By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The rain keeps on falling in Hays this week.

The two-day total official amount measured at K-State Agricultural Research Center Tuesday at 9 a.m. was 0.83 inches.

The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, had 0.47 inches Monday.&nbsp;

Hays is currently exceeding the 158-year cumulative average moisture for the month and year-to-date.

Ellis County is in a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c2059a92-a027-492c-af83-566142288b3c">Flash Flood Watch</a> until 1 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;

The<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/22be5363-ea33-4b33-9810-623feeff0709"> three-day weather forecast </a>calls for showers through Wednesday with a sunny sky on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718896799079.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post The rain keeps on falling in Hays this week.The two-day total official amount measured at K-State Agricultural Research Center Tuesday at 9 a.m. was 0.83 inches.The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, had 0.47 inches Monday.&nbsp;Hays is currently exceeding the 158-year cumulative average moisture for the month and year-to-date.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758638267353.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County is in a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c2059a92-a027-492c-af83-566142288b3c">Flash Flood Watch</a> until 1 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;The<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/22be5363-ea33-4b33-9810-623feeff0709"> three-day weather forecast </a>calls for showers through Wednesday with a sunny sky on Thursday.

More rain falls in Hays Sunday and Monday; Flash Flood Watch until 1 p.m.

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with the new executive director of the Hays Arts Council, Chandler Reich, and board president Brittney Squire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: New Hays Arts Council Executive Director Chandler Reich" 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=f5xt8-196a285-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>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with the new executive director of the Hays Arts Council, Chandler Reich, and board president Brittney Squire.

🎙 Post Podcast: New Hays Arts Council Executive Director Chandler Reich

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board approved a contract to remove mastic containing asbestos from underneath tiles at the new Hays Middle School.

The motion for the contract with&nbsp;ACM Removal LLS for&nbsp;$69,480 passed on a vote of 6-1, but it was that one no vote that resulted in some heated discussion.

The district has worked for many years to remove asbestos from all of its buildings.&nbsp;

The asbestos at the former Hays High building is contained in the glue that holds the floor tiles in place. Because the tile covered the glue, it was not considered to be a danger.

However, because the tile is being removed for the renovation of the former high school into a middle school, it needed to be remediated.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district was able to contract directly with&nbsp;ACM Removal for less than it could through Nabholz Construction, its construction manager at risk. The asbestos abatement and tile removal had been budgeted at $80,000.

Board member Allen Park questioned the existence of the asbestos in the building. He said the building was too new to contain asbestos, and the district's paperwork did not indicate any asbestos in that building.

Superintendent Ron Wilson informed Park that the material had been tested and does contain asbestos.

Park voted against the bid for the asbestos removal.

Board member Ruth Ruder called Park out for his lone no vote.

"What would have happened if we had all voted no? Would we be in trouble from the health and human services department for not removing asbestos that is known?" Ruder said.

"Are you just voting no to [satisfy] the public, because you're not spending money?" she said.

"I am not an expert in these fields. I rely on Nabholz. I rely on Bill [Jeter]," she said. "I rely on Chris (Hipp) to know his job. I can't know all of these jobs. Every week we come here and we get these no votes on things that should not be voted no on just to [satisfy] the taxpayer to say, 'I didn't vote on it.'"

"You have a right to vote the way you want, but I am sick and tired of coming here every week and there's a no vote on something. That isn't right for the public. It isn't right for our kids, and it isn't right for our employees who work for this school district," Ruder said.

Park said he has a problem with the process.&nbsp;

"I'm not voting that we shouldn't do it," he said. "I'm voting this process to do this. This process we don't know for sure. They say it is, but I have some doubts."

"I'm No. 1 on safety," Park said. ... "For you to say that is not appropriate."

Park aslo voted against a $88,347 change order for the new high school.

The items included: • Concession receptacles • Polished concrete revisions • The addition of gates for the football stadium • ˙Football field scoreboard power revision • A clarification to the architect's instructions • Directional striping for the parking lot to improve traffic flow&nbsp;

Most of the change order items have already been completed.&nbsp;

Wilson said most of the items needed to be completed within about a week of the school's opening, and there was not enough time to bring the items to the board for approval before they were finished.

Board Vice President Ken Brooks asked Park what he would have changed had he had the change orders in advance.

Ruder said the change orders needed to be completed for the safety of the students.

The board unanimously approved a marketing partnership with Pizza Management for Pizza Hut signage in the Hays High School Gold Gym. The company will pay $7,500 for a three-year contract.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758592472534.png" alt="Board member Allen Park, left, and Ruth Ruder, center, in a heated exchange over an asbestos removal contract and Park's repeated no votes as a member of the board.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Board member Allen Park, left, and Ruth Ruder, center, in a heated exchange over an asbestos removal contract and Park's repeated no votes as a member of the board.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board approved a contract to remove mastic containing asbestos from underneath tiles at the new Hays Middle School.The motion for the contract with&nbsp;ACM Removal LLS for&nbsp;$69,480 passed on a vote of 6-1, but it was that one no vote that resulted in some heated discussion.The district has worked for many years to remove asbestos from all of its buildings.&nbsp;The asbestos at the former Hays High building is contained in the glue that holds the floor tiles in place. Because the tile covered the glue, it was not considered to be a danger.However, because the tile is being removed for the renovation of the former high school into a middle school, it needed to be remediated.Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district was able to contract directly with&nbsp;ACM Removal for less than it could through Nabholz Construction, its construction manager at risk. The asbestos abatement and tile removal had been budgeted at $80,000.Board member Allen Park questioned the existence of the asbestos in the building. He said the building was too new to contain asbestos, and the district's paperwork did not indicate any asbestos in that building.Superintendent Ron Wilson informed Park that the material had been tested and does contain asbestos.Park voted against the bid for the asbestos removal.Board member Ruth Ruder called Park out for his lone no vote."What would have happened if we had all voted no? Would we be in trouble from the health and human services department for not removing asbestos that is known?" Ruder said."Are you just voting no to [satisfy] the public, because you're not spending money?" she said."I am not an expert in these fields. I rely on Nabholz. I rely on Bill [Jeter]," she said. "I rely on Chris (Hipp) to know his job. I can't know all of these jobs. Every week we come here and we get these no votes on things that should not be voted no on just to [satisfy] the taxpayer to say, 'I didn't vote on it.'""You have a right to vote the way you want, but I am sick and tired of coming here every week and there's a no vote on something. That isn't right for the public. It isn't right for our kids, and it isn't right for our employees who work for this school district," Ruder said.Park said he has a problem with the process.&nbsp;"I'm not voting that we shouldn't do it," he said. "I'm voting this process to do this. This process we don't know for sure. They say it is, but I have some doubts.""I'm No. 1 on safety," Park said. ... "For you to say that is not appropriate."Park aslo voted against a $88,347 change order for the new high school.The items included: • Concession receptacles • Polished concrete revisions • The addition of gates for the football stadium • ˙Football field scoreboard power revision • A clarification to the architect's instructions • Directional striping for the parking lot to improve traffic flow&nbsp;Most of the change order items have already been completed.&nbsp;Wilson said most of the items needed to be completed within about a week of the school's opening, and there was not enough time to bring the items to the board for approval before they were finished.Board Vice President Ken Brooks asked Park what he would have changed had he had the change orders in advance.Ruder said the change orders needed to be completed for the safety of the students.The board unanimously approved a marketing partnership with Pizza Management for Pizza Hut signage in the Hays High School Gold Gym. The company will pay $7,500 for a three-year contract.

