recognized for her support of public broadcasting,
particularly through fundraising and membership drives.Kay moved to Wichita, where she taught for a decade at Judge
Riddel’s Boys Ranch, a residential school for adjudicated youth and part of the
Wichita School System. She taught there until its closure. She attended the
Wichita – Sedgwick County Law Enforcement Citizen Police Academy, and continued
serving the community through volunteer work related to public safety. Kay loved teaching and viewed each student as a unique,
developing person with individual talents and skills. She looked forward to IEP
(Individualized Educational Program) meetings because she truly believed each
student should receive a coordinated plan to meet the educational needs of the
individual student, recognizing the strengths and challenges of each student,
thus helping to set goals and rewards for that student. She talked respectfully
and affectionatly about her students long after she quit teaching. She truly
cared for each student as an individual and was excited for each and every
student who made strides toward their goals. Kay retired from teaching in 2009.
After a brief retirement adjustment……….the fun began.Kay was a voracious reader from an early age, checking out
stacks of books from the public library on a weekly basis began in early grade
school. She had a deep interest in local history and in her high school years
could often be found exploring old 1800’s cemeteries in and around Graham
County. She was always saddened to see tombstones of an entire family who had
died from epidemics such as small pox, diphtheria, measles, etc. Kay was always fascinated by “old things,” and loved to hear
stories about her pioneer great-grandparents who settled in Sheridan County.
She began collecting antique furniture, glassware, dishes, clothing items,
photos, and many others. While teaching in Hill City, she and two friends
opened an antique store. This gave her reason (or an excuse) to go to auctions
and estate sales all over western Kansas. She began to collect specific items
keen to her interests including old post cards, miniatures, watches, jewelry –
especially brooches, photos, and period clothing. Kay came to be known by the brooches (some would say gaudy
brooches) she wore on a daily basis. In fact, Kay was rarely seen without a
big, colorful, gaudy, antique brooch. Her brooches initiated conversation -
many times with total strangers, occasionally catalyzing new friendships. Some
people failed to admire her fine ornaments, but others appreciated her love for
the weird pins she wore. She had a relationship with each brooch and would
willingly give historic information about each one.Kay also collected antitque watches, i.e., Vintage, Art
Noveau style, Modern, Classic, Pocket, etc, and of course they all had to be
wound by hand. In addition, she collected old and antique clocks such as Parlor
Shelf clocks, Mantle clocks, Bombay clocks, Wall Clocks, and Cuckoo clocks. She
had a beautiful grandfather clock, built by her son Jason. At one period in her
life, she had fourteen large clocks in her house. They all had multiple parts
and each required a unique winding method on a daily basis, some with special
keys, others with chains. The cuckoos sounded every hour. But at the stroke of
midnight, every night….it sounded like a concert in her house with all clocks
chimming at the same time. Kay understood the inner workings and knew the
history of each clock. Kay had always been interested in button collecting. The
last couple of decades of her life, she became much more focused (some might
say obsessed) and passionate about buttons. Many of her collection enteries in
button contests, won numerous blue ribbons, in addition to red and green
ribbons. Her wealth of information about buttons led to many speaking and
program presentations to various clubs and organizations. Kay was a member of
the National Button Society, Kansas Button Society, and the South Central Button
Club. She attended many state and national button conventions.Of all the collections Kay had, she knew the most important
one was her collection of friends. Kay had a gift for friendship and cherished
every bond she formed. From a young age, she made friends easily and nurtured
those connections throughout her life. She kept in touch with many of her
childhood and school friends. Her high school graduating class held a special
place in her heart—she loved attending annual class reunions. Her circle of close friendships expanded through the years,
including deep connections with teaching colleagues and members of various
social and community groups.Kay was an active and beloved member of book clubs, the
Unity and Presbyterian churches, and the ever-spirited Button Club. In fact,
Button Club was like family to her. Her life was enriched by the many friendships she
cultivated, and in return she enriched the lives of those around her. Kay was always in touch with her “inner child.” She was
funny and fun-loving, delighted by life’s simple pleasures, and always up for a
good surprise. Her joyful spirit was infectious—whether she was laughing with
friends, marveling at a small kindness, or bringing light-heartedness to
everyday moments, Kay had a way of making life feel a little more magical. Kay
has been described as interesting, spontaneous, quirky, wacky, upbeat,
thoughtful, helpful, and fun. She never knew a stranger—her warmth and openness
made everyone feel welcome. Whether she was sharing a laugh, telling a story,
or planning her next venture, Kay brought energy and color wherever she went.Kay shared a special bond and heartfelt connection with each
member of her family. Though small in number, her family - supportive and
united by love, knew she was not only cherished but irreplaceable – a constant
presence whose kindness, generosity, and humor left a lasting imprint on their
lives.Kay will be remembered for her compassion, her tireless
advocacy for students, her deep and lasting friendships, her childlike wonder,
and her ability to find joy in the little things. Her legacy lives on in the
countless lives she touched – as a teacher, mentor, friend, sister, mother and
grandmother.A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at
Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas, at 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;

April Kay Clark 

The Kansas State Fair is once again putting the spotlight on its most passionate fans, opening up applications for its 2025 Social Media Ambassador Program. The fair will accept applications through May 16

Chosen ambassadors will be tasked with representing the fair across their social media platforms from June through August. Activities include sharing official Kansas State Fair content, creating original posts that capture the fair’s excitement, and participating in other promotional challenges. Optional video tasks may even earn a spot in official Kansas State Fair advertisements.

In exchange for their efforts, ambassadors will earn points for every action completed. These points can be redeemed for a variety of fair perks, including gate admission, grandstand concert tickets, and midway passes. New for 2025, participants can also exchange points for ticket packs and 5-ride passes, making this year’s program more rewarding than ever.

Fair organizers say the ambassador program is a fun way to engage fans while expanding the fair’s reach online. You can find the application at this&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBXAjsvjL0Gq8QUIcXQhtYbHEYr6SvGz1sqtN_vQVKDVsZSg/viewform">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725972126895.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Fair Arch-Photo by Pat James" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Fair Arch-Photo by Pat James</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas State Fair is once again putting the spotlight on its most passionate fans, opening up applications for its 2025 Social Media Ambassador Program. The fair will accept applications through May 16Chosen ambassadors will be tasked with representing the fair across their social media platforms from June through August. Activities include sharing official Kansas State Fair content, creating original posts that capture the fair’s excitement, and participating in other promotional challenges. Optional video tasks may even earn a spot in official Kansas State Fair advertisements.In exchange for their efforts, ambassadors will earn points for every action completed. These points can be redeemed for a variety of fair perks, including gate admission, grandstand concert tickets, and midway passes. New for 2025, participants can also exchange points for ticket packs and 5-ride passes, making this year’s program more rewarding than ever.Fair organizers say the ambassador program is a fun way to engage fans while expanding the fair’s reach online. You can find the application at this&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBXAjsvjL0Gq8QUIcXQhtYbHEYr6SvGz1sqtN_vQVKDVsZSg/viewform">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas State Fair seeks Social Media Ambassadors

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-crary">DAVID CRARY</a>&nbsp;and PETER SMITH

The United States is the home country for 10 of the 133 cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope. That’s more than any nation except Italy, home to 17 of the electors who will gather Wednesday for the Vatican conclave to choose the successor to Pope Francis.

Only four of the American electors actively serve as archbishops in the U.S.: Timothy Dolan of New York, Blase Cupich of Chicago, Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, and Robert McElroy of Washington. Two are retired archbishops: Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and Wilton Gregory of Washington.

The other four have had long Vatican service: Robert Prevost, James Michael Harvey, Raymond Burke and Kevin Farrell.

Burke, 76, a staunch Catholic traditionalist,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-cardinal-burke-conservatives-strickland-163f2d3522a80fa5f908421cc812cfc9">often clashed</a>&nbsp;with the more reform-minded Francis. Born in Wisconsin, he was a bishop there before becoming archbishop of St. Louis from 2004 to 2008. Pope Benedict XVI made Burke a cardinal in 2010, after he appointed him prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican’s high court. After Francis removed him from that post in 2014, he made Burke the cardinal patron of the Knights of Malta, a prestigious but limited role. There, too, Burke and Francis clashed over a governance crisis at the chivalric order;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-2f8db44416f442a8977f016a83ee74ad">Francis pushed him aside</a>. Burke has been outspoken in saying Catholic politicians shouldn’t take Communion if they support abortion rights.

Cupich, 76, archbishop of Chicago, was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-cupich-cardinal-chicago-abuse-sex-ae387f721771aa9b66668426740af848">close adviser to Francis</a>&nbsp;and served on several Vatican committees. He’s considered a moderate, having balanced upholding conservative Catholic teachings on social issues like same-sex marriage and abortion with advocacy for compassionate responses to the affected communities. Cupich, who inherited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-clergy-sexual-abuse-illinois-investigation-a298133cec9486c2e51172316bfe7b4b">clergy sex abuse crises</a>&nbsp;in dioceses he led, helped push reforms to combat the problem. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, he was ordained in 1975 and appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1998 as bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota. Benedict transferred him in 2010 to Spokane, Washington. In 2014, Francis — in his first major U.S. appointment as pope — made him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1b0728836e714eea81862cb9e5747fa3">archbishop of Chicago</a>, and then cardinal in 2016.

DiNardo, 75, retired this year as archbishop of Galveston-Houston — the fifth-largest U.S. diocese, with 1.7 million Catholics. DiNardo was ordained in his native Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1977. He earned degrees from Catholic universities in Washington and Rome and worked in the Vatican office overseeing appointments of bishops. He served as bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, before moving to Houston in 2004. DiNardo was named a cardinal in 2007 by Benedict. He was president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2016 to 2019 — a tumultuous time when the USCCB faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/media-center/ap-in-the-news/2019/allegations-against-top-priest-under-review-after-ap-report/" target="_blank">allegations of coverups</a>&nbsp;of sexual abuse by priests. DiNardo shared Francis’ strong support for migrants while defending traditional church teachings on sexuality.

