By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matthew-perrone">MATTHEW PERRONE</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, federal health officials are taking aim at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hims-ro-lemonaid-subscription-health-care-6bbd960335fd8a7cc71563858e1a441a">telehealth companies</a>&nbsp;promoting unofficial versions of prescription drugs — including popular weight loss medications — as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-drug-ads-kennedy-tv-advertising-ee17bd8b64381da99ca4f6af4ff78fde">Trump administration’s crackdown</a>&nbsp;on pharmaceutical advertising.

The Food and Drug Administration posted more than 100 letters to various drugmakers and online prescribing companies, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-18f50ba8671d44e592ac7c46a614cd22">Hims &amp; Hers</a>, which has built a multibillion-dollar business centered around lower-cost versions of blockbuster&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wegovy-zepbound-obesity-drugs-coverage-access-142e234c16df4443e8f66c27d01f44e2">obesity injections</a>.

The FDA warned the company to remove “false and misleading” promotional statements from its website, including language claiming that its customized products contain “the same active ingredient” as FDA-approved drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. The formulations cited by regulators are produced by specialty compounding pharmacies and aren’t reviewed by the FDA.

“Your claims imply that your products are the same as an FDA-approved product when they are not,” states the warning letter, dated Sept. 9.

Hims said Tuesday that it “looks forward to engaging with the FDA.”

“Our website and our customer-facing materials note that compounded treatments are not approved or evaluated by the FDA,” the company said in a statement.

It’s the first FDA attempt to directly police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/telemedicine-amwell-artificial-intelligence-706e120a490a8c479691c07a0691ef0b">online platforms</a>&nbsp;like Hims, which have long argued they’re not subject to traditional drug advertising rules.

The FDA also posted separate warning letters to manufacturers of the so-called GLP-1 drugs, taking issue with a 2024 infomercial featuring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-lauren-nyfw-spring-2026-collection-oprah-889a5f2e1019b5132265951168c61dc8">Oprah Winfrey</a>. Regulators said the 42-minute TV segment from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk gave a “misleading impression” about the safety of Zepbound, Wegovy and similar “drugs with multiple serious, potentially life-threatening risks.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-cdc-covid-hepatitis-chickenpox-844d270e69b77f8fe2da12eab75ed926">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;has long been a critic of the pharmaceutical industry, including GLP-1 drugs, and previously suggested Americans can reverse obesity with diet and exercise alone.

A memo signed by President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;last week directed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-cdc-covid-hepatitis-chickenpox-844d270e69b77f8fe2da12eab75ed926">Kennedy</a>&nbsp;and the FDA to ensure that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drug-ads-fda-risks-side-effects-influencers-80bbe076f4ed743ebde3923dd28be004">pharmaceutical ads on TV</a>, social media and other websites are “truthful and non-misleading.”

The new FDA letters each contain “cease and desist” language. That’s a different approach for the agency, which typically drafts its letters in highly bureaucratic language citing specific FDA regulations.

Hims has been under scrutiny from Washington for some time.

Earlier this year, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/sports">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;ad from the company touted the benefits of its weight-loss medications but didn’t list any of their side effects or potential harms. FDA rules require advertisements to present a balanced picture of drug risks and benefits.

Makary singled out the ad in last week’s Journal of the American Medical Association, calling it a “brazen” example of how advertising is “contributing to America’s culture of overreliance on pharmaceuticals for health.”

Hims and similar companies initially sold cheap generic versions of drugs for hair loss, erectile dysfunction and other health issues. But booming demand for obesity medications opened the door to selling cheaper copies.

The FDA permits so-called compounding, or customized production, when there is a shortage of the official versions of FDA-approved medications.

FDA recently determined that GLP-1 drugs no longer met the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/obesity-drugs-zepbound-shortage-fda-13d18b0e3e74a7f7355521bf8e38cb5b">criteria for a shortage</a>. That should have ended the compounding, but there is an exception: The practice is still permitted when a prescription is customized for the patient.

Hims and other companies have taken to offering “personalized” dosages and formulations for certain patients, arguing they offer extra benefits.

Shares of San Francisco-based Hims &amp; Hers Health Inc. fell more than 6.47% in trading Tuesday.

The letters posted Tuesday come from FDA’s drug center.

A letter posted last week from FDA’s vaccine division took issue with a TV ad for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astrazeneca-vaccine-covid-eu-a3c108dd0ca305cf1b6da764e9a37abc">AstraZeneca’s</a>&nbsp;FluMist vaccine, saying the spot’s “background music and visual distractions” detract from information about side effects. The letter was signed by FDA vaccine chief&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prasad-fda-vaccines-eef30969c22d3e881341b8359f18c429">Dr. Vinay Prasad</a>, an ally of Kennedy who recently returned to his job at the agency after briefly being forced to step aside.

Researchers and consumer advocates have long complained that the upbeat TV images of patients enjoying life with family and friends often overshadow discussions of side effects.

Additionally, studies have shown that patients exposed to drug ads are more likely to ask their doctors about the medication, even if they don’t fit the prescribing criteria. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccine-committee-cdc-cfbdcab84b2a919a6131d471959c3431">American Medical Association</a>, the nation’s largest physician group, came out in support of a ban in 2015, citing TV advertising’s role in “inflating demand for new and more expensive drugs.”

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758199277626.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matthew-perrone">MATTHEW PERRONE</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, federal health officials are taking aim at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hims-ro-lemonaid-subscription-health-care-6bbd960335fd8a7cc71563858e1a441a">telehealth companies</a>&nbsp;promoting unofficial versions of prescription drugs — including popular weight loss medications — as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-drug-ads-kennedy-tv-advertising-ee17bd8b64381da99ca4f6af4ff78fde">Trump administration’s crackdown</a>&nbsp;on pharmaceutical advertising.The Food and Drug Administration posted more than 100 letters to various drugmakers and online prescribing companies, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-18f50ba8671d44e592ac7c46a614cd22">Hims &amp; Hers</a>, which has built a multibillion-dollar business centered around lower-cost versions of blockbuster&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wegovy-zepbound-obesity-drugs-coverage-access-142e234c16df4443e8f66c27d01f44e2">obesity injections</a>.The FDA warned the company to remove “false and misleading” promotional statements from its website, including language claiming that its customized products contain “the same active ingredient” as FDA-approved drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. The formulations cited by regulators are produced by specialty compounding pharmacies and aren’t reviewed by the FDA.“Your claims imply that your products are the same as an FDA-approved product when they are not,” states the warning letter, dated Sept. 9.Hims said Tuesday that it “looks forward to engaging with the FDA.”“Our website and our customer-facing materials note that compounded treatments are not approved or evaluated by the FDA,” the company said in a statement.It’s the first FDA attempt to directly police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/telemedicine-amwell-artificial-intelligence-706e120a490a8c479691c07a0691ef0b">online platforms</a>&nbsp;like Hims, which have long argued they’re not subject to traditional drug advertising rules.The FDA also posted separate warning letters to manufacturers of the so-called GLP-1 drugs, taking issue with a 2024 infomercial featuring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-lauren-nyfw-spring-2026-collection-oprah-889a5f2e1019b5132265951168c61dc8">Oprah Winfrey</a>. Regulators said the 42-minute TV segment from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk gave a “misleading impression” about the safety of Zepbound, Wegovy and similar “drugs with multiple serious, potentially life-threatening risks.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-cdc-covid-hepatitis-chickenpox-844d270e69b77f8fe2da12eab75ed926">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;has long been a critic of the pharmaceutical industry, including GLP-1 drugs, and previously suggested Americans can reverse obesity with diet and exercise alone.A memo signed by President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;last week directed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-cdc-covid-hepatitis-chickenpox-844d270e69b77f8fe2da12eab75ed926">Kennedy</a>&nbsp;and the FDA to ensure that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drug-ads-fda-risks-side-effects-influencers-80bbe076f4ed743ebde3923dd28be004">pharmaceutical ads on TV</a>, social media and other websites are “truthful and non-misleading.”The new FDA letters each contain “cease and desist” language. That’s a different approach for the agency, which typically drafts its letters in highly bureaucratic language citing specific FDA regulations.Hims has been under scrutiny from Washington for some time.Earlier this year, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/sports">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;ad from the company touted the benefits of its weight-loss medications but didn’t list any of their side effects or potential harms. FDA rules require advertisements to present a balanced picture of drug risks and benefits.Makary singled out the ad in last week’s Journal of the American Medical Association, calling it a “brazen” example of how advertising is “contributing to America’s culture of overreliance on pharmaceuticals for health.”Hims and similar companies initially sold cheap generic versions of drugs for hair loss, erectile dysfunction and other health issues. But booming demand for obesity medications opened the door to selling cheaper copies.The FDA permits so-called compounding, or customized production, when there is a shortage of the official versions of FDA-approved medications.FDA recently determined that GLP-1 drugs no longer met the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/obesity-drugs-zepbound-shortage-fda-13d18b0e3e74a7f7355521bf8e38cb5b">criteria for a shortage</a>. That should have ended the compounding, but there is an exception: The practice is still permitted when a prescription is customized for the patient.Hims and other companies have taken to offering “personalized” dosages and formulations for certain patients, arguing they offer extra benefits.Shares of San Francisco-based Hims &amp; Hers Health Inc. fell more than 6.47% in trading Tuesday.The letters posted Tuesday come from FDA’s drug center.A letter posted last week from FDA’s vaccine division took issue with a TV ad for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astrazeneca-vaccine-covid-eu-a3c108dd0ca305cf1b6da764e9a37abc">AstraZeneca’s</a>&nbsp;FluMist vaccine, saying the spot’s “background music and visual distractions” detract from information about side effects. The letter was signed by FDA vaccine chief&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prasad-fda-vaccines-eef30969c22d3e881341b8359f18c429">Dr. Vinay Prasad</a>, an ally of Kennedy who recently returned to his job at the agency after briefly being forced to step aside.Researchers and consumer advocates have long complained that the upbeat TV images of patients enjoying life with family and friends often overshadow discussions of side effects.Additionally, studies have shown that patients exposed to drug ads are more likely to ask their doctors about the medication, even if they don’t fit the prescribing criteria. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccine-committee-cdc-cfbdcab84b2a919a6131d471959c3431">American Medical Association</a>, the nation’s largest physician group, came out in support of a ban in 2015, citing TV advertising’s role in “inflating demand for new and more expensive drugs.”___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