Board member calls out fellow member after repeated no votes, including 1 on asbestos removal

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A large&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/growler-pines-tiger-preserve-oklahoma-handler-killed-38aca16b13afd7e9a71fcca1923676b5">tiger fatally attacked</a>&nbsp;an animal handler as horrified onlookers watched during the end of a big cat show at a preserve in southeastern Oklahoma, officials said Monday.

Ryan Easley, 37, was dead when deputies arrived Saturday at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo, not far from the Texas border, just minutes after dispatchers received an emergency call, said Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park.

Park said the tiger unexpectedly started to bite and then shake Easley while the two were inside of a large cage.

“It was a big tiger,” Park told The Associated Press. “This particular one, he’d had for quite some time.”

Park said Easley’s wife and young daughter were present when the attack occurred.

Messages left Monday with Growler Pines Tiger Preserve were not immediately returned.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world,” the preserve said in a statement on its Facebook page. “Ryan understood those risks — not out of recklessness but out of love. The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with — one rooted in respect, daily care and love.”

All tours have been canceled until further notice, the statement said.

The preserve is a private facility where visitors can book tours to view tigers and see demonstrations on how the animals are trained and cared for, according to its website.

Because the facility did not house animals native to Oklahoma, it would have been issued permits by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — rather than the state. That is according to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation spokesperson Kelly Adams. Messages left Monday with both of those federal agencies were not immediately returned.

Two different animal rights organizations, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, and Humane World for Animals, said Easley’s death is a sad reminder of the dangers posed when wild animals like tigers are used in performances.

“It was really only a matter of time before these cats responded in way that is completely natural to them, which is to use aggression to respond to a stressor,” said Debbie Metzler, PETA Foundation’s senior director of captive wildlife.

A certificate of veterinary inspection provided to the AP by Humane World shows two 11-month-old tigers obtained by Easley in 2012 came from the G.W. Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, which was owned and operated by “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-exotic-tiger-king-sentence-murder-for-hire-812b9b2b759e8d84f2e3192766f1efec">Tiger King</a>&nbsp;” Joe Exotic. The document appears to be authentic, said Bryce Boyer, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, which received the certificate in 2012.

Joe Exotic, a mullet-wearing Oklahoma zookeeper whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3d40f4a4134f4e903da8c5ed2a0878f">sentenced to federal prison</a>&nbsp;in a case documented in the Netflix series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.

In a statement posted to Maldonado-Passage’s Instagram account, he says Easley once built a compound at his zoo in Wynnewood more than a decade ago to house Easley’s tigers during the winter.

“So with all my respect as a human R.I.P. Ryan Easley,” the statement said. “You died doing what you loved.”

It’s not the first time a tiger has attacked and killed its handler. In 1997, a 400-pound&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/may/08/tiger-kills-trainer-as-200-children-watch-in/" target="_blank">Bengal tiger killed its trainer</a>&nbsp;in front of a crowd of about 200 people at a circus in Pennsylvania.

In Las Vegas in 2003,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bf0c463f767d9e10f9ae44caa35f677b">Roy Horn of Siegfried &amp; Roy</a>&nbsp;was critically injured in an attack by one of the act’s famed white tigers during a show at the Mirage hotel-casino. Roy suffered severe neck injuries and underwent lengthy rehabilitation, and the attack effectively ended the long-running Las Vegas Strip production.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758581710959.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A large&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/growler-pines-tiger-preserve-oklahoma-handler-killed-38aca16b13afd7e9a71fcca1923676b5">tiger fatally attacked</a>&nbsp;an animal handler as horrified onlookers watched during the end of a big cat show at a preserve in southeastern Oklahoma, officials said Monday.Ryan Easley, 37, was dead when deputies arrived Saturday at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo, not far from the Texas border, just minutes after dispatchers received an emergency call, said Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGrowlerPines%2Fposts%2Fpfbid036fGHuYB2NuHgcL1WCAvb7gNeSnPcopk19Bjo7nG4uzMAWoN36nvLAwcRDypBUzftl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="272" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Park said the tiger unexpectedly started to bite and then shake Easley while the two were inside of a large cage.“It was a big tiger,” Park told The Associated Press. “This particular one, he’d had for quite some time.”Park said Easley’s wife and young daughter were present when the attack occurred.Messages left Monday with Growler Pines Tiger Preserve were not immediately returned.“This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world,” the preserve said in a statement on its Facebook page. “Ryan understood those risks — not out of recklessness but out of love. The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with — one rooted in respect, daily care and love.”All tours have been canceled until further notice, the statement said.The preserve is a private facility where visitors can book tours to view tigers and see demonstrations on how the animals are trained and cared for, according to its website.Because the facility did not house animals native to Oklahoma, it would have been issued permits by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — rather than the state. That is according to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation spokesperson Kelly Adams. Messages left Monday with both of those federal agencies were not immediately returned.Two different animal rights organizations, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, and Humane World for Animals, said Easley’s death is a sad reminder of the dangers posed when wild animals like tigers are used in performances.“It was really only a matter of time before these cats responded in way that is completely natural to them, which is to use aggression to respond to a stressor,” said Debbie Metzler, PETA Foundation’s senior director of captive wildlife.A certificate of veterinary inspection provided to the AP by Humane World shows two 11-month-old tigers obtained by Easley in 2012 came from the G.W. Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, which was owned and operated by “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-exotic-tiger-king-sentence-murder-for-hire-812b9b2b759e8d84f2e3192766f1efec">Tiger King</a>&nbsp;” Joe Exotic. The document appears to be authentic, said Bryce Boyer, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, which received the certificate in 2012.Joe Exotic, a mullet-wearing Oklahoma zookeeper whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3d40f4a4134f4e903da8c5ed2a0878f">sentenced to federal prison</a>&nbsp;in a case documented in the Netflix series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.In a statement posted to Maldonado-Passage’s Instagram account, he says Easley once built a compound at his zoo in Wynnewood more than a decade ago to house Easley’s tigers during the winter.“So with all my respect as a human R.I.P. Ryan Easley,” the statement said. “You died doing what you loved.”It’s not the first time a tiger has attacked and killed its handler. In 1997, a 400-pound&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/may/08/tiger-kills-trainer-as-200-children-watch-in/" target="_blank">Bengal tiger killed its trainer</a>&nbsp;in front of a crowd of about 200 people at a circus in Pennsylvania.In Las Vegas in 2003,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bf0c463f767d9e10f9ae44caa35f677b">Roy Horn of Siegfried &amp; Roy</a>&nbsp;was critically injured in an attack by one of the act’s famed white tigers during a show at the Mirage hotel-casino. Roy suffered severe neck injuries and underwent lengthy rehabilitation, and the attack effectively ended the long-running Las Vegas Strip production.

Tiger fatally mauls handler during big cat show in Oklahoma

Hays High DECA is excited to host the food drive that benefits the Community Assistance Center. 

This year's food drive, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, with the collections beginning at 6 p.m. and ending by 9 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Youth and adult volunteers from Hays give of their time to make this food drive a success.

 To assure residents that the items collected are for the Community Assistance Center, all volunteers will be wearing an identification badge with their group name clearly printed. Please leave items on the porch if donors will not be home or do not want someone to ring the doorbell.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Possible items to donate include canned fruits and vegetables, boxed food items such Hamburger Helper or mac and cheese, jars of baby food, and any non-perishable food items. 

Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon Nov. 28.

If civic organizations or groups are interested in helping with food collection, please contact Shaina Prough at Hays High School, 785-623-2600.&nbsp;

If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E. 12th St. Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Community Assistance Center is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization that helps Ellis County families &amp; individuals of low or no income, transients, homeless, &amp; disaster victims with food, clothing, and household items. The Community Assistance Center does not receive any federal, state, county or local funds and is funded by donations only.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696867182206.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High DECAHays High DECA is excited to host the food drive that benefits the Community Assistance Center. This year's food drive, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, with the collections beginning at 6 p.m. and ending by 9 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Youth and adult volunteers from Hays give of their time to make this food drive a success. To assure residents that the items collected are for the Community Assistance Center, all volunteers will be wearing an identification badge with their group name clearly printed. Please leave items on the porch if donors will not be home or do not want someone to ring the doorbell.&nbsp;&nbsp;Possible items to donate include canned fruits and vegetables, boxed food items such Hamburger Helper or mac and cheese, jars of baby food, and any non-perishable food items. Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon Nov. 28.If civic organizations or groups are interested in helping with food collection, please contact Shaina Prough at Hays High School, 785-623-2600.&nbsp;If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E. 12th St. Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Community Assistance Center is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization that helps Ellis County families &amp; individuals of low or no income, transients, homeless, &amp; disaster victims with food, clothing, and household items. The Community Assistance Center does not receive any federal, state, county or local funds and is funded by donations only.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat set for Oct. 14 in Hays 

SALINA – The Hays High
girls’ golf team finished fifth at the 13-team Salina South Invitational Monday
at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. The Indians shot a 386 and were 14 strokes
behind fifth place Manhattan and 23 better than sixth place Salina South.

The Indians were paced
by Kinley Pfannenstiel who tied for eighth with a 16-over-par 86. Ava Erbert
tied for 25th with a 98.

Concordia’s Mya Niehues
was the individual champ with a 2-over-par 72. Bishop Carroll won the team
title with a 332, 20 strokes better than second place Goddard-Eisenhower.

Hays Post SportsSALINA – The Hays High
girls’ golf team finished fifth at the 13-team Salina South Invitational Monday
at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. The Indians shot a 386 and were 14 strokes
behind fifth place Manhattan and 23 better than sixth place Salina South.The Indians were paced
by Kinley Pfannenstiel who tied for eighth with a 16-over-par 86. Ava Erbert
tied for 25th with a 98.Concordia’s Mya Niehues
was the individual champ with a 2-over-par 72. Bishop Carroll won the team
title with a 332, 20 strokes better than second place Goddard-Eisenhower.

⛳ HHS girls 5th at Salina South Invite

COLBY – The TMP-Marian
girls’ golf team finished third at Monday’s Colby Invitational at the Meadow
Lake Golf Course. The Monarchs had a 422 team total which was 21 strokes behind
second place Colby. Goodland easily won the team title by 33 shots with a 368
team score.

The Monarchs were led by
Brynn Schoepf who tied for sixth with a 97. Jenna Brull tied for 9th with a 103.

Goodland’s Tori Jones
was the top medalist with a 13-over 85, one shot better than teammate Allision
Cure. Colby’s Braelyn Stupka finished third with a 90.

Hays Post SportsCOLBY – The TMP-Marian
girls’ golf team finished third at Monday’s Colby Invitational at the Meadow
Lake Golf Course. The Monarchs had a 422 team total which was 21 strokes behind
second place Colby. Goodland easily won the team title by 33 shots with a 368
team score.The Monarchs were led by
Brynn Schoepf who tied for sixth with a 97. Jenna Brull tied for 9th with a 103.Goodland’s Tori Jones
was the top medalist with a 13-over 85, one shot better than teammate Allision
Cure. Colby’s Braelyn Stupka finished third with a 90.

⛳ Monarch girls third in Colby

NEW YORK (AP) — ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show in the wake of criticism over his comments about the assassination of conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">activist Charlie Kirk</a>, officials with the network said Monday.

<a href="https://www.aclu.org/defend-free-speech-letter-kimmel">Click here to see the list </a>of celebrities who signed a petition to support Kimmel.

"We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday,” said a statement from the network.

ABC&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-2c79d56fa53779014f2bb2ed9e47da1f">suspended</a>&nbsp;Kimmel indefinitely after comments he made about Kirk, who was killed Sept. 10, in a monologue. Kimmel said “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk” and that “the MAGA gang” was “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”

Kimmel has hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC since 2003 and has been a fixture in television and comedy for even longer. He is also well known as a presenter, having hosted the Academy Awards four times.

Backlash to Kimmel’s comments about Kirk was swift.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abc-kimmel-affiliate-charlie-kirk-8eb9dca5dff2c717fd00a7083982c5c4">Nexstar and Sinclair,</a>&nbsp;two of ABC’s largest affiliate owners, said they would be pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from their stations. Others, including several fellow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspended-reaction-03c1ae9d16a4a47481e855de1668def3">comedians</a>, came to his defense.

There was no immediate comment from Nexstar and Sinclair in response to messages from The Associated Press.

President Donald Trump, one of Kimmel’s frequent targets, posted on social media that Kimmel’s suspension was “great news for America.” He also called for other late night hosts to be fired.

Kimmel was asked in an interview with Variety this past summer if he was worried that the administration would come after comedians. He expressed concern that a crackdown could be on the way.

“Well, you’d have to be naive not to worry a little bit,” he said. “But that can’t change what you’re doing.”

Kimmel’s suspension arrived in a time when Trump and his administration have pursued threats, lawsuits and federal government pressure to try to exert more control over the media industry. Trump has reached settlements with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abc-trump-lawsuit-defamation-stephanopoulos-04aea8663310af39ae2a85f4c1a56d68">ABC</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-media-harris-minutes-paramount-6415042fe910ae60b432dd8c73ef61b2">CBS</a>&nbsp;over their coverage.

Trump has also filed defamation lawsuits against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-wall-street-journal-b006f3ef25e6b4ab910cc3b41c865227">The Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-lawsuit-new-york-times-b2a615192ebe2dcec859eb883368dfbb">The New York Times</a>. Republicans in Congress stripped federal funding from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/npr-pbs-public-broadcasting-trump-cuts-73de8fadf32655aa74752690d22a3758">NPR and PBS</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brendan-carr-fcc-chairman-jimmy-kimmel-f1c635a8b2184ccf50ed53d1c8d76518">Brendan Carr</a>, the head of the Federal Communications Commission, issued a warning prior to Kimmel’s suspension that criticized Kimmel’s remarks about the Kirk assassination.

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said. “These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

Carr denied on Monday that he threatened to revoke ABC's local station licenses because of Kimmel's remarks.

“Jimmy Kimmel is in the situation he’s in because of his ratings. Not because of anything that’s happened at the federal government level,” Carr said at the Concordia Annual Summit.

The suspension also happened at a time when the late night landscape is shifting. CBS announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-late-show-cbs-end-8bad9f16f076df62c0ffc50e9c8adbab">the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show</a>&nbsp;over the summer

Kimmel’s contract with The Walt Disney Co.-owned network had been set to expire in May 2026.

