By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mae-anderson">MAE ANDERSON</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Low-value imports are losing their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-exemption-china-shein-temu-43df1673ac9508ae58fc76150101d686">duty-free status</a>&nbsp;in the United States this week as part of President Donald Trump’s agenda for making the nation less dependent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/impact-trump-tariffs-consumer-prices-11a60663140aab0b79c20bb8e2a5f3a7">on foreign goods</a>&nbsp;and resetting global trade with tariffs.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-russia-india-9e388a55583e7007149819c52f0fd71b">An executive order</a>&nbsp;signed last month eliminates a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-trump-tariffs-china-1b52319a85572331baf31cb6287ecddf">widely used customs exemption</a>&nbsp;for international shipments worth $800 or less starting Friday, nearly two years earlier than the deadline set in the tax cuts and spending bill approved by Congress.

Although the president previously ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-china-online-shipments-7d15066205389ad06760856e4e5074ca">from China and Hong Kong</a>, having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-exemption-ends-august-29-edc26b9f0d7935ad7978c7eba5e3967c">online shoppers</a>.

Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will require vetting and be subject to their origin country’s applicable tariff rate, which can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-into-effect-economy-warning-signs-eafe20de9abad312573b320fd4b5fb33">range from 10% to 50%</a>. For the next six months, carriers handling orders sent through the global mail network also can choose a flat duty of $80 to $200 per package instead of the value-based rate.

In response, the national postal services of more than a dozen countries said they would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-tariffs-goods-services-suspension-85c7b36b9e92c0e640dfe2ac418cd907">temporarily suspend</a>&nbsp;sending some or most U.S.-bound packages due to confusion over processing and payment requirements. Japan and Switzerland on Monday joined Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Thailand, the U.K. and New Zealand in saying they would pause shipments.

The Trump administration says the exemption has become a loophole that foreign businesses exploit to evade tariffs and criminals use to get drugs, counterfeit products and other contraband into the U.S. Former President Joe Biden and members of Congress also discussed the issue.

Other countries have similar exemptions, but the threshold is usually lower. For example, 150 euros ($175) is the value limit in the 20 European Union countries that use the euro as their official currency. The U.K. allows foreign businesses to send parcels worth up to 135 pounds ($182) without incurring tariff charges.

In the U.S., the “de minimis” — Latin for lacking significance or importance — exemption started in 1938 as a way to save the federal government the time and expense of collecting duties on imported goods with a retail value of $1 or less. U.S. lawmakers eventually increased the eligibility cutoff to $5 in 1990, to $200 in 1993 and to $800 in 2015, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Since then, the number of shipments claiming de minimis treatment has exploded. A total of 1.36 billion packages with a combined value of $64.6 billion reached the U.S. last year, compared to 134 million packages sent under the exemption in 2015, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency reported.

About 60% of the 2024 shipments came from China and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-post-us-suspend-shipping-goods-tariff-0a52db6fc32e559cb6c5e42b8c9824d7">Hong Kong</a>, according to an analysis logistics firm Flexport prepared based on U.S. government data. Multiple countries and regions accounted for the remainder, including Canada, Mexico, the European Union, India and Vietnam.

Boutique owner anticipates higher costs for European apparel

Proponents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secondhand-clothes-shoes-tariffs-prices-0d6de65d89435b96fc396e53a77381f5">limiting the exemption</a>&nbsp;argue that it has served as a way for China-founded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/temu-shein-price-increases-trump-tariffs-066a3e729c971fdf9e929bb8a94eea67">retail platforms like Temu and Shein</a>&nbsp;to flood the U.S. with low-priced goods. The National Council of Textile Organizations said the move would help close a “backdoor pipeline for cheap, subsidized, and often illegal, toxic and unethical imports.” But some smaller American companies that rely on imported products and materials benefited from the exemption too.

Kristin Trainor is worried the end of de minimis will also mean the end of Diesel and Lulu’s, her 3-year-old boutique in Avon, Connecticut. Over 70% of the women’s clothes and accessories she stocks comes from small fashion houses in France, Italy and Spain. Trainor places small batch orders each week that fall under the $800 threshold.

“Our business model is to provide casual chic and unique clothes at affordable prices,” she said. “The added customs and duty charges that will go into effect on Aug. 29 will eliminate that affordability. ”

Trainor said she was looking to replace her European vendors with ones based in the U.S. But her bestselling product categories, such as apparel made of Italian linen, come from other countries. She estimates a simple linen sundress that cost $30 wholesale at the beginning of the year will rise to $43 next month.

After a corporate career, Trainor opened the store to have more time with her 9-year-old son and her 91-year old father. Raising the boutique’s prices to absorb part of the import charges would help offset higher shipping and logistics costs, but Trainor worries her customers will balk at higher prices.

“I have not made any official announcements to my customers just yet, although they have started to ask if I will stay open as they understand the economic impacts that are occurring,” she said. “At this point, I am leaning more and more towards closing the boutique, sadly.”

Trade agreement doesn’t shield products from Mexico and Canada

Ken Huening started CoverSeal, his business making and selling protective covers for cars, motorcycles, grills and patio furniture, in 2020. The company is based in Los Gatos, California, and the covers are manufactured in Mexico and China. When a customer places an order, it ships from Mexico.

Although a trade agreement that took effect in 2020 has made most goods from Mexico and Canada exempt from country-specific U.S. tariffs, the withdrawal of the de minimis rule applies to all countries.

Huening said he’ll either have to raise prices or end free shipping now that his products will be taxed when they are sent from Mexico to U.S. customers. He’s looked at setting up a U.S. production and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trade-warehouse-china-online-shopping-eba5283b0762fa958ab90fb731370117">logistics network</a>&nbsp;but says domestic sewing facilities and textile manufacturers do not exist for the engineered fabric used in CoverSeal’s products.

“We are often asked why we don’t just establish a U.S. supply chain,” he said. “It is not possible in the short term. By the time the infrastructure is established, many companies and small businesses will be out of business.”

Shannen Knight imports hard-to-find sports goggles and glasses as the owner of A Sight For Sport Eyes, her online store and shop in West Linn, Oregon. She routinely received shipments from the U.K., the Netherlands and Italy that fell under the de minimis dollar cutoff.

Knight estimated that she would need to raise the retail price of the rugby goggles she gets from Italy by 50%. It took the International Rugby Board two years of testing to approve the Italian-made goggles, a specialty item without strong prospects for stateside production, she said.

“There are products that it just makes sense to be made internationally, where there is the stronger demand for them, but there still is some demand for in the U.S.,” Knight said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756074212592.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mae-anderson">MAE ANDERSON</a>NEW YORK (AP) — Low-value imports are losing their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-exemption-china-shein-temu-43df1673ac9508ae58fc76150101d686">duty-free status</a>&nbsp;in the United States this week as part of President Donald Trump’s agenda for making the nation less dependent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/impact-trump-tariffs-consumer-prices-11a60663140aab0b79c20bb8e2a5f3a7">on foreign goods</a>&nbsp;and resetting global trade with tariffs.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-russia-india-9e388a55583e7007149819c52f0fd71b">An executive order</a>&nbsp;signed last month eliminates a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-trump-tariffs-china-1b52319a85572331baf31cb6287ecddf">widely used customs exemption</a>&nbsp;for international shipments worth $800 or less starting Friday, nearly two years earlier than the deadline set in the tax cuts and spending bill approved by Congress.Although the president previously ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-china-online-shipments-7d15066205389ad06760856e4e5074ca">from China and Hong Kong</a>, having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-exemption-ends-august-29-edc26b9f0d7935ad7978c7eba5e3967c">online shoppers</a>.Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will require vetting and be subject to their origin country’s applicable tariff rate, which can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-into-effect-economy-warning-signs-eafe20de9abad312573b320fd4b5fb33">range from 10% to 50%</a>. For the next six months, carriers handling orders sent through the global mail network also can choose a flat duty of $80 to $200 per package instead of the value-based rate.In response, the national postal services of more than a dozen countries said they would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-tariffs-goods-services-suspension-85c7b36b9e92c0e640dfe2ac418cd907">temporarily suspend</a>&nbsp;sending some or most U.S.-bound packages due to confusion over processing and payment requirements. Japan and Switzerland on Monday joined Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Thailand, the U.K. and New Zealand in saying they would pause shipments.<h2>Exemption created in 1938 for $1 imports</h2>The Trump administration says the exemption has become a loophole that foreign businesses exploit to evade tariffs and criminals use to get drugs, counterfeit products and other contraband into the U.S. Former President Joe Biden and members of Congress also discussed the issue.Other countries have similar exemptions, but the threshold is usually lower. For example, 150 euros ($175) is the value limit in the 20 European Union countries that use the euro as their official currency. The U.K. allows foreign businesses to send parcels worth up to 135 pounds ($182) without incurring tariff charges.In the U.S., the “de minimis” — Latin for lacking significance or importance — exemption started in 1938 as a way to save the federal government the time and expense of collecting duties on imported goods with a retail value of $1 or less. U.S. lawmakers eventually increased the eligibility cutoff to $5 in 1990, to $200 in 1993 and to $800 in 2015, according to the Congressional Research Service.Since then, the number of shipments claiming de minimis treatment has exploded. A total of 1.36 billion packages with a combined value of $64.6 billion reached the U.S. last year, compared to 134 million packages sent under the exemption in 2015, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency reported.About 60% of the 2024 shipments came from China and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-post-us-suspend-shipping-goods-tariff-0a52db6fc32e559cb6c5e42b8c9824d7">Hong Kong</a>, according to an analysis logistics firm Flexport prepared based on U.S. government data. Multiple countries and regions accounted for the remainder, including Canada, Mexico, the European Union, India and Vietnam.<h2>Boutique owner anticipates higher costs for European apparel</h2>Proponents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secondhand-clothes-shoes-tariffs-prices-0d6de65d89435b96fc396e53a77381f5">limiting the exemption</a>&nbsp;argue that it has served as a way for China-founded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/temu-shein-price-increases-trump-tariffs-066a3e729c971fdf9e929bb8a94eea67">retail platforms like Temu and Shein</a>&nbsp;to flood the U.S. with low-priced goods. The National Council of Textile Organizations said the move would help close a “backdoor pipeline for cheap, subsidized, and often illegal, toxic and unethical imports.” But some smaller American companies that rely on imported products and materials benefited from the exemption too.Kristin Trainor is worried the end of de minimis will also mean the end of Diesel and Lulu’s, her 3-year-old boutique in Avon, Connecticut. Over 70% of the women’s clothes and accessories she stocks comes from small fashion houses in France, Italy and Spain. Trainor places small batch orders each week that fall under the $800 threshold.“Our business model is to provide casual chic and unique clothes at affordable prices,” she said. “The added customs and duty charges that will go into effect on Aug. 29 will eliminate that affordability. ”Trainor said she was looking to replace her European vendors with ones based in the U.S. But her bestselling product categories, such as apparel made of Italian linen, come from other countries. She estimates a simple linen sundress that cost $30 wholesale at the beginning of the year will rise to $43 next month.After a corporate career, Trainor opened the store to have more time with her 9-year-old son and her 91-year old father. Raising the boutique’s prices to absorb part of the import charges would help offset higher shipping and logistics costs, but Trainor worries her customers will balk at higher prices.“I have not made any official announcements to my customers just yet, although they have started to ask if I will stay open as they understand the economic impacts that are occurring,” she said. “At this point, I am leaning more and more towards closing the boutique, sadly.”<h2>Trade agreement doesn’t shield products from Mexico and Canada</h2>Ken Huening started CoverSeal, his business making and selling protective covers for cars, motorcycles, grills and patio furniture, in 2020. The company is based in Los Gatos, California, and the covers are manufactured in Mexico and China. When a customer places an order, it ships from Mexico.Although a trade agreement that took effect in 2020 has made most goods from Mexico and Canada exempt from country-specific U.S. tariffs, the withdrawal of the de minimis rule applies to all countries.Huening said he’ll either have to raise prices or end free shipping now that his products will be taxed when they are sent from Mexico to U.S. customers. He’s looked at setting up a U.S. production and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trade-warehouse-china-online-shopping-eba5283b0762fa958ab90fb731370117">logistics network</a>&nbsp;but says domestic sewing facilities and textile manufacturers do not exist for the engineered fabric used in CoverSeal’s products.“We are often asked why we don’t just establish a U.S. supply chain,” he said. “It is not possible in the short term. By the time the infrastructure is established, many companies and small businesses will be out of business.”Shannen Knight imports hard-to-find sports goggles and glasses as the owner of A Sight For Sport Eyes, her online store and shop in West Linn, Oregon. She routinely received shipments from the U.K., the Netherlands and Italy that fell under the de minimis dollar cutoff.Knight estimated that she would need to raise the retail price of the rugby goggles she gets from Italy by 50%. It took the International Rugby Board two years of testing to approve the Italian-made goggles, a specialty item without strong prospects for stateside production, she said.“There are products that it just makes sense to be made internationally, where there is the stronger demand for them, but there still is some demand for in the U.S.,” Knight said.