FDA takes aim at Hims & Hers weight loss drugs in new advertising blitz

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

GRAINFIELD — Taden Gottschalk set the tone early with a defensive touchdown, and Logan-Palco never looked back in a 50-0 shutout of Wheatland-Grinnell on Friday night in Week 4 of the Area Game of the Week.

The Trojans (3-1) scored in all three phases and leaned on their rushing attack to overwhelm the Thunderhawks (2-2) in both teams’ district opener.

Wheatland-Grinnell opened the game with a promising drive, but disaster struck when Gottschalk ripped the ball away from Jackson Foster on a screen pass and sprinted 44 yards for a score. After trading punts, Gottschalk struck again on offense, faking a handoff and racing 42 yards to make it 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter decided the game. Logan-Palco overcame two early miscues while Wheatland-Grinnell sputtered, running 23 plays for just 9 yards and committing two turnovers. The Trojans capitalized with three straight touchdown drives — Gottschalk from 10 yards, Carson Knipp from 20, and Case Ashmore from 12 — to build a 36-0 halftime lead. The Thunderhawks nearly broke through just before the break when Foster tossed a trick-play pass to Griffin Beckman for 25 yards, but he was stopped at the 1-yard line as time expired.

Logan-Palco’s ground game continued to control the second half. Gottschalk capped an eight-play, 74-yard march with a 38-yard scoring run midway through the third quarter, his fourth touchdown of the night. Knipp sealed the win with a 49-yard burst up the middle in the fourth.

Gottschalk finished with 91 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and a defensive score, while Knipp added 114 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Ashmore chipped in 37 yards and a touchdown. As a team, Logan-Palco rushed for 242 yards and five scores.

Wheatland-Grinnell managed just 6 yards on the ground and went 0-for-10 on third downs. Quarterback Riley Tuttle threw for 83 yards but was sacked multiple times, and Foster led the receiving corps with seven catches for 48 yards.

The Trojans went 3-for-3 in the red zone and never allowed Wheatland-Grinnell inside the 20 until the final second of the first half.

Logan-Palco will look to keep momentum rolling as district play continues vs Dighton, while Wheatland-Grinnell faces the challenge of rebounding vs Chase next Friday.

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsGRAINFIELD — Taden Gottschalk set the tone early with a defensive touchdown, and Logan-Palco never looked back in a 50-0 shutout of Wheatland-Grinnell on Friday night in Week 4 of the Area Game of the Week.The Trojans (3-1) scored in all three phases and leaned on their rushing attack to overwhelm the Thunderhawks (2-2) in both teams’ district opener.Wheatland-Grinnell opened the game with a promising drive, but disaster struck when Gottschalk ripped the ball away from Jackson Foster on a screen pass and sprinted 44 yards for a score. After trading punts, Gottschalk struck again on offense, faking a handoff and racing 42 yards to make it 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.The second quarter decided the game. Logan-Palco overcame two early miscues while Wheatland-Grinnell sputtered, running 23 plays for just 9 yards and committing two turnovers. The Trojans capitalized with three straight touchdown drives — Gottschalk from 10 yards, Carson Knipp from 20, and Case Ashmore from 12 — to build a 36-0 halftime lead. The Thunderhawks nearly broke through just before the break when Foster tossed a trick-play pass to Griffin Beckman for 25 yards, but he was stopped at the 1-yard line as time expired.Logan-Palco’s ground game continued to control the second half. Gottschalk capped an eight-play, 74-yard march with a 38-yard scoring run midway through the third quarter, his fourth touchdown of the night. Knipp sealed the win with a 49-yard burst up the middle in the fourth.Gottschalk finished with 91 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and a defensive score, while Knipp added 114 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Ashmore chipped in 37 yards and a touchdown. As a team, Logan-Palco rushed for 242 yards and five scores.Wheatland-Grinnell managed just 6 yards on the ground and went 0-for-10 on third downs. Quarterback Riley Tuttle threw for 83 yards but was sacked multiple times, and Foster led the receiving corps with seven catches for 48 yards.The Trojans went 3-for-3 in the red zone and never allowed Wheatland-Grinnell inside the 20 until the final second of the first half.Logan-Palco will look to keep momentum rolling as district play continues vs Dighton, while Wheatland-Grinnell faces the challenge of rebounding vs Chase next Friday.

🏈 Logan-Palco rolls past Wheatland-Grinnell behind dominant defense

A juvenile is in custody after a bomb threat temporarily shut down operations Friday morning at Hutchinson Regional Airport.

According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched to the airport at 8:16 a.m. on Friday, after staff reported receiving a threatening voicemail late the previous night. The caller claimed a bomb had been placed on an airplane at the airport. Investigators said the voice appeared to belong to a juvenile male.

Airport officials immediately locked down the facility and restricted both incoming and outgoing flights. Police, along with supporting agencies, conducted a comprehensive sweep of all aircraft and airport facilities. By 10:00 a.m., authorities declared the scene all clear, finding no evidence of explosives or credible threats.

Investigators were later able to identify a possible suspect, and with help from the Wichita Police Department, made contact with the juvenile and his parents in Wichita. Hutchinson officers took the suspect into custody and transported him to the Reno County Youth Shelter.

No devices were found, but police have referred charges of aggravated criminal threat to the Reno County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities emphasized that the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

9:30 a.m. Law enforcement agencies have given the all clear.&nbsp; Police did not report what prompted their response.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Multiple law enforcement agencies are responding to a threat at Hutchinson Regional Airport on Friday morning.

Officials said the airspace around the airport has been closed until noon while the situation is investigated. No further details have been released, and authorities said additional information will be provided when available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758895566375.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Marc Jacobs" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Marc Jacobs</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBSHutch PostA juvenile is in custody after a bomb threat temporarily shut down operations Friday morning at Hutchinson Regional Airport.According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched to the airport at 8:16 a.m. on Friday, after staff reported receiving a threatening voicemail late the previous night. The caller claimed a bomb had been placed on an airplane at the airport. Investigators said the voice appeared to belong to a juvenile male.Airport officials immediately locked down the facility and restricted both incoming and outgoing flights. Police, along with supporting agencies, conducted a comprehensive sweep of all aircraft and airport facilities. By 10:00 a.m., authorities declared the scene all clear, finding no evidence of explosives or credible threats.Investigators were later able to identify a possible suspect, and with help from the Wichita Police Department, made contact with the juvenile and his parents in Wichita. Hutchinson officers took the suspect into custody and transported him to the Reno County Youth Shelter.No devices were found, but police have referred charges of aggravated criminal threat to the Reno County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities emphasized that the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.----------------9:30 a.m. Law enforcement agencies have given the all clear.&nbsp; Police did not report what prompted their response.----------HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Multiple law enforcement agencies are responding to a threat at Hutchinson Regional Airport on Friday morning.Officials said the airspace around the airport has been closed until noon while the situation is investigated. No further details have been released, and authorities said additional information will be provided when available.

