On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp; Family and Community Wellness agent, about upcoming programs for new babysitters ages 10 and older, and the prenatal education program Becoming A Mom.

<div><iframe title="K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District Prenatal Education Program and Babysitting Clinic" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=jhcpx-18ff4ab-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp; Family and Community Wellness agent, about upcoming programs for new babysitters ages 10 and older, and the prenatal education program Becoming A Mom.

🎙Post Podcast: Extension programs for new babysitters and for moms-to-be

HAYS – The Hays Larks ran their winning streak to seven
games and picked up the series win over the Collegiate Roughriders with a 10-0 win
Saturday night at Larks Park. 

The Larks (22-4-1,&nbsp; 15-4 RMBL) scored four in the first and four in the
seventh for the run rule win. 

Dylan LaRue drove in the first run of the game on a
groundout. Wilbert Espinal followed with an RBI double then scored on Kaleb Duncan’s
triple who later scored on a wild pitch.

Brady Kreutzer entered as a courtesy runner in the third and
stole second and third before scoring on an Espinal groundout which pushed the lead to 5-0.

Duncan scored on Paul Smith’s grounder to center in the sixth
to give the Larks a 6-0 lead. They ended the night early with four in the seventh.
LaRue drove in the first run with a single to left. Kreutzer scored on a Duncan
groundout then Thomas Lyssy hit a two-run homer to end the game.

Taber Stokes, Dylan LaRue and Kaleb Duncan all had two hits.
LaRue, Wilbert Espinal, Duncan, and Thomas Lyssy all drove in two runs.

Nick Gray (5-0) allowed one hit with seven strikeouts and
one walk over five scoreless innings and picked up the win. Julio Ramos closed
out the game with two scoreless innings of relief with seven strikeouts and no
walks. The two combined to strikeout 12 and walk only one.

The Larks and Roughriders close out the four-game series with
a non-league game Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsHAYS – The Hays Larks ran their winning streak to seven
games and picked up the series win over the Collegiate Roughriders with a 10-0 win
Saturday night at Larks Park. The Larks (22-4-1,&nbsp; 15-4 RMBL) scored four in the first and four in the
seventh for the run rule win. Dylan LaRue drove in the first run of the game on a
groundout. Wilbert Espinal followed with an RBI double then scored on Kaleb Duncan’s
triple who later scored on a wild pitch.Brady Kreutzer entered as a courtesy runner in the third and
stole second and third before scoring on an Espinal groundout which pushed the lead to 5-0.Duncan scored on Paul Smith’s grounder to center in the sixth
to give the Larks a 6-0 lead. They ended the night early with four in the seventh.
LaRue drove in the first run with a single to left. Kreutzer scored on a Duncan
groundout then Thomas Lyssy hit a two-run homer to end the game.Taber Stokes, Dylan LaRue and Kaleb Duncan all had two hits.
LaRue, Wilbert Espinal, Duncan, and Thomas Lyssy all drove in two runs.Nick Gray (5-0) allowed one hit with seven strikeouts and
one walk over five scoreless innings and picked up the win. Julio Ramos closed
out the game with two scoreless innings of relief with seven strikeouts and no
walks. The two combined to strikeout 12 and walk only one.UP NEXTThe Larks and Roughriders close out the four-game series with
a non-league game Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

⚾ Larks cruise to run-rule win over Roughriders

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;says he is considering “taking away” the U.S. citizenship of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-celebrity-united-states-government-national-c5f56e37a8b84379aea0328f9aafa126">longtime rival</a>, actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell, despite a decades-old Supreme Court ruling that expressly prohibits such an action by the government.

“Because of the fact that Rosie O’Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship,” Trump wrote in a social media post on Saturday. He added that O’Donnell, who moved to Ireland in January, should stay in Ireland “if they want her.”

The two have criticized each other publicly for years, an often bitter back-and-forth that predates Trump’s involvement in politics. In recent days, O’Donnell on social media denounced Trump and recent moves by his administration, including the signing of a massive GOP-backed tax breaks and spending cuts plan.

It’s just the latest threat by Trump to revoke the citizenship of people with whom he has publicly disagreed, most recently his former adviser and one-time ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-their-own-words-c0108037881469f0b5bdd8df87eba6b4">Elon Musk</a>.

But O’Donnell’s situation is notably different from Musk, who was born in South Africa. O’Donnell was born in the United States and has a constitutional right to U.S. citizenship. The U.S. State Department notes&nbsp;<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/us-citizenship.html" target="_blank">on its website</a>&nbsp;that U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization may relinquish U.S. nationality by taking certain steps – but only if the act is performed voluntary and with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship.

Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, noted the Supreme Court ruled in a 1967 case that the Fourteen Amendment of the Constitution prevents the government from taking away citizenship.

“The president has no authority to take away the citizenship of a native-born U.S. citizen,” Frost said in an email Saturday. “In short, we are nation founded on the principle that the people choose the government; the government cannot choose the people.”

O’Donnell moved to Ireland after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to win his second term. She has said she’s in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship based on family lineage.

