By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>,&nbsp; AP Airlines&nbsp;and&nbsp;Travel Writer

If a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-chuck-schumer-20e54a0f5e4fee909d0f9ea2c07c15e1">U.S. government shutdown</a>&nbsp;goes on long enough, it could throw a wrench in travel plans, potentially leading to longer airport wait times, flight delays and even cancellations.

The shutdown began Wednesday after President Donald Trump and Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">failed to reach a deal</a>&nbsp;to continue funding government services and operations. That means a vast majority of employees who keep U.S. airports and air travel running are working without pay until the government reopens.

“The longer a shutdown drags on, the more likely we are to see longer TSA lines, flight delays and cancellations, national parks in disrepair and unnecessary delays in modernizing travel infrastructure,” Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, warned in a statement.

Here’s what to know about the shutdown and its potential impacts on your travel plans.

Travelers can still fly despite the lapse in funding, and early on in the shutdown, they might not even notice any issues at the airport.

Control towers and airport security checkpoints will still be staffed, with about 13,200 air traffic controllers and more than 61,000 Transportation Security Administration employees expected to remain on the job.

But as more time passes for the workers since their last paycheck, travelers could start to see longer lines at security and flight interruptions, said Jeffrey Price, professor of aviation at the Metropolitan State University of Denver.

“The system does become a little bit more brittle, and the longer this goes, the more the traveler is going to notice it,” Price said.

That’s what happened in 2018 and 2019, when Trump led the country into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">its longest shutdown ever</a>&nbsp;for 35 days during his first term.

About three weeks into that shutdown, some unpaid security screeners started calling in sick, and air traffic controllers sued the government in a bid to get their paychecks. Miami International Airport had to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f147ae8bd1e44787aa11ebe725fd59c0">temporarily close</a>&nbsp;one of its terminals because TSA officers were calling in sick at twice the airport’s usual rate.

The latest shutdown is unfolding at a time when both the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration are already facing staffing shortages, including a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers.

If the system can’t handle the number of flights that are scheduled, the FAA will slow down landings and take offs and passengers will see more delays and cancellations.

Nick Daniels, president of the union that represents air traffic controllers, said a shutdown weakens the aviation safety system by adding stress on controllers and taking away many of the workers who support them and maintain the outdated system they rely on.

“They’re out there working right now with critical staffing — the lowest staffing we’ve had in decades of only 10,800, where there should be 14,633. And on top of that, they’re working with unreliable equipment,” Daniels said.

During the 35-day shutdown during Trump’s first term, controllers in the busiest U.S. air traffic facilities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/event/116th-congress/house-event/LC64697/text" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;working as much as 60 hours per week, and an increasing number of TSA agents also quit their jobs.

“This is more than just an inconvenience to the traveler,” Price said of the shutdown. “This is definitely going to bring up safety and security issues, if it really starts to go into the long term.”

Amtrak says its passengers trains will continue running. It operates more than 300 trains daily in 46 states, the D.C. area and three Canadian provinces.

In a statement, the country’s rail operator said that passengers planning to travel on its trains “in the coming days and weeks can be assured that Amtrak will remain open for business.”

Ports of entry into the country are expected to stay open for international travelers, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2025-09/DOT_Shutdown_Plan_9.30.25.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plan</a>.

The department estimated that about 63,000 workers at Customs and Border Protection would still report to work. They include employees who are responsible for protecting the country’s borders and monitoring traffic coming into the U.S. at official border crossings, like airports and land crossings from Canada and Mexico.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency responsible for overseeing the naturalization process, is primarily funded by application fees, meaning a lapse in funding at the federal government has minimal impacts on most passport and visa processing.

Agency spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said in a statement, however, that the shutdown does temporarily shutter the agency’s E-Verify program, a free online system that employers can use to confirm their new employees are authorized to work in the U.S.

Smithsonian museums, research centers and the National Zoo were scheduled to stay open to the public through at least Oct. 6. Further updates will be posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/PKDX7SulEi" target="_blank">the Smithsonian website</a>.

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex, with 17 museums and its zoo located in the Washington, D.C. area, as well as two museums in New York City.

National Parks will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-national-parks-liberty-bell-4c30b0b6db4ba8a7d0583a2d5fe58022">remain mostly open</a>&nbsp;during the shutdown.

The National Park Service’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plan</a>&nbsp;says park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials will “generally remain accessible to visitors.” But parks without ”accessible areas” will be closed, and additional sites could shutter if damage is done to park resources or garbage builds up during the shutdown.

The park service oversees 400 sites, including large national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, national battlefields and national monuments like the Statue of Liberty.

Associated Press transportation reporter Josh Funk contributed from Omaha, Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751991473798.png" alt="File photo TSA" />
 <figcaption>File photo TSA</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>,&nbsp; AP Airlines&nbsp;and&nbsp;Travel WriterIf a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-chuck-schumer-20e54a0f5e4fee909d0f9ea2c07c15e1">U.S. government shutdown</a>&nbsp;goes on long enough, it could throw a wrench in travel plans, potentially leading to longer airport wait times, flight delays and even cancellations.The shutdown began Wednesday after President Donald Trump and Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">failed to reach a deal</a>&nbsp;to continue funding government services and operations. That means a vast majority of employees who keep U.S. airports and air travel running are working without pay until the government reopens.“The longer a shutdown drags on, the more likely we are to see longer TSA lines, flight delays and cancellations, national parks in disrepair and unnecessary delays in modernizing travel infrastructure,” Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, warned in a statement.Here’s what to know about the shutdown and its potential impacts on your travel plans.<h2>Flying during a shutdown</h2>Travelers can still fly despite the lapse in funding, and early on in the shutdown, they might not even notice any issues at the airport.Control towers and airport security checkpoints will still be staffed, with about 13,200 air traffic controllers and more than 61,000 Transportation Security Administration employees expected to remain on the job.But as more time passes for the workers since their last paycheck, travelers could start to see longer lines at security and flight interruptions, said Jeffrey Price, professor of aviation at the Metropolitan State University of Denver.“The system does become a little bit more brittle, and the longer this goes, the more the traveler is going to notice it,” Price said.That’s what happened in 2018 and 2019, when Trump led the country into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">its longest shutdown ever</a>&nbsp;for 35 days during his first term.About three weeks into that shutdown, some unpaid security screeners started calling in sick, and air traffic controllers sued the government in a bid to get their paychecks. Miami International Airport had to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f147ae8bd1e44787aa11ebe725fd59c0">temporarily close</a>&nbsp;one of its terminals because TSA officers were calling in sick at twice the airport’s usual rate.The latest shutdown is unfolding at a time when both the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration are already facing staffing shortages, including a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers.If the system can’t handle the number of flights that are scheduled, the FAA will slow down landings and take offs and passengers will see more delays and cancellations.<h2>Safety at airports and in the air</h2>Nick Daniels, president of the union that represents air traffic controllers, said a shutdown weakens the aviation safety system by adding stress on controllers and taking away many of the workers who support them and maintain the outdated system they rely on.“They’re out there working right now with critical staffing — the lowest staffing we’ve had in decades of only 10,800, where there should be 14,633. And on top of that, they’re working with unreliable equipment,” Daniels said.During the 35-day shutdown during Trump’s first term, controllers in the busiest U.S. air traffic facilities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/event/116th-congress/house-event/LC64697/text" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;working as much as 60 hours per week, and an increasing number of TSA agents also quit their jobs.“This is more than just an inconvenience to the traveler,” Price said of the shutdown. “This is definitely going to bring up safety and security issues, if it really starts to go into the long term.”<h2>Travel by train</h2>Amtrak says its passengers trains will continue running. It operates more than 300 trains daily in 46 states, the D.C. area and three Canadian provinces.In a statement, the country’s rail operator said that passengers planning to travel on its trains “in the coming days and weeks can be assured that Amtrak will remain open for business.”<h2>International travel into the U.S.</h2>Ports of entry into the country are expected to stay open for international travelers, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2025-09/DOT_Shutdown_Plan_9.30.25.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plan</a>.The department estimated that about 63,000 workers at Customs and Border Protection would still report to work. They include employees who are responsible for protecting the country’s borders and monitoring traffic coming into the U.S. at official border crossings, like airports and land crossings from Canada and Mexico.<h2>Passports and visas</h2>The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency responsible for overseeing the naturalization process, is primarily funded by application fees, meaning a lapse in funding at the federal government has minimal impacts on most passport and visa processing.Agency spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said in a statement, however, that the shutdown does temporarily shutter the agency’s E-Verify program, a free online system that employers can use to confirm their new employees are authorized to work in the U.S.<h2>Museums and national parks</h2>Smithsonian museums, research centers and the National Zoo were scheduled to stay open to the public through at least Oct. 6. Further updates will be posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/PKDX7SulEi" target="_blank">the Smithsonian website</a>.The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex, with 17 museums and its zoo located in the Washington, D.C. area, as well as two museums in New York City.National Parks will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-national-parks-liberty-bell-4c30b0b6db4ba8a7d0583a2d5fe58022">remain mostly open</a>&nbsp;during the shutdown.The National Park Service’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plan</a>&nbsp;says park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials will “generally remain accessible to visitors.” But parks without ”accessible areas” will be closed, and additional sites could shutter if damage is done to park resources or garbage builds up during the shutdown.The park service oversees 400 sites, including large national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, national battlefields and national monuments like the Statue of Liberty.___Associated Press transportation reporter Josh Funk contributed from Omaha, Nebraska.