Juvenile in custody following alleged bomb threat at Kan. airport

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays High School's Homecoming parade made its way through downtown Hays on Friday.

The parade included this year’s Homecoming Court, the cheer team and marching band, along with current students and alumni dating back to the class of 1965.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XgVzQBtL2AM?si=OIXVuNROneVu5EoI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Music courtesy of PixabayBy TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays High School's Homecoming parade made its way through downtown Hays on Friday.The parade included this year’s Homecoming Court, the cheer team and marching band, along with current students and alumni dating back to the class of 1965.<figure>
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📷 2025 Hays High School Homecoming parade

&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

As they prepared to enter their senior year at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), Honors College students Hazel Frans and Eric Moon had the chance to “test the waters before diving in” through competitive summer research internships funded by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.

Frans, a biology major and graduate of FHSU’s Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS), spent her summer at Cornell University, where she participated in a research project on cold tolerance in maize. The long-term goal of the research, she explained, is to make corn more resilient to cold temperatures, expand the growing season, and prevent crop loss due to early spring freezes.

“Ultimately, after we did our initial research, our goal was to take the mutations or knockouts of the genes that we were studying and put them in maize and see how they reacted,” Frans said. “So, we were testing the waters before we dove in.”

Alongside her rigorous research schedule, Frans took time to explore the culture and architecture of New York state, from waterfalls to art museums to historic landmarks.

Frans has been actively engaged in research throughout her undergraduate years. She presented at the Kansas Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE), received a grant to continue her research as a K-INBRE Star Trainee, and earned an Award of Excellence at the 2025 K-INBRE Symposium for her poster titled&nbsp;Impact of CRISPR-induced Mutations on Arabidopsis thaliana Gene APETALA3 Sites AP3-3 and AP3-5.

Dr. Tara Phelps-Durr, chair of FHSU’s Department of Biological Sciences, has mentored Frans and suggested that she apply for the summer REU program.

“Dr. Phelps-Durr really paved the way for me to apply to these internships,” Frans said. “I didn’t know they existed until she suggested I apply.”

“Hazel is an outstanding student, and it’s been a pleasure working with her,” Dr. Phelps-Durr said. “At FHSU, we are fortunate that we can provide students with undergraduate research experiences that prepare them for success beyond our campus.”

Moon, a mathematics major, completed his REU at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he used simulation software to model traffic through work zones. His project explored 45 different scenarios based on an active work zone in Nebraska City.

“I had never done anything like this before,” Moon said. “I don’t know if it’s enough to pull me away from pure theoretical applications, but it would be nice to do something like network analysis in the traffic engineering area on a more broad scale.”

Despite entering the program with minimal experience, Moon quickly learned Python programming to conduct his research. The experience, he said, broadened his perspective and provided valuable preparation for graduate-level study.

Moon has also pursued undergraduate research prior to his REU experience. He co-authored a paper on irreversible k-threshold processes in corona and double corona product graphs, posted on arXiv in 2025, and is now preparing it for journal submission.&nbsp;He presented this work at the Kansas Section of the Mathematical Association of America and FHSU’s Scholarly and Creative Activities Day (SACAD) and continues his research in graph theory under the mentorship of Dr. Soumya Bhoumik and Dr. Paul Flesher.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both Frans and Moon credit FHSU’s Honors College for fostering an environment that encouraged them to pursue these opportunities.

“That’s the best part of being here - being part of that very successful network,” said Kevin Amidon, director of the Honors College. “Our colleagues at Fort Hays are very good at helping students tell the story of why they are going to be good contributors to a program. This is one of the great strengths here that other universities don’t offer because they are so much bigger.”

Frans also credited KAMS for giving her a head start in research early in her academic career. “KAMS has always been very encouraging about going to conferences and presenting at SACAD,” she said. “Without the help of KAMS, I don’t believe I would have had this opportunity to do this research.”

“Most students don’t have the opportunity to do research until they are earning their master’s,” added Suellyn Stenger, KAMS assistant director. “To be able to experience that as a junior in high school is a tremendous plus for our students.”

Despite early concerns about potential NSF funding cuts in summer 2025, both internships went smoothly. For Frans, challenges to future scientific funding only underscore the resilience of the research community.

“One thing about the sciences is that researchers are very persistent and very passionate,” she said. “We will overcome challenges and come out a lot stronger in the end.”

Both students will graduate from FHSU in May 2026, and just weeks later, they plan to get married. They are currently exploring graduate schools where they can continue their studies in the same city.

“There are a lot of opportunities we could take,” Frans said. “We will just have to see how it goes. It’s a unique situation.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758811042418.jpeg" alt="Eric Moon and Hazel Frans completed prestigious NSF research internships over the summer.&nbsp; Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Eric Moon and Hazel Frans completed prestigious NSF research internships over the summer.&nbsp; Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University CommunicationsAs they prepared to enter their senior year at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), Honors College students Hazel Frans and Eric Moon had the chance to “test the waters before diving in” through competitive summer research internships funded by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.Frans, a biology major and graduate of FHSU’s Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS), spent her summer at Cornell University, where she participated in a research project on cold tolerance in maize. The long-term goal of the research, she explained, is to make corn more resilient to cold temperatures, expand the growing season, and prevent crop loss due to early spring freezes.“Ultimately, after we did our initial research, our goal was to take the mutations or knockouts of the genes that we were studying and put them in maize and see how they reacted,” Frans said. “So, we were testing the waters before we dove in.”Alongside her rigorous research schedule, Frans took time to explore the culture and architecture of New York state, from waterfalls to art museums to historic landmarks.Frans has been actively engaged in research throughout her undergraduate years. She presented at the Kansas Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE), received a grant to continue her research as a K-INBRE Star Trainee, and earned an Award of Excellence at the 2025 K-INBRE Symposium for her poster titled&nbsp;Impact of CRISPR-induced Mutations on Arabidopsis thaliana Gene APETALA3 Sites AP3-3 and AP3-5.Dr. Tara Phelps-Durr, chair of FHSU’s Department of Biological Sciences, has mentored Frans and suggested that she apply for the summer REU program.“Dr. Phelps-Durr really paved the way for me to apply to these internships,” Frans said. “I didn’t know they existed until she suggested I apply.”“Hazel is an outstanding student, and it’s been a pleasure working with her,” Dr. Phelps-Durr said. “At FHSU, we are fortunate that we can provide students with undergraduate research experiences that prepare them for success beyond our campus.”Moon, a mathematics major, completed his REU at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he used simulation software to model traffic through work zones. His project explored 45 different scenarios based on an active work zone in Nebraska City.“I had never done anything like this before,” Moon said. “I don’t know if it’s enough to pull me away from pure theoretical applications, but it would be nice to do something like network analysis in the traffic engineering area on a more broad scale.”Despite entering the program with minimal experience, Moon quickly learned Python programming to conduct his research. The experience, he said, broadened his perspective and provided valuable preparation for graduate-level study.Moon has also pursued undergraduate research prior to his REU experience. He co-authored a paper on irreversible k-threshold processes in corona and double corona product graphs, posted on arXiv in 2025, and is now preparing it for journal submission.&nbsp;He presented this work at the Kansas Section of the Mathematical Association of America and FHSU’s Scholarly and Creative Activities Day (SACAD) and continues his research in graph theory under the mentorship of Dr. Soumya Bhoumik and Dr. Paul Flesher.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both Frans and Moon credit FHSU’s Honors College for fostering an environment that encouraged them to pursue these opportunities.“That’s the best part of being here - being part of that very successful network,” said Kevin Amidon, director of the Honors College. “Our colleagues at Fort Hays are very good at helping students tell the story of why they are going to be good contributors to a program. This is one of the great strengths here that other universities don’t offer because they are so much bigger.”Frans also credited KAMS for giving her a head start in research early in her academic career. “KAMS has always been very encouraging about going to conferences and presenting at SACAD,” she said. “Without the help of KAMS, I don’t believe I would have had this opportunity to do this research.”“Most students don’t have the opportunity to do research until they are earning their master’s,” added Suellyn Stenger, KAMS assistant director. “To be able to experience that as a junior in high school is a tremendous plus for our students.”Despite early concerns about potential NSF funding cuts in summer 2025, both internships went smoothly. For Frans, challenges to future scientific funding only underscore the resilience of the research community.“One thing about the sciences is that researchers are very persistent and very passionate,” she said. “We will overcome challenges and come out a lot stronger in the end.”Both students will graduate from FHSU in May 2026, and just weeks later, they plan to get married. They are currently exploring graduate schools where they can continue their studies in the same city.“There are a lot of opportunities we could take,” Frans said. “We will just have to see how it goes. It’s a unique situation.”