Big deal to shoppers, businesses: US tariff exemption for small orders ends Friday

Congratulations to Chad Stoeklein from Ellis and Chuck Staab from Hays on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Doghouse Liquor on Thursday.

1. Lance Armbruster – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 2. Curtis Wellbrock – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 3. Ryan Cellmer – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 4. Barry Gilliland – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 5. Debbie Windholz – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 6. Darren Dunn – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 7. Bernita Augustine – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 8. Doug Kutina – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 9. Connie Steinle – Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 10. Halie Eck - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 11. Kevin Prester - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 12. Tom Quenzer - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 13. Taylor Lunsford – A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 14. Craig Karlin - A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 15. Garrett Dreiling – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025 16. Ruthmary Muir – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025 17. Dustin Roths – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-202520. 18. James Rome – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-2025 19. Bryan Schoepf – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-202520.&nbsp; 20. Melissa Pinkney – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-2025 21. Ann Gottschalk – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025 22. Kirk Pfannenstiel – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025

The golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26!&nbsp;

 Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling for this great giveaway!

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist. Watch the Hays Post for announcement of finalists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755614026735.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Chad Stoeklein from Ellis and Chuck Staab from Hays on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Doghouse Liquor on Thursday.They join the following finalists:1. Lance Armbruster – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 2. Curtis Wellbrock – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 3. Ryan Cellmer – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 4. Barry Gilliland – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 5. Debbie Windholz – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 6. Darren Dunn – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 7. Bernita Augustine – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 8. Doug Kutina – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 9. Connie Steinle – Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 10. Halie Eck - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 11. Kevin Prester - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 12. Tom Quenzer - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 13. Taylor Lunsford – A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 14. Craig Karlin - A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 15. Garrett Dreiling – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025 16. Ruthmary Muir – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025 17. Dustin Roths – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-202520. 18. James Rome – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-2025 19. Bryan Schoepf – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-202520.&nbsp; 20. Melissa Pinkney – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-2025 21. Ann Gottschalk – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025 22. Kirk Pfannenstiel – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025The golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26!&nbsp; Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling for this great giveaway!Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist. Watch the Hays Post for announcement of finalists.

 Doghouse Liquor finalists named for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway

Michael Pfannenstiel:
Originally &nbsp;from Hays, Kansas

It is with deep sadness we report the death of Michael
Pfannenstiel, 74, of Buda, TX who passed away on August 24, 2025, from Agent
Orange related illnesses. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death
by his older brother Ron (2014).

There will be a Celebration of Mike’s life at 10:00 am on
Wednesday September 3, 2025.&nbsp; This
Celebration will be held at Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th
Ave. Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; Following the
service, we will proceed to the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas,
where Mike will be laid to rest. If you would like to express your condolences
or share memories of Mike, please join the family for visitation and fellowship
beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time service.

Mike was born on 23 December 1950 in Hays, Kansas where he lived
for the first 17 years of his life. He was the son of Ted and Rosie (Kisner)
Pfannenstiel who owned and operated Ted’s Steakhouse. Working in the family’s
restaurant provided Mike with a lifelong appreciation for cooking. 

Mike met the woman that captured his heart, Anne E. Johnson,
at Chula Vista Community College in Chula Vista, Ca in 1975 and they were
married in 1977. Mike is survived by his wife Anne Elizabeth (Johnson) of 45
years. He is also survived by 2 sons, Dustin and Mark both of Austin, Texas. 1
daughter Erica Wood (Eric), New Braunfels, Texas and a grandson Jared
Pfannenstiel, Augusta, Maine. He is survived by 2 sisters, Debra Kingsley
(Doug) of Hays, Kansas, Christine Unrein (Bruce) of Hays, KS. and 1 brother Wesley
(Nancy) of Panama City, FL. 

Upon graduating from St. Josephs Military Academy in May of
1968, Mike attended the School of Automation in Kansas City, Missouri where he
was introduced to the world of computers. Mike enlisted in December of 1969
with the U.S. Navy and attended boot camp in San Diego, Ca. where he completed
Radioman A school in April of 1970. Mike volunteered for duty in Vietnam and
flew directly to Saigon, RVN. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Page County
LST1076, which was home ported out of Guam but was assigned river duty in
Vietnam. The ship performed duties in Chu Lai and Danang. Following the
decommissioning of the U.S.S. Page County in December of 1970, Mike was
assigned to BeachMasterUnitOne located in Coronado, Ca. In February of 1971 his
unit, Beach Party Team Bravo, was deployed to Southeast Asia where his unit
performed duties in Danang and was part of Amphibious Ready Group Alpha which
supported the Northern Pacific Region. In 1972 Mike again was deployed this
time with Beach Party Team Alfa and returned to Southeast Asia and returned to
Danang as part of Amphibious Ready Group Alpha. BeachMasterUnitOne Beach Party
Team Alfa took part in removing the mines from Haiphong Harbor, North Vietnam
during Operation End Sweep, from December 1972 to February of 1973. In December
1973 Mike was discharged from the US Navy. Due to Agent Orange contamination
Mike was classified as a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran.

After Mike’s discharge he served 4 years with the US Navy as
a civilian communications specialist in Coronado, Ca. and in 1978 applied for
employment with the Central Intelligence Agency and was hired in August of
1978. Mike served in the CIA from 1978 through 2005 as a Staff Officer and
lived with his family in various overseas and stateside locations. Mike retired
as a Senior Communications Intelligence Officer and upon retirement received
the Career Commendation Medal for exemplary service significantly above normal
duties that had an important contribution to the Agency's mission. Mike served
a total of 45 years working for the Government as an enlisted military
communications operator, a CIA staff officer and as a Government Communications
contractor. Mike enjoyed baseball and movies and was passionate about playing
competitive steel tip darts. Mike earned numerous trophies and team events
throughout his long association within the darts world. He met some of the
world’s top players and enjoyed exchanging stories with them. Mike became a
member of the local VFW Post 3377 in Manchaca, TX upon retirement in 2016 and
served in many capacities such as House Committee Chairman, Canteen Manager,
Post Adjutant, Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Post Commander and
for many years was the editor of the VFW Post 3377 newsletter and VFW Post
3377’s Website. Mike wished to be buried in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in
WaKeeney, Kansas where his uncle Marvin Pfannenstiel also lies in rest. Asked
why there, he said “I want to lay in a field with Hero’s”.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be sent to the
Wounded Warrior project