Dolan, 75, has been archbishop of New York since 2009. He previously served nearly seven years as archbishop of Milwaukee. He grew up in Missouri, where he was ordained in 1976. Among other duties, Dolan was chairman of Catholic Relief Services and served a term as president of the USCCB. In 2012, Benedict appointed him a cardinal. Dolan is widely viewed as conservative, writing a 2018 Wall Street Journal column headlined “The Democrats Abandon Catholics.” Yet in 2023, he wrote a letter of welcome to a conference at Fordham University celebrating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-catholics-outreach-jesuits-pope-francis-8756a79c5fd0323cd019990f6655b749">outreach programs aimed at LGBTQ+ Catholics</a>.

Farrell, 77, was selected by Francis in 2019 as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-religion-21bf68ed6376f57cd9e0a0af631b11d7">the camerlengo</a>, the Vatican official who runs the Holy See after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a">death of a pope</a>&nbsp;and before the election of another. Farrell was born in Dublin in 1947, entered the Legionaries of Christ religious order in 1966 and was ordained a priest in 1978. He left six years later — before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-religion-connecticut-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-sexual-abuse-e2429a2048dc0da8b4abe9d6f173a226">revelations that its founder</a>&nbsp;was a pedophile — and became a priest in the Washington Archdiocese. He worked in several parishes and helped manage the archdiocese’s finances. He became auxiliary bishop of Washington in 2001 and served under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-dies-priest-sex-abuse-scandal-a329d3e13ac7de545c5a5e8ee4384586">ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick</a>&nbsp;before becoming bishop of Dallas in 2007.

Francis tapped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-race-and-ethnicity-slavery-social-issues-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-6c0f6e6db26050f7499229557ebf9b6a">Gregory</a>&nbsp;to lead the Archdiocese of Washington in 2019 and made him the first Black cardinal from the U.S. in 2020. Gregory, 77, retired this year from leading the prominent archdiocese, which he shepherded through significant turmoil. Its two previous leaders,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-ex-cardinal-scandal-989fb97f4f0cad8c4926e8cb795ba2bf">McCarrick</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-8a22e1a2a39c4fe385b265f7f7214d97">Cardinal Donald Wuerl</a>, were implicated in a new wave of the clergy sex abuse scandal. Gregory has supported social justice and solidarity with immigrants. He drew notice for his relatively inclusive approach for LGBTQ+ Catholics. He told&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.faith/2025/01/cardinal-wilton-gregory-i-apologize-to-lgbtq-catholics/" target="_blank">an LGBTQ+ group</a>&nbsp;in January: “I apologize for my own lack of courage to bring healing and hope, and I ask forgiveness.” Gregory was born in Chicago and ordained there in 1973, serving as auxiliary bishop beginning in 1983. After 11 years as bishop in Belleville, Illinois, he was appointed in 2004 by John Paul II to be archbishop of Atlanta.

Harvey, 76, has pursued a long career at the Vatican, initially as a diplomat and more recently as manager of the papal household. Born in Milwaukee, he studied at seminary there before completing his formation in Rome. He was ordained by Pope Paul VI in Rome in 1975 and entered the Holy See’s diplomatic service in 1980. John Paul II appointed Harvey prefect of the Papal Household in 1998, managing the pope’s official activities. Benedict made him a cardinal in 2012.

Francis named McElroy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-cardinal-robert-mcelroy-immigration-donald-trump-58c728cef89a25d606406014693af85e">archbishop of Washington</a>&nbsp;in January, tapping one of his most progressive allies to head the Catholic Church in the U.S. capital at the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. McElroy criticized Trump’s threats of mass deportations of immigrants as “incompatible with Catholic doctrine.” Francis appointed McElroy bishop of San Diego in 2015 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pope-francis-religion-san-diego-455583360c31fe2b90fe558a8815c5c8">elevated him to cardinal</a>&nbsp;in 2022. McElroy, 71, was one of a few U.S. bishops assailing a campaign to exclude Catholic politicians who support abortion rights from Communion. He has also expressed support for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. A native San Franciscan, McElroy received a bachelor’s degree from Harvard, a master’s degree and doctorate from Stanford, and a doctorate from the Gregorian University in Rome.

The Chicago-born Prevost, 69, is prefect of the Vatican’s powerful dicastery for bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for bishops around the world. He has extensive experience in Peru, first as a missionary and then archbishop. Francis had an eye on him for years, sending him to run the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014. He held that position until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome for his current role.

Tobin, 72, is archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, and a veteran of the Vatican bureaucracy who speaks five languages. The Detroit native was ordained in 1978 and earned master’s degrees in religious education and divinity at Mount St. Alphonsus Seminary in Esopus, New York. Benedict appointed Tobin in 2010 as secretary of the Vatican’s office overseeing religious orders. Tobin reportedly ruffled feathers by seeking to mend its frayed ties with U.S. nuns facing complaints they had become too liberal. Benedict appointed Tobin archbishop of Indianapolis in 2012. Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-87461d2875774be4b546eb310d715911">made him cardinal</a>&nbsp;and archbishop of Newark in 2016. Tobin welcomed Syrian refugees to Indiana despite opposition from then-Gov. Mike Pence. He has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-gays-and-lesbians-newark-tyler-clementi-new-mexico-d0ec28cb69c6ede7ff3a0f2ba533efdb">welcoming stance toward LGBTQ+ people</a>.

Seven U.S. cardinals, due to being 80 or older, are not conclave electors: Edwin O’Brien, Roger Mahony, Adam Maida, Seán Patrick O’Malley, Justin Rigali, James Francis Stafford, Donald Wuerl.

AP journalists Holly Meyer and Tiffany Stanley contributed.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir" target="_blank">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745282817865.png" alt="Robert Francis Prevost" />
 <figcaption>Robert Francis Prevost</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-crary">DAVID CRARY</a>&nbsp;and PETER SMITHThe United States is the home country for 10 of the 133 cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope. That’s more than any nation except Italy, home to 17 of the electors who will gather Wednesday for the Vatican conclave to choose the successor to Pope Francis.Only four of the American electors actively serve as archbishops in the U.S.: Timothy Dolan of New York, Blase Cupich of Chicago, Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, and Robert McElroy of Washington. Two are retired archbishops: Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and Wilton Gregory of Washington.The other four have had long Vatican service: Robert Prevost, James Michael Harvey, Raymond Burke and Kevin Farrell.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As I prepare to enter the Papal Conclave with my brother cardinals to elect the Successor of Saint Peter, I respectfully ask for your prayers. May the Holy Spirit guide each step of our discernment. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Conclave2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Conclave2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/FYI3sPFICe">pic.twitter.com/FYI3sPFICe</a>&mdash; Cardinal Cupich (@CardinalBCupich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CardinalBCupich/status/1919708948728316349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Profiles of the cardinal electors:<h2>Raymond Burke</h2>Burke, 76, a staunch Catholic traditionalist,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-cardinal-burke-conservatives-strickland-163f2d3522a80fa5f908421cc812cfc9">often clashed</a>&nbsp;with the more reform-minded Francis. Born in Wisconsin, he was a bishop there before becoming archbishop of St. Louis from 2004 to 2008. Pope Benedict XVI made Burke a cardinal in 2010, after he appointed him prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican’s high court. After Francis removed him from that post in 2014, he made Burke the cardinal patron of the Knights of Malta, a prestigious but limited role. There, too, Burke and Francis clashed over a governance crisis at the chivalric order;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-2f8db44416f442a8977f016a83ee74ad">Francis pushed him aside</a>. Burke has been outspoken in saying Catholic politicians shouldn’t take Communion if they support abortion rights.<h2>Blase Cupich</h2>Cupich, 76, archbishop of Chicago, was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-cupich-cardinal-chicago-abuse-sex-ae387f721771aa9b66668426740af848">close adviser to Francis</a>&nbsp;and served on several Vatican committees. He’s considered a moderate, having balanced upholding conservative Catholic teachings on social issues like same-sex marriage and abortion with advocacy for compassionate responses to the affected communities. Cupich, who inherited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-clergy-sexual-abuse-illinois-investigation-a298133cec9486c2e51172316bfe7b4b">clergy sex abuse crises</a>&nbsp;in dioceses he led, helped push reforms to combat the problem. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, he was ordained in 1975 and appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1998 as bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota. Benedict transferred him in 2010 to Spokane, Washington. In 2014, Francis — in his first major U.S. appointment as pope — made him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1b0728836e714eea81862cb9e5747fa3">archbishop of Chicago</a>, and then cardinal in 2016.<h2>Daniel DiNardo</h2>DiNardo, 75, retired this year as archbishop of Galveston-Houston — the fifth-largest U.S. diocese, with 1.7 million Catholics. DiNardo was ordained in his native Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1977. He earned degrees from Catholic universities in Washington and Rome and worked in the Vatican office overseeing appointments of bishops. He served as bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, before moving to Houston in 2004. DiNardo was named a cardinal in 2007 by Benedict. He was president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2016 to 2019 — a tumultuous time when the USCCB faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/media-center/ap-in-the-news/2019/allegations-against-top-priest-under-review-after-ap-report/" target="_blank">allegations of coverups</a>&nbsp;of sexual abuse by priests. DiNardo shared Francis’ strong support for migrants while defending traditional church teachings on sexuality.<h2>Timothy Dolan</h2>Dolan, 75, has been archbishop of New York since 2009. He previously served nearly seven years as archbishop of Milwaukee. He grew up in Missouri, where he was ordained in 1976. Among other duties, Dolan was chairman of Catholic Relief Services and served a term as president of the USCCB. In 2012, Benedict appointed him a cardinal. Dolan is widely viewed as conservative, writing a 2018 Wall Street Journal column headlined “The Democrats Abandon Catholics.” Yet in 2023, he wrote a letter of welcome to a conference at Fordham University celebrating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-catholics-outreach-jesuits-pope-francis-8756a79c5fd0323cd019990f6655b749">outreach programs aimed at LGBTQ+ Catholics</a>.<h2>Kevin Farrell</h2>Farrell, 77, was selected by Francis in 2019 as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-religion-21bf68ed6376f57cd9e0a0af631b11d7">the camerlengo</a>, the Vatican official who runs the Holy See after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a">death of a pope</a>&nbsp;and before the election of another. Farrell was born in Dublin in 1947, entered the Legionaries of Christ religious order in 1966 and was ordained a priest in 1978. He left six years later — before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-religion-connecticut-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-sexual-abuse-e2429a2048dc0da8b4abe9d6f173a226">revelations that its founder</a>&nbsp;was a pedophile — and became a priest in the Washington Archdiocese. He worked in several parishes and helped manage the archdiocese’s finances. He became auxiliary bishop of Washington in 2001 and served under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-dies-priest-sex-abuse-scandal-a329d3e13ac7de545c5a5e8ee4384586">ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick</a>&nbsp;before becoming bishop of Dallas in 2007.<h2>Wilton Gregory</h2>Francis tapped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-race-and-ethnicity-slavery-social-issues-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-6c0f6e6db26050f7499229557ebf9b6a">Gregory</a>&nbsp;to lead the Archdiocese of Washington in 2019 and made him the first Black cardinal from the U.S. in 2020. Gregory, 77, retired this year from leading the prominent archdiocese, which he shepherded through significant turmoil. Its two previous leaders,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-ex-cardinal-scandal-989fb97f4f0cad8c4926e8cb795ba2bf">McCarrick</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-8a22e1a2a39c4fe385b265f7f7214d97">Cardinal Donald Wuerl</a>, were implicated in a new wave of the clergy sex abuse scandal. Gregory has supported social justice and solidarity with immigrants. He drew notice for his relatively inclusive approach for LGBTQ+ Catholics. He told&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.faith/2025/01/cardinal-wilton-gregory-i-apologize-to-lgbtq-catholics/" target="_blank">an LGBTQ+ group</a>&nbsp;in January: “I apologize for my own lack of courage to bring healing and hope, and I ask forgiveness.” Gregory was born in Chicago and ordained there in 1973, serving as auxiliary bishop beginning in 1983. After 11 years as bishop in Belleville, Illinois, he was appointed in 2004 by John Paul II to be archbishop of Atlanta.<h2>James Michael Harvey</h2>Harvey, 76, has pursued a long career at the Vatican, initially as a diplomat and more recently as manager of the papal household. Born in Milwaukee, he studied at seminary there before completing his formation in Rome. He was ordained by Pope Paul VI in Rome in 1975 and entered the Holy See’s diplomatic service in 1980. John Paul II appointed Harvey prefect of the Papal Household in 1998, managing the pope’s official activities. Benedict made him a cardinal in 2012.<h2>Robert McElroy</h2>Francis named McElroy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-cardinal-robert-mcelroy-immigration-donald-trump-58c728cef89a25d606406014693af85e">archbishop of Washington</a>&nbsp;in January, tapping one of his most progressive allies to head the Catholic Church in the U.S. capital at the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. McElroy criticized Trump’s threats of mass deportations of immigrants as “incompatible with Catholic doctrine.” Francis appointed McElroy bishop of San Diego in 2015 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pope-francis-religion-san-diego-455583360c31fe2b90fe558a8815c5c8">elevated him to cardinal</a>&nbsp;in 2022. McElroy, 71, was one of a few U.S. bishops assailing a campaign to exclude Catholic politicians who support abortion rights from Communion. He has also expressed support for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. A native San Franciscan, McElroy received a bachelor’s degree from Harvard, a master’s degree and doctorate from Stanford, and a doctorate from the Gregorian University in Rome.<h2>Robert Francis Prevost</h2>The Chicago-born Prevost, 69, is prefect of the Vatican’s powerful dicastery for bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for bishops around the world. He has extensive experience in Peru, first as a missionary and then archbishop. Francis had an eye on him for years, sending him to run the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014. He held that position until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome for his current role.<h2>Joseph Tobin</h2>Tobin, 72, is archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, and a veteran of the Vatican bureaucracy who speaks five languages. The Detroit native was ordained in 1978 and earned master’s degrees in religious education and divinity at Mount St. Alphonsus Seminary in Esopus, New York. Benedict appointed Tobin in 2010 as secretary of the Vatican’s office overseeing religious orders. Tobin reportedly ruffled feathers by seeking to mend its frayed ties with U.S. nuns facing complaints they had become too liberal. Benedict appointed Tobin archbishop of Indianapolis in 2012. Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-87461d2875774be4b546eb310d715911">made him cardinal</a>&nbsp;and archbishop of Newark in 2016. Tobin welcomed Syrian refugees to Indiana despite opposition from then-Gov. Mike Pence. He has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-gays-and-lesbians-newark-tyler-clementi-new-mexico-d0ec28cb69c6ede7ff3a0f2ba533efdb">welcoming stance toward LGBTQ+ people</a>.___Seven U.S. cardinals, due to being 80 or older, are not conclave electors: Edwin O’Brien, Roger Mahony, Adam Maida, Seán Patrick O’Malley, Justin Rigali, James Francis Stafford, Donald Wuerl.___AP journalists Holly Meyer and Tiffany Stanley contributed.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir" target="_blank">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