A prolonged US government shutdown could impact your travel plans

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Former Gov. Jeff Colyer returned to his hometown of Hays Tuesday to reflect on his career and outline his plan for Kansas' future.

"I'm thrilled and honored to be home. I'm a fifth-generation Hays person. Fort Hays educated my parents, my grandparents, and it was part of my education as well," he said.

Colyer, the only Kansas governor from Hays, served as the state’s 47th governor from January 2018 to January 2019. In May, he announced his 2026 gubernatorial campaign in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZZgu8UQVjg">YouTube video</a>.

Speaking at an event hosted by the FHSU College Republicans and a returning Turning Point USA chapter, he highlighted his record of steering the state budget from crisis to surplus.

"When I left office, instead of handing over a $500 million deficit and $800 in the checking account of the state of Kansas, I handed Laura Kelly an $800 million surplus, and we didn't raise taxes to do that," he said.

Colyer also touted cutting about 5,500 state jobs he deemed unnecessary. He criticized wokeism and DEI in education, urging instead a focus on reading, STEM, coding and artificial intelligence skills.

"Only one out of three third graders can read at the third-grade level in Kansas," Colyer said.

Colyer said the curriculum at the state and local school board levels needs to be reviewed and revised, noting ACT scores have fallen over the past seven years.

Toward the end of the evening, an attendee asked Colyer to define what he meant by wokeism in relation to his criticism of education.

"My definition is that it is something that gets rid of any sort of merit that is a politically inspired outcome," Colyer said.

Colyer said he resolved long-running K-12 finance lawsuits, noting that for 50 years before his tenure, every Kansas governor, regardless of party, had been sued and lost over inadequate school funding.

He said the funding did not come from new taxes but from cost savings that freed up about $1 billion annually, which was directed to education.

"What we did is privatized the Medicaid program a couple of years ago so that every person who was on Medicaid can have their choice of three different insurance policies," Colyer said. "That's how we were able to make government more efficient and allowed us to take care of K-12 education."

Another priority Colyer outlined, if elected governor again, is ensuring that the next generation can build a future in Kansas, with access to higher-value jobs and safer communities.

Colyer said local property taxes are going "crazy" and Kansas is one of the highest-tax states in the region.&nbsp;

"The reason I'm running for governor is because of people like you," Colyer said to the audience full of students and community members. "I want our kids to see their future in this state, and that their best future is in this state. Not in Texas, Arizona, Tennessee, it's here in Kansas."

Colyer discussed working with President Donald Trump during his first term and how Trump appointed him in February 2020 to chair the National Advisory Commission on Rural Health.

He said rural hospitals were a key focus, noting they had struggled to stay afloat for decades.

"Over the matter of weeks, we distributed billions of dollars. They all stayed open and were able to serve people. We did a lot in rural health to start improving, but we got a lot more to do both on the federal level and on the state level," he said.

He also pointed to water challenges in rural Kansas, noting their impact on energy, agriculture, data centers and population in the southwest region of the state.

Colyer also answered student questions on pursuing truth at universities and on protecting the unborn, pointing to his record as governor, where he said he signed 20 pro-life laws.

Colyer opened the event with his background in Hays, such as how attending Thomas More Prep-Marian influenced his life to become a surgeon, inspired by his mother's battle with breast cancer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759433974109.jpeg" alt="Former Gov. Jeff Colyer speaking at Fort Hays State University Memorial Union to students and community members. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Former Gov. Jeff Colyer speaking at Fort Hays State University Memorial Union to students and community members. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFormer Gov. Jeff Colyer returned to his hometown of Hays Tuesday to reflect on his career and outline his plan for Kansas' future."I'm thrilled and honored to be home. I'm a fifth-generation Hays person. Fort Hays educated my parents, my grandparents, and it was part of my education as well," he said.Colyer, the only Kansas governor from Hays, served as the state’s 47th governor from January 2018 to January 2019. In May, he announced his 2026 gubernatorial campaign in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZZgu8UQVjg">YouTube video</a>. Speaking at an event hosted by the FHSU College Republicans and a returning Turning Point USA chapter, he highlighted his record of steering the state budget from crisis to surplus."When I left office, instead of handing over a $500 million deficit and $800 in the checking account of the state of Kansas, I handed Laura Kelly an $800 million surplus, and we didn't raise taxes to do that," he said.Colyer also touted cutting about 5,500 state jobs he deemed unnecessary. He criticized wokeism and DEI in education, urging instead a focus on reading, STEM, coding and artificial intelligence skills."Only one out of three third graders can read at the third-grade level in Kansas," Colyer said.Colyer said the curriculum at the state and local school board levels needs to be reviewed and revised, noting ACT scores have fallen over the past seven years.Toward the end of the evening, an attendee asked Colyer to define what he meant by wokeism in relation to his criticism of education."My definition is that it is something that gets rid of any sort of merit that is a politically inspired outcome," Colyer said.Colyer said he resolved long-running K-12 finance lawsuits, noting that for 50 years before his tenure, every Kansas governor, regardless of party, had been sued and lost over inadequate school funding.He said the funding did not come from new taxes but from cost savings that freed up about $1 billion annually, which was directed to education."What we did is privatized the Medicaid program a couple of years ago so that every person who was on Medicaid can have their choice of three different insurance policies," Colyer said. "That's how we were able to make government more efficient and allowed us to take care of K-12 education."Another priority Colyer outlined, if elected governor again, is ensuring that the next generation can build a future in Kansas, with access to higher-value jobs and safer communities.Colyer said local property taxes are going "crazy" and Kansas is one of the highest-tax states in the region.&nbsp;"The reason I'm running for governor is because of people like you," Colyer said to the audience full of students and community members. "I want our kids to see their future in this state, and that their best future is in this state. Not in Texas, Arizona, Tennessee, it's here in Kansas."Colyer discussed working with President Donald Trump during his first term and how Trump appointed him in February 2020 to chair the National Advisory Commission on Rural Health.He said rural hospitals were a key focus, noting they had struggled to stay afloat for decades."Over the matter of weeks, we distributed billions of dollars. They all stayed open and were able to serve people. We did a lot in rural health to start improving, but we got a lot more to do both on the federal level and on the state level," he said.He also pointed to water challenges in rural Kansas, noting their impact on energy, agriculture, data centers and population in the southwest region of the state.Colyer also answered student questions on pursuing truth at universities and on protecting the unborn, pointing to his record as governor, where he said he signed 20 pro-life laws.Colyer opened the event with his background in Hays, such as how attending Thomas More Prep-Marian influenced his life to become a surgeon, inspired by his mother's battle with breast cancer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759433949591.jpeg" alt="Former Gov. Jeff Colyer speaking at Fort Hays State University Memorial Union to students and community members. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Former Gov. Jeff Colyer speaking at Fort Hays State University Memorial Union to students and community members. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Former Gov. Jeff Colyer shares vision for Kansas at FHSU

JOPLIN, Mo. – Josh Clark had his first career 100-yard rushing game, Caleb Heavner accounted for three touchdowns and Fort Hays State extended its winning streak in Joplin to seven games with a 28-21 win over Missouri Southern State Saturday afternoon at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. The Tigers have now won 11 of their last 12 against the Lions.

Fort Hays State (4-2, 3-1 MIAA) rushed for a season-high 254 yards led by Clark's career-best 116. Quarterback Caleb Heavner added 94 on the ground and rushed for two touchdowns.