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756472826475.jpeg" alt="Michael Pfannenstiel" />
 <figcaption>Michael Pfannenstiel</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Pfannenstiel:
Originally &nbsp;from Hays, KansasIt is with deep sadness we report the death of Michael
Pfannenstiel, 74, of Buda, TX who passed away on August 24, 2025, from Agent
Orange related illnesses. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death
by his older brother Ron (2014).There will be a Celebration of Mike’s life at 10:00 am on
Wednesday September 3, 2025.&nbsp; This
Celebration will be held at Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th
Ave. Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; Following the
service, we will proceed to the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas,
where Mike will be laid to rest. If you would like to express your condolences
or share memories of Mike, please join the family for visitation and fellowship
beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time service.Mike was born on 23 December 1950 in Hays, Kansas where he lived
for the first 17 years of his life. He was the son of Ted and Rosie (Kisner)
Pfannenstiel who owned and operated Ted’s Steakhouse. Working in the family’s
restaurant provided Mike with a lifelong appreciation for cooking. Mike met the woman that captured his heart, Anne E. Johnson,
at Chula Vista Community College in Chula Vista, Ca in 1975 and they were
married in 1977. Mike is survived by his wife Anne Elizabeth (Johnson) of 45
years. He is also survived by 2 sons, Dustin and Mark both of Austin, Texas. 1
daughter Erica Wood (Eric), New Braunfels, Texas and a grandson Jared
Pfannenstiel, Augusta, Maine. He is survived by 2 sisters, Debra Kingsley
(Doug) of Hays, Kansas, Christine Unrein (Bruce) of Hays, KS. and 1 brother Wesley
(Nancy) of Panama City, FL. Upon graduating from St. Josephs Military Academy in May of
1968, Mike attended the School of Automation in Kansas City, Missouri where he
was introduced to the world of computers. Mike enlisted in December of 1969
with the U.S. Navy and attended boot camp in San Diego, Ca. where he completed
Radioman A school in April of 1970. Mike volunteered for duty in Vietnam and
flew directly to Saigon, RVN. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Page County
LST1076, which was home ported out of Guam but was assigned river duty in
Vietnam. The ship performed duties in Chu Lai and Danang. Following the
decommissioning of the U.S.S. Page County in December of 1970, Mike was
assigned to BeachMasterUnitOne located in Coronado, Ca. In February of 1971 his
unit, Beach Party Team Bravo, was deployed to Southeast Asia where his unit
performed duties in Danang and was part of Amphibious Ready Group Alpha which
supported the Northern Pacific Region. In 1972 Mike again was deployed this
time with Beach Party Team Alfa and returned to Southeast Asia and returned to
Danang as part of Amphibious Ready Group Alpha. BeachMasterUnitOne Beach Party
Team Alfa took part in removing the mines from Haiphong Harbor, North Vietnam
during Operation End Sweep, from December 1972 to February of 1973. In December
1973 Mike was discharged from the US Navy. Due to Agent Orange contamination
Mike was classified as a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran.After Mike’s discharge he served 4 years with the US Navy as
a civilian communications specialist in Coronado, Ca. and in 1978 applied for
employment with the Central Intelligence Agency and was hired in August of
1978. Mike served in the CIA from 1978 through 2005 as a Staff Officer and
lived with his family in various overseas and stateside locations. Mike retired
as a Senior Communications Intelligence Officer and upon retirement received
the Career Commendation Medal for exemplary service significantly above normal
duties that had an important contribution to the Agency's mission. Mike served
a total of 45 years working for the Government as an enlisted military
communications operator, a CIA staff officer and as a Government Communications
contractor. Mike enjoyed baseball and movies and was passionate about playing
competitive steel tip darts. Mike earned numerous trophies and team events
throughout his long association within the darts world. He met some of the
world’s top players and enjoyed exchanging stories with them. Mike became a
member of the local VFW Post 3377 in Manchaca, TX upon retirement in 2016 and
served in many capacities such as House Committee Chairman, Canteen Manager,
Post Adjutant, Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Post Commander and
for many years was the editor of the VFW Post 3377 newsletter and VFW Post
3377’s Website. Mike wished to be buried in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in
WaKeeney, Kansas where his uncle Marvin Pfannenstiel also lies in rest. Asked
why there, he said “I want to lay in a field with Hero’s”.In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be sent to the
Wounded Warrior project

Michael Pfannenstiel

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were seen in public for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">the first time since announcing their engagement</a>&nbsp;this week when the Chiefs tight end and Grammy-winning singer attended the Nebraska-Cincinnati game at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night.

Kelce, who played football for the Bearcats, spent plenty of time on the field during warm-ups in a red-and-white striped sweater before retreating to a suite for the game. He was joined there by Swift and several others shortly before kickoff.

In a five-photo joint post on Instagram on Tuesday, Kelce and Swift revealed their engagement after a courtship that lasted for about two years. The Chiefs did not make Kelce available to reporters this week, and Swift publicist Tree Paine only confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engagement-ring-details-5f44624c300d6c907dde9307d9b56d94">that the engagement ring</a>&nbsp;was an old mine brilliant-cut diamond from Kindred Lubeck.

The Chiefs are preparing to play their season-opener against the Chargers next Friday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

One of Kelce's best friends, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, also was on hand for the game, perhaps to take in the sight of another No. 15 wearing red and white. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has been compared to the three-time Super Bowl MVP ever since taking over in Lincoln, not only because they look similar but because they also were the same jersey.

Others on hand included Kelce's older brother, Jason Kelce, the retired Philadelphia Eagles center who now works in TV and co-hosts the popular “New Heights” podcast with Travis, and Chiefs safety Bryan Cook. All of them attended Cincinnati.

There were no doubt plenty of supporters for the Huskers, though. Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt's son, Dawson, is a linebacker for Nebraska, while defensive line coach Terry Bradden helped Kansas City to reach five Super Bowls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756461348662.png" alt="Taylor Swift, front right, sits with fiance Travis Kelce, second from front left, as they watch the first half of an NCAA college football game between Cincinnati and Nebraska, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Swift, front right, sits with fiance Travis Kelce, second from front left, as they watch the first half of an NCAA college football game between Cincinnati and Nebraska, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were seen in public for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">the first time since announcing their engagement</a>&nbsp;this week when the Chiefs tight end and Grammy-winning singer attended the Nebraska-Cincinnati game at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night.Kelce, who played football for the Bearcats, spent plenty of time on the field during warm-ups in a red-and-white striped sweater before retreating to a suite for the game. He was joined there by Swift and several others shortly before kickoff.In a five-photo joint post on Instagram on Tuesday, Kelce and Swift revealed their engagement after a courtship that lasted for about two years. The Chiefs did not make Kelce available to reporters this week, and Swift publicist Tree Paine only confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engagement-ring-details-5f44624c300d6c907dde9307d9b56d94">that the engagement ring</a>&nbsp;was an old mine brilliant-cut diamond from Kindred Lubeck.The Chiefs are preparing to play their season-opener against the Chargers next Friday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil.One of Kelce's best friends, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, also was on hand for the game, perhaps to take in the sight of another No. 15 wearing red and white. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has been compared to the three-time Super Bowl MVP ever since taking over in Lincoln, not only because they look similar but because they also were the same jersey.Others on hand included Kelce's older brother, Jason Kelce, the retired Philadelphia Eagles center who now works in TV and co-hosts the popular “New Heights” podcast with Travis, and Chiefs safety Bryan Cook. All of them attended Cincinnati.There were no doubt plenty of supporters for the Huskers, though. Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt's son, Dawson, is a linebacker for Nebraska, while defensive line coach Terry Bradden helped Kansas City to reach five Super Bowls.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce attend game in KC after engagement

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Two members of the governing bodies of Hays and Russell were children in elementary and middle school in 1995 when the towns jointly purchased the <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-water-resources/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change">R9 Ranch</a> in Edwards County as a long-term water supply.

City officials are now concerned about the future of water in the area for their own young children.

"We're in a multi-generational battle that we started decades ago," said Mason Ruder, Hays vice-mayor.&nbsp;

City leadership from both towns met in Russell City Hall Wednesday evening for a comprehensive update on the R9 project.&nbsp;

The project aims to ensure water sustainability, addressing urgent needs created by current inadequate and drought-susceptible water sources for both cities.

The state Water Transfer Act must be triggered to allow the conveyance of water more than 70 miles across Kansas. It will be the first time it is enacted for such a long distance.

The towns' water rights are currently for irrigation. Another approval process will change them to municipal use.

Legal wrangling with WaterPACK (Water Protection Association of Central Kansas), the Edwards County Commission and the Edwards County Planning Commission, which oppose the pipeline, has been underway for almost 10 years.

"We haven't lost anything substantive in this. We've won at every step of the process," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "The opponents in this have succeeded in weaponizing the legal and judicial system against Hays and Russell."

To date, regulatory costs amount to $10 million. The overall project cost is estimated at $144.9 million.

Reports from Hays' John Braun, project manager, and Matt Gallagher from Burns McDonnell engineering indicate the pipeline design is wrapping up, and right-of-way permits are being sought.

"We're going to have a project that's ready to bid on early next year," Dougherty said.

"At that point, it's just a matter of waiting for the transfer application to get approved. We're waiting on some litigation to finalize."

Sandy Jacobs, Hays mayor, said, "We've done everything by the book, by the statute."

"We just have to be confident that the system is going to prevail and allow us to use our water we bought 30 years ago," Dougherty said.&nbsp;

"Drought is going to happen...so we want to get shovels turning as quickly as possible as soon as we get regulatory approval," he said.

The U.S. Drought Monitor recently removed Ellis and Russell counties from all drought declarations. 

However, Hays remains an inch behind normal for the year-to-date, according to Thursday's official rainfall report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center. 

Russell recently lost its surface water source and is in a S<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/848f9503-4f0d-4d1d-92af-6639003b4aac">tage II water warning</a>.

Both towns have aggressive water conservation plans in place.