Word of the reinstatement came as hundreds of Hollywood and Broadway stars — including Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Selena Gomez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep — urged Americans “fight to defend and preserve our constitutionally protected rights” in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspended-charlie-kirk-business-interests-fcc-f18546e00ba03980c03b4cda4c576aa8">Jimmy Kimmel's suspension.</a>

More than 430 movie, TV and stage stars as well as comedians, directors and writers added their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/defend-free-speech-letter-kimmel">names to an open letter</a>&nbsp;Monday from the American Civil Liberties Union that argues it is “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”

Also Monday, ABC's “The View” weighed in on the controversy after not raising it for two episodes after Kimmel was suspended. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg opened the show saying: “No one silences us” and she and her fellow hosts condemned Disney's decision.

Associated Press Media Writer David Bauder and writers Patrick Whittle and James Pollard contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758149830141.png" alt="Image courtesy ABC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy ABC</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show in the wake of criticism over his comments about the assassination of conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">activist Charlie Kirk</a>, officials with the network said Monday.<a href="https://www.aclu.org/defend-free-speech-letter-kimmel">Click here to see the list </a>of celebrities who signed a petition to support Kimmel."We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday,” said a statement from the network.ABC&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-2c79d56fa53779014f2bb2ed9e47da1f">suspended</a>&nbsp;Kimmel indefinitely after comments he made about Kirk, who was killed Sept. 10, in a monologue. Kimmel said “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk” and that “the MAGA gang” was “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”Kimmel has hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC since 2003 and has been a fixture in television and comedy for even longer. He is also well known as a presenter, having hosted the Academy Awards four times.Backlash to Kimmel’s comments about Kirk was swift.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abc-kimmel-affiliate-charlie-kirk-8eb9dca5dff2c717fd00a7083982c5c4">Nexstar and Sinclair,</a>&nbsp;two of ABC’s largest affiliate owners, said they would be pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from their stations. Others, including several fellow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspended-reaction-03c1ae9d16a4a47481e855de1668def3">comedians</a>, came to his defense.There was no immediate comment from Nexstar and Sinclair in response to messages from The Associated Press.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/ABC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABC</a> for finally having the courage to do what had to be done...&quot; - President Donald J. Trump <a href="https://t.co/Vhj6DQSssu">pic.twitter.com/Vhj6DQSssu</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1968468758533451910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Donald Trump, one of Kimmel’s frequent targets, posted on social media that Kimmel’s suspension was “great news for America.” He also called for other late night hosts to be fired.Kimmel was asked in an interview with Variety this past summer if he was worried that the administration would come after comedians. He expressed concern that a crackdown could be on the way.“Well, you’d have to be naive not to worry a little bit,” he said. “But that can’t change what you’re doing.”Kimmel’s suspension arrived in a time when Trump and his administration have pursued threats, lawsuits and federal government pressure to try to exert more control over the media industry. Trump has reached settlements with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abc-trump-lawsuit-defamation-stephanopoulos-04aea8663310af39ae2a85f4c1a56d68">ABC</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-media-harris-minutes-paramount-6415042fe910ae60b432dd8c73ef61b2">CBS</a>&nbsp;over their coverage.Trump has also filed defamation lawsuits against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-wall-street-journal-b006f3ef25e6b4ab910cc3b41c865227">The Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-lawsuit-new-york-times-b2a615192ebe2dcec859eb883368dfbb">The New York Times</a>. Republicans in Congress stripped federal funding from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/npr-pbs-public-broadcasting-trump-cuts-73de8fadf32655aa74752690d22a3758">NPR and PBS</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brendan-carr-fcc-chairman-jimmy-kimmel-f1c635a8b2184ccf50ed53d1c8d76518">Brendan Carr</a>, the head of the Federal Communications Commission, issued a warning prior to Kimmel’s suspension that criticized Kimmel’s remarks about the Kirk assassination.“We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said. “These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”Carr denied on Monday that he threatened to revoke ABC's local station licenses because of Kimmel's remarks.“Jimmy Kimmel is in the situation he’s in because of his ratings. Not because of anything that’s happened at the federal government level,” Carr said at the Concordia Annual Summit.The suspension also happened at a time when the late night landscape is shifting. CBS announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-late-show-cbs-end-8bad9f16f076df62c0ffc50e9c8adbab">the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show</a>&nbsp;over the summerKimmel’s contract with The Walt Disney Co.-owned network had been set to expire in May 2026.Word of the reinstatement came as hundreds of Hollywood and Broadway stars — including Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Selena Gomez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep — urged Americans “fight to defend and preserve our constitutionally protected rights” in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspended-charlie-kirk-business-interests-fcc-f18546e00ba03980c03b4cda4c576aa8">Jimmy Kimmel's suspension.</a>More than 430 movie, TV and stage stars as well as comedians, directors and writers added their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/defend-free-speech-letter-kimmel">names to an open letter</a>&nbsp;Monday from the American Civil Liberties Union that argues it is “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”Also Monday, ABC's “The View” weighed in on the controversy after not raising it for two episodes after Kimmel was suspended. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg opened the show saying: “No one silences us” and she and her fellow hosts condemned Disney's decision.___Associated Press Media Writer David Bauder and writers Patrick Whittle and James Pollard contributed to this report.

ABC ends Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, show returns this week

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays hit a high of 81 Sunday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

By 9 a.m. on Saturday, Hays received 2.1 inches of rain.

Hays received no rain as of 9 a.m. today. Hays has received 3.06 inches in the month of September and 19.84 inches of precipitation year to date.&nbsp;

On average, Hays receives 2.24 inches of rain in September and 19.84 inches of moisture year to date by the end of the month. 

The forecast for today is mostly sunny, with a high of 88 and up to a 90% chance of storms and heavy rain, with a low of 61. Winds are expected to be around 9 mph.

More heavy rain is expected Tuesday, with a high of 70, and with more chance of storms at night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758565387898.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays hit a high of 81 Sunday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.By 9 a.m. on Saturday, Hays received 2.1 inches of rain.Hays received no rain as of 9 a.m. today. Hays has received 3.06 inches in the month of September and 19.84 inches of precipitation year to date.&nbsp;On average, Hays receives 2.24 inches of rain in September and 19.84 inches of moisture year to date by the end of the month. The forecast for today is mostly sunny, with a high of 88 and up to a 90% chance of storms and heavy rain, with a low of 61. Winds are expected to be around 9 mph.More heavy rain is expected Tuesday, with a high of 70, and with more chance of storms at night.

Hays receives weekend rain; more expected Tuesday

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen charged for her role in an acid attack on another teen was back in court Friday.&nbsp;

Tayronnia West, who was 18 at the time of the crime, pled guilty to Reckless Aggravated Battery, severity level 5, person felony, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She is scheduled for sentencing on November 5.

In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May, a jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery.

In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;

Immediately following the incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice&nbsp;Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717690818288.png" alt="West photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>West photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen charged for her role in an acid attack on another teen was back in court Friday.&nbsp;Tayronnia West, who was 18 at the time of the crime, pled guilty to Reckless Aggravated Battery, severity level 5, person felony, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She is scheduled for sentencing on November 5.In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In May, a jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery.In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;Immediately following the incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice&nbsp;Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.

Kansas teen enters plea for acid attack on another girl

The National Weather Service in Dodge City reports&nbsp;Hays is under a flood watch that is in effect from 10 p.m. tonight to 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Isolated storms are expected to begin developing around 7 to 8 tonight, with coverage increasing by 9 to 10 p.m. Following these, a line of storms will move in from Colorado around 10 to 11 p.m. and push southeast into the early morning hours.