Heavner's 12-yard touchdown run on the Tigers first possession gave them the early lead. The Lions (2-3, 0-3 MIAA) answered with a 70-yard touchdown pass on their second possession to tie the game 7-7. The Tigers took the lead back for good early in the second quarter when Zane Hall connected on a 32-yard field goal. Later in the quarter, Heavner found Cale Cormaney for a 16-yard touchdown pass to put the Tigers up 17-7. For a second-straight game, the Tigers allowed a touchdown pass on the final play of the first half, this time a 34-yard pass from freshman quarterback TIllman Martin to Isaiah Padello to pull MSSU within 17-14 at halftime.

John Johnson forced a fumble on the first play of the third quarter which set up a 39-yard field goal by Hall, pushing the Tiger lead to 20-14. The Tiger defense forced punts on the next two Lions possessions and eventually extended their lead to 28-14 early in the fourth quarter on a goal line plunge by Heavner. The scoring play was set up by a 58-yard rush by Clark down to the two yard line.

An interception by Michael Chavez on MSSU's first drive of the fourth quarter helped the Tigers chew up more time. The Lions eventually scored a touchdown with a 4th-down, goal line plunge by Martin with 1:11 remaining in the game. The Tigers secured a pooch kick, but had to punt with 19 seconds remaining in the game. The Lions were called for a penalty on the punt which gave the Tigers a first down which allowed them to run out the clock.

In addition to his big game running the ball, Heavner threw for 125 yards and a touchdown. Keyshawn Dooley led the Tigers with 31 receiving yards..

Johnson led the Tiger defense with 10 tackles, the forced fumble which gave him a sack, and a pass breakup. Gavin Meyers added nine tackles, while Chavez also had eight tackles and a sack that created a fumble that set up the Cormaney touchdown in the second quarter.

Freshman Tillman Martin threw for 322 yards for MSSU but the Lions produced just 65 rushing yards.&nbsp;

The Tigers return home to play host to 2024 MIAA champion Central Oklahoma on Saturday (Oct. 11) at 7 p.m. The Bronchos entered Saturday 2-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759640821965.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostJOPLIN, Mo. – Josh Clark had his first career 100-yard rushing game, Caleb Heavner accounted for three touchdowns and Fort Hays State extended its winning streak in Joplin to seven games with a 28-21 win over Missouri Southern State Saturday afternoon at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. The Tigers have now won 11 of their last 12 against the Lions.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182527471&color=%23ff5500&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/chris-brown-postgame-v-1" title="Chris Brown Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State (4-2, 3-1 MIAA) rushed for a season-high 254 yards led by Clark's career-best 116. Quarterback Caleb Heavner added 94 on the ground and rushed for two touchdowns.Heavner's 12-yard touchdown run on the Tigers first possession gave them the early lead. The Lions (2-3, 0-3 MIAA) answered with a 70-yard touchdown pass on their second possession to tie the game 7-7. The Tigers took the lead back for good early in the second quarter when Zane Hall connected on a 32-yard field goal. Later in the quarter, Heavner found Cale Cormaney for a 16-yard touchdown pass to put the Tigers up 17-7. For a second-straight game, the Tigers allowed a touchdown pass on the final play of the first half, this time a 34-yard pass from freshman quarterback TIllman Martin to Isaiah Padello to pull MSSU within 17-14 at halftime.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182527639&color=%23ff5500&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/caleb-heavner-interview-10-3" title="Caleb Heavner Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Caleb Heavner Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)</a></div></div>John Johnson forced a fumble on the first play of the third quarter which set up a 39-yard field goal by Hall, pushing the Tiger lead to 20-14. The Tiger defense forced punts on the next two Lions possessions and eventually extended their lead to 28-14 early in the fourth quarter on a goal line plunge by Heavner. The scoring play was set up by a 58-yard rush by Clark down to the two yard line.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182527927&color=%23ff5500&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/michael-chavez-interview-10-4" title="Michael Chavez Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Michael Chavez Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)</a></div></div>An interception by Michael Chavez on MSSU's first drive of the fourth quarter helped the Tigers chew up more time. The Lions eventually scored a touchdown with a 4th-down, goal line plunge by Martin with 1:11 remaining in the game. The Tigers secured a pooch kick, but had to punt with 19 seconds remaining in the game. The Lions were called for a penalty on the punt which gave the Tigers a first down which allowed them to run out the clock.In addition to his big game running the ball, Heavner threw for 125 yards and a touchdown. Keyshawn Dooley led the Tigers with 31 receiving yards..Johnson led the Tiger defense with 10 tackles, the forced fumble which gave him a sack, and a pass breakup. Gavin Meyers added nine tackles, while Chavez also had eight tackles and a sack that created a fumble that set up the Cormaney touchdown in the second quarter.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182527271&color=%23ff5500&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/fhsu-football-vs-mo-southern" title="Fort Hays State FB Highlights at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State FB Highlights at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)</a></div></div>Freshman Tillman Martin threw for 322 yards for MSSU but the Lions produced just 65 rushing yards.&nbsp;Up nextThe Tigers return home to play host to 2024 MIAA champion Central Oklahoma on Saturday (Oct. 11) at 7 p.m. The Bronchos entered Saturday 2-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA.

🏈 Tigers continue winning ways in Joplin, down Lions

By DIANE O'BRIEN Special to Hays Post Sports

HAYS - Following three straight one-goal losses in defensive battles, the Hays High boys’ soccer team enjoyed a huge offensive show on its home field Saturday.

The Indians scored four goals in each half en route to an 8-1 non-conference win over Hesston.

Junior Ivan Maldonado exploded for four goals in the first half to give the Indians a 4-1 halftime lead.

HHS then got two goals from senior Kal Lonsdale in the second half, as well as one each from junior Cyler Luck and freshman Jack Schumacher, to account for the final margin.

The win helped even the Indians’ overall record at 5-5. They will be on the road Tuesday at Dodge City before entertaining Junction City in a home contest Thursday.

By DIANE O'BRIEN Special to Hays Post SportsHAYS - Following three straight one-goal losses in defensive battles, the Hays High boys’ soccer team enjoyed a huge offensive show on its home field Saturday.The Indians scored four goals in each half en route to an 8-1 non-conference win over Hesston.Junior Ivan Maldonado exploded for four goals in the first half to give the Indians a 4-1 halftime lead.HHS then got two goals from senior Kal Lonsdale in the second half, as well as one each from junior Cyler Luck and freshman Jack Schumacher, to account for the final margin.The win helped even the Indians’ overall record at 5-5. They will be on the road Tuesday at Dodge City before entertaining Junction City in a home contest Thursday.

⚽ Indian soccer dominates at home

SAINT JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team fell in straight sets against Missouri Western State on Saturday, losing 25-13, 25-23, 25-13. The Tigers are now 13-3 overall and 2-2 in MIAA play, while the Griffons improve to 10-5 on the year and 2-2 in league action.

A pair of 5-0 runs for the Griffons helped the home team take control in the opening set, winning 25-13. The Tigers kept things close in a second set that included seven ties and five lead changes. Fort Hays State led by as many as five at 11-6 thanks to kills from Ashlyn Reeves and Ella Goodwin, but MWSU rallied to tie the score at 13. The Tigers then led as late as 16-15 before the Griffons regained control with a 5-1 run that eventually led to a 25-23 win.

Fort Hays State scored the first three points in the third set and held that three-point advantage as late as 12-9 before the Griffons brought things to a close with a 16-1 run.

Abrey Galt posted 15 assists and added two service aces while contributing 10 digs. Reeves recorded six kills on 12 attempts and added a block assist. Kirsten Evans led the defense with 13 digs and also delivered a service ace. Noelle Sutcliffe paced MWSU with 11 kills. The Tigers hit .049 as a team, while the Griffons recorded a swing rate of .282.

The Tigers will next travel to Kearney, Neb. to take on third-ranked Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday (Oct. 7) beginning at 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759639626023.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Zach Woolf" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Zach Woolf</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsSAINT JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team fell in straight sets against Missouri Western State on Saturday, losing 25-13, 25-23, 25-13. The Tigers are now 13-3 overall and 2-2 in MIAA play, while the Griffons improve to 10-5 on the year and 2-2 in league action.A pair of 5-0 runs for the Griffons helped the home team take control in the opening set, winning 25-13. The Tigers kept things close in a second set that included seven ties and five lead changes. Fort Hays State led by as many as five at 11-6 thanks to kills from Ashlyn Reeves and Ella Goodwin, but MWSU rallied to tie the score at 13. The Tigers then led as late as 16-15 before the Griffons regained control with a 5-1 run that eventually led to a 25-23 win.Fort Hays State scored the first three points in the third set and held that three-point advantage as late as 12-9 before the Griffons brought things to a close with a 16-1 run.Abrey Galt posted 15 assists and added two service aces while contributing 10 digs. Reeves recorded six kills on 12 attempts and added a block assist. Kirsten Evans led the defense with 13 digs and also delivered a service ace. Noelle Sutcliffe paced MWSU with 11 kills. The Tigers hit .049 as a team, while the Griffons recorded a swing rate of .282.The Tigers will next travel to Kearney, Neb. to take on third-ranked Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday (Oct. 7) beginning at 6 p.m.