"This is about sustainability and survival," said Alaina Cunningham, Hays city commissioner, "and without it, we don't survive."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756388890394.jpeg" alt="Wednesday's joint meeting of the governing bodies of Hays and Russell to discuss updates to the R9 long-term water supply project. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday's joint meeting of the governing bodies of Hays and Russell to discuss updates to the R9 long-term water supply project. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostTwo members of the governing bodies of Hays and Russell were children in elementary and middle school in 1995 when the towns jointly purchased the <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-water-resources/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change">R9 Ranch</a> in Edwards County as a long-term water supply.City officials are now concerned about the future of water in the area for their own young children."We're in a multi-generational battle that we started decades ago," said Mason Ruder, Hays vice-mayor.&nbsp;City leadership from both towns met in Russell City Hall Wednesday evening for a comprehensive update on the R9 project.&nbsp;The project aims to ensure water sustainability, addressing urgent needs created by current inadequate and drought-susceptible water sources for both cities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756399356256.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The state Water Transfer Act must be triggered to allow the conveyance of water more than 70 miles across Kansas. It will be the first time it is enacted for such a long distance.The towns' water rights are currently for irrigation. Another approval process will change them to municipal use.Legal wrangling with WaterPACK (Water Protection Association of Central Kansas), the Edwards County Commission and the Edwards County Planning Commission, which oppose the pipeline, has been underway for almost 10 years."We haven't lost anything substantive in this. We've won at every step of the process," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "The opponents in this have succeeded in weaponizing the legal and judicial system against Hays and Russell."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756400006933.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>To date, regulatory costs amount to $10 million. The overall project cost is estimated at $144.9 million.Reports from Hays' John Braun, project manager, and Matt Gallagher from Burns McDonnell engineering indicate the pipeline design is wrapping up, and right-of-way permits are being sought."We're going to have a project that's ready to bid on early next year," Dougherty said."At that point, it's just a matter of waiting for the transfer application to get approved. We're waiting on some litigation to finalize."Sandy Jacobs, Hays mayor, said, "We've done everything by the book, by the statute.""We just have to be confident that the system is going to prevail and allow us to use our water we bought 30 years ago," Dougherty said.&nbsp;"Drought is going to happen...so we want to get shovels turning as quickly as possible as soon as we get regulatory approval," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756402139053.png" alt="Ellis and Russell counties outlined in the U.S. Drought Monitor status map for Kansas as of Tuesday.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ellis and Russell counties outlined in the U.S. Drought Monitor status map for Kansas as of Tuesday.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. Drought Monitor recently removed Ellis and Russell counties from all drought declarations. However, Hays remains an inch behind normal for the year-to-date, according to Thursday's official rainfall report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center. Russell recently lost its surface water source and is in a S<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/848f9503-4f0d-4d1d-92af-6639003b4aac">tage II water warning</a>.Both towns have aggressive water conservation plans in place."This is about sustainability and survival," said Alaina Cunningham, Hays city commissioner, "and without it, we don't survive."

R9 water pipeline project should be out to bid early next year despite litigation

HAYS, Kan. – In a matchup of ranked teams to open the 2025 season, No. 13/12 Angelo State defeated RV/No. 20 Fort Hays State 28-7 on Thursday night at Lewis Field. A mixed bag of creative offensive plays helped Angelo State to the victory, outscoring FHSU 14-0 in the second half after leading by just seven at the break.

Angelo State's offensive attack was highlighted by four passing touchdowns, including a 60-yard strike, which contributed to their consistent scoring across all four quarters. The Tigers managed a single touchdown in the second quarter but were unable to capitalize further, with their only red zone appearance ending in a turnover. Angelo State's defense recorded four sacks and forced a fumble, maintaining control throughout the game.

In the first quarter, the Fort Hays State offense sputtered, managing only 14 rushing yards and one pass completion for eight yards. The Rams struck first with a 60-yard touchdown pass over the top of the Tiger defense from Braeden Fuller to Zeek Freeman.

Angelo State added a touchdown in the second quarter, a 9-yard pass from Fuller to Corey Sandolph to extend its lead to 14-0. However, Fort Hays State's offense found a bit of a spark as Caleb Heavner connected with Ethan Hilliman on a 22-yard touchdown pass with 1:54 to go in the half. The Tigers got the ball back on an interception by Michael Chavez, but 52-yard field goal attempt with time expiring in the first half fell off the mark.

The Tigers had momentum going into the second half, getting the ball first out of the break. However, the ASU defense was up to the task as it continued to stymie the FHSU offense. ASU held FHSU to just 45 yards in the quarter and moved back ahead by 14 when it used two of its quarterbacks on a play that produced a 32-yard touchdown pass from Kaeden Smith to Donny Bishop.

The Tigers had an opportunity to cut back into the Rams' lead in the fourth when it moved the ball down to the ASU 11. But, a fumble ended any hope of a Tiger comeback. ASU went on to put the game away with a 9-play, 86-yard drive capped on the second touchdown reception by Sandolph from Fuller, this time from 30 yards out. That score produced the final 21-point margin.

Angelo State outgained FHSU in total offense 366 to 268. Fuller threw for 177 yards and three touchdowns for the Rams. Heavner finished with 172 passing yards on a 20-of-35 effort for the Tigers. Both quarterbacks had one interception in the game.

Ethan Hilliman led the Tiger receivers with five catches for 49 yards. Joshua Clark led in rushing with 55 yards. Jayden Jones led the ground attack for ASU with 79 yards, while Freeman finished with 72 receiving yards.

On the defensive side of the ball Gavin Meyers led the Tigers with 10 tackles. Gaven Haselhorst had a pair of sacks to go with six tackles and a forced fumble. Chavez had four tackles to go with his interception. Marquis Brown led the ASU defense with 13 tackles and an interception.

The result snapped a 6-game win streak for FHSU at home. ASU evened the young series history between the teams after FHSU won the season opener the year before 21-7 in Hays.

The Tigers have another strong test next week when they travel to play CSU Pueblo, currently ranked No. 6/7 in the nation, on Thursday, September 4 in Colorado. The Thunderwolves ran away with a 43-0 win in their season opener over South Dakota Mines.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756442033417.png" alt="Fort Hays State's defensive lineman Jakolbe Wilson (91) makes a tackle on Angelo State running back Cameron Dischler (40) in the first half of an NCAA college football game on Thursday, August 28, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's defensive lineman Jakolbe Wilson (91) makes a tackle on Angelo State running back Cameron Dischler (40) in the first half of an NCAA college football game on Thursday, August 28, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – In a matchup of ranked teams to open the 2025 season, No. 13/12 Angelo State defeated RV/No. 20 Fort Hays State 28-7 on Thursday night at Lewis Field. A mixed bag of creative offensive plays helped Angelo State to the victory, outscoring FHSU 14-0 in the second half after leading by just seven at the break.Angelo State's offensive attack was highlighted by four passing touchdowns, including a 60-yard strike, which contributed to their consistent scoring across all four quarters. The Tigers managed a single touchdown in the second quarter but were unable to capitalize further, with their only red zone appearance ending in a turnover. Angelo State's defense recorded four sacks and forced a fumble, maintaining control throughout the game.<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/2161250577&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-814667509/8-28-25-fhsu-fb-coach" title="Chris Brown Postgame vs. #13 Angelo State (Aug. 28, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Postgame vs. #13 Angelo State (Aug. 28, 2025)</a></div></div>In the first quarter, the Fort Hays State offense sputtered, managing only 14 rushing yards and one pass completion for eight yards. The Rams struck first with a 60-yard touchdown pass over the top of the Tiger defense from Braeden Fuller to Zeek Freeman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756441915289.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State wide receiver Ethan Hilliman hauls in a touchdown pass in the Tigers season opener vs. #13 Angelo State on Thursday, August 28, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (Hays Post photo/Jeff Leiker)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State wide receiver Ethan Hilliman hauls in a touchdown pass in the Tigers season opener vs. #13 Angelo State on Thursday, August 28, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (Hays Post photo/Jeff Leiker)</figcaption>
 </figure><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/2161250802&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-814667509/8-28-25-fhsu-fb-player" title="Ethan Hilliman Postgame vs. #13 Angelo State (Aug. 28, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Ethan Hilliman Postgame vs. #13 Angelo State (Aug. 28, 2025)</a></div></div>Angelo State added a touchdown in the second quarter, a 9-yard pass from Fuller to Corey Sandolph to extend its lead to 14-0. However, Fort Hays State's offense found a bit of a spark as Caleb Heavner connected with Ethan Hilliman on a 22-yard touchdown pass with 1:54 to go in the half. The Tigers got the ball back on an interception by Michael Chavez, but 52-yard field goal attempt with time expiring in the first half fell off the mark.The Tigers had momentum going into the second half, getting the ball first out of the break. However, the ASU defense was up to the task as it continued to stymie the FHSU offense. ASU held FHSU to just 45 yards in the quarter and moved back ahead by 14 when it used two of its quarterbacks on a play that produced a 32-yard touchdown pass from Kaeden Smith to Donny Bishop.<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/2161250925&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-814667509/8-28-25-fhsu-fb-player-1" title="Gavin Meyers Postgame vs. #13 Angelo State (Aug. 28, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Gavin Meyers Postgame vs. #13 Angelo State (Aug. 28, 2025)</a></div></div>The Tigers had an opportunity to cut back into the Rams' lead in the fourth when it moved the ball down to the ASU 11. But, a fumble ended any hope of a Tiger comeback. ASU went on to put the game away with a 9-play, 86-yard drive capped on the second touchdown reception by Sandolph from Fuller, this time from 30 yards out. That score produced the final 21-point margin.Angelo State outgained FHSU in total offense 366 to 268. Fuller threw for 177 yards and three touchdowns for the Rams. Heavner finished with 172 passing yards on a 20-of-35 effort for the Tigers. Both quarterbacks had one interception in the game.Ethan Hilliman led the Tiger receivers with five catches for 49 yards. Joshua Clark led in rushing with 55 yards. Jayden Jones led the ground attack for ASU with 79 yards, while Freeman finished with 72 receiving yards.<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/2161251093&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-814667509/8-28-25-fhsu-fb-hilights-v" title="Fort Hays State FB Highlights vs. #13 Angelo State (Aug. 28, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State FB Highlights vs. #13 Angelo State (Aug. 28, 2025)</a></div></div>On the defensive side of the ball Gavin Meyers led the Tigers with 10 tackles. Gaven Haselhorst had a pair of sacks to go with six tackles and a forced fumble. Chavez had four tackles to go with his interception. Marquis Brown led the ASU defense with 13 tackles and an interception.The result snapped a 6-game win streak for FHSU at home. ASU evened the young series history between the teams after FHSU won the season opener the year before 21-7 in Hays.The Tigers have another strong test next week when they travel to play CSU Pueblo, currently ranked No. 6/7 in the nation, on Thursday, September 4 in Colorado. The Thunderwolves ran away with a 43-0 win in their season opener over South Dakota Mines.