These are the US cardinals who will vote for the next pope

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph Post

St. Joseph police say a person now being held on a burglary warrant in Johnson County, Kansas is a suspect in the downtown St. Joseph burglaries March 10th.

The St. Joseph Police Department says 42-year-old Joshua Littrell is a suspect in the break-ins of three downtown St. Joseph stores on the 10th as well as the Mark’s Tire and Automotive burglary.

Littrell is being held in the Johnson County, Kansas Adult Detention Center on a burglary warrant from Mission, Kansas.

Littrell is also suspected in four active burglary cases under investigation by the Kansas City Police Department. In addition, Ray County, Missouri authorities have an additional burglary case pending against him.

The department says they are working closely with law enforcement in Missouri and Kansas to coordinate the investigation and prosecution of these cases.&nbsp; Littrell is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746558452397.png" alt="Littrell photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Littrell photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police say a person now being held on a burglary warrant in Johnson County, Kansas is a suspect in the downtown St. Joseph burglaries March 10th.The St. Joseph Police Department says 42-year-old Joshua Littrell is a suspect in the break-ins of three downtown St. Joseph stores on the 10th as well as the Mark’s Tire and Automotive burglary.Littrell is being held in the Johnson County, Kansas Adult Detention Center on a burglary warrant from Mission, Kansas.Littrell is also suspected in four active burglary cases under investigation by the Kansas City Police Department. In addition, Ray County, Missouri authorities have an additional burglary case pending against him.The department says they are working closely with law enforcement in Missouri and Kansas to coordinate the investigation and prosecution of these cases.&nbsp; Littrell is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, according to online jail records.

Suspect in series of Missouri burglaries jailed in Kansas

By RANDY GONZALES Special to the Hays Post

When his business partner suggested to Billy Sims that they start a barbecue restaurant, the former star running back for the Oklahoma Sooners and Detroit Lions was dubious, to say the least.

“Like most men, we think we can barbecue,” Sims said.

Sims and his partner started out slowly with just a few restaurants in Oklahoma, then started to franchise out locations. On Saturday, Sims signed autographs and met fans for two hours at his Billy Sims BBQ restaurant in Hays.

Brian Garcia was one of those fans who asked Sims, “Why barbecue?”

“When I asked Billy how he got into the business, he said he was still trying to figure that out,” Garcia said.

Opposing defenses never could figure out Sims. As a youngster growing up in St. Louis, he wanted to be a big-league baseball player. After moving to football-crazy Texas, Sims turned his attention to that sport.

“Everybody was playing football,” Sims said. “I decided to get involved in the football side of it. The rest is history.”

Sims won the Heisman Trophy his junior year with the Sooners in 1978, rushing for 1,762 yards and 20 touchdowns. Sims did not find out he won the Heisman Trophy with a big ceremony in New York like they do these days.

Sims was in class, and his roommate came rushing in to give him the news.

“That’s how I found out, from my roommate,” Sims said. “My professor didn’t care about the Heisman Trophy. I finished class and was an hour late for my interview.”

After finishing his career at Oklahoma with 3,813 yards rushing and 48 touchdowns, Sims was the overall No. 1 pick in the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.

“Not bragging,” Sims said. “But ‘first round, first pick’ sounds pretty good until they tell you where you’re going – Detroit!?”

Sims could only laugh at the recollection. But his runs over, through and around defenders was no laughing matter.

After going 2-14 the previous season, the Lions finished 9-7 in 1980, when Sims was named Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,303 yards and 13 touchdowns.

“We started off 4-0,” Sims said. “The whole state of Michigan thought we were going to win the Super Bowl.”

But fate intervened in the form of artificial turf fields, which were popular back then in stadiums. After Sims and the Lions made the playoffs in 1983, the next season would prove to be his last in the NFL.

In the eighth game that year, at the Minnesota Vikings in the Metrodome on their artificial turf, Sims was running on a sweep and planted his right leg to cut upfield. He crumpled to the ground with a serious knee injury. After a seven-hour operation, he vowed to play again. But he was never the same and was forced to retire.

“At that time, there were three or four stadiums with terrible turf,” Sims said. “It wasn’t a hit. It was the turf that got me.”

“I was trying to come back too fast, playing on that bad knee,” he added. “I knew it was time to hang it up.”

Sims, 69, finished his NFL career with three Pro Bowl selections and as a two-time All-American was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Football’s loss was barbecue-loving fans’ gain.

Sims was in attendance for the grand opening of the Hays franchise for Billy Sims BBQ on July 27, 2017. Saturday was his first time back in Hays since the opening of his 63rd franchise. He said he listens closely to fans’ feedback.

“The fans will tell you the truth about the food,” Sims said.

Amy Bohrer, general manager for the Hays franchise, said there were more dine-in customers than usual on Saturday, and fans were lined up outside, waiting for the doors to open.

Fans – many clad in OU garb – patiently waited in line for autographs and selfies with the Sooners legend.

“It’s wonderful to put a personality behind the face we all know,” Bohrer said.

Rod Windholz and his 7-year-old son, Landon, met Sims and got an autograph before heading off to a youth soccer game.

When Windholz learned Sims was coming to town, he looked high and low for an old Sports Illustrated magazine he had with Sims on the cover, but couldn’t find it.

So, he found one on eBay for Sims to sign, but it had not arrived in the mail before Saturday. He told Sims about it, and the former Sooner star arranged to have the magazine mailed to him to sign, then mail it back.

“I’m going to get it signed after all,” Windholz said.

Garcia joined his brother, Colten Acton, and Acton’s wife, Jessica, to meet Sims on Saturday. Colten – a Boomer Sooner like no other – wore an OU jersey and a Sooners cap to the signing.