🏐 Tigers tripped up at Missouri Western

MILFORD LAKE, Kan. - The Hays High boys and girls cross country teams travelled to Milford Lake Saturday to compete in the Junction City Invitational. Both teams placed seventh.

The lone medalists was freshman Alexa Cooley who finished 17th (22:28.0). Bladyn Werth led the boys with a 22nd place finish (19:00.0).

Hays Post SportsMILFORD LAKE, Kan. - The Hays High boys and girls cross country teams travelled to Milford Lake Saturday to compete in the Junction City Invitational. Both teams placed seventh.The lone medalists was freshman Alexa Cooley who finished 17th (22:28.0). Bladyn Werth led the boys with a 22nd place finish (19:00.0).

👟 Cooley leads HHS at Junction City Invitational

NEW YORK (AP) — The curtain has been drawn. The stage lights are on. It’s time for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-new-album-life-of-showgirl-c4262686b5b68ee210f7571b8716ab51">“The Life of a Showgirl.”</a>

For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift’s</a>&nbsp;most dedicated audience, a new album means new opportunities to decode Easter eggs in her lyrics and music videos. The pop superstar’s 12th studio album has no shortage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/domestic-news-domestic-news-general-news-f77fd05cd59ed180af3461c26c5b7e6d">of clever clues and references</a>&nbsp;to her public life and discography. Many are opaque, revealing just enough to inspire a myriad of fan theories. Others are concrete – explicit names and places worth exploring. Below, you will find a guide to those instances, and how they relate to Swift.

Lyric: “That view of Portofino was on my mind / When you called me at the Plaza Athénée”

Meaning: When Swift announced her new album, she did so with the introduction of a shade she’s calling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-life-showgirl-orange-color-0a7e40dd51b4aae99ca1a67fbb5e7f89">Portofino Orange Glitter</a>&nbsp;after donning the color onstage during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-tour-end-06a41d7c717486f2c0e99a7304789912">latter part of her “Eras Tour.”</a>&nbsp;“I’ve just always liked it,” she said of the hue during her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-new-heights-podcast-e26d4150cd1fa7bf7cea189e48237663">first appearance on “New Heights,”</a>&nbsp;the popular, typically football-focused podcast hosted by her fiancé Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce. “It feels like energetically how my life has felt. And this album is about what was going on behind the scenes in my inner life during this tour.” She and beau Kelce were spotted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-europe-eras-tour-fans-bcf8a207f06fd1f3e17a2f3f3b24dab5">last year in Lake Como, Italy,</a>&nbsp;but it is unclear if they spent time in nearby Portofino. Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-life-showgirl-streaming-vinyl-guide-e6ae27ac62d972be042e849dc31e140c">the standard version of her album</a>&nbsp;is available in “sweat and vanilla perfume Portofino orange vinyl.” As for the Plaza Athénée? That’s a luxury hotel in Paris.

Lyric: “Be my NY when Hollywood hates me”

Meaning: Both locations make appearances in Swift’s songwriting. Among them: “Welcome to New York” from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-1989-taylors-version-a4002b50f70b5899a846baf3e20de5ab">2014’s “1989”</a>&nbsp;and “White Horse” from 2008’s “Fearless.” She also owns property in both locations.

Lyric: “Babe, I would trade the Cartier for someone to trust … just kidding”

Meaning: In August of this year, Swift&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">announced her engagement</a>&nbsp;to Kelce by posting a carousel of images on Instagram. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that the ring wasn’t the only jewelry she was showing off. She was also wearing a Cartier watch.

Lyric: “We hit the best booth at Musso &amp; Frank’s”

Meaning: Since opening in 1919, Musso &amp; Frank Grill has been a hot spot for celebrities in Los Angeles – embodying the kind of old school Hollywood glamor that inspired “The Life of a Showgirl” artwork.

Lyric: “All my white diamonds and lovers are forever”

Meaning: The song is titled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-new-york-celebrity-06f0da0426e19668a99c8db81a98a328">“Elizabeth Taylor”</a>&nbsp;after the classic Hollywood starlet who, in 1991, created her own perfume called “White Diamonds.”

Lyric: “You drive, 85 / Gallatin Road and the lakeside beach”

Meaning: There are several Gallatin Roads in the United States, but given the other lyrics in the song, this one likely refers to a street in Hendersonville, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, where Swift spent her adolescence.

Lyric: “But as the 50 Cent song played”

Meaning: A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/50-cent">50 Cent</a>&nbsp;reference further implies this song is rooted in Swift’s teen years in the ’00s, when the rapper was at the height of his popularity. The song also mentions “prom” and “second period,” what is typically associated with high school.

Lyric: “When I left school, I lost track of you / Abigail called me with the bad news / Goodbye”

Meaning: Abigail refers to Swift’s best friend AbigailAnderson, who she attended Hendersonville High School with. This marks the second time Abigail is mentioned in Swift’s discography: the first is the evocative “Fifteen” from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-redoing-fearless-album-127eefa2a3ef3373e65507495f50145c">“Fearless.”</a>

Lyric: “Redwood tree / It ain’t hard to see”

Meaning: In Oct. 2023, Swift and Kelce made a surprise appearance at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/saturday-night-live">“Saturday Night Live”</a>&nbsp;for a season premiere episode that featured host Pete Davidson and musical performer/friend to Swift, Ice Spice.Afterwards, “SNL” cast member Bowen Yang described the couple as the “tallest people in the world,” on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-culturistas-culture-awards-matt-rogers-interview-1fefa3101f502806773f8e9976d1f00d">“Las Culturistas”</a>&nbsp;podcast he co-hosts with comedian Matt Rogers. “I see them together, I go, ‘I am in the Redwood Forest.’” Hence, “Redwood tree.”

Meaning:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-heights-podcast-taylor-swift-kelce-e5b21dc74fdc8aebf04f383e5dc11b0b">“New Heights”</a>&nbsp;is a direct reference to the Kelces’ podcast of the same name.

Lyric: “Summertime spritz, pink skies”

Meaning:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-life-showgirl-streaming-vinyl-guide-e6ae27ac62d972be042e849dc31e140c">Physical album variants</a>&nbsp;have been a huge part of Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” rollout, and in some ways, they appear in the lyrics of “Honey.” The color of her exclusive vinyl release with Target, “The Crowd Is Your King” edition, was described online as “summertime spritz pink shimmer.”