🏈 Tigers drop season opener to No. 13 Angelo State

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-fed-governor-trump-firing-211c3db1a5082d46449f26b865fde850">Lisa Cook</a>&nbsp;has sued the Trump administration in an effort to overturn the president’s attempt to fire her, launching an unprecedented legal battle that could significantly reshape the Fed’s longstanding political independence.

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.284270/gov.uscourts.dcd.284270.1.0_17.pdf">Click here to read the lawsuit</a>

The lawsuit seeks an emergency injunction to block her firing and “confirm her status” as a member of the Fed's governing board.

“The President’s effort to terminate a Senate-confirmed Federal Reserve Board member is a broadside attack on the century-old independence of the Federal Reserve System,” Cook's lawyer, Abbe David Lowell, wrote in a court filing.

The case could become a turning point for the 112-year old Federal Reserve, which was designed by Congress to be insulated from day-to-day political influence. Economists prefer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-independence-5c2ec1a37dc4aca6a59544f8b4513a45">independent central banks</a>&nbsp;because they can more easily take unpopular measures, such as lifting interest rates to combat inflation, than elected officials can.

The case was assigned to Judge Jia Cobb, an appointee of former President Joe Biden. A hearing was scheduled for Friday.

Many economists worry that if the Fed falls under the control of the White House, it will keep its key interest rate lower than justified by economic fundamentals to satisfy Trump's demands for cheaper borrowing. That could accelerate inflation and could also push up longer-term interest rates, such as those on mortgages and car loans. Investors may demand a higher yield to own bonds to offset greater inflation in the future, lifting borrowing costs throughout the economy.

“If Cook wins, she stays in place and we achieve some semblance of stability," said Peter Conti-Brown, a professor of financial regulation at the University of Pennsylvania and Fed historian in a Substack post. "If she loses ... that’s the end of Fed independence as it has been constructed and reconstructed over 112 years.”

If Trump can replace Cook, he may be able to gain a 4-3 majority on the Fed’s governing board. Trump appointed two board members during his first term and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-miran-794df2cd9d33b327bf3b836a553dd5ef">has nominated</a>&nbsp;a key White House economic adviser, Stephen Miran, to replace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-reserve-trump-kugler-powell-332a2e185ca8bbe695c78b0c5a1eb73b">Adriana Kugler</a>, another Fed governor who stepped down unexpectedly Aug. 1. Trump has said he will only appoint people to the Fed who will support lower rates.

No president has sought to fire a Fed governor before until Trump posted a letter on media&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-lisa-cook-trump-6fca3d2fbb54ba204cc91398e6a7b020">late Monday saying that Cook was fired</a>. Trump said the reason for her removal were allegations that she committed mortgage fraud in 2021, before she was appointed to the board. Most observers expect the case to end up at the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has signaled that the president can’t fire Fed officials over policy differences, but can do so “for cause,” typically meaning misconduct or neglect of duty. Cook has not been charged with any crime.

The lawsuit argues that the allegations don't involve misconduct by Cook while in office and haven't been proven. Cook should also have been given a chance to answer the charges, the suit says.

“The unsubstantiated and unproven allegation that Governor Cook ‘potentially’ erred in filling out a mortgage form prior to her Senate confirmation—does not amount to ‘cause,’” the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit also denies the charges against Cook, without providing supporting detail.

“Neither the type of ‘offense’ the President cited nor the threadbare evidence against Governor Cook would constitute 'cause' for removal even if the President’s allegations were true—which they are not,” the lawsuit said.

The president’s decision comes as he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">repeatedly attacked</a>&nbsp;Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the other members of the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee for not cutting the short-term interest rate they control more quickly. It currently stands at 4.3%, after Fed policymakers reduced it by a full percentage point late last year. Trump has said he thinks it should be as low as 1.3%, a level that no Fed official and few economists support.

The suit argues that the allegations of mortgage fraud are simply a pretext to fire Cook because she hasn't voted to lower interest rates: “The mortgage allegations against her are pretextual, in order to effectuate her prompt removal and vacate a seat for President Trump to fill and forward his agenda to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve.”

“The President cannot rely on brute force or clever shortcuts to circumvent Congress to bend the institution to his will,” Lowell wrote in a request for an emergency order blocking the firing. “History provides no sanction for an attempt to short-circuit ‘for cause’ removal protections by conjuring up unfounded allegations of past wrongdoing.

The lawsuit also seeks to block the Federal Reserve from accepting the firing and asks the court to require the Fed and Powell to “treat Governor Cook as a member of the Board of Governors.”

Powell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">signaled last week</a>&nbsp;that the central bank was leaning toward cutting its rate at its next meeting Sept. 16-17. Still, it's likely that the Fed will cut its key rate more slowly than Trump wants, and perhaps to as low as 3.25% or so — higher than Trump would prefer.

Cook is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-federal-reserve-firing-trump-dei-4fdbb4af653bcca7b6fb0432166b44f3">first Black woman</a>&nbsp;to serve as a governor. She was a Marshall Scholar and received degrees from Oxford University and Spelman College, and prior to joining the board she taught at Michigan State University and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756411486744.png" alt="Chair Jerome H. Powell swears in Lisa D. Cook on May 23, 2022 as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System-photo courtesy Federal Reserve" />
 <figcaption>Chair Jerome H. Powell swears in Lisa D. Cook on May 23, 2022 as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System-photo courtesy Federal Reserve</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-fed-governor-trump-firing-211c3db1a5082d46449f26b865fde850">Lisa Cook</a>&nbsp;has sued the Trump administration in an effort to overturn the president’s attempt to fire her, launching an unprecedented legal battle that could significantly reshape the Fed’s longstanding political independence.<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.284270/gov.uscourts.dcd.284270.1.0_17.pdf">Click here to read the lawsuit</a>The lawsuit seeks an emergency injunction to block her firing and “confirm her status” as a member of the Fed's governing board.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756411352091.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>“The President’s effort to terminate a Senate-confirmed Federal Reserve Board member is a broadside attack on the century-old independence of the Federal Reserve System,” Cook's lawyer, Abbe David Lowell, wrote in a court filing.The case could become a turning point for the 112-year old Federal Reserve, which was designed by Congress to be insulated from day-to-day political influence. Economists prefer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-independence-5c2ec1a37dc4aca6a59544f8b4513a45">independent central banks</a>&nbsp;because they can more easily take unpopular measures, such as lifting interest rates to combat inflation, than elected officials can.The case was assigned to Judge Jia Cobb, an appointee of former President Joe Biden. A hearing was scheduled for Friday.Many economists worry that if the Fed falls under the control of the White House, it will keep its key interest rate lower than justified by economic fundamentals to satisfy Trump's demands for cheaper borrowing. That could accelerate inflation and could also push up longer-term interest rates, such as those on mortgages and car loans. Investors may demand a higher yield to own bonds to offset greater inflation in the future, lifting borrowing costs throughout the economy.“If Cook wins, she stays in place and we achieve some semblance of stability," said Peter Conti-Brown, a professor of financial regulation at the University of Pennsylvania and Fed historian in a Substack post. "If she loses ... that’s the end of Fed independence as it has been constructed and reconstructed over 112 years.”If Trump can replace Cook, he may be able to gain a 4-3 majority on the Fed’s governing board. Trump appointed two board members during his first term and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-miran-794df2cd9d33b327bf3b836a553dd5ef">has nominated</a>&nbsp;a key White House economic adviser, Stephen Miran, to replace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-reserve-trump-kugler-powell-332a2e185ca8bbe695c78b0c5a1eb73b">Adriana Kugler</a>, another Fed governor who stepped down unexpectedly Aug. 1. Trump has said he will only appoint people to the Fed who will support lower rates.No president has sought to fire a Fed governor before until Trump posted a letter on media&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-lisa-cook-trump-6fca3d2fbb54ba204cc91398e6a7b020">late Monday saying that Cook was fired</a>. Trump said the reason for her removal were allegations that she committed mortgage fraud in 2021, before she was appointed to the board. Most observers expect the case to end up at the Supreme Court.The Supreme Court has signaled that the president can’t fire Fed officials over policy differences, but can do so “for cause,” typically meaning misconduct or neglect of duty. Cook has not been charged with any crime.The lawsuit argues that the allegations don't involve misconduct by Cook while in office and haven't been proven. Cook should also have been given a chance to answer the charges, the suit says.“The unsubstantiated and unproven allegation that Governor Cook ‘potentially’ erred in filling out a mortgage form prior to her Senate confirmation—does not amount to ‘cause,’” the lawsuit says.The lawsuit also denies the charges against Cook, without providing supporting detail.“Neither the type of ‘offense’ the President cited nor the threadbare evidence against Governor Cook would constitute 'cause' for removal even if the President’s allegations were true—which they are not,” the lawsuit said.The president’s decision comes as he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">repeatedly attacked</a>&nbsp;Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the other members of the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee for not cutting the short-term interest rate they control more quickly. It currently stands at 4.3%, after Fed policymakers reduced it by a full percentage point late last year. Trump has said he thinks it should be as low as 1.3%, a level that no Fed official and few economists support.The suit argues that the allegations of mortgage fraud are simply a pretext to fire Cook because she hasn't voted to lower interest rates: “The mortgage allegations against her are pretextual, in order to effectuate her prompt removal and vacate a seat for President Trump to fill and forward his agenda to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve.”“The President cannot rely on brute force or clever shortcuts to circumvent Congress to bend the institution to his will,” Lowell wrote in a request for an emergency order blocking the firing. “History provides no sanction for an attempt to short-circuit ‘for cause’ removal protections by conjuring up unfounded allegations of past wrongdoing.The lawsuit also seeks to block the Federal Reserve from accepting the firing and asks the court to require the Fed and Powell to “treat Governor Cook as a member of the Board of Governors.”Powell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">signaled last week</a>&nbsp;that the central bank was leaning toward cutting its rate at its next meeting Sept. 16-17. Still, it's likely that the Fed will cut its key rate more slowly than Trump wants, and perhaps to as low as 3.25% or so — higher than Trump would prefer.Cook is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-federal-reserve-firing-trump-dei-4fdbb4af653bcca7b6fb0432166b44f3">first Black woman</a>&nbsp;to serve as a governor. She was a Marshall Scholar and received degrees from Oxford University and Spelman College, and prior to joining the board she taught at Michigan State University and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Read the lawsuit: Fed official sues Trump over attempt to fire her

Wall Street notched more milestones Thursday after gains in technology stocks helped push the market to another all-time high.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.3%, lifting the benchmark index to its second record high in a row. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reversed an early slide and gained 0.2%, enough to move past its record high set last Friday.