FHSU students gain hands-on experience through National Science Foundation internships

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post Sports

HAYS-&nbsp;It was a perfect night for homecoming at the new Hays High School on Friday night. The weather cooperated and Hays took care of business on the field with a 48-20 win over Garden City.

Hays had the ball five times on offense in the first half and scored on all five possession. The Indians opened the game with a 10 play 80 yard drive that was capped by a Holden Lind ten yard run. Garden City punted after just three plays on each of their first two drives. Each of the drives lost yards.

Hays scored twice more in the first quarter after those punts. Braxton Basgall scored his first rushing touchdown of the season on a two yard run. Zane Viegra found Jarek Purdy in the back of the south end zone on a 24 yard route. Carson Moore, who made all five of his first half extra points, made the score 21-0.

The Buffaloes drove into the Indian red zone before settling for a field goal attempt that was blocked. Viegra found Purdy for a second score, this time on a 31 yard pass. The Moore extra point pushed the lead to 28-0.&nbsp;

Tanner Geist recovered a Garden City fumble on the next drive. Viegra polished off the short field with a three yard touchdown run. Moore split the uprights for a 35-0 lead.

Hays began to sub players out on the defensive side of the ball. Garden City drove 80 yards on fifteen plays to score their first points of the game with seven seconds remaining in the second quarter and 35-7 halftime score. The drive was kept alive by a roughing the punter penalty.

Hays scored two quick touchdowns to open the second half. Garden City fumbled on their first drive which Geist recovered for a second time. One play later Basgall scored from 21 yards out. The Buffaloes scored their first points of the second half as the Indians started to pull their defensive starters. A 74 yard pass on third down made the score 41-14.

Basgall completed his hat-trick of touchdowns with a fourth down run of 43 yards. Moore's extra point made the score 48-14 with 6:39 left in the third quarter. Garden City did tack one more score onto the board with 24 seconds left in the third quarter for the final difference of 48-20.

The 48 points scored by Hays are the most by the Indians in the 65 game series. The Indians beat Garden City in back-to-back games for the first time since a three game winning streak from 2008 through 2010.

Hays will host Junction City next week. The Blue Jays improved their record to 3-1 with a 28-14 win over Junction City.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post SportsHAYS-&nbsp;It was a perfect night for homecoming at the new Hays High School on Friday night. The weather cooperated and Hays took care of business on the field with a 48-20 win over Garden City.Hays had the ball five times on offense in the first half and scored on all five possession. The Indians opened the game with a 10 play 80 yard drive that was capped by a Holden Lind ten yard run. Garden City punted after just three plays on each of their first two drives. Each of the drives lost yards.Hays scored twice more in the first quarter after those punts. Braxton Basgall scored his first rushing touchdown of the season on a two yard run. Zane Viegra found Jarek Purdy in the back of the south end zone on a 24 yard route. Carson Moore, who made all five of his first half extra points, made the score 21-0.The Buffaloes drove into the Indian red zone before settling for a field goal attempt that was blocked. Viegra found Purdy for a second score, this time on a 31 yard pass. The Moore extra point pushed the lead to 28-0.&nbsp;Tanner Geist recovered a Garden City fumble on the next drive. Viegra polished off the short field with a three yard touchdown run. Moore split the uprights for a 35-0 lead.Hays began to sub players out on the defensive side of the ball. Garden City drove 80 yards on fifteen plays to score their first points of the game with seven seconds remaining in the second quarter and 35-7 halftime score. The drive was kept alive by a roughing the punter penalty.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%253A2177441271&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-fb-highlights-v-garden" title="HHS FB Highlights v Garden City Sept 26, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS FB Highlights v Garden City Sept 26, 2025</a></div></div>Hays scored two quick touchdowns to open the second half. Garden City fumbled on their first drive which Geist recovered for a second time. One play later Basgall scored from 21 yards out. The Buffaloes scored their first points of the second half as the Indians started to pull their defensive starters. A 74 yard pass on third down made the score 41-14.Basgall completed his hat-trick of touchdowns with a fourth down run of 43 yards. Moore's extra point made the score 48-14 with 6:39 left in the third quarter. Garden City did tack one more score onto the board with 24 seconds left in the third quarter for the final difference of 48-20.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%253A2177441112&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-coach-post-int-v-garden" title="HHS Coach Post Int v Garden City Sept 26, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS Coach Post Int v Garden City Sept 26, 2025</a></div></div>The 48 points scored by Hays are the most by the Indians in the 65 game series. The Indians beat Garden City in back-to-back games for the first time since a three game winning streak from 2008 through 2010.Hays will host Junction City next week. The Blue Jays improved their record to 3-1 with a 28-14 win over Junction City.

🏈 Hays cruises to homecoming win over Garden City

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team triumphed over Missouri Southern State in a five-set thriller Friday evening, winning 25-14, 17-25, 25-17, 24-26, 15-12. The Tigers improve to 12-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play after winning their ninth-straight match, while the Lions are now 6-6 on the year and 0-1 in MIAA action. The nine-match winning streak is the longest for the Tigers since 2016.

Fort Hays jumped out to a quick start, turning a 6-6 tie into a 15-8 lead thanks to a 9-2 run. Carsyn Cormaney contributed two kills and two blocks during the run, prompting a Lions timeout. The Tigers continued to add to their lead, posting an attack percentage of .312 in the 25-14 rout.

Missouri Southern punched back in the second set, using an 11-3 run to extend a one-point lead into a nine-point advantage, 19-10. Multiple kills from Ashlyn Reeves helped the Tigers close within six at 23-17, but the Lions finished things off with back-to-back kills to level the match.

The Lions scored four of the first five points to take an early lead in the third set before the Tigers went on a 9-3 run to take the lead for good. Two kills each from Gracie Rains and Caiya Stucky Reyes allowed FHSU to extend the lead to six, 20-14, before Reeves gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead in the match with the final kill of the frame.

After three convincing set victories, the fourth set was a tighter battle with neither side leading by more than four at any point. The Lions slowly pulled in front midway through the frame, going up by as many as four multiple times. Trailing 20-16, FHSU scored five of the next six points to tie the score at 21 thanks to three kills from Peyton Bergschneider and an Annie Eaton service ace.

MSSU battled back, eventually reaching set point at 24-22, before a service error and a Kirsten Evans service ace tied the score at 24. The visitors then scored the next two points, sending things to a fifth set.

There were eight ties and four lead changes in the final stanza, with neither side leading by more than two until the final point of the match. MSSU took a quick two-point lead at 3-1, but the Tigers soon grabbed the lead at 6-5. The visitors scored the next two points to jump back on top and led by two as late as 12-10 before Fort Hays State scored the final five points to secure the victory.

Reeves opened the rally with a kill before Bergschneider tied things up with her team-best 13th kill of the night. A pair of Lion errors gave the Tigers a serve at match point when Cormaney delivered the final kill to seal the win.

Cormaney finished the night with 10 kills and a team-best seven blocks, while Reyes managed seven kills, five blocks, 10 digs and 20 assists. Reeves and Rains contributed nine kills each, while Evans led the way with 24 digs.