Meaning: This line relates to another one of her variants: “The Shiny Bug Collection,” which is available in “violet shimmer marbled vinyl” and more relevantly, “wintergreen and onyx marbled vinyl.” (“Violet” is mentioned in “Elizabeth Tylor,” as is “onyx” in “Opalite.”)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737974936244.jpeg" alt="File photo -Donna Kelce stands with her son Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Donna Kelce stands with her son Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The curtain has been drawn. The stage lights are on. It’s time for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-new-album-life-of-showgirl-c4262686b5b68ee210f7571b8716ab51">“The Life of a Showgirl.”</a>For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift’s</a>&nbsp;most dedicated audience, a new album means new opportunities to decode Easter eggs in her lyrics and music videos. The pop superstar’s 12th studio album has no shortage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/domestic-news-domestic-news-general-news-f77fd05cd59ed180af3461c26c5b7e6d">of clever clues and references</a>&nbsp;to her public life and discography. Many are opaque, revealing just enough to inspire a myriad of fan theories. Others are concrete – explicit names and places worth exploring. Below, you will find a guide to those instances, and how they relate to Swift.Read on, and happy digging!<h2>“Elizabeth Taylor”</h2>Lyric: “That view of Portofino was on my mind / When you called me at the Plaza Athénée”Meaning: When Swift announced her new album, she did so with the introduction of a shade she’s calling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-life-showgirl-orange-color-0a7e40dd51b4aae99ca1a67fbb5e7f89">Portofino Orange Glitter</a>&nbsp;after donning the color onstage during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-tour-end-06a41d7c717486f2c0e99a7304789912">latter part of her “Eras Tour.”</a>&nbsp;“I’ve just always liked it,” she said of the hue during her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-new-heights-podcast-e26d4150cd1fa7bf7cea189e48237663">first appearance on “New Heights,”</a>&nbsp;the popular, typically football-focused podcast hosted by her fiancé Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce. “It feels like energetically how my life has felt. And this album is about what was going on behind the scenes in my inner life during this tour.” She and beau Kelce were spotted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-europe-eras-tour-fans-bcf8a207f06fd1f3e17a2f3f3b24dab5">last year in Lake Como, Italy,</a>&nbsp;but it is unclear if they spent time in nearby Portofino. Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-life-showgirl-streaming-vinyl-guide-e6ae27ac62d972be042e849dc31e140c">the standard version of her album</a>&nbsp;is available in “sweat and vanilla perfume Portofino orange vinyl.” As for the Plaza Athénée? That’s a luxury hotel in Paris.Lyric: “Be my NY when Hollywood hates me”Meaning: Both locations make appearances in Swift’s songwriting. Among them: “Welcome to New York” from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-1989-taylors-version-a4002b50f70b5899a846baf3e20de5ab">2014’s “1989”</a>&nbsp;and “White Horse” from 2008’s “Fearless.” She also owns property in both locations.Lyric: “Babe, I would trade the Cartier for someone to trust … just kidding”Meaning: In August of this year, Swift&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">announced her engagement</a>&nbsp;to Kelce by posting a carousel of images on Instagram. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that the ring wasn’t the only jewelry she was showing off. She was also wearing a Cartier watch.Lyric: “We hit the best booth at Musso &amp; Frank’s”Meaning: Since opening in 1919, Musso &amp; Frank Grill has been a hot spot for celebrities in Los Angeles – embodying the kind of old school Hollywood glamor that inspired “The Life of a Showgirl” artwork.Lyric: “All my white diamonds and lovers are forever”Meaning: The song is titled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-new-york-celebrity-06f0da0426e19668a99c8db81a98a328">“Elizabeth Taylor”</a>&nbsp;after the classic Hollywood starlet who, in 1991, created her own perfume called “White Diamonds.”<h2>“Ruin the Friendship”</h2>Lyric: “You drive, 85 / Gallatin Road and the lakeside beach”Meaning: There are several Gallatin Roads in the United States, but given the other lyrics in the song, this one likely refers to a street in Hendersonville, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, where Swift spent her adolescence.Lyric: “But as the 50 Cent song played”Meaning: A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/50-cent">50 Cent</a>&nbsp;reference further implies this song is rooted in Swift’s teen years in the ’00s, when the rapper was at the height of his popularity. The song also mentions “prom” and “second period,” what is typically associated with high school.Lyric: “When I left school, I lost track of you / Abigail called me with the bad news / Goodbye”Meaning: Abigail refers to Swift’s best friend AbigailAnderson, who she attended Hendersonville High School with. This marks the second time Abigail is mentioned in Swift’s discography: the first is the evocative “Fifteen” from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-redoing-fearless-album-127eefa2a3ef3373e65507495f50145c">“Fearless.”</a><h2>“Wood”</h2>Lyric: “Redwood tree / It ain’t hard to see”Meaning: In Oct. 2023, Swift and Kelce made a surprise appearance at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/saturday-night-live">“Saturday Night Live”</a>&nbsp;for a season premiere episode that featured host Pete Davidson and musical performer/friend to Swift, Ice Spice.Afterwards, “SNL” cast member Bowen Yang described the couple as the “tallest people in the world,” on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-culturistas-culture-awards-matt-rogers-interview-1fefa3101f502806773f8e9976d1f00d">“Las Culturistas”</a>&nbsp;podcast he co-hosts with comedian Matt Rogers. “I see them together, I go, ‘I am in the Redwood Forest.’” Hence, “Redwood tree.”Lyric: “New Heights of manhood”Meaning:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-heights-podcast-taylor-swift-kelce-e5b21dc74fdc8aebf04f383e5dc11b0b">“New Heights”</a>&nbsp;is a direct reference to the Kelces’ podcast of the same name.<h2>“Honey”</h2>Lyric: “Summertime spritz, pink skies”Meaning:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-life-showgirl-streaming-vinyl-guide-e6ae27ac62d972be042e849dc31e140c">Physical album variants</a>&nbsp;have been a huge part of Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” rollout, and in some ways, they appear in the lyrics of “Honey.” The color of her exclusive vinyl release with Target, “The Crowd Is Your King” edition, was described online as “summertime spritz pink shimmer.”Lyric: “Wintergreen kiss, all mine”Meaning: This line relates to another one of her variants: “The Shiny Bug Collection,” which is available in “violet shimmer marbled vinyl” and more relevantly, “wintergreen and onyx marbled vinyl.” (“Violet” is mentioned in “Elizabeth Tylor,” as is “onyx” in “Opalite.”)

Taylor Swift's new album features references to Travis Kelce

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

QUINTER — La Crosse leaned on big plays, opportunistic defense, and the all-around efforts of Christian Rush and Lee Holopirek to outlast Quinter 58-44 in a wild back-and-forth district matchup Friday night.

The Leopards (3-2, 1-1 District 7) opened with three straight touchdown drives, all capped by Holopirek runs, to build a 22-8 lead early in the second quarter. But Quinter (2-3, 1-1) clawed back behind freshman quarterback Easton Blackwill, who accounted for all six Bulldog touchdowns on the night. A 21-yard strike to Cooper Havlas gave Quinter a 24-22 advantage midway through the second quarter, their first lead of the night.

Momentum swung wildly before halftime. After La Crosse regained the lead on a Connor Spreier score, Quinter answered with a Blackwill sneak to go up 32-30. La Crosse immediately responded with a Rush-to-Trenton Skillett touchdown to regain a 36-32 edge at the break.

The second half belonged to the Leopard defense. Rush opened the third quarter with a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown, one of three second-half interceptions thrown by Blackwill. Holopirek and Tyson Steinert also added picks to keep Quinter’s explosive passing game in check.

Even so, the Bulldogs kept coming. Blackwill connected with Jax Ruf for his second touchdown grab and later found Havlas again to cut the deficit to 52-44 with 5:41 left. But La Crosse responded with a clock-draining drive, capped by a fourth-down conversion run from Holopirek and a game-sealing 42-yard touchdown by Hooper Castaneda in the final minute. Steinert’s interception ended Quinter’s last possession.

Rush finished with 222 total yards and three touchdowns, including the defensive score. Holopirek added 75 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Skillett led receivers with 52 yards and a score.

Blackwill threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for two more, but his three interceptions proved costly. Ruf hauled in 107 receiving yards and two touchdowns to lead Quinter.

La Crosse rolled up 380 yards of offense, including 286 on the ground, while converting three fourth downs and going 4-for-4 in the red zone. Quinter was limited to just 14 rushing yards but found success through the air.

The Leopards, who beat Quinter 42-24 a year ago, have now topped 30 points in back-to-back weeks.

LaCrosse will host Wichita County, while Quinter will travel to Ellis in week 6.&nbsp;

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsQUINTER — La Crosse leaned on big plays, opportunistic defense, and the all-around efforts of Christian Rush and Lee Holopirek to outlast Quinter 58-44 in a wild back-and-forth district matchup Friday night.The Leopards (3-2, 1-1 District 7) opened with three straight touchdown drives, all capped by Holopirek runs, to build a 22-8 lead early in the second quarter. But Quinter (2-3, 1-1) clawed back behind freshman quarterback Easton Blackwill, who accounted for all six Bulldog touchdowns on the night. A 21-yard strike to Cooper Havlas gave Quinter a 24-22 advantage midway through the second quarter, their first lead of the night.Momentum swung wildly before halftime. After La Crosse regained the lead on a Connor Spreier score, Quinter answered with a Blackwill sneak to go up 32-30. La Crosse immediately responded with a Rush-to-Trenton Skillett touchdown to regain a 36-32 edge at the break.The second half belonged to the Leopard defense. Rush opened the third quarter with a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown, one of three second-half interceptions thrown by Blackwill. Holopirek and Tyson Steinert also added picks to keep Quinter’s explosive passing game in check.Even so, the Bulldogs kept coming. Blackwill connected with Jax Ruf for his second touchdown grab and later found Havlas again to cut the deficit to 52-44 with 5:41 left. But La Crosse responded with a clock-draining drive, capped by a fourth-down conversion run from Holopirek and a game-sealing 42-yard touchdown by Hooper Castaneda in the final minute. Steinert’s interception ended Quinter’s last possession.Rush finished with 222 total yards and three touchdowns, including the defensive score. Holopirek added 75 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Skillett led receivers with 52 yards and a score.Blackwill threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for two more, but his three interceptions proved costly. Ruf hauled in 107 receiving yards and two touchdowns to lead Quinter.La Crosse rolled up 380 yards of offense, including 286 on the ground, while converting three fourth downs and going 4-for-4 in the red zone. Quinter was limited to just 14 rushing yards but found success through the air.The Leopards, who beat Quinter 42-24 a year ago, have now topped 30 points in back-to-back weeks.LaCrosse will host Wichita County, while Quinter will travel to Ellis in week 6.&nbsp;

🏈 La Crosse pulls away late to top Quinter in district shootout

WASHINGTON — Federal officials have approved another generic version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-makary-22576dbfafca1afe0146ee496540c9a4">abortion pill mifepristone</a>, a regulatory formality that quickly triggered pushback from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medicaid-trump-planned-parenthood-supreme-court-c512ec676b99d521d240bedeb7f85574">anti-abortion groups</a>&nbsp;and politicians aligned with the Trump administration.