The Nasdaq composite closed 0.5% higher, finishing just short of its all-time high set two weeks ago.

About 55% of the companies in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 closed lower, but gains in the technology and communication services sectors offset losses elsewhere in the market. Broadcom rose 2.8%, Amazon added 1.1% and Google parent Alphabet finished 2% higher.

“We’re seeing a continuation of a theme that has been in place really all year long, and that is communication services, information technology, really the areas that are surrounding this incredible capital expenditure cycle, have been the primary beneficiaries,” said Bill Northey, senior investment director at U.S. Bank Asset Management.

Heading into the final day of trading in August, the S&amp;P 500 and Dow were on pace for their fourth straight monthly gain, while the Nasdaq was closing in on its fifth.

The market's latest gains came as traders pored over a mixed batch of earnings reports from big U.S. companies and new reports on the job market and U.S. economy.

Tech giant Nvidia fell 0.8% a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-artificial-intelligence-boom-bubble-42657a49554bf35fb12fdf48c02287d2">reporting quarterly earnings and revenue</a>&nbsp;that beat Wall Street analysts’ forecasts, though the company noted that sales of its artificial intelligence chipsets rose at a slower pace than analysts anticipated.

Investors consider Nvidia a barometer for the strength of the boom in artificial intelligence because the company makes most of the chips that power the technology. Its heavy weighting also gives Nvidia outsized influence as a bellwether for the broader market.

Shares in several retailers fell following their latest quarterly results.

Best Buy dropped 3.7% after the consumer electronics chain's second-quarter snapshot was overshadowed by an outlook clouded due to the tariffs the U.S. is imposing on trading partners.

Despite also posting better-than-expected quarterly results, Urban Outfitters slid 10.7% after the retailer warned that it expects tariffs will increase pressure on its gross margins in the second half of the year.

Dick’s Sporting Goods fell 4.8% despite reporting second-quarter results that beat analysts' expectations.

Victoria’s Secret &amp; Co. gave up an early gain and closed 0.5% lower.

Burlington Stores bucked the trend. The retail chain climbed 5.3% after its latest earnings topped analysts’ estimates.

Elsewhere in the market, Spam maker Hormel sank 13.1% for the biggest decline among S&amp;P 500 companies after its earnings fell short of Wall Street’s forecasts and the company cut its outlook for the year.

Traders also had their eye on new government reports on the job market and economy.

The Labor Department reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-trump-jobs-unemployment-tariffs-consumer-spending-bd496163bf386a3fabaaa6d1b6db06ff">applications for unemployment benefits fell last week</a>, the latest sign that employers are holding onto their workers even as the economy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-trump-gdp-tariffs-inflation-trade-28a0da24c803c4796eb32704cd0244cc">has slowed</a>.

The most recent government data suggests hiring has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-trump-federal-reserve-68a15f89d68793a6cf88a522ff33246c">slowed sharply</a>&nbsp;since this spring.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Department reported that U.S. gross domestic product —- the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economygdp-f2f3c1a5401124fdee31ca02a1daa4b6">nation’s output of goods and services — grew at a 3.3% annual pace in the April-June quarter</a>&nbsp;after shrinking 0.5% in the first three months of this year due to the fallout from the Trump administration’s trade wars.

“The GDP print reinforces the fact that this continues to be an economy, domestically, that is continuing to show a great deal of resilience in terms of producing economic growth,” Northey said.

Still, the sluggishness in the job market is a key reason that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">signaled last week</a>&nbsp;that the central bank may cut its key interest rate at its meeting next month.

Lower rates can boost investment prices and the economy by making it cheaper for U.S. households and businesses to borrow, but they risk worsening inflation.

Traders are still betting the Fed will trim its benchmark interest rate at its next meeting in September. Traders see an 85.3% chance that the central bank will cut the rate by a quarter of a percentage point, according to data from CME Group.

Friday will bring another update on inflation: the U.S. personal consumption expenditures index. Economists expect it to show that inflation remained at about 2.6% in July, compared with a year ago. Businesses have been warning investors and consumers about higher costs and prices because of tariffs.

Treasury yields were mixed in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.21% from 4.24% late Wednesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for Federal Reserve action, rose to 3.63% from 3.62%.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 20.46 points to 6,501.86. The Dow added 71.67 points to 45,636.90, and the Nasdaq gained 115.02 points to close at 21,705.16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755116533012.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEX VEIGA AP Business WriterWall Street notched more milestones Thursday after gains in technology stocks helped push the market to another all-time high.The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.3%, lifting the benchmark index to its second record high in a row. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reversed an early slide and gained 0.2%, enough to move past its record high set last Friday.The Nasdaq composite closed 0.5% higher, finishing just short of its all-time high set two weeks ago.About 55% of the companies in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 closed lower, but gains in the technology and communication services sectors offset losses elsewhere in the market. Broadcom rose 2.8%, Amazon added 1.1% and Google parent Alphabet finished 2% higher.“We’re seeing a continuation of a theme that has been in place really all year long, and that is communication services, information technology, really the areas that are surrounding this incredible capital expenditure cycle, have been the primary beneficiaries,” said Bill Northey, senior investment director at U.S. Bank Asset Management.Heading into the final day of trading in August, the S&amp;P 500 and Dow were on pace for their fourth straight monthly gain, while the Nasdaq was closing in on its fifth.The market's latest gains came as traders pored over a mixed batch of earnings reports from big U.S. companies and new reports on the job market and U.S. economy.Tech giant Nvidia fell 0.8% a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-artificial-intelligence-boom-bubble-42657a49554bf35fb12fdf48c02287d2">reporting quarterly earnings and revenue</a>&nbsp;that beat Wall Street analysts’ forecasts, though the company noted that sales of its artificial intelligence chipsets rose at a slower pace than analysts anticipated.Investors consider Nvidia a barometer for the strength of the boom in artificial intelligence because the company makes most of the chips that power the technology. Its heavy weighting also gives Nvidia outsized influence as a bellwether for the broader market.Shares in several retailers fell following their latest quarterly results.Best Buy dropped 3.7% after the consumer electronics chain's second-quarter snapshot was overshadowed by an outlook clouded due to the tariffs the U.S. is imposing on trading partners.Despite also posting better-than-expected quarterly results, Urban Outfitters slid 10.7% after the retailer warned that it expects tariffs will increase pressure on its gross margins in the second half of the year.Dick’s Sporting Goods fell 4.8% despite reporting second-quarter results that beat analysts' expectations.Victoria’s Secret &amp; Co. gave up an early gain and closed 0.5% lower.Burlington Stores bucked the trend. The retail chain climbed 5.3% after its latest earnings topped analysts’ estimates.Elsewhere in the market, Spam maker Hormel sank 13.1% for the biggest decline among S&amp;P 500 companies after its earnings fell short of Wall Street’s forecasts and the company cut its outlook for the year.Traders also had their eye on new government reports on the job market and economy.The Labor Department reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-trump-jobs-unemployment-tariffs-consumer-spending-bd496163bf386a3fabaaa6d1b6db06ff">applications for unemployment benefits fell last week</a>, the latest sign that employers are holding onto their workers even as the economy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-trump-gdp-tariffs-inflation-trade-28a0da24c803c4796eb32704cd0244cc">has slowed</a>.The most recent government data suggests hiring has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-trump-federal-reserve-68a15f89d68793a6cf88a522ff33246c">slowed sharply</a>&nbsp;since this spring.Meanwhile, the Commerce Department reported that U.S. gross domestic product —- the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economygdp-f2f3c1a5401124fdee31ca02a1daa4b6">nation’s output of goods and services — grew at a 3.3% annual pace in the April-June quarter</a>&nbsp;after shrinking 0.5% in the first three months of this year due to the fallout from the Trump administration’s trade wars.“The GDP print reinforces the fact that this continues to be an economy, domestically, that is continuing to show a great deal of resilience in terms of producing economic growth,” Northey said.Still, the sluggishness in the job market is a key reason that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">signaled last week</a>&nbsp;that the central bank may cut its key interest rate at its meeting next month.Lower rates can boost investment prices and the economy by making it cheaper for U.S. households and businesses to borrow, but they risk worsening inflation.Traders are still betting the Fed will trim its benchmark interest rate at its next meeting in September. Traders see an 85.3% chance that the central bank will cut the rate by a quarter of a percentage point, according to data from CME Group.Friday will bring another update on inflation: the U.S. personal consumption expenditures index. Economists expect it to show that inflation remained at about 2.6% in July, compared with a year ago. Businesses have been warning investors and consumers about higher costs and prices because of tariffs.Treasury yields were mixed in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.21% from 4.24% late Wednesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for Federal Reserve action, rose to 3.63% from 3.62%.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 20.46 points to 6,501.86. The Dow added 71.67 points to 45,636.90, and the Nasdaq gained 115.02 points to close at 21,705.16.European and Asian markets closed mixed.