The Tigers will wrap up homecoming weekend against Central Missouri on Saturday (Sept. 27) beginning at 1 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758981123809.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Gracie Rains (9) attempts an attack against Missouri Southern State on Friday, September 26, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Gracie Rains (9) attempts an attack against Missouri Southern State on Friday, September 26, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team triumphed over Missouri Southern State in a five-set thriller Friday evening, winning 25-14, 17-25, 25-17, 24-26, 15-12. The Tigers improve to 12-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play after winning their ninth-straight match, while the Lions are now 6-6 on the year and 0-1 in MIAA action. The nine-match winning streak is the longest for the Tigers since 2016.Fort Hays jumped out to a quick start, turning a 6-6 tie into a 15-8 lead thanks to a 9-2 run. Carsyn Cormaney contributed two kills and two blocks during the run, prompting a Lions timeout. The Tigers continued to add to their lead, posting an attack percentage of .312 in the 25-14 rout.Missouri Southern punched back in the second set, using an 11-3 run to extend a one-point lead into a nine-point advantage, 19-10. Multiple kills from Ashlyn Reeves helped the Tigers close within six at 23-17, but the Lions finished things off with back-to-back kills to level the match.The Lions scored four of the first five points to take an early lead in the third set before the Tigers went on a 9-3 run to take the lead for good. Two kills each from Gracie Rains and Caiya Stucky Reyes allowed FHSU to extend the lead to six, 20-14, before Reeves gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead in the match with the final kill of the frame.After three convincing set victories, the fourth set was a tighter battle with neither side leading by more than four at any point. The Lions slowly pulled in front midway through the frame, going up by as many as four multiple times. Trailing 20-16, FHSU scored five of the next six points to tie the score at 21 thanks to three kills from Peyton Bergschneider and an Annie Eaton service ace.MSSU battled back, eventually reaching set point at 24-22, before a service error and a Kirsten Evans service ace tied the score at 24. The visitors then scored the next two points, sending things to a fifth set.There were eight ties and four lead changes in the final stanza, with neither side leading by more than two until the final point of the match. MSSU took a quick two-point lead at 3-1, but the Tigers soon grabbed the lead at 6-5. The visitors scored the next two points to jump back on top and led by two as late as 12-10 before Fort Hays State scored the final five points to secure the victory.Reeves opened the rally with a kill before Bergschneider tied things up with her team-best 13th kill of the night. A pair of Lion errors gave the Tigers a serve at match point when Cormaney delivered the final kill to seal the win.Cormaney finished the night with 10 kills and a team-best seven blocks, while Reyes managed seven kills, five blocks, 10 digs and 20 assists. Reeves and Rains contributed nine kills each, while Evans led the way with 24 digs.The Tigers will wrap up homecoming weekend against Central Missouri on Saturday (Sept. 27) beginning at 1 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

🏐 FHSU opens MIAA play with 5-set win over Missouri Southern

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) —On Friday, President Trump and his granddaughter were front and center at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ryder-cup">Ryder Cup</a>&nbsp;at Bethpage Black — welcomed to the first day of competition.

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley said he’s “deeply honored” that Trump will be there to cheer on his squad. European captain Luke Donald said the president’s attendance “just shows how big the Ryder Cup is,” calling it a “mark of respect,” even if he’s rooting for the other side.

The president took up position between the 1st tee and the 18th hole, near the bottom of the grandstand.

Four fighter jets flew over as a firefighter sang the National Anthem.

For Trump, an avid golfer, his Ryder Cup trip will be the culmination of a remarkable turnaround in his relationship with the sport — and in the sport’s relationship with him.

Next year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doral-pga-tour-2026-signature-events-626c82e73363cad355156b82adbf0cfa">the Blue Monster course at his Doral resort near Miami will return to the PGA Tour schedule</a>&nbsp;for the first time in a decade. Trump’s courses in Scotland and Ireland have or are slated to host European tour events. And, since his return to office in January, he hosted Tiger Woods, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and the head of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in an unsuccessful attempt to fix golf’s PGA Tour-LIV Golf schism.

Three Trump-owned courses have hosted LIV events.

“I’m deeply honored that the president of the United States is going to come support our team at the Ryder Cup,” Bradley said. “I think anytime you can be around a current president is a pretty phenomenal thing, but when you’re representing your country at a place like Bethpage Black in New York, having the president there to support you is something that is just absolutely incredible. I’m really grateful to him for doing that for us.”

The feeling seems mutual. In a Truth Social post last month announcing his tournament visit, Trump praised Bradley as “an AMAZING guy” and said “It will be a great Ryder Cup.”

In addition, Trump is close with several U.S. players, including Sam Burns, Bryson DeChambeau and top-ranked Scottie Scheffler. Last year, Trump appeared on DeChambeau’s “Can I Break 50?” YouTube series, racking up more than 16 million views. Scheffler, who also has played golf with Trump, said he’ll sometimes get a congratulatory call or text from him after a win.

“He just loves the game of golf, and he’s one of those guys when you’re around him, he does such a good job of, like, feeding confidence into everybody around him,” Scheffler said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758916307832.png" alt="President Trump shakes hands with Former University of Kansas golfer Gary Woodland on the first tee Friday afternoon. Woodland is a vice captain on the 2025 Ryder Cup Team-image from CSPAN video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump shakes hands with Former University of Kansas golfer Gary Woodland on the first tee Friday afternoon. Woodland is a vice captain on the 2025 Ryder Cup Team-image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
 </figure>FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) —On Friday, President Trump and his granddaughter were front and center at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ryder-cup">Ryder Cup</a>&nbsp;at Bethpage Black — welcomed to the first day of competition.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Pres. Trump at the 45th Ryder Cup Matches, Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, New York <a href="https://t.co/L7bQ1ofBSi">pic.twitter.com/L7bQ1ofBSi</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1971643396889686145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> salutes as The Star-Spangled Banner is sang and a flyover roars over Bethpage for the 2025 <a href="https://twitter.com/rydercup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RyderCup</a> 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ZtSHQQVCkP">pic.twitter.com/ZtSHQQVCkP</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971609878939791780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">F-18s fly over President Trump at the Ryder Cup! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/WiUERWGcLm">pic.twitter.com/WiUERWGcLm</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1971618659526496699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Pres. Trump at the 45th Ryder Cup Matches, Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, New York <a href="https://t.co/efnWm1mxOz">pic.twitter.com/efnWm1mxOz</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1971637550143180810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇺🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RyderCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RyderCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/9uJUSbf185">pic.twitter.com/9uJUSbf185</a>&mdash; Ryder Cup (@rydercup) <a href="https://twitter.com/rydercup/status/1971611864204521801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> greets <a href="https://twitter.com/brysondech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brysondech</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/bengriffingolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bengriffingolf</a> at the <a href="https://twitter.com/rydercup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RyderCup</a>: &quot;Here comes President Trump — we understand he&#39;s got golf shoes on...&quot; 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/oFXbWSKx0q">pic.twitter.com/oFXbWSKx0q</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971617384948703571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Keegan_Bradley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Keegan_Bradley</a> brings out the TRUMP DANCE! &quot;The President does do it better, I gotta say...&quot; 🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/XcObLY6SFI">pic.twitter.com/XcObLY6SFI</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971620454063628408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. captain Keegan Bradley said he’s “deeply honored” that Trump will be there to cheer on his squad. European captain Luke Donald said the president’s attendance “just shows how big the Ryder Cup is,” calling it a “mark of respect,” even if he’s rooting for the other side.The president took up position between the 1st tee and the 18th hole, near the bottom of the grandstand.Four fighter jets flew over as a firefighter sang the National Anthem.“Donald Trump!” some people chanted.For Trump, an avid golfer, his Ryder Cup trip will be the culmination of a remarkable turnaround in his relationship with the sport — and in the sport’s relationship with him.Next year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doral-pga-tour-2026-signature-events-626c82e73363cad355156b82adbf0cfa">the Blue Monster course at his Doral resort near Miami will return to the PGA Tour schedule</a>&nbsp;for the first time in a decade. Trump’s courses in Scotland and Ireland have or are slated to host European tour events. And, since his return to office in January, he hosted Tiger Woods, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and the head of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in an unsuccessful attempt to fix golf’s PGA Tour-LIV Golf schism.Three Trump-owned courses have hosted LIV events.“I’m deeply honored that the president of the United States is going to come support our team at the Ryder Cup,” Bradley said. “I think anytime you can be around a current president is a pretty phenomenal thing, but when you’re representing your country at a place like Bethpage Black in New York, having the president there to support you is something that is just absolutely incredible. I’m really grateful to him for doing that for us.”The feeling seems mutual. In a Truth Social post last month announcing his tournament visit, Trump praised Bradley as “an AMAZING guy” and said “It will be a great Ryder Cup.”In addition, Trump is close with several U.S. players, including Sam Burns, Bryson DeChambeau and top-ranked Scottie Scheffler. Last year, Trump appeared on DeChambeau’s “Can I Break 50?” YouTube series, racking up more than 16 million views. Scheffler, who also has played golf with Trump, said he’ll sometimes get a congratulatory call or text from him after a win.“He just loves the game of golf, and he’s one of those guys when you’re around him, he does such a good job of, like, feeding confidence into everybody around him,” Scheffler said.

🎥 Trump at Ryder Cup included chat with a golfer from Kansas

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Federal immigration agents arrested the leader of Iowa’s largest school district Friday in a targeted enforcement action that shocked students and educators.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement called Des Moines Public School Superintendent Ian Roberts a “criminal alien,” saying he was in the country illegally and had no work authorization. Roberts, who is from Guyana in South America, was considered an ICE fugitive because he was subject to a final removal order issued in 2024, the agency said.