“I think he’s a bigger fan than me, for sure,” said Jessica, who admitted with a laugh that she roots for Kansas State.

Colten had a spot picked out for his autographed football.

“Probably up on our mantle,” he said.

Sims said his Heisman Trophy is back in St. Louis, at his mother’s house.

When it was time to hit the road Saturday, Sims got a carry-out order. He said he was partial to one particular item on the menu – The Heisman, a sandwich piled high with bologna, hot links and a choice of pulled pork or chopped brisket.

“The Heisman is my favorite item,” Sims said with a grin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746559455375.jpeg" alt="Standing in front of a large photo of himself with his Heisman Trophy, former Oklahoma Sooners and Detroit Lions star Billy Sims greets fans at Billy Sims BBQ in Hays. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Standing in front of a large photo of himself with his Heisman Trophy, former Oklahoma Sooners and Detroit Lions star Billy Sims greets fans at Billy Sims BBQ in Hays. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746567498920.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RANDY GONZALES Special to the Hays PostWhen his business partner suggested to Billy Sims that they start a barbecue restaurant, the former star running back for the Oklahoma Sooners and Detroit Lions was dubious, to say the least.“Like most men, we think we can barbecue,” Sims said.Sims and his partner started out slowly with just a few restaurants in Oklahoma, then started to franchise out locations. On Saturday, Sims signed autographs and met fans for two hours at his Billy Sims BBQ restaurant in Hays.Brian Garcia was one of those fans who asked Sims, “Why barbecue?”“When I asked Billy how he got into the business, he said he was still trying to figure that out,” Garcia said.Opposing defenses never could figure out Sims. As a youngster growing up in St. Louis, he wanted to be a big-league baseball player. After moving to football-crazy Texas, Sims turned his attention to that sport.“Everybody was playing football,” Sims said. “I decided to get involved in the football side of it. The rest is history.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746559648062.jpeg" alt="Billy Sims strikes the Heisman pose along with Jessica and Colten Acton while posing for a photo. Looking on is Colten’s brother, Brian García. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Billy Sims strikes the Heisman pose along with Jessica and Colten Acton while posing for a photo. Looking on is Colten’s brother, Brian García. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rushing to success</h2>Baseball’s loss was football’s gain.Sims won the Heisman Trophy his junior year with the Sooners in 1978, rushing for 1,762 yards and 20 touchdowns. Sims did not find out he won the Heisman Trophy with a big ceremony in New York like they do these days.Sims was in class, and his roommate came rushing in to give him the news.“That’s how I found out, from my roommate,” Sims said. “My professor didn’t care about the Heisman Trophy. I finished class and was an hour late for my interview.”After finishing his career at Oklahoma with 3,813 yards rushing and 48 touchdowns, Sims was the overall No. 1 pick in the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.“Not bragging,” Sims said. “But ‘first round, first pick’ sounds pretty good until they tell you where you’re going – Detroit!?”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746567631569.jpeg" alt="Billy Sims signs an autograph while meeting fans on Saturday. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Billy Sims signs an autograph while meeting fans on Saturday. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Sims could only laugh at the recollection. But his runs over, through and around defenders was no laughing matter.After going 2-14 the previous season, the Lions finished 9-7 in 1980, when Sims was named Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,303 yards and 13 touchdowns.“We started off 4-0,” Sims said. “The whole state of Michigan thought we were going to win the Super Bowl.”But fate intervened in the form of artificial turf fields, which were popular back then in stadiums. After Sims and the Lions made the playoffs in 1983, the next season would prove to be his last in the NFL.<h2>Knee injury ends career</h2>In the eighth game that year, at the Minnesota Vikings in the Metrodome on their artificial turf, Sims was running on a sweep and planted his right leg to cut upfield. He crumpled to the ground with a serious knee injury. After a seven-hour operation, he vowed to play again. But he was never the same and was forced to retire.“At that time, there were three or four stadiums with terrible turf,” Sims said. “It wasn’t a hit. It was the turf that got me.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746567661668.jpeg" alt="Billy Sims signs an autographed photo for Rod Windholz and his son, Landon, at Saturday’s autograph session in Hays. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Billy Sims signs an autographed photo for Rod Windholz and his son, Landon, at Saturday’s autograph session in Hays. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“I was trying to come back too fast, playing on that bad knee,” he added. “I knew it was time to hang it up.”Sims, 69, finished his NFL career with three Pro Bowl selections and as a two-time All-American was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.Football’s loss was barbecue-loving fans’ gain.Sims was in attendance for the grand opening of the Hays franchise for Billy Sims BBQ on July 27, 2017. Saturday was his first time back in Hays since the opening of his 63rd franchise. He said he listens closely to fans’ feedback.“The fans will tell you the truth about the food,” Sims said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746567690469.jpeg" alt="A photo of Billy Sims scoring his first professional touchdown while playing for the Detroit Lions hangs on a wall at the Billy Sims BBQ restaurant in Hays. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A photo of Billy Sims scoring his first professional touchdown while playing for the Detroit Lions hangs on a wall at the Billy Sims BBQ restaurant in Hays. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Meeting his fans</h2>Amy Bohrer, general manager for the Hays franchise, said there were more dine-in customers than usual on Saturday, and fans were lined up outside, waiting for the doors to open.Fans – many clad in OU garb – patiently waited in line for autographs and selfies with the Sooners legend.“It’s wonderful to put a personality behind the face we all know,” Bohrer said.Rod Windholz and his 7-year-old son, Landon, met Sims and got an autograph before heading off to a youth soccer game.When Windholz learned Sims was coming to town, he looked high and low for an old Sports Illustrated magazine he had with Sims on the cover, but couldn’t find it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746567719884.jpeg" alt="The Billy Sims BBQ restaurant opened in Hays in 2017 as the 63rd franchise for Billy Sims and his business partner. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Billy Sims BBQ restaurant opened in Hays in 2017 as the 63rd franchise for Billy Sims and his business partner. Photo by Randy Gonzales/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>So, he found one on eBay for Sims to sign, but it had not arrived in the mail before Saturday. He told Sims about it, and the former Sooner star arranged to have the magazine mailed to him to sign, then mail it back.“I’m going to get it signed after all,” Windholz said.Garcia joined his brother, Colten Acton, and Acton’s wife, Jessica, to meet Sims on Saturday. Colten – a Boomer Sooner like no other – wore an OU jersey and a Sooners cap to the signing.“I’m a big OU fan,” Colten said.“I think he’s a bigger fan than me, for sure,” said Jessica, who admitted with a laugh that she roots for Kansas State.Colten had a spot picked out for his autographed football.“Probably up on our mantle,” he said.Sims said his Heisman Trophy is back in St. Louis, at his mother’s house.When it was time to hit the road Saturday, Sims got a carry-out order. He said he was partial to one particular item on the menu – The Heisman, a sandwich piled high with bologna, hot links and a choice of pulled pork or chopped brisket.“The Heisman is my favorite item,” Sims said with a grin.

NWester: Local, area fans get a taste of Billy Sims in person

Nine College of Education students were recognized for their commitment to teaching science or math in a rural setting during a Noyce Scholars signing event on April 16.

The Noyce Certified Rural Enhanced STEM Teachers (CREST) scholarship provides $15,000 scholarships (renewable for a second year) for students who have obtained at least a junior-level status. In addition, a post-baccalaureate STEM teacher licensure project, implemented in 2023, provides a $24,788 stipend toward completing coursework leading to a full teaching license. The post-baccalaureate pathway was created for individuals with a current degree who seek a career in teaching math and science.

2025 CREST Scholars include: Dustin Rajewski, Victoria; Jazmin Contreras, Hartford, Conn.; Jaylei Sloan, Hoxie; Ellie Van Zelfden, Whitewater. Post-baccalaureate award winners include: Rylee Brake, Garden Plains; Jacob Dunlop, Jewell; Gabriell Hammer, Wallace; Ryan Lawson, Hays; and Maxwell Pein, Manhattan.

The first National Science Foundation grant FHSU received for furthering STEM education in rural Kansas was in 2012. More than 75 scholarships have been awarded since its inception, enabling rural schools to hire quality teachers.

“We value rural,” said Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education. “We believe that is the foundation of what makes us great. Not just the university, but a large part of the country.”

Students who enroll in the Noyce program, in addition to the monetary award, will participate in Noyce Program activities, complete an FHSU rural teaching certificate, and agree to complete two years of teaching in a high-needs district for each year a scholarship is accepted.

During the signing event, Adams told Noyce recipients that the education they will receive at FHSU will prepare them well as they continue their career path.

“We are investing in you; the federal government, where this money flows from, is investing in you, and the National Science Foundation is investing in our choice. You’re all going to be change-makers,” he said. “We believe in you, and that’s why we’re giving you this scholarship.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746112465665.jpeg" alt="2025 Noyce Scholars, left to right: Dustin Rajewski, Ryan Lawson, Ellie Van Zelfden, Jaylei Sloan, and Jazmin Contreras. Rylee Brake is shown on the projection screen. Photo by FHSU" />
 <figcaption>2025 Noyce Scholars, left to right: Dustin Rajewski, Ryan Lawson, Ellie Van Zelfden, Jaylei Sloan, and Jazmin Contreras. Rylee Brake is shown on the projection screen. Photo by FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsNine College of Education students were recognized for their commitment to teaching science or math in a rural setting during a Noyce Scholars signing event on April 16.The Noyce Certified Rural Enhanced STEM Teachers (CREST) scholarship provides $15,000 scholarships (renewable for a second year) for students who have obtained at least a junior-level status. In addition, a post-baccalaureate STEM teacher licensure project, implemented in 2023, provides a $24,788 stipend toward completing coursework leading to a full teaching license. The post-baccalaureate pathway was created for individuals with a current degree who seek a career in teaching math and science.2025 CREST Scholars include: Dustin Rajewski, Victoria; Jazmin Contreras, Hartford, Conn.; Jaylei Sloan, Hoxie; Ellie Van Zelfden, Whitewater. Post-baccalaureate award winners include: Rylee Brake, Garden Plains; Jacob Dunlop, Jewell; Gabriell Hammer, Wallace; Ryan Lawson, Hays; and Maxwell Pein, Manhattan.The first National Science Foundation grant FHSU received for furthering STEM education in rural Kansas was in 2012. More than 75 scholarships have been awarded since its inception, enabling rural schools to hire quality teachers.“We value rural,” said Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education. “We believe that is the foundation of what makes us great. Not just the university, but a large part of the country.”Students who enroll in the Noyce program, in addition to the monetary award, will participate in Noyce Program activities, complete an FHSU rural teaching certificate, and agree to complete two years of teaching in a high-needs district for each year a scholarship is accepted.During the signing event, Adams told Noyce recipients that the education they will receive at FHSU will prepare them well as they continue their career path.“We are investing in you; the federal government, where this money flows from, is investing in you, and the National Science Foundation is investing in our choice. You’re all going to be change-makers,” he said. “We believe in you, and that’s why we’re giving you this scholarship.”