Stocks add to their records on Wall Street

The countdown is on, with just eight days to go until the 2025 Kansas State Fair kicks off in Hutchinson. Fair General Manager Brian Schulz says preparations are well underway as vendors, exhibits, and entertainment begin to move onto the grounds.&nbsp;

“We’ve been out making sure everything is ready,”&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;said. “People are starting to move in, and for safety reasons, we’ve closed the grounds to walkers during setup. With big trucks, combines, tractors, and other large items coming in, it’s just too dangerous.”&nbsp;

Schulz&nbsp;highlighted this year’s lineup of free entertainment, much of it featuring Kansas talent. Acts will perform at venues across the fairgrounds, including the Lowen Stage at Lake Talbott, the newly upgraded People’s Bank and Trust Arena with a permanent canopy, and Gottschalk Park. Local performers include Derby’s America’s Got Talent runner-up and Ella Wellman of Sterling, now a K-State student.&nbsp;

Vendors are also making their return. Most booths are held year-to-year, with waiting lists for new spots. The fair takes care to avoid placing direct competitors side by side. Schulz&nbsp;noted that equipment displays remain a highlight, connecting new generations with Kansas’ agricultural roots.&nbsp;

“We’re five to seven generations removed from the family farm,”&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;said. “For many young people, this is their first chance to see a combine or tractor up close.”&nbsp;

This year’s grandstand shows feature a wide variety of acts:&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Friday: Sam Barber and Adriana&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Saturday: Jeff Dunham&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday: Josh Turner with Jason Scott and the High Heat&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Monday: Demolition Derby&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Tuesday: Fair Fight Pro Wrestling •&nbsp; &nbsp;Wednesday: Josiah Queen with Ben Fuller (Christian Night)&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Thursday: Hairball&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Friday: Ludacris&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Saturday: Plain White T’s with The Fray&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday: Lorrie Morgan with Mason Ramsey&nbsp;

One sweet tradition is also making a comeback. The Kansas State Fair Foundation will be selling official saltwater taffy as a fundraiser. The taffy, absent in recent years, will be available at the merchandise booth near the interactive fountain and at the 1861 Club.&nbsp;

Alongside staple fair foods like Pronto Pups and roasted corn, new items this year include fried brownie bites, pulled pork corn dogs, pineapple smoothies, and firecracker wontons.&nbsp;

Advance ticket packages are still available, including kids, seniors, and couple’s night bundles.&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;recommends purchasing early, as prices increase once the fair begins. Adults will be $10 at the gate, while kids 6–12 are $6, and seniors $6.&nbsp;

The Kansas State Fair app has also been updated, offering visitors maps, schedules, food locations, and event reminders. “It’ll be your best friend during the fair,”&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

The fair opens Friday, September 5, with gates at 10 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. at the People’s Bank and Trust Arena, where a ribbon-cutting will also be held for the new canopy.&nbsp;

The fair runs for 10 days, bringing back a mix of tradition and new experiences for Kansans of all ages.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725972126895.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pat James" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pat James</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostThe countdown is on, with just eight days to go until the 2025 Kansas State Fair kicks off in Hutchinson. Fair General Manager Brian Schulz says preparations are well underway as vendors, exhibits, and entertainment begin to move onto the grounds.&nbsp;“We’ve been out making sure everything is ready,”&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;said. “People are starting to move in, and for safety reasons, we’ve closed the grounds to walkers during setup. With big trucks, combines, tractors, and other large items coming in, it’s just too dangerous.”&nbsp;<h2>Free entertainment and local talent</h2>Schulz&nbsp;highlighted this year’s lineup of free entertainment, much of it featuring Kansas talent. Acts will perform at venues across the fairgrounds, including the Lowen Stage at Lake Talbott, the newly upgraded People’s Bank and Trust Arena with a permanent canopy, and Gottschalk Park. Local performers include Derby’s America’s Got Talent runner-up and Ella Wellman of Sterling, now a K-State student.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Bryan Shulz - Kansas State Fair" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pq942-194986f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3267a3" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><h2>Vendor spots and traditions</h2>Vendors are also making their return. Most booths are held year-to-year, with waiting lists for new spots. The fair takes care to avoid placing direct competitors side by side. Schulz&nbsp;noted that equipment displays remain a highlight, connecting new generations with Kansas’ agricultural roots.&nbsp;“We’re five to seven generations removed from the family farm,”&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;said. “For many young people, this is their first chance to see a combine or tractor up close.”&nbsp;<h2>Grandstand lineup</h2>This year’s grandstand shows feature a wide variety of acts:&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Friday: Sam Barber and Adriana&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Saturday: Jeff Dunham&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday: Josh Turner with Jason Scott and the High Heat&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Monday: Demolition Derby&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Tuesday: Fair Fight Pro Wrestling •&nbsp; &nbsp;Wednesday: Josiah Queen with Ben Fuller (Christian Night)&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Thursday: Hairball&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Friday: Ludacris&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Saturday: Plain White T’s with The Fray&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday: Lorrie Morgan with Mason Ramsey&nbsp;<h2>Saltwater Taffy returns</h2>One sweet tradition is also making a comeback. The Kansas State Fair Foundation will be selling official saltwater taffy as a fundraiser. The taffy, absent in recent years, will be available at the merchandise booth near the interactive fountain and at the 1861 Club.&nbsp;<h2>New Foods and Classic Favorites</h2>Alongside staple fair foods like Pronto Pups and roasted corn, new items this year include fried brownie bites, pulled pork corn dogs, pineapple smoothies, and firecracker wontons.&nbsp;<h2>Tickets and app updates</h2>Advance ticket packages are still available, including kids, seniors, and couple’s night bundles.&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;recommends purchasing early, as prices increase once the fair begins. Adults will be $10 at the gate, while kids 6–12 are $6, and seniors $6.&nbsp;The Kansas State Fair app has also been updated, offering visitors maps, schedules, food locations, and event reminders. “It’ll be your best friend during the fair,”&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;said.&nbsp;<h2>Opening Day</h2>The fair opens Friday, September 5, with gates at 10 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. at the People’s Bank and Trust Arena, where a ribbon-cutting will also be held for the new canopy.&nbsp;The fair runs for 10 days, bringing back a mix of tradition and new experiences for Kansans of all ages.&nbsp;

Kansas State Fair getting ready for opening next week

A Cole County judge will decide whether to revise, throw out or keep a constitutional amendment proposed by the Missouri General Assembly that would ban abortion

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

A Cole County judge heard arguments Wednesday over whether a proposed ban on abortion set to go to voters next year should be thrown out or revised over a provision targeting gender-affirming care for minors.&nbsp;

The ACLU of Missouri believes the proposal, which was drafted by state lawmakers, violates the state constitution because it includes multiple subjects. The group also contends the summary that would appear on the ballot is misleading.

If the courts decide to keep the measure on the ballot, plaintiffs are asking that the ballot summary be revised to explicitly state that the measure would ban abortion.

If approved by a simple majority of voters, the abortion ban amendment would repeal a citizen-led reproductive rights amendment that passed last November legalizing&nbsp; abortion in Missouri up until the point of fetal viability and enshrining other reproductive rights in the constitution, including in-vitro fertilization and contraceptives.

The new amendment would reinstate an abortion ban, allowing limited exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomolies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The current language written by the Missouri General Assembly makes no mention of the ban it would enact.&nbsp;

Instead, Missourians would be asked if they want to amend the Missouri constitution to:&nbsp;

Missouri statute states “petitions for laws shall contain not more than one subject which shall be expressed clearly in the title.”&nbsp;

Chuck Hatfield, an attorney with Stinson LLP&nbsp;representing the plaintiff on Wednesday argued that the inclusion of the gender-affirming health care ban was “ballot candy” meant to win over more voters but is a separate issue from reproductive health care.&nbsp;

Recent polling by St. Louis University/YouGov shows that while the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/29/poll-shows-missouri-voters-back-trump-hawley-abortion-rights-and-minimum-wage-hike/">&nbsp;majority of polled Missouri voters support access to abortion</a>, the majority also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/25/poll-finds-missouri-voters-support-for-bans-on-transgender-health-care/">oppose access to gender-affirming health care for minors.&nbsp;</a>

“You can’t say to the people, ‘Here’s a proposal whether the Chiefs should stay in Kansas City and to ban crypto,’” Hatfield said.

Missouri Solicitor General Louis Capozzi, defending the proposed amendment, told Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green on Wednesday that gender-affirming procedures can cause the loss of fertility. Therefore, he believes reproductive health care “applies to all people who are thinking about whether to have children.”

Capozzi said the latest proposed amendment “ensures that Missouri children are able to make the choice whether to reproduce when they are adults,” adding that if someone is “unable to reproduce, they can’t access reproductive health care.”

Last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/judge-decides-abortion-amendment-3-missouri-ballot/">anti-abortion leaders were unsuccessful in convincing the courts&nbsp;</a>to throw the abortion rights amendment off the ballot by claiming it violated the single subject rule. At the time, an attorney for the Thomas Moore Society argued unsuccessfully that the subject of that amendment,&nbsp;“a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom,” encompassed “infinite subjects.”

Hatfield on Wednesday accused the legislature and Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins of misrepresenting what the amendment would do through both the language voters will see on the ballot and the ballot language posted&nbsp;at every polling station around the state next to sample ballots.&nbsp;

Hoskins’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/petitions/2026BallotMeasures" target="_blank">ballot language</a>&nbsp;currently reads: “A ‘no’ vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution to allow abortion in cases of medical emergency, fetal anomaly, rape, or incest, or to protect children from gender transition.”

Under the current law, abortion is legal up until the point of fetal viability in Missouri and gender-affirming health care for minors is banned.&nbsp;

“It’s ridiculous; it’s wrong,” Hatfield said of the ballot language. “The current constitution guarantees those rights and to imply otherwise is wrong, it’s highly argumentative.”

Capozzi argued the legislature was working with a word limit and that it was more important to state what the amendment would do. Summary statements, he said, need not detail specific exceptions.

The proposed amendment also requires any lawsuits related to reproductive health care to be filed in Cole County and gives the Attorney General’s Office the right to intervene in these cases. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit said there is not a legitimate connection to reproductive health care, as “health care is not generally provided in court rooms.”