ICE said that it targeted Roberts for arrest by initiating a traffic stop on Friday while he was driving in his school-issued vehicle. Roberts identified himself and then fled, the agency said.

Officers later discovered his vehicle abandoned near a wooded area, and the Iowa State Patrol was called to help find Roberts, who was soon taken into ICE custody. It is unclear where Roberts was being held Friday afternoon.

Roberts, who has described himself as a longtime gun owner and hunter, was in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 cash and a fixed blade hunting knife when arrested, ICE said.

“This should be a wake-up call for our communities to the great work that our officers are doing every day to remove public safety threats,” ICE enforcement and removal operations regional official Sam Olson said in a statement. “How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a final order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.”

Leaders of the Des Moines district said that they were unaware of details of his immigration status and still gathering information about the situation, which they called legally complex. They described Roberts as a dynamic leader who connected with students of all backgrounds.

A longtime leader at school districts across the nation, the 54-year-old began his term as superintendent of Des Moines schools in July 2023. In that position, he oversaw a district that serves more than 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees.

Des Moines school board chairwoman Jackie Norris said a state board had granted Roberts a license to serve as superintendent in 2023 and that the district has been unable to verify ICE’s claims about his immigration status. She said that Roberts had been an “integral part of the community” since his arrival.

In a joint statement, the presidents of unions representing teachers and other school employees in Des Moines and across the state said they were shocked by Roberts’ detention. They said he had been a “tremendous advocate for students, families, staff, and the community.”

“His leadership and compassion for all students, regardless of background, identity, or family origin, are a beacon of light in one of the state’s most diverse school districts,” said the statement by Iowa State Education Association President Joshua Brown and Des Moines Education Association President Anne Cross. “It is a dark and unsettling time in our country. This incident has created tremendous fear for DMPS students, families, and staff.”

Phil Roeder, the district’s spokesperson, said he was supposed to meet Roberts at a school event Friday morning but Roberts sent a text saying he could not make it. Roeder said he got a video call from Roberts soon after and watched officials detain him.

Before coming to Iowa, Roberts had previously worked as superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania.

Roberts is the son of immigrant parents from Guyana

A biography for Roberts listed on the district’s website says he was born to immigrant parents from Guyana and spent much of his childhood in Brooklyn, New York.

Coppin State University’s website features an alumni profile of Roberts, who graduated from the school in Baltimore in 1998. In it, Roberts said his father immigrated to the United States in the 1980s, and his mother immigrated in the early 2000s.

ICE said that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999. The next year, he competed for Guyana in the Olympics in track and field.

Matt Smith, a Des Moines schools official who was appointed Friday to serve as interim superintendent, said members of the community felt “sad, outraged and helpless” after learning of Roberts’ detention.

ICE pointed to a prior weapons charge for Roberts but provided no details.

Court records in Pennsylvania show that Roberts pleaded guilty in January 2022 to a minor infraction for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and was fined $100 plus court costs. The case stemmed from a citation in Erie County issued the prior month by a Pennsylvania Game Commission officer, who stopped Roberts as he was finishing a day of deer hunting on state lands.

Roberts said at the time he was a longtime licensed hunter and gun owner, and that he left his hunting rifle on the seat of his vehicle in plain view to ensure the officer did not feel threatened during their interaction. He said that he was shocked when the officer cited him for doing so, but that he pleaded guilty to avoid any distraction. He questioned whether his dark skin may have played a role in the case.

“I may not appear to be the ‘type of man’ who would enjoy deer season in Pennsylvania, in fact, I am and have been hunting for more than 20 years,” Roberts wrote on a social media post then.

It was the second time in two days that an aggressive action by ICE shocked local officials in Iowa. On Thursday, agents in plain clothes who refused to identify their affiliation tackled a man who was working at a grocery store in downtown Iowa City, pinning him to the floor and handcuffing him as shocked shoppers looked on.

Associated Press writer Ryan J. Foley in Iowa City, Iowa, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758925503158.png" alt="This photo provided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shows Ian Roberts in February 2020." />
 <figcaption>This photo provided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shows Ian Roberts in February 2020.</figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Federal immigration agents arrested the leader of Iowa’s largest school district Friday in a targeted enforcement action that shocked students and educators.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement called Des Moines Public School Superintendent Ian Roberts a “criminal alien,” saying he was in the country illegally and had no work authorization. Roberts, who is from Guyana in South America, was considered an ICE fugitive because he was subject to a final removal order issued in 2024, the agency said.ICE said that it targeted Roberts for arrest by initiating a traffic stop on Friday while he was driving in his school-issued vehicle. Roberts identified himself and then fled, the agency said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758925645393.png" alt="Roberts&nbsp;Photo from September 26, 2025- image ICE" />
 <figcaption>Roberts&nbsp;Photo from September 26, 2025- image ICE</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers later discovered his vehicle abandoned near a wooded area, and the Iowa State Patrol was called to help find Roberts, who was soon taken into ICE custody. It is unclear where Roberts was being held Friday afternoon.Roberts, who has described himself as a longtime gun owner and hunter, was in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 cash and a fixed blade hunting knife when arrested, ICE said.“This should be a wake-up call for our communities to the great work that our officers are doing every day to remove public safety threats,” ICE enforcement and removal operations regional official Sam Olson said in a statement. “How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a final order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.”<h2>Roberts is an experienced educator</h2>Leaders of the Des Moines district said that they were unaware of details of his immigration status and still gathering information about the situation, which they called legally complex. They described Roberts as a dynamic leader who connected with students of all backgrounds.A longtime leader at school districts across the nation, the 54-year-old began his term as superintendent of Des Moines schools in July 2023. In that position, he oversaw a district that serves more than 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees.Des Moines school board chairwoman Jackie Norris said a state board had granted Roberts a license to serve as superintendent in 2023 and that the district has been unable to verify ICE’s claims about his immigration status. She said that Roberts had been an “integral part of the community” since his arrival.In a joint statement, the presidents of unions representing teachers and other school employees in Des Moines and across the state said they were shocked by Roberts’ detention. They said he had been a “tremendous advocate for students, families, staff, and the community.”“His leadership and compassion for all students, regardless of background, identity, or family origin, are a beacon of light in one of the state’s most diverse school districts,” said the statement by Iowa State Education Association President Joshua Brown and Des Moines Education Association President Anne Cross. “It is a dark and unsettling time in our country. This incident has created tremendous fear for DMPS students, families, and staff.”Phil Roeder, the district’s spokesperson, said he was supposed to meet Roberts at a school event Friday morning but Roberts sent a text saying he could not make it. Roeder said he got a video call from Roberts soon after and watched officials detain him.Before coming to Iowa, Roberts had previously worked as superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania.<h2>Roberts is the son of immigrant parents from Guyana</h2>A biography for Roberts listed on the district’s website says he was born to immigrant parents from Guyana and spent much of his childhood in Brooklyn, New York.Coppin State University’s website features an alumni profile of Roberts, who graduated from the school in Baltimore in 1998. In it, Roberts said his father immigrated to the United States in the 1980s, and his mother immigrated in the early 2000s.ICE said that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999. The next year, he competed for Guyana in the Olympics in track and field.Matt Smith, a Des Moines schools official who was appointed Friday to serve as interim superintendent, said members of the community felt “sad, outraged and helpless” after learning of Roberts’ detention.<h2>Pleaded guilty to a gun infraction</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758928112826.png" alt="Photo ICE" />
 <figcaption>Photo ICE</figcaption>
 </figure>ICE pointed to a prior weapons charge for Roberts but provided no details.Court records in Pennsylvania show that Roberts pleaded guilty in January 2022 to a minor infraction for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and was fined $100 plus court costs. The case stemmed from a citation in Erie County issued the prior month by a Pennsylvania Game Commission officer, who stopped Roberts as he was finishing a day of deer hunting on state lands.Roberts said at the time he was a longtime licensed hunter and gun owner, and that he left his hunting rifle on the seat of his vehicle in plain view to ensure the officer did not feel threatened during their interaction. He said that he was shocked when the officer cited him for doing so, but that he pleaded guilty to avoid any distraction. He questioned whether his dark skin may have played a role in the case.“I may not appear to be the ‘type of man’ who would enjoy deer season in Pennsylvania, in fact, I am and have been hunting for more than 20 years,” Roberts wrote on a social media post then.It was the second time in two days that an aggressive action by ICE shocked local officials in Iowa. On Thursday, agents in plain clothes who refused to identify their affiliation tackled a man who was working at a grocery store in downtown Iowa City, pinning him to the floor and handcuffing him as shocked shoppers looked on.___Associated Press writer Ryan J. Foley in Iowa City, Iowa, contributed to this report.