2025 Noyce Scholars recognized at Fort Hays State University

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs honored a pair of seniors and
sent them out on Tuesday with two big wins over the Plainville Cardinals.

GAME 1: TMP 16, Plainville 1 In the first game, the Monarchs took advantage of 13 walks,
and TMP’s Brynn Rebel allowed just one run in a 16-1 TMP victory.

After a scoreless top of the first inning for Rebel, TMP
scored seven runs in the bottom of the first inning.

The Monarchs took advantage of seven walks, two errors, three
passed balls, and a wild pitch. Hannah Rose and Addison Watson each drove in a
run with an RBI single, the only two hits the Monarchs tallied in the inning.

Plainville got a run back in the second, making it 7-1 TMP.

Watson started the scoring in the second with an RBI single.
She stole home three batters later in a 9-1 TMP lead.

Rebel earned a bases-loaded walk, making it 10-1 TMP. 

The Monarchs added two more runs on passed balls, and
Bridget Feldt drove in a run with an RBI groundout as TMP led 13-1 through two
innings. 

Back-to-back triples by TMP’s Watson and Molly Helget put
TMP up 14-1 to open the bottom of the third inning.

The Monarchs closed the game, scoring on back-to-back wild pitches
on a 16-1 victory.

TMP scored four runs on passed balls and one on a wild
pitch.

Addison Watson was three-for-three with three RBIs and three
runs scored. 

GAME 2: TMP 18, Plainville 0 The TMP offensive onslaught continued into the second game,
but this time, the bats came alive; 11 of the Monarchs' 14 hits were extra base
hits in an 18-0 victory.

Plainville threatened with a couple of runners in the first
inning, but TMP starter Bria Windholz worked out of a jam and didn’t allow
another baserunner the rest of the way with three hitless innings. She walked
two and struck out four.

TMP senior Brooke Koenigsman put the Monarchs on the
scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning with a two-run triple.

Paige Koenigsman and Molly Helget followed with RBI doubles
for a 4-0 TMP lead.

TMP took an 8-0 lead after back-to-back passed balls allowed
a run to score, and then a Plainville error allowed a third run to cross home.

The next hitter in the lineup, Brynn Rebel, drove a two-run
home run to center, putting TMP up 10-0.

Brooke Koenigsman’s second extra-base hit of the inning, an
RBI double, made it 11-0 TMP.

TMP added two more runs on a wild pitch, and then Brynn
Schoepf doubled for a 14-0 TMP lead.

Paige Simpson added a RBI double of her own, and then Addi
Gottschalk and Katie Herrman each collected RBI singles, putting TMP up 17-0.

Emma Wasinger added her first career hit, a RBI double to
put TMP up 18-0 and close out the bottom of the first.

Brooke Koenigsman finished two-for-two with three RBIs and
two runs scored. Brynn Rebel and Addi Gottschalk both added two RBIs.

In between games, the Monarchs honor seniors Brooke
Koenigsman and Teagan Gottschalk.

TMP (23-1 &amp; 6-0 MCL) will close out the regular season Monday
at Hoisington.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostHAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs honored a pair of seniors and
sent them out on Tuesday with two big wins over the Plainville Cardinals.<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/2091352227&color=%23000000&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/melissa-schoepf-postgame-2" title="Melissa Schoepf Postgame Interview vs Plainville (May 6th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Melissa Schoepf Postgame Interview vs Plainville (May 6th 25)</a></div></div>GAME 1: TMP 16, Plainville 1 In the first game, the Monarchs took advantage of 13 walks,
and TMP’s Brynn Rebel allowed just one run in a 16-1 TMP victory.After a scoreless top of the first inning for Rebel, TMP
scored seven runs in the bottom of the first inning.The Monarchs took advantage of seven walks, two errors, three
passed balls, and a wild pitch. Hannah Rose and Addison Watson each drove in a
run with an RBI single, the only two hits the Monarchs tallied in the inning.Plainville got a run back in the second, making it 7-1 TMP.Watson started the scoring in the second with an RBI single.
She stole home three batters later in a 9-1 TMP lead.Rebel earned a bases-loaded walk, making it 10-1 TMP. The Monarchs added two more runs on passed balls, and
Bridget Feldt drove in a run with an RBI groundout as TMP led 13-1 through two
innings. Back-to-back triples by TMP’s Watson and Molly Helget put
TMP up 14-1 to open the bottom of the third inning.The Monarchs closed the game, scoring on back-to-back wild pitches
on a 16-1 victory.TMP scored four runs on passed balls and one on a wild
pitch.<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/2091352647&color=%23000000&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-sb-dh-highlights-vs" title="TMP SB DH Highlights vs PLainville (May 6th 25) Game 1" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP SB DH Highlights vs PLainville (May 6th 25) Game 1</a></div></div>Addison Watson was three-for-three with three RBIs and three
runs scored. GAME 2: TMP 18, Plainville 0 The TMP offensive onslaught continued into the second game,
but this time, the bats came alive; 11 of the Monarchs' 14 hits were extra base
hits in an 18-0 victory.Plainville threatened with a couple of runners in the first
inning, but TMP starter Bria Windholz worked out of a jam and didn’t allow
another baserunner the rest of the way with three hitless innings. She walked
two and struck out four.TMP senior Brooke Koenigsman put the Monarchs on the
scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning with a two-run triple.Paige Koenigsman and Molly Helget followed with RBI doubles
for a 4-0 TMP lead.A Raegan Allen triple made it 5-0 TMP.TMP took an 8-0 lead after back-to-back passed balls allowed
a run to score, and then a Plainville error allowed a third run to cross home.The next hitter in the lineup, Brynn Rebel, drove a two-run
home run to center, putting TMP up 10-0.Brooke Koenigsman’s second extra-base hit of the inning, an
RBI double, made it 11-0 TMP.TMP added two more runs on a wild pitch, and then Brynn
Schoepf doubled for a 14-0 TMP lead.Paige Simpson added a RBI double of her own, and then Addi
Gottschalk and Katie Herrman each collected RBI singles, putting TMP up 17-0.Emma Wasinger added her first career hit, a RBI double to
put TMP up 18-0 and close out the bottom of the first.<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/2091353121&color=%23000000&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-sb-dh-highlights-vs-1" title="TMP SB DH Highlights vs PLainville (May 6th 25) Game 2" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP SB DH Highlights vs PLainville (May 6th 25) Game 2</a></div></div>Brooke Koenigsman finished two-for-two with three RBIs and
two runs scored. Brynn Rebel and Addi Gottschalk both added two RBIs.In between games, the Monarchs honor seniors Brooke
Koenigsman and Teagan Gottschalk.TMP (23-1 &amp; 6-0 MCL) will close out the regular season Monday
at Hoisington.

🥎 Monarchs send seniors out with big wins over Plainville

HAYS
– The Hays High softball team got off to a slow start but rallied to past Liberal
10-4 in the first game of their three-game Western Athletic Conference series
Tuesday at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

The
Lady Red loaded the bases in the top of the first with two singles and a walk
which was followed by a double to go up 3-0. They added another run with a two-out
single to grab an early 4-0 lead.

Hays
(11-8, 5-4 WAC) answered with a run in the bottom of the inning when Riley
Dreher reached on an error and eventually sored on a passed ball. The Indians scored
six in the third to take the lead. Following a leadoff walk to Dreher, Lauren
Klein doubled to left to close the gap to 4-2. Alyse Zimmerman followed with a
single to center to make it a one-run game. A Solida tied the game on a line
drive single to left. HHS took the lead when Katie Klein reached on an error
then Brynlee Rupp doubled to drive in Klein for a 7-4 lead.

The
Indians closed out the scoring with three in the fourth. After Dreher reached
on an error, Zimmerman doubled to make the score 8-4. Brynlee Brous added a &nbsp;two-run homer to right.

Lauren
Klein, Alyse Zimmerman and Jaylee Summers all had two of the Indians 11 hits with
Zimmerman and Brous driving in two runs.

Riley
Dreher allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits with four walks and three
strikeouts and picked up the win. Alle Champion gave up all 10 runs (three earned)
on nine hits and took the loss for Liberal.

Hays Post SportsHAYS
– The Hays High softball team got off to a slow start but rallied to past Liberal
10-4 in the first game of their three-game Western Athletic Conference series
Tuesday at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.The
Lady Red loaded the bases in the top of the first with two singles and a walk
which was followed by a double to go up 3-0. They added another run with a two-out
single to grab an early 4-0 lead.Hays
(11-8, 5-4 WAC) answered with a run in the bottom of the inning when Riley
Dreher reached on an error and eventually sored on a passed ball. The Indians scored
six in the third to take the lead. Following a leadoff walk to Dreher, Lauren
Klein doubled to left to close the gap to 4-2. Alyse Zimmerman followed with a
single to center to make it a one-run game. A Solida tied the game on a line
drive single to left. HHS took the lead when Katie Klein reached on an error
then Brynlee Rupp doubled to drive in Klein for a 7-4 lead.The
Indians closed out the scoring with three in the fourth. After Dreher reached
on an error, Zimmerman doubled to make the score 8-4. Brynlee Brous added a &nbsp;two-run homer to right.Lauren
Klein, Alyse Zimmerman and Jaylee Summers all had two of the Indians 11 hits with
Zimmerman and Brous driving in two runs.Riley
Dreher allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits with four walks and three
strikeouts and picked up the win. Alle Champion gave up all 10 runs (three earned)
on nine hits and took the loss for Liberal.UP
NEXT

🥎 HHS rallies past Liberal

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday that he’s ordering a halt to nearly two months of U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis, saying that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Iran-backed rebels</a>&nbsp;have indicated that “they don’t want to fight anymore” and have pledged to stop attacking ships along a vital maritime corridor.