As the line progresses, the flooding risk will rise due to already saturated soils and standing water from recent storms. Southwest portions could see rainfall totals of up to 2 inches (with locally higher amounts) with this initial line, with additional showers behind it adding to overall amounts through the morning.

The report adds that with the ground already saturated, gust winds could more easily bring down trees and power lines, leading ot potential power outages.

Tuesday's high is expected to reach 70 with a low of 57 and a 70% chance of heavy rain and showers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758573330725.jpeg" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe National Weather Service in Dodge City reports&nbsp;Hays is under a flood watch that is in effect from 10 p.m. tonight to 1 p.m. tomorrow.Isolated storms are expected to begin developing around 7 to 8 tonight, with coverage increasing by 9 to 10 p.m. Following these, a line of storms will move in from Colorado around 10 to 11 p.m. and push southeast into the early morning hours.As the line progresses, the flooding risk will rise due to already saturated soils and standing water from recent storms. Southwest portions could see rainfall totals of up to 2 inches (with locally higher amounts) with this initial line, with additional showers behind it adding to overall amounts through the morning.The report adds that with the ground already saturated, gust winds could more easily bring down trees and power lines, leading ot potential power outages.Tuesday's high is expected to reach 70 with a low of 57 and a 70% chance of heavy rain and showers.

Hays under flood watch tonight until Tuesday

The Hays USD 489 school board will discuss a change order for the new high school and additional work at the new Hays Middle School at its meeting tonight at 6:30.

The board will consider a $88,347 change order for the high school, which includes multiple items.

It will also consider a contract with&nbsp;ACM Removal LLS for&nbsp;$69,480 for the removal of floor tile and abatement of non-friable asbestos-containing mastic in hallway areas of the new HMS building at 2300 13th St.

Work is underway at the former high school to convert it into a new middle school.

Students and staff are set to move into the renovated space in January.

The board will also hear a report on possible changes in transportation eligibility as the middle school relocates to 13th Street.

Superintendent Ron Wilson will give updates about the HMS and O'Loughlin Elementary School construction projects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608234493687.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will discuss a change order for the new high school and additional work at the new Hays Middle School at its meeting tonight at 6:30.The board will consider a $88,347 change order for the high school, which includes multiple items.It will also consider a contract with&nbsp;ACM Removal LLS for&nbsp;$69,480 for the removal of floor tile and abatement of non-friable asbestos-containing mastic in hallway areas of the new HMS building at 2300 13th St.Work is underway at the former high school to convert it into a new middle school.Students and staff are set to move into the renovated space in January.The board will also hear a report on possible changes in transportation eligibility as the middle school relocates to 13th Street.Superintendent Ron Wilson will give updates about the HMS and O'Loughlin Elementary School construction projects.

Hays USD 489 board to consider change order for Hays High, asbestos removal for HMS

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about&nbsp; the Network Kansas ECommunity Loan program on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=79qib-196d9ab-pb&square=1&share=1&d… loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
Podbean Player
 </div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about&nbsp; the Network Kansas ECommunity Loan program on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.Please submit your questions for Doug for future interviews to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays  on ECommunity loan program

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

An Ellis County dispatcher received her second Stork Award after helping a caller deliver a baby over the phone.

On April 5, dispatcher Rachel Barnes answered a 911 call reporting a woman in labor in rural Ellis County. Barnes quickly instructed the caller to gather towels before giving further directions.

"You don't typically get calls as a dispatcher that are positive. Having done it once before, getting that call and realizing that I'm going to do something that has a good outcome gets me really excited." Barnes said.

About one minute into the call, a baby was delivered before responders arrived. Barnes then instructed the caller on how to make sure the newborn was breathing and properly wrapped.

"It's always important to make sure you have something to keep that baby warm because they're so small, and they're not going to be able to regulate their heat," she said.

She instructed the caller to check whether the placenta had been delivered and to wait until the umbilical cord had changed color before tying it off. The call lasted about 16 minutes.

Barnes said the most challenging part of the phone call was waiting for responders. The family was about 15 miles away from HaysMed.

"With every call, it's really just the waiting, because there's only so much you can do as a voice on the end of the phone," she said.

Barnes said the call involved her, a grandfather and a grandmother who helped deliver their grandson’s baby girl.

For providing calm guidance and instructions, Ellis County Communications Director Jeff Ridgway presented Barnes with a certificate recognizing dispatchers who assist in successful pre-hospital childbirths.

"Dispatcher Barnes utilized her professionalism and personal experience to keep the caller and the mother calm," Ridgway said.&nbsp;

Barnes was also recognized with the Stork Award in 2023 for guiding another childbirth over a 911 call. She received it alongside a coworker for answering a similar call.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7ff46850-a578-446d-b364-7f99e5b2d3bb">SEE RELATED STORY: 911 dispatchers win Hays 'Stork Award' after newborns win race against responders</a>

"People don't get Stork Awards super often. There's only been three total since our center was established, and all of them have been within the last three years," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758228105513.png" alt="911 Ellis County Dispatcher Rachel Barnes" />
 <figcaption>911 Ellis County Dispatcher Rachel Barnes</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758309484696.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostAn Ellis County dispatcher received her second Stork Award after helping a caller deliver a baby over the phone.On April 5, dispatcher Rachel Barnes answered a 911 call reporting a woman in labor in rural Ellis County. Barnes quickly instructed the caller to gather towels before giving further directions."You don't typically get calls as a dispatcher that are positive. Having done it once before, getting that call and realizing that I'm going to do something that has a good outcome gets me really excited." Barnes said.About one minute into the call, a baby was delivered before responders arrived. Barnes then instructed the caller on how to make sure the newborn was breathing and properly wrapped."It's always important to make sure you have something to keep that baby warm because they're so small, and they're not going to be able to regulate their heat," she said.She instructed the caller to check whether the placenta had been delivered and to wait until the umbilical cord had changed color before tying it off. The call lasted about 16 minutes.Barnes said the most challenging part of the phone call was waiting for responders. The family was about 15 miles away from HaysMed."With every call, it's really just the waiting, because there's only so much you can do as a voice on the end of the phone," she said.Barnes said the call involved her, a grandfather and a grandmother who helped deliver their grandson’s baby girl.For providing calm guidance and instructions, Ellis County Communications Director Jeff Ridgway presented Barnes with a certificate recognizing dispatchers who assist in successful pre-hospital childbirths."Dispatcher Barnes utilized her professionalism and personal experience to keep the caller and the mother calm," Ridgway said.&nbsp;Barnes was also recognized with the Stork Award in 2023 for guiding another childbirth over a 911 call. She received it alongside a coworker for answering a similar call.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7ff46850-a578-446d-b364-7f99e5b2d3bb">SEE RELATED STORY: 911 dispatchers win Hays 'Stork Award' after newborns win race against responders</a>"People don't get Stork Awards super often. There's only been three total since our center was established, and all of them have been within the last three years," she said.

NWester: Ellis County Dispatcher delivers baby over 911 call

JALALABAD, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban government on Sunday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-afghanistan-bagram-air-base-taliban-china-ed379b4505d074ded5361483832a18d0">bid to retake Bagram Air Base</a>, four years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-islamic-state-group-e10e038baea732dae879c11234507f81">America’s chaotic withdrawal</a>&nbsp;from Afghanistan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bagram-afghanistan-airfield-us-troops-f3614828364f567593251aaaa167e623">left the sprawling military facility</a>&nbsp;in the Taliban hands.