Hatfield suggested Green “tell the General Assembly to give it another shot in compliance with the constitution.”&nbsp;

Green did not immediately rule on the challenge to the abortion ban amendment. A day earlier, he also heard arguments in a case challenging a new law set to go into effect Thursday that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/25/lawsuit-challenges-the-constitutionality-of-missouri-attorney-generals-new-powers/">changes the deadlines and procedures for challenging and revising ballot language.</a>&nbsp;Green’s determination in that case could affect how he’s allowed to proceed in regarding the ballot language.&nbsp;

Despite the current law, abortion access remains tenuous in Missouri.&nbsp;

Three Planned Parenthood clinics — in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis —&nbsp;have resumed procedural abortions on a limited schedule that was briefly interrupted over the summer when the courts overturned and then reinstated a temporary injunction allowing some abortions to resume ahead of a trial slated for January.

But Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office are slated to meet in court a handful of times before then.

At a hearing set for Sept. 10 in Kansas City, Planned Parenthood plans to argue in favor of undoing a number of laws they say are currently preventing its clinics from prescribing medication abortion in Missouri.&nbsp;

That same day, down the street, the Western District Court of Appeals is slated to hear&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-ag-erred-in-asking-supreme-court-to-overturn-order-legalizing-abortion/">the Missouri Attorney General’s Office’s appeal of an injunction</a>&nbsp;that allowed procedural abortions to resume in Missouri in February.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746190042115.png" alt="An abortion procedure room pictured on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Planned Parenthood in Columbia, Missouri (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>An abortion procedure room pictured on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Planned Parenthood in Columbia, Missouri (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A Cole County judge will decide whether to revise, throw out or keep a constitutional amendment proposed by the Missouri General Assembly that would ban abortion</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A Cole County judge heard arguments Wednesday over whether a proposed ban on abortion set to go to voters next year should be thrown out or revised over a provision targeting gender-affirming care for minors.&nbsp;The ACLU of Missouri believes the proposal, which was drafted by state lawmakers, violates the state constitution because it includes multiple subjects. The group also contends the summary that would appear on the ballot is misleading.If the courts decide to keep the measure on the ballot, plaintiffs are asking that the ballot summary be revised to explicitly state that the measure would ban abortion.If approved by a simple majority of voters, the abortion ban amendment would repeal a citizen-led reproductive rights amendment that passed last November legalizing&nbsp; abortion in Missouri up until the point of fetal viability and enshrining other reproductive rights in the constitution, including in-vitro fertilization and contraceptives.The new amendment would reinstate an abortion ban, allowing limited exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomolies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.The current language written by the Missouri General Assembly makes no mention of the ban it would enact.&nbsp;Instead, Missourians would be asked if they want to amend the Missouri constitution to:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Guarantee access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages;</li><li>Ensure women’s safety during abortions;</li><li>Ensure parental consent for minors;</li><li>Allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest;</li><li>Require physicians to provide medically accurate information; and</li><li>Protect children from gender transition?</li>
 </ul>Missouri statute states “petitions for laws shall contain not more than one subject which shall be expressed clearly in the title.”&nbsp;Chuck Hatfield, an attorney with Stinson LLP&nbsp;representing the plaintiff on Wednesday argued that the inclusion of the gender-affirming health care ban was “ballot candy” meant to win over more voters but is a separate issue from reproductive health care.&nbsp;Recent polling by St. Louis University/YouGov shows that while the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/29/poll-shows-missouri-voters-back-trump-hawley-abortion-rights-and-minimum-wage-hike/">&nbsp;majority of polled Missouri voters support access to abortion</a>, the majority also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/25/poll-finds-missouri-voters-support-for-bans-on-transgender-health-care/">oppose access to gender-affirming health care for minors.&nbsp;</a>“You can’t say to the people, ‘Here’s a proposal whether the Chiefs should stay in Kansas City and to ban crypto,’” Hatfield said.Missouri Solicitor General Louis Capozzi, defending the proposed amendment, told Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green on Wednesday that gender-affirming procedures can cause the loss of fertility. Therefore, he believes reproductive health care “applies to all people who are thinking about whether to have children.”Capozzi said the latest proposed amendment “ensures that Missouri children are able to make the choice whether to reproduce when they are adults,” adding that if someone is “unable to reproduce, they can’t access reproductive health care.”Last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/judge-decides-abortion-amendment-3-missouri-ballot/">anti-abortion leaders were unsuccessful in convincing the courts&nbsp;</a>to throw the abortion rights amendment off the ballot by claiming it violated the single subject rule. At the time, an attorney for the Thomas Moore Society argued unsuccessfully that the subject of that amendment,&nbsp;“a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom,” encompassed “infinite subjects.”Hatfield on Wednesday accused the legislature and Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins of misrepresenting what the amendment would do through both the language voters will see on the ballot and the ballot language posted&nbsp;at every polling station around the state next to sample ballots.&nbsp;Hoskins’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/petitions/2026BallotMeasures" target="_blank">ballot language</a>&nbsp;currently reads: “A ‘no’ vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution to allow abortion in cases of medical emergency, fetal anomaly, rape, or incest, or to protect children from gender transition.”Under the current law, abortion is legal up until the point of fetal viability in Missouri and gender-affirming health care for minors is banned.&nbsp;“It’s ridiculous; it’s wrong,” Hatfield said of the ballot language. “The current constitution guarantees those rights and to imply otherwise is wrong, it’s highly argumentative.”Capozzi argued the legislature was working with a word limit and that it was more important to state what the amendment would do. Summary statements, he said, need not detail specific exceptions.The proposed amendment also requires any lawsuits related to reproductive health care to be filed in Cole County and gives the Attorney General’s Office the right to intervene in these cases. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit said there is not a legitimate connection to reproductive health care, as “health care is not generally provided in court rooms.”Hatfield suggested Green “tell the General Assembly to give it another shot in compliance with the constitution.”&nbsp;Green did not immediately rule on the challenge to the abortion ban amendment. A day earlier, he also heard arguments in a case challenging a new law set to go into effect Thursday that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/25/lawsuit-challenges-the-constitutionality-of-missouri-attorney-generals-new-powers/">changes the deadlines and procedures for challenging and revising ballot language.</a>&nbsp;Green’s determination in that case could affect how he’s allowed to proceed in regarding the ballot language.&nbsp;Despite the current law, abortion access remains tenuous in Missouri.&nbsp;Three Planned Parenthood clinics — in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis —&nbsp;have resumed procedural abortions on a limited schedule that was briefly interrupted over the summer when the courts overturned and then reinstated a temporary injunction allowing some abortions to resume ahead of a trial slated for January.But Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office are slated to meet in court a handful of times before then.At a hearing set for Sept. 10 in Kansas City, Planned Parenthood plans to argue in favor of undoing a number of laws they say are currently preventing its clinics from prescribing medication abortion in Missouri.&nbsp;That same day, down the street, the Western District Court of Appeals is slated to hear&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-ag-erred-in-asking-supreme-court-to-overturn-order-legalizing-abortion/">the Missouri Attorney General’s Office’s appeal of an injunction</a>&nbsp;that allowed procedural abortions to resume in Missouri in February.&nbsp;

Missouri judge weighing whether new abortion ban should appear on 2026 ballot

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays hit a high of 71 Wednesday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

Hays received .3 inches of rain as of 9 a.m. today. Hays has received 2.90 inches in the month of August. The low for Wednesday was 60.

On average, Hays receives 3.01 inches of rain in August and 17.70 inches of moisture by the end of August. Hays has received&nbsp;16.41 inches of precipitation year to date.

The forecast for today is a slight chance of showers with patchy fog, with a high of 72 and a low of 60. Winds are expected to be around 8 mph.

More patchy fog is expected Friday, with a high of 77, and a chance of storms and showers going into the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719872287576.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays hit a high of 71 Wednesday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.Hays received .3 inches of rain as of 9 a.m. today. Hays has received 2.90 inches in the month of August. The low for Wednesday was 60.On average, Hays receives 3.01 inches of rain in August and 17.70 inches of moisture by the end of August. Hays has received&nbsp;16.41 inches of precipitation year to date.The forecast for today is a slight chance of showers with patchy fog, with a high of 72 and a low of 60. Winds are expected to be around 8 mph.More patchy fog is expected Friday, with a high of 77, and a chance of storms and showers going into the weekend.

Hays receives more rain; fog expected Friday 

Funeral services for Officer Hunter Simoncic have been finalized. The funeral will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Children's Mercy Park, 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, Kansas.

The service is open to the public and will begin at 10:00 AM. Parking lots will open at 7:30 AM with stadium gates opening at 8:00 AM. There will be a Law Enforcement

Processional starting 30 minutes after the conclusion of service. The route will be posted once details have been confirmed. Attendees should approach Children’s Mercy Park from State Ave. Public parking will be located on the south side of the stadium in Blue Lot 2 on the grounds of the Kansas Speedway. 

Please, be aware that Village West Parkway and France Family Drive will be closed to public traffic.We encourage the community members to display blue ribbons outside their homes and businesses as a sign of support of the Simoncic family and the men and women of the KCKPD. It is a small gesture, but  very powerful and unifying one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756332955180.png" alt="Officer Hunter Simoncic- photo KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Officer Hunter Simoncic- photo KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Funeral services for Officer Hunter Simoncic have been finalized. The funeral will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Children's Mercy Park, 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756377461155.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>The service is open to the public and will begin at 10:00 AM. Parking lots will open at 7:30 AM with stadium gates opening at 8:00 AM. There will be a Law Enforcement<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756333095649.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Processional starting 30 minutes after the conclusion of service. The route will be posted once details have been confirmed. Attendees should approach Children’s Mercy Park from State Ave. Public parking will be located on the south side of the stadium in Blue Lot 2 on the grounds of the Kansas Speedway. Please, be aware that Village West Parkway and France Family Drive will be closed to public traffic.We encourage the community members to display blue ribbons outside their homes and businesses as a sign of support of the Simoncic family and the men and women of the KCKPD. It is a small gesture, but very powerful and unifying one.