Drugmaker Evita Solutions announced on its website that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-food-and-drug-administration">Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;signed off on its low-cost form of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-makary-22576dbfafca1afe0146ee496540c9a4">pill</a>, which is approved to end pregnancies through 10 weeks.

On his social media account, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Warning on abortion pills: 11% suffer hemorrhaging, infection, or sepsis; almost everyone endures brutal cramping. Skipping doctor visits means higher failures from undiagnosed gestational age—no ultrasound!"

"These are category X drugs and have high risk severe fetal anomalies if baby survives. Biden admin dismissed key research, allowing mail-order teratogens via Amazon. Every woman should always seek in-person medical advice from their doctor."

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri also criticized the move in a post on X, stating, “I have lost confidence in the leadership at FDA.”

Students for Life Action, which opposes abortion, in a statement called the approval “a stain on the Trump presidency and another sign that the deep state at the FDA must go.”

A spokesperson for the agency said the FDA “has very limited discretion in deciding whether to approve a generic drug," and added that FDA officials do not “endorse any product.”

The criticism comes as Republican President Donald Trump’s top health officials, including Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccines-food-additives-pharmaceuticals-trump-797750f5f141161778792e84602b57c8">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, face growing pressure from abortion opponents to reevaluate mifepristone, which was approved 25 years ago and has repeatedly been deemed safe and effective by FDA scientists.

In a letter to Republican attorneys general last month, Kennedy and FDA Commissioner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fda-commissioner-senate-vaccines-food-3a502dc95c7fe98db71f0a39969e17fd">Dr. Marty Makary</a>&nbsp;pledged to conduct a full review of the drug’s safety.

Under Makary and Kennedy, the FDA has repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccine-novavax-fda-trump-covid-study-4b4465ad77cfb0554b27b7d59c40ae32">delayed decisions on vaccines</a>, ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-rfk-kennedy-trump-covid-fda-novavax-b50f4d6fbcca378eb89b059bc8a91477">narrowing the terms of approval</a>&nbsp;for this year's COVID-19 shots. That type of political intervention was previously highly unusual at the FDA, where career scientists typically make such decisions.

The FDA approved the original version of mifepristone in 2000 and gradually eased access over time. That included approving the first generic pill, from drugmaker GenBioPro, in 2019.

In 2021, the FDA under Democratic President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-health-medication-a6634601a37fb048aecdd9f030e0863a">permitted online prescribing</a>&nbsp;and mail-order delivery of the drug, greatly expanding access. Abortion opponents have been fighting the change ever since.

Approval of generic drugs is typically a rote process at the FDA, with multiple copycat versions usually approved after the patent on the original drug expires. In most cases, generic drugmakers only need to show that their drug matches the ingredients and formula used in the original medication.

“This is exactly how our system is supposed to work, and it has worked this way for decades," said Mini Timmaraju of Reproductive Freedom for All. “Career scientists and civil servants at the FDA did their jobs.”

The FDA typically approves such applications within 10 months. But filing documents posted to the FDA’s website show that Evita Solutions filed its application to market mifepristone four years ago.

On its website, Evita states that it “believes that all people should have access to safe, affordable, high-quality, effective, and compassionate abortion care.”

The company said in an email that the drug is expected to launch in January of next year.

Approval of a second generic is unlikely to affect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifespristone-state-lawsuit-f03bfe0d9b9fc04e4c8b01a1c6d16851">access to the pill</a>, which is typically taken with another drug, misoprostol. The combination accounts for roughly two-thirds of all U.S. abortions. Mifepristone dilates the cervix and blocks the hormone progesterone, while misoprostol causes the uterus to cramp and contract.

Access to mifepristone is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-mifepristone-supreme-court-kansas-idaho-missouri-5cc89d289ced29a1274423b43789397f">restricted</a>&nbsp;across large sections of the country because of state laws that ban abortion — including medication abortion — or impose separate restrictions on the drug’s use. Those laws are subject to a number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">ongoing lawsuits</a>&nbsp;that are winding their way through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/supreme-court-mifepristone-ruling-abortion-pill-updates">the legal system.</a>

Restrictions on the pill are not supported by most major medical societies, including the American Medical Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967437018.png" alt="photo AP" />
 <figcaption>photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Federal officials have approved another generic version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-makary-22576dbfafca1afe0146ee496540c9a4">abortion pill mifepristone</a>, a regulatory formality that quickly triggered pushback from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medicaid-trump-planned-parenthood-supreme-court-c512ec676b99d521d240bedeb7f85574">anti-abortion groups</a>&nbsp;and politicians aligned with the Trump administration.Drugmaker Evita Solutions announced on its website that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-food-and-drug-administration">Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;signed off on its low-cost form of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-makary-22576dbfafca1afe0146ee496540c9a4">pill</a>, which is approved to end pregnancies through 10 weeks.On his social media account, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Warning on abortion pills: 11% suffer hemorrhaging, infection, or sepsis; almost everyone endures brutal cramping. Skipping doctor visits means higher failures from undiagnosed gestational age—no ultrasound!""These are category X drugs and have high risk severe fetal anomalies if baby survives. Biden admin dismissed key research, allowing mail-order teratogens via Amazon. Every woman should always seek in-person medical advice from their doctor."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The FDA has approved a new abortion drug, which may render its promised “safety study” of chemical abortions irrelevant. I want to know how this happened. <a href="https://t.co/DTd5LsiTKY">pic.twitter.com/DTd5LsiTKY</a>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1974199810761642419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri also criticized the move in a post on X, stating, “I have lost confidence in the leadership at FDA.”Students for Life Action, which opposes abortion, in a statement called the approval “a stain on the Trump presidency and another sign that the deep state at the FDA must go.”A spokesperson for the agency said the FDA “has very limited discretion in deciding whether to approve a generic drug," and added that FDA officials do not “endorse any product.”The criticism comes as Republican President Donald Trump’s top health officials, including Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccines-food-additives-pharmaceuticals-trump-797750f5f141161778792e84602b57c8">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, face growing pressure from abortion opponents to reevaluate mifepristone, which was approved 25 years ago and has repeatedly been deemed safe and effective by FDA scientists.In a letter to Republican attorneys general last month, Kennedy and FDA Commissioner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fda-commissioner-senate-vaccines-food-3a502dc95c7fe98db71f0a39969e17fd">Dr. Marty Makary</a>&nbsp;pledged to conduct a full review of the drug’s safety.Under Makary and Kennedy, the FDA has repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccine-novavax-fda-trump-covid-study-4b4465ad77cfb0554b27b7d59c40ae32">delayed decisions on vaccines</a>, ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-rfk-kennedy-trump-covid-fda-novavax-b50f4d6fbcca378eb89b059bc8a91477">narrowing the terms of approval</a>&nbsp;for this year's COVID-19 shots. That type of political intervention was previously highly unusual at the FDA, where career scientists typically make such decisions.The FDA approved the original version of mifepristone in 2000 and gradually eased access over time. That included approving the first generic pill, from drugmaker GenBioPro, in 2019.In 2021, the FDA under Democratic President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-health-medication-a6634601a37fb048aecdd9f030e0863a">permitted online prescribing</a>&nbsp;and mail-order delivery of the drug, greatly expanding access. Abortion opponents have been fighting the change ever since.Approval of generic drugs is typically a rote process at the FDA, with multiple copycat versions usually approved after the patent on the original drug expires. In most cases, generic drugmakers only need to show that their drug matches the ingredients and formula used in the original medication.“This is exactly how our system is supposed to work, and it has worked this way for decades," said Mini Timmaraju of Reproductive Freedom for All. “Career scientists and civil servants at the FDA did their jobs.”The FDA typically approves such applications within 10 months. But filing documents posted to the FDA’s website show that Evita Solutions filed its application to market mifepristone four years ago.On its website, Evita states that it “believes that all people should have access to safe, affordable, high-quality, effective, and compassionate abortion care.”The company said in an email that the drug is expected to launch in January of next year.Approval of a second generic is unlikely to affect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifespristone-state-lawsuit-f03bfe0d9b9fc04e4c8b01a1c6d16851">access to the pill</a>, which is typically taken with another drug, misoprostol. The combination accounts for roughly two-thirds of all U.S. abortions. Mifepristone dilates the cervix and blocks the hormone progesterone, while misoprostol causes the uterus to cramp and contract.Access to mifepristone is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-mifepristone-supreme-court-kansas-idaho-missouri-5cc89d289ced29a1274423b43789397f">restricted</a>&nbsp;across large sections of the country because of state laws that ban abortion — including medication abortion — or impose separate restrictions on the drug’s use. Those laws are subject to a number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">ongoing lawsuits</a>&nbsp;that are winding their way through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/supreme-court-mifepristone-ruling-abortion-pill-updates">the legal system.</a>Restrictions on the pill are not supported by most major medical societies, including the American Medical Association.___