It is unclear what conversations the U.S. has had with Afghan officials about returning to the country. But Trump hinted that the Taliban, who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-internet-shutdown-a2e6c5f836ab3ab9f770591fc89900c0">struggled with an economic crisis</a>, international legitimacy, internal rifts and rival militant groups since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-takeover-four-years-d021b123d4ff7dc847d2801253b7b785">their return to power</a>&nbsp;in 2021, could be open to allowing the U.S. military back.

The chief Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, rejected Trump’s assertions and urged the U.S. to adopt a policy of “realism and rationality.” Afghanistan had an economy-oriented foreign policy and sought constructive relations with all states on the basis of mutual and shared interests, Mujahid posted on X.

It had been consistently communicated to the U.S. in all bilateral negotiations that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity were of the utmost importance, he said.

“It should be recalled that, under the Doha Agreement, the United States pledged that ‘it will not use or threaten force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Afghanistan, nor interfere in its internal affairs,’” he said. The U.S. needed to remain faithful to its commitments, he added.

Mujahid did not reply to questions from The Associated Press about conversations with the Trump administration regarding Bagram and why Trump believed the U.S. could retake it.

In August last year, the Taliban celebrated the third anniversary of their takeover at Bagram with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-three-years-anniversary-68f5bc4a3cdd9d07dcecd5d6d391df5c">a grand military display</a>&nbsp;of abandoned U.S. hardware, catching the eye of the White House. Trump has repeatedly criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for his “gross incompetence” during the withdrawal of U.S. forces after the country’s longest war.

JALALABAD, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban government on Sunday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-afghanistan-bagram-air-base-taliban-china-ed379b4505d074ded5361483832a18d0">bid to retake Bagram Air Base</a>, four years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-islamic-state-group-e10e038baea732dae879c11234507f81">America’s chaotic withdrawal</a>&nbsp;from Afghanistan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bagram-afghanistan-airfield-us-troops-f3614828364f567593251aaaa167e623">left the sprawling military facility</a>&nbsp;in the Taliban hands.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/IwSyuGrEy3">pic.twitter.com/IwSyuGrEy3</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969514564065583516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 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> on Bagram Air Base: &quot;We&#39;re talking now to Afghanistan. We want it back and we want it back soon. Right away — and if they don&#39;t do it, you&#39;re going to find out what I&#39;m going to do. <a href="https://t.co/lL6g7A2SLU">pic.twitter.com/lL6g7A2SLU</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969552386076090849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It is unclear what conversations the U.S. has had with Afghan officials about returning to the country. But Trump hinted that the Taliban, who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-internet-shutdown-a2e6c5f836ab3ab9f770591fc89900c0">struggled with an economic crisis</a>, international legitimacy, internal rifts and rival militant groups since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-takeover-four-years-d021b123d4ff7dc847d2801253b7b785">their return to power</a>&nbsp;in 2021, could be open to allowing the U.S. military back.The chief Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, rejected Trump’s assertions and urged the U.S. to adopt a policy of “realism and rationality.” Afghanistan had an economy-oriented foreign policy and sought constructive relations with all states on the basis of mutual and shared interests, Mujahid posted on X.It had been consistently communicated to the U.S. in all bilateral negotiations that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity were of the utmost importance, he said.“It should be recalled that, under the Doha Agreement, the United States pledged that ‘it will not use or threaten force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Afghanistan, nor interfere in its internal affairs,’” he said. The U.S. needed to remain faithful to its commitments, he added.Mujahid did not reply to questions from The Associated Press about conversations with the Trump administration regarding Bagram and why Trump believed the U.S. could retake it.In August last year, the Taliban celebrated the third anniversary of their takeover at Bagram with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-three-years-anniversary-68f5bc4a3cdd9d07dcecd5d6d391df5c">a grand military display</a>&nbsp;of abandoned U.S. hardware, catching the eye of the White House. Trump has repeatedly criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for his “gross incompetence” during the withdrawal of U.S. forces after the country’s longest war.

The Taliban reject Trump’s bid to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

PITTSBURG, Kan. - Pittsburg State used two fourth quarter rushing touchdowns from Luke Niggemann to power past Fort Hays State 31-16 in front of&nbsp;9,766 Saturday at Carnie Smith Stadium. The Tigers&nbsp; held a 16-10 lead after three quarters before the 18th-ranked Gorillas (2-2, 1-1 MIAA) exploded for the 21 fourth quarter points.

The game swung on a 78-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Berry to Greyson Holbert which put Pitt State in front 17-16 with the extra point with 8:48 to play. The Tigers (2-2, 1-1 MIAA) had forced a third-straight 3-and-out before giving up the big play which turned the momentum to the Gorillas.

Caleb Heavner threw is second interception of the game on the next possession which set up the first of Niggemann's two touchdowns which put the game away. The last came after a FHSU fumble near mid field. Niggemann, who's a backup tight end, also scored on a short rushing touchdown in the second quarter which gave the Gorillas a 10-3 lead.

Fort Hays State took a 13-10 lead into halftime following a 37-yard David Arriaga field goal to end the first half. It came following a Michael Polley interception which he returned 46-yards to the Pitt State 24. The Tigers extended their lead with another Arriaga field goal from 29 yards in the third quarter.&nbsp;

The Tigers missed out on several potential touchdown opportunities early in the game. They took their first possession of the game down to the PSU 2-yardline, but had to settle for an Arriaga 25-yard field goal thanks in part to a holding penalty. Their second drive moved into the redzone, but an interception near the goal line kept them off the board.

The FHSU defense was solid throughout the first three quarters. After the Gorillas grabbed the 10-3 lead midway through the second, the Tigers mounted a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped by a Joshua Clark 8-yard touchdown catch to even the score 10-10 with 2:59 to play in the first half. The Tigers overcame a holding penalty inside the 10 and were helped out by a Pitt State facemask prior to the touchdown pass.

The Tiger defense held the Gorillas to just 234 total yards through the first three quarters, but saw the Gorillas put together 155 yards in the fourth quarter. The Tigers still outgained the Gorillas overall in the game 396-389, but the pair of short fields for the Gorillas turned a one-point game into a 15-point final in the final five minutes.

Heavner finished 24-of-39 passing with 215 yards and a touchdown, and two interceptions. Jackson Berry was 10-of-22 for the Gorillas for 179 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Donovan Hunt led the Tigers in rushing with 76 yards, followed by Heavner with 51. Cleo Chandler led PSU on the ground with 63 yards. Ryan Allen had a team-high 55 receiving yards for FHSU, while Greyson Holbert had 121 for PSU.

John Johnson led the FHSU defense with 11 tackles. Jalen Williams had the Tigers lone sack. 

Arriaga, who booted four field goals in the win over Nebraska-Kearney the week prior, kicked three more against the Gorillas connecting from 25, 27 and 29 yards.