ICE arrests leader of Iowa’s largest public school district

The Topeka Zoo is mourning the loss of Leopold, one of its cheetahs, after an unexpected spinal injury forced the difficult decision to euthanize him, according to a social media post from the zoo.

Zoo officials shared the news in a Sept. 24 Facebook post, noting that animal care staff first observed Leopold walking tenderly on his hind legs on Sept. 18. Despite rest and treatment, his condition worsened, leading to further testing. A CT scan at Topeka ER revealed a fractured vertebra that would have required corrective surgery.

Leopold was transferred to a specialty veterinary center for additional imaging and treatment. However, an MRI and subsequent surgical evaluation revealed the damage was too severe to repair. “The surgical team discovered at that time that the damage to his spine could not be repaired, and the humane decision was made to euthanize him,” the zoo said.

The exact cause of the injury remains unclear. Surveillance footage showed Leopold appearing alert and excited by outside activity in his habitat the day before staff noticed his condition. He was later observed walking away with visible discomfort. The zoo believes he may have fallen or landed improperly, but obstructions in the video prevented confirmation of the exact incident.

Zoo staff and visitors alike are grieving the loss. “Losing Leopold is tragic and he will be deeply missed. He was a neat cat who very quickly stole the hearts of many,” said Wrylie Guffey, the zoo’s animal care director.

The zoo has adjusted Leopold’s enclosure to reduce the risk of similar accidents in the future and has shifted its focus to supporting Roosevelt, Leopold’s brother.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758892042473.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Topeka Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Topeka Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Topeka Zoo is mourning the loss of Leopold, one of its cheetahs, after an unexpected spinal injury forced the difficult decision to euthanize him, according to a social media post from the zoo.Zoo officials shared the news in a Sept. 24 Facebook post, noting that animal care staff first observed Leopold walking tenderly on his hind legs on Sept. 18. Despite rest and treatment, his condition worsened, leading to further testing. A CT scan at Topeka ER revealed a fractured vertebra that would have required corrective surgery.Leopold was transferred to a specialty veterinary center for additional imaging and treatment. However, an MRI and subsequent surgical evaluation revealed the damage was too severe to repair. “The surgical team discovered at that time that the damage to his spine could not be repaired, and the humane decision was made to euthanize him,” the zoo said.The exact cause of the injury remains unclear. Surveillance footage showed Leopold appearing alert and excited by outside activity in his habitat the day before staff noticed his condition. He was later observed walking away with visible discomfort. The zoo believes he may have fallen or landed improperly, but obstructions in the video prevented confirmation of the exact incident.Zoo staff and visitors alike are grieving the loss. “Losing Leopold is tragic and he will be deeply missed. He was a neat cat who very quickly stole the hearts of many,” said Wrylie Guffey, the zoo’s animal care director.The zoo has adjusted Leopold’s enclosure to reduce the risk of similar accidents in the future and has shifted its focus to supporting Roosevelt, Leopold’s brother.

Unexpected injury led to death of cheetah at Kansas zoo

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Be on the lookout for "Bison on the Loose" in Hays next spring.

It's a public art project of the Heartland Community Foundation Youth Action Council to highlight the history and heritage of Ellis County.&nbsp;

At least 25 <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/07bdd861-fa34-4686-8c39-2587327f3009">life-size fiberglass bison sculptures </a>will be placed on city and private properties in Hays, Ellis and Victoria.

"They'll be painted by local and student artists in colorful ways," said Savannah Clingan.&nbsp;"Our goal is to attract tourists and residents to places of interest."

Clingan,&nbsp;Mariella Dreiling and Oaklye Wichers, Hays High School seniors, appeared before the Hays City Commission on Thursday seeking permission to install the statues in some public spaces. The city of Ellis has already given its approval.

First-priority locations requested by project donors include Municipal Park, Frontier Park, Sunrise Park, Hays Regional Airport, Downtown Pavilion and the Hays Public Library.&nbsp;

Each statue will cost $5,000, which will include its placement. The students have raised $120,000 towards their goal of $125,000 from private donations and grants.

"It generates family-friendly experiences," Wichers said. 

The students are working on an interactive app that would encourage users to visit and take pictures with each bison as a kind of scavenger hunt.

Wichers said bison were chosen by the students because in 2026 "we will celebrate 110 years since James “Scotty” Philips brought Hays’ first bison herd in 1916. This honors the city's&nbsp;historic herd and the frontier heritage."

Other themes expected to be represented include Volga Germans, the railroad, Wild West frontier, Big Creek, Fort Hays State University, native tribes, Oktoberfest, historic Fort Hays, oil and agriculture industries, fossils, sunflowers, HaysMed, veterans, downtown Hays, roundabouts, water, and bike trails.&nbsp;

All designs will go through a submission and jury&nbsp;process before approval.&nbsp;No offensive imagery,&nbsp;words or business logos will be allowed.

The painting process, under the direction of Amy&nbsp;Schmierbach, FHSU art professor, will be done at the Microfactory.

"The project really encourages collaboration between teens, local artists, Hays, TMP-Marian, Ellis and Victoria high schools, and businesses so we can all celebrate our shared heritage and culture," Dreiling said, "making it a more fun and inviting place to be in."

Expected lifespan of the statues is 15 to 20 years.&nbsp;

The commission also granted permission to the Arc of Central Plains to proceed with construction of Phase 3 of the ARC Park, 3300 Hillcrest.

Sarah Meitner, board president of Arc of Central Plains, presented the plan, which includes two shelter houses, a gazebo-type picnic pavilion and a nearby flower garden, along with two permanent cornhole courts with 10 total lanes and shaded dugouts.

The Arc of Central Plains has raised $500,000 for the construction, which will be put out to bid to local contractors. Parks Director Jeff Boyle will oversee the project.

"We want to go with the most maintenance-free we can," Boyle said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758129999809.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostBe on the lookout for "Bison on the Loose" in Hays next spring.It's a public art project of the Heartland Community Foundation Youth Action Council to highlight the history and heritage of Ellis County.&nbsp;At least 25 <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/07bdd861-fa34-4686-8c39-2587327f3009">life-size fiberglass bison sculptures </a>will be placed on city and private properties in Hays, Ellis and Victoria."They'll be painted by local and student artists in colorful ways," said Savannah Clingan.&nbsp;"Our goal is to attract tourists and residents to places of interest."Clingan,&nbsp;Mariella Dreiling and Oaklye Wichers, Hays High School seniors, appeared before the Hays City Commission on Thursday seeking permission to install the statues in some public spaces. The city of Ellis has already given its approval.First-priority locations requested by project donors include Municipal Park, Frontier Park, Sunrise Park, Hays Regional Airport, Downtown Pavilion and the Hays Public Library.&nbsp;Each statue will cost $5,000, which will include its placement. The students have raised $120,000 towards their goal of $125,000 from private donations and grants."It generates family-friendly experiences," Wichers said. The students are working on an interactive app that would encourage users to visit and take pictures with each bison as a kind of scavenger hunt.Wichers said bison were chosen by the students because in 2026 "we will celebrate 110 years since James “Scotty” Philips brought Hays’ first bison herd in 1916. This honors the city's&nbsp;historic herd and the frontier heritage."Other themes expected to be represented include Volga Germans, the railroad, Wild West frontier, Big Creek, Fort Hays State University, native tribes, Oktoberfest, historic Fort Hays, oil and agriculture industries, fossils, sunflowers, HaysMed, veterans, downtown Hays, roundabouts, water, and bike trails.&nbsp;All designs will go through a submission and jury&nbsp;process before approval.&nbsp;No offensive imagery,&nbsp;words or business logos will be allowed.The painting process, under the direction of Amy&nbsp;Schmierbach, FHSU art professor, will be done at the Microfactory."The project really encourages collaboration between teens, local artists, Hays, TMP-Marian, Ellis and Victoria high schools, and businesses so we can all celebrate our shared heritage and culture," Dreiling said, "making it a more fun and inviting place to be in."Expected lifespan of the statues is 15 to 20 years.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: City Commission Recap" 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=yh2nz-197778e-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758128549500.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>ARC Park Phase 3The commission also granted permission to the Arc of Central Plains to proceed with construction of Phase 3 of the ARC Park, 3300 Hillcrest.Sarah Meitner, board president of Arc of Central Plains, presented the plan, which includes two shelter houses, a gazebo-type picnic pavilion and a nearby flower garden, along with two permanent cornhole courts with 10 total lanes and shaded dugouts.The Arc of Central Plains has raised $500,000 for the construction, which will be put out to bid to local contractors. Parks Director Jeff Boyle will oversee the project."We want to go with the most maintenance-free we can," Boyle said.