Kan. U.S. Senator's warning on approval of another generic abortion pill

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

<a href="https://7brew.com/">7Brew</a> will be opening a new coffee shop at the former location of Long John Silver's and A&amp;W in Hays.

Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, confirmed the business opening on the Morning Blend on KAYS on Friday.

The footings are being laid at the site. Williams said the company uses prefabricated buildings, so the construction process should go quickly.

7Brew offers drive-through coffee service as well as a menu of other beverages. Other beverages include energy drinks, smoothies, tea, shakes and lemonade, according to its website.

The company has been in business since 2017, with its first store in Arkansas.&nbsp;

"7 Brew is so much more than just a coffee stand. It’s the concept of cultivating kindness and joy with every drink – through our service, speed, quality, energy and atmosphere," according to its website.

Williams said the new store is an excellent transition for that location.

Williams further discussed other redevelopment projects along the Vine Street corridor on the Morning Show.

Some of these have included Club Liquor, America Shooters, Credit Union of America at the former Love's location, the new Cerv's building, Tommy's Car Wash, Auto Zone at the former Firestone building and The Breaks.

The construction on Cerv's new building is almost complete, and Williams said he anticipates an opening near Nov. 1.

The former Rodeway Inn on north Vine is set for abatement by the city, but Williams said the owner of the property is trying to arrange for demolition before the city is forced to take action.

Williams said that should be a prime spot for development once the former motel is demolished.

He said there are also still lots behind 24/7 on north Vine, where the former Ambassador hotel was, that could be developed.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68c83702-3486-4109-b74f-2a7ee851a4fe">Grow Hays is still working to build a retail development north of Home Depot.</a> He said he could not release the names of the stores at this time.

"There's a lot happening on the Vine Street corridor," he said.

Several lots north of Walmart are for sale and could be purchased for retail development, Williams.

"Activity generates activity," he said. "That's why I am excited by the Brew7 and Cervs. 

"When one person starts doing something, it can spur someone else to say, 'Clearly these people are willing to make a significant investment. It must make sense.' It's validation sometimes for them to do something."

Williams said Grow Hays continues to work with Big Creek Crossing, but indoor malls are challenging because reconfiguring existing space can be expensive.

"Some tenants are not willing to go into malls," he said. "Traditional shopping malls like we have here are a tough deal. All over the country, you see them closing, being torn down and being repurposed. I hope that doesn't happen here."

Williams said he still hopes someone will take over and reopen the former AMC movie theater at Big Creek Crossing. He said he thought Hays is large enough to support a theater.

Williams said downtown retail and food service continue to be strong. Downtown Hays doesn't have many empty buildings.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6c57b304-7633-42d9-b663-9ae7a99cfa68">Kat's Halmark has announced it is closing</a>, but Williams said Grow Hays has spoken to several businesses about possibly going into that downtown building.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759543068235.jpeg" alt="The site of the new 7Brew on north Vine in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The site of the new 7Brew on north Vine in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays - Brew7" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=mg6he-1982857-pb&square=1&share=1&d… loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post<a href="https://7brew.com/">7Brew</a> will be opening a new coffee shop at the former location of Long John Silver's and A&amp;W in Hays.Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, confirmed the business opening on the Morning Blend on KAYS on Friday.The footings are being laid at the site. Williams said the company uses prefabricated buildings, so the construction process should go quickly.7Brew offers drive-through coffee service as well as a menu of other beverages. Other beverages include energy drinks, smoothies, tea, shakes and lemonade, according to its website.The company has been in business since 2017, with its first store in Arkansas.&nbsp;"7 Brew is so much more than just a coffee stand. It’s the concept of cultivating kindness and joy with every drink – through our service, speed, quality, energy and atmosphere," according to its website.Williams said the new store is an excellent transition for that location.Williams further discussed other redevelopment projects along the Vine Street corridor on the Morning Show.Some of these have included Club Liquor, America Shooters, Credit Union of America at the former Love's location, the new Cerv's building, Tommy's Car Wash, Auto Zone at the former Firestone building and The Breaks.The construction on Cerv's new building is almost complete, and Williams said he anticipates an opening near Nov. 1.The former Rodeway Inn on north Vine is set for abatement by the city, but Williams said the owner of the property is trying to arrange for demolition before the city is forced to take action.Williams said that should be a prime spot for development once the former motel is demolished.He said there are also still lots behind 24/7 on north Vine, where the former Ambassador hotel was, that could be developed.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68c83702-3486-4109-b74f-2a7ee851a4fe">Grow Hays is still working to build a retail development north of Home Depot.</a> He said he could not release the names of the stores at this time."There's a lot happening on the Vine Street corridor," he said.Several lots north of Walmart are for sale and could be purchased for retail development, Williams."Activity generates activity," he said. "That's why I am excited by the Brew7 and Cervs. "When one person starts doing something, it can spur someone else to say, 'Clearly these people are willing to make a significant investment. It must make sense.' It's validation sometimes for them to do something."Williams said Grow Hays continues to work with Big Creek Crossing, but indoor malls are challenging because reconfiguring existing space can be expensive."Some tenants are not willing to go into malls," he said. "Traditional shopping malls like we have here are a tough deal. All over the country, you see them closing, being torn down and being repurposed. I hope that doesn't happen here."Williams said he still hopes someone will take over and reopen the former AMC movie theater at Big Creek Crossing. He said he thought Hays is large enough to support a theater.Williams said downtown retail and food service continue to be strong. Downtown Hays doesn't have many empty buildings.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6c57b304-7633-42d9-b663-9ae7a99cfa68">Kat's Halmark has announced it is closing</a>, but Williams said Grow Hays has spoken to several businesses about possibly going into that downtown building.

🎙 7Brew to open in Hays; Williams gives retail update

ELLIS—The Ellis Foundation celebrated the opening of a new shelter house and other improvements on Sept. 8 at Creekside Park with a community block party.

A fire pit and benches were also added at the park.

Area nonprofit organizations offer informational booths and activities at the block party.

Pauleen Edmonds, foundation president, welcomed the crowd and thanked the many sponsors who supported the park project.&nbsp;

"Today is all about community," she said. "Please enjoy the food, enjoy the music and the fellowship."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759424968299.jpeg" alt="The ribbon cutting of the new shelter at Creekside Park in Ellis on Sept. 28. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The ribbon cutting of the new shelter at Creekside Park in Ellis on Sept. 28. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostELLIS—The Ellis Foundation celebrated the opening of a new shelter house and other improvements on Sept. 8 at Creekside Park with a community block party.A fire pit and benches were also added at the park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425070886.jpeg" alt="Pauleen Edmonds, Ellis Foundation president, welcomes the community and thanks sponsors on Sept. 28. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Pauleen Edmonds, Ellis Foundation president, welcomes the community and thanks sponsors on Sept. 28. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Area nonprofit organizations offer informational booths and activities at the block party.Pauleen Edmonds, foundation president, welcomed the crowd and thanked the many sponsors who supported the park project.&nbsp;"Today is all about community," she said. "Please enjoy the food, enjoy the music and the fellowship."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425177383.jpeg" alt="Photo by Scarlett Deutscher/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Scarlett Deutscher/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425228235.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425271832.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425290599.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425315199.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425330748.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425366599.jpeg" alt="Photo by Scarlett Deutscher/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Scarlett Deutscher/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425407915.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425424599.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759425449799.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷 Ellis celebrates opening of new shelter, park improvments

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Sports

SMITH CENTER – The Smith Center pulled away from a banged-up TMP-Marian
team Friday night as they earned a 42-21 district victory in Smith Center.