Fort Hays State returns home to face Missouri Western State in their annual Homecoming game on Saturday, September 27 at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758466461873.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Donovan Hunt (14) runs the ball against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, September 14, 2025 at Lewis Field in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenburg)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Donovan Hunt (14) runs the ball against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, September 14, 2025 at Lewis Field in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenburg)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsPITTSBURG, Kan. - Pittsburg State used two fourth quarter rushing touchdowns from Luke Niggemann to power past Fort Hays State 31-16 in front of&nbsp;9,766 Saturday at Carnie Smith Stadium. The Tigers&nbsp; held a 16-10 lead after three quarters before the 18th-ranked Gorillas (2-2, 1-1 MIAA) exploded for the 21 fourth quarter points.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2173999431&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/chris-brown-post-v-pitt-sept" title="Chris Brown Postgame at #18 Pittsburg State (September 20, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Postgame at #18 Pittsburg State (September 20, 2025)</a></div></div>The game swung on a 78-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Berry to Greyson Holbert which put Pitt State in front 17-16 with the extra point with 8:48 to play. The Tigers (2-2, 1-1 MIAA) had forced a third-straight 3-and-out before giving up the big play which turned the momentum to the Gorillas.Caleb Heavner threw is second interception of the game on the next possession which set up the first of Niggemann's two touchdowns which put the game away. The last came after a FHSU fumble near mid field. Niggemann, who's a backup tight end, also scored on a short rushing touchdown in the second quarter which gave the Gorillas a 10-3 lead.Fort Hays State took a 13-10 lead into halftime following a 37-yard David Arriaga field goal to end the first half. It came following a Michael Polley interception which he returned 46-yards to the Pitt State 24. The Tigers extended their lead with another Arriaga field goal from 29 yards in the third quarter.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2173999671&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/michael-polley-post-v-pitt" title="Michael Polley Postgame at #18 Pittsburg State (September 20, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Michael Polley Postgame at #18 Pittsburg State (September 20, 2025)</a></div></div>The Tigers missed out on several potential touchdown opportunities early in the game. They took their first possession of the game down to the PSU 2-yardline, but had to settle for an Arriaga 25-yard field goal thanks in part to a holding penalty. Their second drive moved into the redzone, but an interception near the goal line kept them off the board.The FHSU defense was solid throughout the first three quarters. After the Gorillas grabbed the 10-3 lead midway through the second, the Tigers mounted a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped by a Joshua Clark 8-yard touchdown catch to even the score 10-10 with 2:59 to play in the first half. The Tigers overcame a holding penalty inside the 10 and were helped out by a Pitt State facemask prior to the touchdown pass.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2173999626&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/donavan-hunt-post-v-pitt-sept" title="Donavan Hunt Postgame at #18 Pittsburg State (September 20, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Donavan Hunt Postgame at #18 Pittsburg State (September 20, 2025)</a></div></div>The Tiger defense held the Gorillas to just 234 total yards through the first three quarters, but saw the Gorillas put together 155 yards in the fourth quarter. The Tigers still outgained the Gorillas overall in the game 396-389, but the pair of short fields for the Gorillas turned a one-point game into a 15-point final in the final five minutes.Heavner finished 24-of-39 passing with 215 yards and a touchdown, and two interceptions. Jackson Berry was 10-of-22 for the Gorillas for 179 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Donovan Hunt led the Tigers in rushing with 76 yards, followed by Heavner with 51. Cleo Chandler led PSU on the ground with 63 yards. Ryan Allen had a team-high 55 receiving yards for FHSU, while Greyson Holbert had 121 for PSU.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2173999431&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/chris-brown-post-v-pitt-sept" title="Chris Brown Postgame at #18 Pittsburg State (September 20, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Postgame at #18 Pittsburg State (September 20, 2025)</a></div></div>John Johnson led the FHSU defense with 11 tackles. Jalen Williams had the Tigers lone sack. Arriaga, who booted four field goals in the win over Nebraska-Kearney the week prior, kicked three more against the Gorillas connecting from 25, 27 and 29 yards.UP NEXTFort Hays State returns home to face Missouri Western State in their annual Homecoming game on Saturday, September 27 at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

🏈 Big fourth quarter lifts No. 18 Gorillas past Fort Hays State

SHAWNEE, Okla. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team wrapped up its non-conference schedule with two more wins Saturday in the MIAA/GAC Crossover, defeating Northwestern Oklahoma State in straight sets before taking down Oklahoma Baptist in a true road match in four sets. The Tigers improve to 11-1 after extending their winning streak to eight in a row, making this their best start to a season since a 12-0 start to the 2016 campaign.

Fort Hays State put on an impressive offensive performance in both matches, swinging at an efficient .357 clip in the win over the Rangers before posting an attack rate of .253 against the Bison. The Rangers dip to 1-10 following the loss, while the Bison are now 9-4 overall this season.

Fort Hays State 3, Northwestern Oklahoma State 0 The Tigers started the day by cruising past the Rangers in straight sets for the second time in two weeks, winning 25-11, 25-17, 25-18. Fort Hays State dominated on the stat sheet, holding a 51-33 edge in digs, a 7-1 advantage in service aces, a 45-23 lead in assists and a 53-28 cushion in kills.

NWOSU scored the first point of the match, but it was all Tigers after that in the opening set. Fort Hays State rattled off six in a row to take control before later going on a 5-0 run to push the lead to double digits. Peyton Bergschneider completed the victory with her fifth kill, doing so on all five of her attempts in the set.

The Tigers never trailed in the second set, scoring the first four points on four consecutive Ranger errors. NWOSU was able to pull back level at 11-11, but Fort Hays State responded by scoring the next six points to take the lead for good. Gracie Rains brought the set to an end with a kill off a pass from Abrey Galt. The senior had 12 assists in the frame, doing so on all but two of FHSU's kill in the second set.

Neither side led by more than two early in the third set before a Grace Schmedding kill gave the Tigers a 12-9 advantage. The Rangers scored three of the next four to level things at 13, but back-to-back kills from Rains gave the Tigers the lead for good. FHSU later scored five in a row to take complete control, including a pair of kills from Caiya Stucky Reyes. Carsyn Cormaney ultimately completed the sweep with her sixth kill of the match.

Reyes led the match with 15 kills, doing so with a .538 attack percentage after making only one error. Rains added nine kills, while Schmedding had four kills and a team-high 12 digs. Galt recorded a team-best 38 assists alongside three kills and one ace. Ivanny Blackwood led the Rangers with 10 kills.

Fort Hays State 3, Oklahoma Baptist 1 The Tigers completed the perfect 4-0 weekend with a four-set win over host Oklahoma Baptist in the second match of the day, 25-18, 17-25, 25-21, 25-18. Both teams racked up 58 kills in the contest, while FHSU committed five fewer errors, 21-16.

Fort Hays State scored eight in a row to take a quick 8-1 lead in the first set, including two kills each from Reyes and Rains. Ella Goodwin helped the Tigers push the lead to double figures with a kill before Reyes and Ashlyn Reeves teamed up for a block to give FHSU a 1-0 lead in the match.

The Tigers led by two during the early going of the second set, but the Bison scored three in a row to go in front, 10-9. FHSU responded to tie the score at 10 before OBU scored nine-straight to take a commanding 19-10 lead. Three kills from Bergschneider helped FHSU close within five, but the deficit was too much to overcome as the home team leveled the match at one set apiece.

An 8-2 run midway through the third set gave Fort Hays State control, turning a 7-6 deficit into a 14-9 lead. Rains fueled the run with four kills before adding two more down the stretch to help FHSU reach set point. Bergschneider put the nail in the coffin with a kill, giving the Tigers a 2-1 advantage in the match.

After swinging at a .325 clip in the third set to regain the lead, Fort Hays State turned things up a notch with a .341 attack percentage to seal the win in the fourth set. The Tigers never trailed in the set after scoring the first five points. Oklahoma Baptist rallied to tie the score at eight, but FHSU responded with an 8-2 run to race back in front, 16-10. The visitors maintained the big lead from there, completing the win on Rains' team-best 16th kill of the match.