“We’re going to stop the bombing of the Houthis, effective immediately,” Trump said at the start of his Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Trump said that the Houthis had indicated to U.S. officials that “they don’t want to fight anymore. They just don’t want to fight. And we will honor that, and we will stop the bombings.”

That likely means an abrupt end to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-yemen-houthis-rebels-attack-airstrike-11b0e080b3982542dd621338a7b18afd">bombing campaign that began in March</a>, when Trump promised to use “overwhelming lethal force” after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">Houthis said they would resume attacks</a>&nbsp;on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israel’s mounting another blockade on the Gaza Strip.

At the time, they described the warning as affecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Arabian Sea.

Trump said the Houthis had “capitulated but, more importantly, we will take their word that they say they will not be blowing up ships anymore. And that’s what the purpose of what we were doing,” Trump said.

“I think that’s very positive,” Trump added. “They were knocking out a lot of ships.”

Asked how the Houthis had communicated that they were looking to stop being targeted by U.S. bombs, Trump offered few details, saying only with a chuckle that the information came from a “very good source.”

A short time later, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, confirmed that the U.S. bombing campaign was ending, posting on X that discussions involving the U.S. and Oman, as well as negotiators in Yemen, “have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two sides.”

“In the future, neither side will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping,” he wrote, calling the agreement a “welcome outcome.”

Defense Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;said on social media that Trump’s “objective from Day One: ‘ensuring freedom of navigation.’ PEACE THRU STRENGTH in action.”

The broad-based missile strikes Trump had ordered were similar to ones carried out against the Houthis multiple times by the administration of his predecessor, Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, in response to frequent attacks against commercial and military vessels in the region.

The Trump-ordered airstrikes gained a higher profile in the public consciousness when The Atlantic revealed that Hegseth had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-plans-trump-hegseth-atlantic-230718a984911dd8663d59edbcb86f2a">texted sensitive plans for a military strike</a>&nbsp;against the Houthis on a group chat in the messaging app Signal that mistakenly included the magazine’s editor-in-chief.

Trump stood by Hegseth and downplayed the breach as a “glitch.” But national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">Mike Waltz</a>, who created the group chat on Signal, left his post last week and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-national-security-signal-db2443f6fed98e4067edd57f26f23603">nominated</a>&nbsp;by Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723583511919.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday that he’s ordering a halt to nearly two months of U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis, saying that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Iran-backed rebels</a>&nbsp;have indicated that “they don’t want to fight anymore” and have pledged to stop attacking ships along a vital maritime corridor.“We’re going to stop the bombing of the Houthis, effective immediately,” Trump said at the start of his Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.Trump said that the Houthis had indicated to U.S. officials that “they don’t want to fight anymore. They just don’t want to fight. And we will honor that, and we will stop the bombings.”That likely means an abrupt end to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-yemen-houthis-rebels-attack-airstrike-11b0e080b3982542dd621338a7b18afd">bombing campaign that began in March</a>, when Trump promised to use “overwhelming lethal force” after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">Houthis said they would resume attacks</a>&nbsp;on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israel’s mounting another blockade on the Gaza Strip.At the time, they described the warning as affecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Arabian Sea.Trump said the Houthis had “capitulated but, more importantly, we will take their word that they say they will not be blowing up ships anymore. And that’s what the purpose of what we were doing,” Trump said.“I think that’s very positive,” Trump added. “They were knocking out a lot of ships.”Asked how the Houthis had communicated that they were looking to stop being targeted by U.S. bombs, Trump offered few details, saying only with a chuckle that the information came from a “very good source.”A short time later, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, confirmed that the U.S. bombing campaign was ending, posting on X that discussions involving the U.S. and Oman, as well as negotiators in Yemen, “have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two sides.”“In the future, neither side will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping,” he wrote, calling the agreement a “welcome outcome.”Defense Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;said on social media that Trump’s “objective from Day One: ‘ensuring freedom of navigation.’ PEACE THRU STRENGTH in action.”The broad-based missile strikes Trump had ordered were similar to ones carried out against the Houthis multiple times by the administration of his predecessor, Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, in response to frequent attacks against commercial and military vessels in the region.The Trump-ordered airstrikes gained a higher profile in the public consciousness when The Atlantic revealed that Hegseth had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/war-plans-trump-hegseth-atlantic-230718a984911dd8663d59edbcb86f2a">texted sensitive plans for a military strike</a>&nbsp;against the Houthis on a group chat in the messaging app Signal that mistakenly included the magazine’s editor-in-chief.Trump stood by Hegseth and downplayed the breach as a “glitch.” But national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">Mike Waltz</a>, who created the group chat on Signal, left his post last week and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-national-security-signal-db2443f6fed98e4067edd57f26f23603">nominated</a>&nbsp;by Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Trump: US has deal to stop bombing Houthis, end attacks on shipping

TOPEKA— A western Kansas man arrested in connection with a deadly shooting in Russell on April 24 is facing charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, according to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

The Russell Police Department responded after a citizen called 911 to report a shooting in the 800 block of East Second Street in Russell, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

At the scene, first responders found 49-year-old Deborah Torres of Russell with apparent gunshot wounds. Her husband, 49-year-old Robert Torres of Russell, was inside their home and was deceased from gunshot wounds.

Robert James, “Bobby” Torres, 33, is being held in Russell County on a $1 million bond.&nbsp;

Fantasy Graphics Tattoo Studio of Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZ2D3F5xY/">announced</a>&nbsp;on Facebook on April 25 the death of tattoo artist Robert Torres. The post also said his wife, Debbie, has been hospitalized.

Robert and Debbie’s niece, Crystal Damm, created a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-and-medical-fund-for-robert-torres">GoFundMe</a>&nbsp;stating Debbie is expected to make a full recovery. As of May 5, the fundraiser had raised more than $10,700 to help cover funeral and medical expenses.

The GoFundMe said, "Robert touched so many lives. He was the light in every room he entered and always made sure to make everybody laugh. He dedicated his life to supporting his family in every way possible."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745615247080.png" alt="Robert James, “Bobby” Torres. Photo courtesy of Russell County" />
 <figcaption>Robert James, “Bobby” Torres. Photo courtesy of Russell County</figcaption>
 </figure> Hays PostTOPEKA— A western Kansas man arrested in connection with a deadly shooting in Russell on April 24 is facing charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, according to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.The Russell Police Department responded after a citizen called 911 to report a shooting in the 800 block of East Second Street in Russell, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.At the scene, first responders found 49-year-old Deborah Torres of Russell with apparent gunshot wounds. Her husband, 49-year-old Robert Torres of Russell, was inside their home and was deceased from gunshot wounds.Robert James, “Bobby” Torres, 33, is being held in Russell County on a $1 million bond.&nbsp;Fantasy Graphics Tattoo Studio of Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZ2D3F5xY/">announced</a>&nbsp;on Facebook on April 25 the death of tattoo artist Robert Torres. The post also said his wife, Debbie, has been hospitalized.Robert and Debbie’s niece, Crystal Damm, created a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-and-medical-fund-for-robert-torres">GoFundMe</a>&nbsp;stating Debbie is expected to make a full recovery. As of May 5, the fundraiser had raised more than $10,700 to help cover funeral and medical expenses.The GoFundMe said, "Robert touched so many lives. He was the light in every room he entered and always made sure to make everybody laugh. He dedicated his life to supporting his family in every way possible."

Suspect charged in fatal shooting in Russell 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State baseball team was well represented on the 2025 MIAA postseason honors list, highlighted by head coach Justin Wichert winning the Steve Anson Coach of the Year award and Ty Riley being named MIAA co-Pitcher of the Year. A total of eight Tigers were honored, including seven All-MIAA selections and one Gold Glove Award winner.

Riley was a first team All-MIAA pick for the second year in a row. He was joined on the first team by relief pitcher Brandon Chavez. Elliott Herrmann, Trey DeGarmo and Derek Woolwine were all second team All-MIAA selections, while Cade Flaherty and Tony Moore both earned honorable mention accolades. Luis Ayala was also recognized, with the catcher earning the conference Gold Glove Award.

FHSU's seven All-MIAA picks are the most for the team since the Tigers also had seven honorees in 2016. Wichert is the first FHSU head coach to earn MIAA Coach of the Year recognition and is the first Tiger skipper to earn conference coach of the year honors since 2006 (Matt Ranson - RMAC). Riley is just the second player to earn a major MIAA honor (Ryan Majercik - 2008 Freshman of the Year) and the first Tiger to earn a conference pitcher of the year award since 2006 (Bobby Lewton - RMAC).

Riley led the conference with 111 strikeouts this season, ranking second in the nation and breaking a school record that stood for nearly 50 years. The senior limited opponents to a batting average of .185, second-best in the league, while his ERA of 2.91 was fourth best among qualified pitchers. The Bentonville, Ark. native led the league with four complete games while his 16 strikeouts in a game against UC-Colorado Springs were second most by a DII pitcher this season. Riley is 9-1 on the year, tying for the ninth-most wins in a single season in program history.

Chavez put together a breakout sophomore campaign, earning first team recognition after compiling nine saves and six victories in 22 appearances. His nine saves were second-most in the conference and tied for fifth-most in team history while his six wins were tied for sixth-most. The lefty struck out 53 batters in 51.1 innings of work, third-most on the squad, while ranking third on the team with an ERA of 4.56. A native of Laramie, Wyo., Chavez limited the opposition to a batting average of .246, second-best on the pitching staff.

Herrmann collected second team status at first base after being named to the third team in 2024. The Castle Rock, Colo. native ranked second on the team with 11 home runs, tied for 11th-most in the league, while batting .302 and slugging .580. He reached base at a .404 clip after working 21 walks, tied for the most on the team. Herrmann scored 43 runs, second-most on the team, while driving in 34 RBI.

DeGarmo picked up his first All-MIAA honor after earning the Gold Glove Award at third base last season. The senior led the team with 13 home runs this year, tied for sixth-most in the league, while his team-best 54 RBI ranks eighth in the conference. The Andover, Kan. native batted .337 while leading the team with a slugging percentage of .625 and an OPS of 1.041. He also led the team with 44 runs and ranked second with 10 doubles.