More bison coming to Hays next spring; sculptures to celebrate history, heritage

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Oktoberfest in Hays opened today with a ceremony and continues through tomorrow.

The free event, located downtown at Municipal Park, features several adult-only competitions, music entertainment and family-friendly activities on Saturday.

The first day of Oktoberfest included the Stein Holding Contest, which was won by Sophie Humphrey for the women's division, clocking in at 5 minutes and 58 seconds, and Clint Newell at 12 minutes and 29 seconds.

You can learn more about the 2025 Oktoberfest schedule, including its new 'Battle of the Bierock' competition <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f35cb958-9fbc-4412-b70b-c106eb89dc96">here</a>.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z92sQjTRNFs?si=vGjac72Q5Wukixam" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758903771880.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostOktoberfest in Hays opened today with a ceremony and continues through tomorrow.The free event, located downtown at Municipal Park, features several adult-only competitions, music entertainment and family-friendly activities on Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758916683063.jpeg" alt="Sophie Humphrey, winner of the women's Stein Holding Contest, and Clint Newell, winner of the men's Stein Holding Contest. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sophie Humphrey, winner of the women's Stein Holding Contest, and Clint Newell, winner of the men's Stein Holding Contest. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The first day of Oktoberfest included the Stein Holding Contest, which was won by Sophie Humphrey for the women's division, clocking in at 5 minutes and 58 seconds, and Clint Newell at 12 minutes and 29 seconds.You can learn more about the 2025 Oktoberfest schedule, including its new 'Battle of the Bierock' competition <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f35cb958-9fbc-4412-b70b-c106eb89dc96">here</a>.<figure>
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📷 Nwester: 2025 Oktoberfest Hays kicks off today

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Republican candidate for Kansas governor Stacy Rogers was in Ellis on Wednesday as part of a speaking tour with several stops in western Kansas.

Rogers has been criss-crossing the state even though the gubernatorial election is still more than a year away.

Rogers is a businesswoman from Wichita. She also served on the city council in Mt. Hope.

"The reason that I'm running is to give a voice back to the people of this state," Rogers said.

She said as she has traveled across the state, she has heard people complain they are not being heard and they do not like the choices they have been given on the ballot.

"They just don't feel they are being well represented," she said.

"We have been doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, and that's the definition of insanity," she said. ... "We need to break that cycle to make things better in the state for the people that live here, regardless of whether they are Republican or Democrat or Libertarian. As governor, I would be governor for all of those people."

"I think we are ready for something completely different," she said.

Rogers spoke to a small group in Ellis. They expressed concerns about investment in rural communities and businesses.

Most of Ellis' downtown is in a floodplain. This has made it difficult to make repairs and upgrades to those buildings due to FEMA regulations.

Rogers said she did not think the entire state should pay for large incentive packages that will only aid one county or community. She cited the example of the incentive packages being offered to the Chiefs and Royals to relocate to Kansas.

All three of her children are adults, but two of them have learning challenges. Her children attended both public and private schools, and she also homeschooled.

"[Education] is failing across the state. You can look at the numbers. They're dismal," she said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ddb7029-9e09-4f6a-8c1f-c0c5f03f27ed">The Hays school district has been advocating for increased state funding for special education. The state is not fulfilling its full obligation under the state statute, which results in local school districts being forced to pay a higher proportion of special education costs from their general funds.</a>

Rogers said she had a bad experience with a public school district. Her son is autistic, and the school district did not want to approve her son's individual education plan, which is also known as an IEP. This led her to withdraw her son from public school and homeschool him.

She said the issues with schools were not with teachers, but rather the result of decisions made by local school boards, which trickled down to students.

"I can't get behind more funding to a system that is broken and not teaching our kids well," she said.

Rogers said too much money is being spent on salaries for superintendents and administration.

Rogers said she might support a form of school choice.

She said she did not think school choice would result in the closure of public schools in small communities in western Kansas. However, it might allow students of all income levels in urban areas to choose where they want to attend. She said she thought the money should follow the student.

"I just want kids to be educated well and to be set up to be successful in their life," she said. "That is my only concern. How do we achieve that? We need to put together a plan. I am for children being educated well."

The Hays Post reporter asked Rogers about the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72cef8d3-79bf-4085-b070-bccbdc589f9d">R9 Ranch project</a>, which will affect long-term water availability for Hays and Russell. Rogers said she was not familiar with the R9 project, but she did discuss water issues in Kansas generally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758901909433.jpeg" alt="Republican candidate for Kansas governor Stacy Rogers making a campaign stop in Ellis on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Republican candidate for Kansas governor Stacy Rogers making a campaign stop in Ellis on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRepublican candidate for Kansas governor Stacy Rogers was in Ellis on Wednesday as part of a speaking tour with several stops in western Kansas.Rogers has been criss-crossing the state even though the gubernatorial election is still more than a year away.Rogers is a businesswoman from Wichita. She also served on the city council in Mt. Hope."The reason that I'm running is to give a voice back to the people of this state," Rogers said.She said as she has traveled across the state, she has heard people complain they are not being heard and they do not like the choices they have been given on the ballot."They just don't feel they are being well represented," she said."We have been doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, and that's the definition of insanity," she said. ... "We need to break that cycle to make things better in the state for the people that live here, regardless of whether they are Republican or Democrat or Libertarian. As governor, I would be governor for all of those people."Rogers said she supported term limits."I think we are ready for something completely different," she said.Business incentivesRogers spoke to a small group in Ellis. They expressed concerns about investment in rural communities and businesses.Most of Ellis' downtown is in a floodplain. This has made it difficult to make repairs and upgrades to those buildings due to FEMA regulations.Rogers said she did not think the entire state should pay for large incentive packages that will only aid one county or community. She cited the example of the incentive packages being offered to the Chiefs and Royals to relocate to Kansas.EducationAll three of her children are adults, but two of them have learning challenges. Her children attended both public and private schools, and she also homeschooled."[Education] is failing across the state. You can look at the numbers. They're dismal," she said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ddb7029-9e09-4f6a-8c1f-c0c5f03f27ed">The Hays school district has been advocating for increased state funding for special education. The state is not fulfilling its full obligation under the state statute, which results in local school districts being forced to pay a higher proportion of special education costs from their general funds.</a>Rogers said she had a bad experience with a public school district. Her son is autistic, and the school district did not want to approve her son's individual education plan, which is also known as an IEP. This led her to withdraw her son from public school and homeschool him.She said the issues with schools were not with teachers, but rather the result of decisions made by local school boards, which trickled down to students."I can't get behind more funding to a system that is broken and not teaching our kids well," she said.Rogers said too much money is being spent on salaries for superintendents and administration.Rogers said she might support a form of school choice.She said she did not think school choice would result in the closure of public schools in small communities in western Kansas. However, it might allow students of all income levels in urban areas to choose where they want to attend. She said she thought the money should follow the student."I just want kids to be educated well and to be set up to be successful in their life," she said. "That is my only concern. How do we achieve that? We need to put together a plan. I am for children being educated well."WaterThe Hays Post reporter asked Rogers about the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72cef8d3-79bf-4085-b070-bccbdc589f9d">R9 Ranch project</a>, which will affect long-term water availability for Hays and Russell. Rogers said she was not familiar with the R9 project, but she did discuss water issues in Kansas generally.She agreed with one of the Ellis residents who said eastern Kansas should not be making water decisions for western Kansas, because the two areas of the state have vastly different needs.He said some farmers are forced to use water they don't need, because if they don't use their full water allotment, they won't be able to draw as much in the following years.Rogers said, "We are very seriously chasing the ball at this point on water preservation."&nbsp;Budget, taxesIf elected, Rogers said she would seek to identify inefficiencies in the state budget."I would go through each department with a fine-toothed comb and find where those inefficiencies are, where those duplications are ... those kinds of things that we can get rid of and cut the budget without taking away value from the things that are already there," Rogers said."I think we are going to discover some fraud," she said. "I think we are going to discover some mismanagement."Rogers said she would like to see reductions in property taxes, but the funds to support the state government have to come from somewhere.&nbsp;EnergyRogers said she would like to see a moratorium on the expansion of wind energy statewide in Kansas.She expressed concern renewable energy companies are offering substantial sums of money for land leases. She questioned whether those leases included provisions for removing towers and cleaning up after the leases expired.