Bergschneider added 12 kills and 12 digs, while Reeves tallied 11 kills and three blocks (two solo). Kirsten Evans led the way with 21 digs, while Galt tossed up 32 assists alongside 13 digs and three kills. Allie Stricker paced OBU with 16 kills.

The Tigers will jump into conference play next week when they host Missouri Southern on Friday , September 26 at 6 p.m. and Central Missouri on Saturday, September 27, 1 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758466807248.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsSHAWNEE, Okla. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team wrapped up its non-conference schedule with two more wins Saturday in the MIAA/GAC Crossover, defeating Northwestern Oklahoma State in straight sets before taking down Oklahoma Baptist in a true road match in four sets. The Tigers improve to 11-1 after extending their winning streak to eight in a row, making this their best start to a season since a 12-0 start to the 2016 campaign.Fort Hays State put on an impressive offensive performance in both matches, swinging at an efficient .357 clip in the win over the Rangers before posting an attack rate of .253 against the Bison. The Rangers dip to 1-10 following the loss, while the Bison are now 9-4 overall this season.Fort Hays State 3, Northwestern Oklahoma State 0 The Tigers started the day by cruising past the Rangers in straight sets for the second time in two weeks, winning 25-11, 25-17, 25-18. Fort Hays State dominated on the stat sheet, holding a 51-33 edge in digs, a 7-1 advantage in service aces, a 45-23 lead in assists and a 53-28 cushion in kills.NWOSU scored the first point of the match, but it was all Tigers after that in the opening set. Fort Hays State rattled off six in a row to take control before later going on a 5-0 run to push the lead to double digits. Peyton Bergschneider completed the victory with her fifth kill, doing so on all five of her attempts in the set.The Tigers never trailed in the second set, scoring the first four points on four consecutive Ranger errors. NWOSU was able to pull back level at 11-11, but Fort Hays State responded by scoring the next six points to take the lead for good. Gracie Rains brought the set to an end with a kill off a pass from Abrey Galt. The senior had 12 assists in the frame, doing so on all but two of FHSU's kill in the second set.Neither side led by more than two early in the third set before a Grace Schmedding kill gave the Tigers a 12-9 advantage. The Rangers scored three of the next four to level things at 13, but back-to-back kills from Rains gave the Tigers the lead for good. FHSU later scored five in a row to take complete control, including a pair of kills from Caiya Stucky Reyes. Carsyn Cormaney ultimately completed the sweep with her sixth kill of the match.Reyes led the match with 15 kills, doing so with a .538 attack percentage after making only one error. Rains added nine kills, while Schmedding had four kills and a team-high 12 digs. Galt recorded a team-best 38 assists alongside three kills and one ace. Ivanny Blackwood led the Rangers with 10 kills.Fort Hays State 3, Oklahoma Baptist 1 The Tigers completed the perfect 4-0 weekend with a four-set win over host Oklahoma Baptist in the second match of the day, 25-18, 17-25, 25-21, 25-18. Both teams racked up 58 kills in the contest, while FHSU committed five fewer errors, 21-16.Fort Hays State scored eight in a row to take a quick 8-1 lead in the first set, including two kills each from Reyes and Rains. Ella Goodwin helped the Tigers push the lead to double figures with a kill before Reyes and Ashlyn Reeves teamed up for a block to give FHSU a 1-0 lead in the match.The Tigers led by two during the early going of the second set, but the Bison scored three in a row to go in front, 10-9. FHSU responded to tie the score at 10 before OBU scored nine-straight to take a commanding 19-10 lead. Three kills from Bergschneider helped FHSU close within five, but the deficit was too much to overcome as the home team leveled the match at one set apiece.An 8-2 run midway through the third set gave Fort Hays State control, turning a 7-6 deficit into a 14-9 lead. Rains fueled the run with four kills before adding two more down the stretch to help FHSU reach set point. Bergschneider put the nail in the coffin with a kill, giving the Tigers a 2-1 advantage in the match.After swinging at a .325 clip in the third set to regain the lead, Fort Hays State turned things up a notch with a .341 attack percentage to seal the win in the fourth set. The Tigers never trailed in the set after scoring the first five points. Oklahoma Baptist rallied to tie the score at eight, but FHSU responded with an 8-2 run to race back in front, 16-10. The visitors maintained the big lead from there, completing the win on Rains' team-best 16th kill of the match.Bergschneider added 12 kills and 12 digs, while Reeves tallied 11 kills and three blocks (two solo). Kirsten Evans led the way with 21 digs, while Galt tossed up 32 assists alongside 13 digs and three kills. Allie Stricker paced OBU with 16 kills.UP NEXTThe Tigers will jump into conference play next week when they host Missouri Southern on Friday , September 26 at 6 p.m. and Central Missouri on Saturday, September 27, 1 p.m.

🏐 FHSU 11-1 after 4-0 weekend in Oklahoma

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

HOXIE — After watching a 20-point lead nearly evaporate, Hoxie steadied itself in the fourth quarter and pulled away for a 46-32 win over Ellis on homecoming night Friday, earning its first victory of the season.

The defending 8-Man Division I state champions, rebuilding with just two returning starters, improved to 1-2. Ellis, which celebrated its first winning season in nearly a decade last fall, dropped to 0-3.

Hoxie quarterback Chase Meyer opened the game with a 6-yard touchdown run, then later connected with Griffin Zerr on a 47-yard strike to help the Indians build a 20-0 lead. Meyer finished 5 of 5 passing for 128 yards and two scores while also rushing for 126 yards and two more touchdowns.

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsHOXIE — After watching a 20-point lead nearly evaporate, Hoxie steadied itself in the fourth quarter and pulled away for a 46-32 win over Ellis on homecoming night Friday, earning its first victory of the season.The defending 8-Man Division I state champions, rebuilding with just two returning starters, improved to 1-2. Ellis, which celebrated its first winning season in nearly a decade last fall, dropped to 0-3.Hoxie quarterback Chase Meyer opened the game with a 6-yard touchdown run, then later connected with Griffin Zerr on a 47-yard strike to help the Indians build a 20-0 lead. Meyer finished 5 of 5 passing for 128 yards and two scores while also rushing for 126 yards and two more touchdowns.Ellis struggled early, turning it over on downs three straight times in the first quarter. Quarterback Trent Schartz eventually found a rhythm, completing 6 of 6 passes on a second-quarter drive capped by a 5-yard touchdown to Baylor Born. Schartz later added scoring tosses to Ben Byers and Aiden Aschenbrenner while rushing for another, accounting for four total touchdowns and 346 yards.Momentum swung after halftime when Ellis’ Carson Schartz returned the kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 28-20. The Railroaders pulled within two points twice in the third quarter, the last on Schartz’s 8-yard strike to Aschenbrenner that made it 34-32.But Hoxie’s defense delivered in the final quarter. Freshman defensive back Gage Epp picked off a pass in the red zone, Caden Beckman intercepted a tipped screen with under two minutes left, and senior leader Mat Bretz sealed the win with a one-handed interception on Ellis’ final drive. Bretz also ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns.Zerr finished with three catches for 120 yards and two scores for Hoxie, while sophomore back Noah Nickelson added 65 yards and a touchdown.Ellis had three possessions in the fourth quarter to tie or take the lead, but two interceptions and a turnover on downs ended those chances.Hoxie outscored Ellis 12-0 in the fourth to secure the win.Next week, the Indians travel to Stockton while the Railroaders return home to face LaCrosse.