Woolwine collected second team All-MIAA honors in his first season as a Tiger after totaling 11 home runs, second-most on the team. He ranked second on the team with a slugging percentage of .596 while posting the third-best OPS of 1.013. The Boulder, Colo. native scored 31 runs and drove in 31 RBI while reaching base at a .417 clip, third-best on the team.

Flaherty was an honorable mention selection, earning All-MIAA recognition for the first time in his six-year career. The senior made 12 starts, second-most on the team, posting a 4-1 record with an ERA of 4.59. He tossed a pair of complete games while striking out 45 batters in 66.2 innings of work. The Omaha, Neb. native limited opponents to a batting average of .257, fourth-lowest on the pitching staff.

Moore earned honorable mention status at second base after an incredible freshman campaign. The Hoisington, Kan. native led the team with a batting average of .349 while also leading the way with 12 doubles and four triples. His four triples are tied for fifth-most in the MIAA. Moore scored 36 runs and added 36 RBI while working 16 walks. He posted an on-base percentage of .433, second-best on the team.

Ayala earned the Gold Glove Award behind the plate after leading the league with 17 runners caught stealing. He totaled 319 putouts behind the dish, seventh-most in the league, while posting a fielding percentage of .989.

Wichert helped guide the Tigers to their first 30-win season in 15 years and their highest win total in 18 seasons. FHSU's 26 conference wins are the most for the team since joining the MIAA in 2007. The Tigers were picked sixth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll but entered the final weekend of the regular season tied for first place in the league standings before ultimately placing third. Wichert has led the Tigers to 77 wins and counting over the last three seasons, higher than the team's win total of 75 over the seven seasons (2016-22) prior to his hiring in 2023.

The Tigers will open postseason play on Thursday evening (May 8) when FHSU takes on Northwest Missouri State in the quarterfinal round of the 2025 MIAA Championship Tournament in Joplin, Mo. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. in the final of four games that day.

2025 MIAA BASEBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS Co-Player of the Year: Caden Robertson - Central Oklahoma Co-Player of the Year: Jacob Steele - Central Missouri Co-Pitcher of the Year: Kolby Dougan - Pittsburg State Co-Pitcher of the Year: Ty Riley - Fort Hays State Freshman of the Year: Cole Kreisel - Central Missouri Steve Anson Coach of the Year: Justin Wichert - Fort Hays State

ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM Starting Pitcher: Kolby Dougan – Pittsburg State Starting Pitcher: Ty Riley – Fort Hays State Starting Pitcher: Maddox Thornton – Pittsburg State Relief Pitcher: Brandon Chavez – Fort Hays State Catcher: TJ Racherbaumer – Emporia State First Base: Dagen Brewer – Pittsburg State* Second Base: Andrew Ramirez – Rogers State Shortstop: Jett Buck - Washburn Third Base: Jacob Steele – Central Missouri Outfield: Caden Robertson – Central Oklahoma Outfield: Alex Rodgers – Pittsburg State Outfield: Vance Tobol – Central Missouri Designated Hitter: Dayvin Johnson – Central Missouri Utility: Drew Bugner – Pittsburg State *Unanimous Selection

ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM Starting Pitcher: Colton Anderson – Rogers State Starting Pitcher: Evan O'Toole – Central Missouri Starting Pitcher: Dax Sharp – Central Oklahoma Relief Pitcher: JD McReynolds – Central Missouri Catcher: Hayden Priest – Washburn Catcher: Gage Williams – Northeastern State First Base: Elliott Herrmann – Fort Hays State Second Base: Jackson Mervosh - Washburn Shortstop: Orlando Gonzalez – Central Oklahoma Third Base: Trey DeGarmo – Fort Hays State Outfield: Isaiah Keller – Central Missouri Outfield: Noah Steele – Emporia State Outfield: Drew Townsend – Missouri Southern Designated Hitter: Derek Woolwine – Fort Hays State Utility: Payton McHarg - Washburn (Team Includes Ties)

ALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM Starting Pitcher: Tanner Leslie – Pittsburg State Starting Pitcher: Caleb Lunnon - Washburn Starting Pitcher: Brettt Pense – Central Oklahoma Relief Pitcher: Valek Cisneros – Central Oklahoma Catcher: Weston Peninger – Rogers State First Base: Ty Chapman – Central Oklahoma Second Base: Logan Myers – Emporia State Shortstop: Rickey Sanchez – Pittsburg State Third Base: Hayden Dyer – Pittsburg State Outfield: Easton Bruce - Washburn Outfield: Ethan Clark – Missouri Southern Outfield: Brayden Luikart – Missouri Southern Outfield: Ashton Neuman – Northwest Missouri Designated Hitter: Andres Contreras – Rogers State Designated Hitter: Jacob Filip – Missouri Southern Designated Hitter: Peyton Lewis – Emporia State Utility: Ryan Williams – Northwest Missouri (Team Includes Ties)

GOLD GLOVE TEAM Pitcher: Caden Bressler – Washburn Catcher: Luis Ayala – Fort Hays State First Base: Chase Wilcox – Central Missouri Second Base: Andrew Ramirez – Rogers State Shortstop: Rickey Sanchez – Pittsburg State Third Base: Jacob Steele – Central Missouri Outfield: Carson Cheatwood – Rogers State Outfield: Ty Hammack – Central Oklahoma Outfield: Brayden Luikart – Missouri Southern Outfield: Ashton Neuman – Northwest Missouri Outfield: Alex Rodgers – Pittsburg State Outfield: Drew Townsend – Missouri Southern (Team Includes Ties)