Neither team was able to get their offense going in the
first minutes of the game Friday night with both teams punting on their first
two possession.

Finally, the Monarchs (2-2, 2-2 MCL, 0-1) broke onto the
scoreboard first, scoring on a two-yard touchdown run by Carson Liles with just
over two and a half minutes left in the first quarter.

Isaac Purinton set up the touchdown with a 77-yard run.

After yet another punt by Smith Center (5-0, 4-0 MCL, 2-0), TMP’s
Carson Liles throws an interception, on third down, that was returned for a
Smith Center touchdown. Making it 7-6 with the unsuccessful two-point try.

The Monarchs turned the ball over on downs in Smith Center
territory, setting up a short Smith Center score and a 12-7 lead with 8:21 left
in the first quarter. 

Less than six minutes later Smith Center capped off a 20-0
scoring run with a touchdown run for a 20-7 Redmen lead with two and a half minutes
left in the first half.

TMP’s quarterback Carson Liles suffered a lower leg injury
with just over two minutes left in the first half and did not return until after
halftime.

Grant Nehls filled in as a quarterback and found Nash
Dreiling for a 52-yard catch setting up Nehls on a two-yard run making it 20-13
with just under one minute to play.

Unfortunately for TMP, Smith Center was able to get on the
board yet again, scoring on a 14-yard touchdown run, taking a 28-16 lead into
halftime.

In the second half, it was much the same; TMP cut the
deficit to seven on a Jackson Gillespie eight-yard catch and run for a 28-21
with just over two minutes left in the third quarter.

Smith Center scored a pair of late touchdowns in the fourth
quarter as they clinched the 42-21 victory.

TMP will host on Friday night while Smith Central travels to
Ulysses.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post SportsSMITH CENTER – The Smith Center pulled away from a banged-up TMP-Marian
team Friday night as they earned a 42-21 district victory in Smith Center.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182062923&color=%23234c78&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-fb-highlights-v-smith" title="TMP FB Highlights v Smith Center Oct 3, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Highlights v Smith Center Oct 3, 2025</a></div></div>Neither team was able to get their offense going in the
first minutes of the game Friday night with both teams punting on their first
two possession.Finally, the Monarchs (2-2, 2-2 MCL, 0-1) broke onto the
scoreboard first, scoring on a two-yard touchdown run by Carson Liles with just
over two and a half minutes left in the first quarter.Isaac Purinton set up the touchdown with a 77-yard run.After yet another punt by Smith Center (5-0, 4-0 MCL, 2-0), TMP’s
Carson Liles throws an interception, on third down, that was returned for a
Smith Center touchdown. Making it 7-6 with the unsuccessful two-point try.The Monarchs turned the ball over on downs in Smith Center
territory, setting up a short Smith Center score and a 12-7 lead with 8:21 left
in the first quarter. Less than six minutes later Smith Center capped off a 20-0
scoring run with a touchdown run for a 20-7 Redmen lead with two and a half minutes
left in the first half.TMP’s quarterback Carson Liles suffered a lower leg injury
with just over two minutes left in the first half and did not return until after
halftime.Grant Nehls filled in as a quarterback and found Nash
Dreiling for a 52-yard catch setting up Nehls on a two-yard run making it 20-13
with just under one minute to play.Unfortunately for TMP, Smith Center was able to get on the
board yet again, scoring on a 14-yard touchdown run, taking a 28-16 lead into
halftime.In the second half, it was much the same; TMP cut the
deficit to seven on a Jackson Gillespie eight-yard catch and run for a 28-21
with just over two minutes left in the third quarter.Smith Center scored a pair of late touchdowns in the fourth
quarter as they clinched the 42-21 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182062923&color=%23234c78&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-fb-highlights-v-smith" title="TMP FB Highlights v Smith Center Oct 3, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Highlights v Smith Center Oct 3, 2025</a></div></div>TMP will host on Friday night while Smith Central travels to
Ulysses.

🏈 Smith Center holds off TMP for district win

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post Sports

HAYS - As Hays High head coach Tony Crough looked out at the football field following his teams 34-28 win over Junction City he mentioned something that most Indian fans will agree with. "There's some magic here at the new Hays High School."&nbsp;

Hays High (4-1) took on their fourth state ranked 6A opponent in the first five weeks of the season when they hosted Junction City (3-2) on Friday. Both teams entered the contest ranked #3 in their respective classes.&nbsp;

Jarek Purdy opened the night with a 53 yard kickoff return that set up the Indians with a short field. Holden Lind capped a 9 play 39 yard drive with a three yard touchdown run. The Carson Moore extra point made it 7-0 with 8:12 left in the first quarter.

Junction City answered right back after a long kickoff return of their own. Four plays later the Blue Jays tied the game with a touchdown pass at the 7:14 mark. Hays punted on their next possession but then blocked Junction City's punt. The Indians converted fourth down and goal from eight yards out on a Zane Viegra touchdown pass to Purdy. The extra point was blocked for a 13-7 score with 1:04 left in the first quarter.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post SportsHAYS - As Hays High head coach Tony Crough looked out at the football field following his teams 34-28 win over Junction City he mentioned something that most Indian fans will agree with. "There's some magic here at the new Hays High School."&nbsp;Hays High (4-1) took on their fourth state ranked 6A opponent in the first five weeks of the season when they hosted Junction City (3-2) on Friday. Both teams entered the contest ranked #3 in their respective classes.&nbsp;Jarek Purdy opened the night with a 53 yard kickoff return that set up the Indians with a short field. Holden Lind capped a 9 play 39 yard drive with a three yard touchdown run. The Carson Moore extra point made it 7-0 with 8:12 left in the first quarter.Junction City answered right back after a long kickoff return of their own. Four plays later the Blue Jays tied the game with a touchdown pass at the 7:14 mark. Hays punted on their next possession but then blocked Junction City's punt. The Indians converted fourth down and goal from eight yards out on a Zane Viegra touchdown pass to Purdy. The extra point was blocked for a 13-7 score with 1:04 left in the first quarter.Junction City scored a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter. Conrad Gomez's second touchdown pass of the night capped a 7 play 80 yard drive for a 14-13 lead. Lance Norris, who caught the second quarter touchdown pass, scored with 3:45 left in the half on a three yard run for a 21-13 Junction City lead.&nbsp;Between the touchdowns Hays made inside the Junction City ten. Hays was called for a penalty on the first down play, but confusion on what down the ensuing plays were left the Indians with what they thought was third down from the three. Instead it was fourth down. A 20 yard field goal by the Indians was blocked by Junction City with a 14-13 score on the board.Hays took the last 3:45 of the half to drive the field. A touchdown pass was taken off the board with a holding call right before half.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182068847&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/10-3-25-hhs-fb-highlights-v" title="10-3-25 HHS FB Highlights v. Junction City" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">10-3-25 HHS FB Highlights v. Junction City</a></div></div>Each team punted to start the second half. Junction City's second punt was mishandled by the punter. Johnny Rigler recovered the fumble thirty yards later to set Hays up for the first second half touchdown. A Braxton Basgall four yard run and Moore extra point pulled Hays within a point at 21-20 with 6:07 left in the third.The Blue Jays answered right back. A 12 play 80 scoring drive was capped when Gomez found Autry a second time for a 28-20 advantage. That would be the last points of the night for the Blue Jays. Hays scored in the final seconds of the third quarter when Viegra hit Purdy for a 21 yard score. The extra point was wide left for a 28-26 scored with :20 left in the third.Junction City couldn't expand their lead and punted the ball. The Blue Jay punt rolled down to the five yard line. Hays converted both a third down and fourth down play on the game winning drive. The fourth down conversion was a touchdown pass from Viegra to Basgall for seven yards. That 15 play drive and a two point conversion pass from Viegra to Purdy put Hays up 34-28 with 2:38 remaining.Junction City went 12 plays on their final drive. The Blue Jays converted on a fourth down play on the drive but couldn't repeat the feat on their final play.&nbsp;The 34-28 victory give the Indians their third win over a ranked 6A team in four tries. It is the fourth straight win for Hays over Junction City, their longest streak in the series.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182068951&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/10-3-25-hh-fb-coach-interview" title="10-3-25 HHS FB Coach Interview v. Junction City" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">10-3-25 HHS FB Coach Interview v. Junction City</a></div></div>Junction City outgained Hays 362 yards to 330. The Indians head to Dodge City in one week to resume Western Athletic Conference play.