HONORABLE MENTION Arkansas Fort Smith: Cooper White (Outfield) Central Missouri: Jack Scott (Starting Pitcher); Jack Kreisman (Starting Pitcher); Jake Wilson (Relief Pitcher); Chris Massey (Relief Pitcher); Chase Heath (Catcher); Grant Hollister (Second Base); Cole Kreisel (Shortstop) Central Oklahoma: Grant Randall (Third Base); Ty Hammack (Outfield); Joe Ricchio (Designated Hitter) Emporia State: Cade Barton (Starting Pitcher); Brady Unrein (Shortstop) Fort Hays State: Cade Flaherty (Starting Pitcher); Tony Moore (Second Base) Missouri Southern: Clayton Beck (Catcher); Nate Mieszkowski (Utility) Missouri Western: Logan Winkelman (Starting Pitcher); Frank Gall (Outfield); Kaden Doan (Utility) Newman: Gio De Graauw (Starting Pitcher); Trent Trammell (First Base); Eli Wohl (Outfield); Micah Kobuszewski (Outfield); Blake Mitchell (Outfield) Northeastern State: Diego Murillo (Shortstop); Colton Ayres (Outfield) Northwest Missouri: Ben Haug (Starting Pitcher); Jaren Guck (Starting Pitcher); Dylan Hufft (Shortstop) Pittsburg State: Cooper Crouch (Relief Pitcher); Cayden Castellanos (Relief Pitcher) Rogers State: Ky Decker (Starting Pitcher); Landon Riley (Relief Pitcher); Jackson Romero (Third Base) Washburn: Cooper Carlgren (Starting Pitcher); Cash Jay (Third Base)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746556415053.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State baseball team was well represented on the 2025 MIAA postseason honors list, highlighted by head coach Justin Wichert winning the Steve Anson Coach of the Year award and Ty Riley being named MIAA co-Pitcher of the Year. A total of eight Tigers were honored, including seven All-MIAA selections and one Gold Glove Award winner.Riley was a first team All-MIAA pick for the second year in a row. He was joined on the first team by relief pitcher Brandon Chavez. Elliott Herrmann, Trey DeGarmo and Derek Woolwine were all second team All-MIAA selections, while Cade Flaherty and Tony Moore both earned honorable mention accolades. Luis Ayala was also recognized, with the catcher earning the conference Gold Glove Award.FHSU's seven All-MIAA picks are the most for the team since the Tigers also had seven honorees in 2016. Wichert is the first FHSU head coach to earn MIAA Coach of the Year recognition and is the first Tiger skipper to earn conference coach of the year honors since 2006 (Matt Ranson - RMAC). Riley is just the second player to earn a major MIAA honor (Ryan Majercik - 2008 Freshman of the Year) and the first Tiger to earn a conference pitcher of the year award since 2006 (Bobby Lewton - RMAC).Riley led the conference with 111 strikeouts this season, ranking second in the nation and breaking a school record that stood for nearly 50 years. The senior limited opponents to a batting average of .185, second-best in the league, while his ERA of 2.91 was fourth best among qualified pitchers. The Bentonville, Ark. native led the league with four complete games while his 16 strikeouts in a game against UC-Colorado Springs were second most by a DII pitcher this season. Riley is 9-1 on the year, tying for the ninth-most wins in a single season in program history.Chavez put together a breakout sophomore campaign, earning first team recognition after compiling nine saves and six victories in 22 appearances. His nine saves were second-most in the conference and tied for fifth-most in team history while his six wins were tied for sixth-most. The lefty struck out 53 batters in 51.1 innings of work, third-most on the squad, while ranking third on the team with an ERA of 4.56. A native of Laramie, Wyo., Chavez limited the opposition to a batting average of .246, second-best on the pitching staff.Herrmann collected second team status at first base after being named to the third team in 2024. The Castle Rock, Colo. native ranked second on the team with 11 home runs, tied for 11th-most in the league, while batting .302 and slugging .580. He reached base at a .404 clip after working 21 walks, tied for the most on the team. Herrmann scored 43 runs, second-most on the team, while driving in 34 RBI.DeGarmo picked up his first All-MIAA honor after earning the Gold Glove Award at third base last season. The senior led the team with 13 home runs this year, tied for sixth-most in the league, while his team-best 54 RBI ranks eighth in the conference. The Andover, Kan. native batted .337 while leading the team with a slugging percentage of .625 and an OPS of 1.041. He also led the team with 44 runs and ranked second with 10 doubles.Woolwine collected second team All-MIAA honors in his first season as a Tiger after totaling 11 home runs, second-most on the team. He ranked second on the team with a slugging percentage of .596 while posting the third-best OPS of 1.013. The Boulder, Colo. native scored 31 runs and drove in 31 RBI while reaching base at a .417 clip, third-best on the team.Flaherty was an honorable mention selection, earning All-MIAA recognition for the first time in his six-year career. The senior made 12 starts, second-most on the team, posting a 4-1 record with an ERA of 4.59. He tossed a pair of complete games while striking out 45 batters in 66.2 innings of work. The Omaha, Neb. native limited opponents to a batting average of .257, fourth-lowest on the pitching staff.Moore earned honorable mention status at second base after an incredible freshman campaign. The Hoisington, Kan. native led the team with a batting average of .349 while also leading the way with 12 doubles and four triples. His four triples are tied for fifth-most in the MIAA. Moore scored 36 runs and added 36 RBI while working 16 walks. He posted an on-base percentage of .433, second-best on the team.Ayala earned the Gold Glove Award behind the plate after leading the league with 17 runners caught stealing. He totaled 319 putouts behind the dish, seventh-most in the league, while posting a fielding percentage of .989.Wichert helped guide the Tigers to their first 30-win season in 15 years and their highest win total in 18 seasons. FHSU's 26 conference wins are the most for the team since joining the MIAA in 2007. The Tigers were picked sixth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll but entered the final weekend of the regular season tied for first place in the league standings before ultimately placing third. Wichert has led the Tigers to 77 wins and counting over the last three seasons, higher than the team's win total of 75 over the seven seasons (2016-22) prior to his hiring in 2023.The Tigers will open postseason play on Thursday evening (May 8) when FHSU takes on Northwest Missouri State in the quarterfinal round of the 2025 MIAA Championship Tournament in Joplin, Mo. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. in the final of four games that day.2025 MIAA BASEBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS Co-Player of the Year: Caden Robertson - Central Oklahoma Co-Player of the Year: Jacob Steele - Central Missouri Co-Pitcher of the Year: Kolby Dougan - Pittsburg State Co-Pitcher of the Year: Ty Riley - Fort Hays State Freshman of the Year: Cole Kreisel - Central Missouri Steve Anson Coach of the Year: Justin Wichert - Fort Hays StateALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM Starting Pitcher: Kolby Dougan – Pittsburg State Starting Pitcher: Ty Riley – Fort Hays State Starting Pitcher: Maddox Thornton – Pittsburg State Relief Pitcher: Brandon Chavez – Fort Hays State Catcher: TJ Racherbaumer – Emporia State First Base: Dagen Brewer – Pittsburg State* Second Base: Andrew Ramirez – Rogers State Shortstop: Jett Buck - Washburn Third Base: Jacob Steele – Central Missouri Outfield: Caden Robertson – Central Oklahoma Outfield: Alex Rodgers – Pittsburg State Outfield: Vance Tobol – Central Missouri Designated Hitter: Dayvin Johnson – Central Missouri Utility: Drew Bugner – Pittsburg State *Unanimous SelectionALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM Starting Pitcher: Colton Anderson – Rogers State Starting Pitcher: Evan O'Toole – Central Missouri Starting Pitcher: Dax Sharp – Central Oklahoma Relief Pitcher: JD McReynolds – Central Missouri Catcher: Hayden Priest – Washburn Catcher: Gage Williams – Northeastern State First Base: Elliott Herrmann – Fort Hays State Second Base: Jackson Mervosh - Washburn Shortstop: Orlando Gonzalez – Central Oklahoma Third Base: Trey DeGarmo – Fort Hays State Outfield: Isaiah Keller – Central Missouri Outfield: Noah Steele – Emporia State Outfield: Drew Townsend – Missouri Southern Designated Hitter: Derek Woolwine – Fort Hays State Utility: Payton McHarg - Washburn (Team Includes Ties)ALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM Starting Pitcher: Tanner Leslie – Pittsburg State Starting Pitcher: Caleb Lunnon - Washburn Starting Pitcher: Brettt Pense – Central Oklahoma Relief Pitcher: Valek Cisneros – Central Oklahoma Catcher: Weston Peninger – Rogers State First Base: Ty Chapman – Central Oklahoma Second Base: Logan Myers – Emporia State Shortstop: Rickey Sanchez – Pittsburg State Third Base: Hayden Dyer – Pittsburg State Outfield: Easton Bruce - Washburn Outfield: Ethan Clark – Missouri Southern Outfield: Brayden Luikart – Missouri Southern Outfield: Ashton Neuman – Northwest Missouri Designated Hitter: Andres Contreras – Rogers State Designated Hitter: Jacob Filip – Missouri Southern Designated Hitter: Peyton Lewis – Emporia State Utility: Ryan Williams – Northwest Missouri (Team Includes Ties)GOLD GLOVE TEAM Pitcher: Caden Bressler – Washburn Catcher: Luis Ayala – Fort Hays State First Base: Chase Wilcox – Central Missouri Second Base: Andrew Ramirez – Rogers State Shortstop: Rickey Sanchez – Pittsburg State Third Base: Jacob Steele – Central Missouri Outfield: Carson Cheatwood – Rogers State Outfield: Ty Hammack – Central Oklahoma Outfield: Brayden Luikart – Missouri Southern Outfield: Ashton Neuman – Northwest Missouri Outfield: Alex Rodgers – Pittsburg State Outfield: Drew Townsend – Missouri Southern (Team Includes Ties)HONORABLE MENTION Arkansas Fort Smith: Cooper White (Outfield) Central Missouri: Jack Scott (Starting Pitcher); Jack Kreisman (Starting Pitcher); Jake Wilson (Relief Pitcher); Chris Massey (Relief Pitcher); Chase Heath (Catcher); Grant Hollister (Second Base); Cole Kreisel (Shortstop) Central Oklahoma: Grant Randall (Third Base); Ty Hammack (Outfield); Joe Ricchio (Designated Hitter) Emporia State: Cade Barton (Starting Pitcher); Brady Unrein (Shortstop) Fort Hays State: Cade Flaherty (Starting Pitcher); Tony Moore (Second Base) Missouri Southern: Clayton Beck (Catcher); Nate Mieszkowski (Utility) Missouri Western: Logan Winkelman (Starting Pitcher); Frank Gall (Outfield); Kaden Doan (Utility) Newman: Gio De Graauw (Starting Pitcher); Trent Trammell (First Base); Eli Wohl (Outfield); Micah Kobuszewski (Outfield); Blake Mitchell (Outfield) Northeastern State: Diego Murillo (Shortstop); Colton Ayres (Outfield) Northwest Missouri: Ben Haug (Starting Pitcher); Jaren Guck (Starting Pitcher); Dylan Hufft (Shortstop) Pittsburg State: Cooper Crouch (Relief Pitcher); Cayden Castellanos (Relief Pitcher) Rogers State: Ky Decker (Starting Pitcher); Landon Riley (Relief Pitcher); Jackson Romero (Third Base) Washburn: Cooper Carlgren (Starting Pitcher); Cash Jay (Third Base)

⚾ Tigers rake in All-MIAA honors

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission approved a preliminary plat for Fairview Patch Addition during its Tuesday meeting.

The application includes plans for 13 residential parcels near 400th Avenue and Severin Road. Ten parcels will measure 3 acres each, one about 3.1 acres, and two larger parcels around 4.5 and 4.7 acres.

Environmental Services Director Justin Craig led the discussion, resulting in a 2-1 vote to approve the proposal. Commissioner Nathan Leiker voted in opposition due to the location of the addition.

"I just feel like if we approve a subdivision in a northeast area, it goes against the regulation and the comprehensive plan of trying to control growth communities," he said.

The preliminary plat will return to the Ellis County Planning and Zoning Commission for final approval. The land is zoned agricultural, but is being rezoned residential.

Commissioners approved a request to allocate special alcohol funds to the Ellis County Historical Society for 2025.

Due to Ellis County's size, the funds are split into three categories: general use, parks and recreation, and alcohol and drug programs. Since there are no county parks, the parks portion is usually allocated to the Ellis County Historical Society each year.

"It's going to a good place," Commissioner Neal Younger said.

The Ellis County Health Department received approval to close its office for a few hours on May 21 and the May 22 workday so staff can attend the Kansas Immunization Conference in Wichita.

The conference will offer essential training and reinforce best practices for immunization and outbreak response, especially in light of a current outbreak.

"With the measles outbreak in Kansas, the training is timely," Ellis County Health Director Melissa Miller said.&nbsp;

Ellis County EMS received approval to accept a grant to help pay for two new defibrillator monitors. The total purchase cost is about $73,000, with the grant covering about $18,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission approved a preliminary plat for Fairview Patch Addition during its Tuesday meeting.The application includes plans for 13 residential parcels near 400th Avenue and Severin Road. Ten parcels will measure 3 acres each, one about 3.1 acres, and two larger parcels around 4.5 and 4.7 acres.Environmental Services Director Justin Craig led the discussion, resulting in a 2-1 vote to approve the proposal. Commissioner Nathan Leiker voted in opposition due to the location of the addition."I just feel like if we approve a subdivision in a northeast area, it goes against the regulation and the comprehensive plan of trying to control growth communities," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745343295386.jpeg" alt="Fairview Patch preliminary plat" />
 <figcaption>Fairview Patch preliminary plat</figcaption>
 </figure>The preliminary plat will return to the Ellis County Planning and Zoning Commission for final approval. The land is zoned agricultural, but is being rezoned residential.<h2>Ellis County Historical Society funding</h2>Commissioners approved a request to allocate special alcohol funds to the Ellis County Historical Society for 2025.Due to Ellis County's size, the funds are split into three categories: general use, parks and recreation, and alcohol and drug programs. Since there are no county parks, the parks portion is usually allocated to the Ellis County Historical Society each year.The amount budgeted for 2025 is $7,730."It's going to a good place," Commissioner Neal Younger said.<h2>2025 Kansas Immunization Conference</h2>The Ellis County Health Department received approval to close its office for a few hours on May 21 and the May 22 workday so staff can attend the Kansas Immunization Conference in Wichita.The conference will offer essential training and reinforce best practices for immunization and outbreak response, especially in light of a current outbreak."With the measles outbreak in Kansas, the training is timely," Ellis County Health Director Melissa Miller said.&nbsp;<h2>Other business</h2>Ellis County EMS received approval to accept a grant to help pay for two new defibrillator monitors. The total purchase cost is about $73,000, with the grant covering about $18,000.Ellis County staff also received approval to close the Administrative Building at a future date, which has not yet been determined, to allow the installation of an emergency generator and transfer switch equipment.&nbsp;