Responding to Trump Saturday, O’Donnell wrote on social media that she had upset the president and “add me to the list of people who oppose him at every turn.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752358358385.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;says he is considering “taking away” the U.S. citizenship of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-celebrity-united-states-government-national-c5f56e37a8b84379aea0328f9aafa126">longtime rival</a>, actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell, despite a decades-old Supreme Court ruling that expressly prohibits such an action by the government.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/e59bPvaJNK">pic.twitter.com/e59bPvaJNK</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1944030354983075963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Because of the fact that Rosie O’Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship,” Trump wrote in a social media post on Saturday. He added that O’Donnell, who moved to Ireland in January, should stay in Ireland “if they want her.”The two have criticized each other publicly for years, an often bitter back-and-forth that predates Trump’s involvement in politics. In recent days, O’Donnell on social media denounced Trump and recent moves by his administration, including the signing of a massive GOP-backed tax breaks and spending cuts plan.It’s just the latest threat by Trump to revoke the citizenship of people with whom he has publicly disagreed, most recently his former adviser and one-time ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-their-own-words-c0108037881469f0b5bdd8df87eba6b4">Elon Musk</a>.But O’Donnell’s situation is notably different from Musk, who was born in South Africa. O’Donnell was born in the United States and has a constitutional right to U.S. citizenship. The U.S. State Department notes&nbsp;<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/us-citizenship.html" target="_blank">on its website</a>&nbsp;that U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization may relinquish U.S. nationality by taking certain steps – but only if the act is performed voluntary and with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship.Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, noted the Supreme Court ruled in a 1967 case that the Fourteen Amendment of the Constitution prevents the government from taking away citizenship.“The president has no authority to take away the citizenship of a native-born U.S. citizen,” Frost said in an email Saturday. “In short, we are nation founded on the principle that the people choose the government; the government cannot choose the people.”O’Donnell moved to Ireland after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to win his second term. She has said she’s in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship based on family lineage.Responding to Trump Saturday, O’Donnell wrote on social media that she had upset the president and “add me to the list of people who oppose him at every turn.”

Read President Trump's threat about Rosie O’Donnell’s US citizenship

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Fair kicked off with races at the RPM Speedway in Hays.

Spectators cheered as approximately 80 cars competed across several races into the night at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. The show continues tonight with more races at 7 p.m. at the Speedway.

Tickets for the fair can be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/36944/ellis-county-fair?fbclid=IwY2xjawKujTRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6VFdJNnVTa0NYYk82ZUp4AR44_gw2XjWFjbazSFQJZE4y3MXwLLePpTZO8DU_vIYc0eKGGESB4xXlYUunwA_aem_v9FbcbBjuUHs1yaGOY1NgA">here</a>&nbsp;or at the gate. A pass covering seven events costs $40, and a single-night admission costs $20. Children age 5 and younger get in free.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dd373ce5-e23f-4a60-bc72-6a6ffb27d422">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Fair offers week of family fun</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52d736e5-de04-4b4b-a988-277667123f6a">SEE RELATED STORY: Midget wrestling set to shake up Ellis County Fair</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b14a780-50e1-4795-b899-9800bd00a9d7">SEE RELATED STORY: Engines to roar as Moto Rodeo races into Ellis County Fair</a>

You can follow the Ellis County Fair on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ydIXQ5lpmis?si=YN41zKfC4xnlxQtn" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Music courtesy of PixabayBy TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Fair kicked off with races at the RPM Speedway in Hays.Spectators cheered as approximately 80 cars competed across several races into the night at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. The show continues tonight with more races at 7 p.m. at the Speedway.Tickets for the fair can be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/36944/ellis-county-fair?fbclid=IwY2xjawKujTRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6VFdJNnVTa0NYYk82ZUp4AR44_gw2XjWFjbazSFQJZE4y3MXwLLePpTZO8DU_vIYc0eKGGESB4xXlYUunwA_aem_v9FbcbBjuUHs1yaGOY1NgA">here</a>&nbsp;or at the gate. A pass covering seven events costs $40, and a single-night admission costs $20. Children age 5 and younger get in free.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dd373ce5-e23f-4a60-bc72-6a6ffb27d422">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Fair offers week of family fun</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52d736e5-de04-4b4b-a988-277667123f6a">SEE RELATED STORY: Midget wrestling set to shake up Ellis County Fair</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b14a780-50e1-4795-b899-9800bd00a9d7">SEE RELATED STORY: Engines to roar as Moto Rodeo races into Ellis County Fair</a>You can follow the Ellis County Fair on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>.

Ellis County Fair 2025 RPM Speedway races

HAYS – The Hays Larks scored double-digit runs for a 12th
time this season in a 17-5 run-rule victory over the Colorado Collegiate Roughriders
Friday night at Larks Park.

While the Larks (21-4-1) ran their win streak to six straight,
with a blowout victory Friday night, it wasn’t an easy victory for the home
team. 

Colorado jumped out to a 5-0 lead through an inning and a
half, but the Larks answered in a big way, scoring 17 unanswered runs. 

The Larks used a hit by pitch and back-to-back walks to load
the bases. Kaleb Duncan followed that with a two-run double, cutting the
Colorado lead to 5-2. 

CJ Reid added a two-run triple in the next at-bat,
pulling the Larks within a run at 5-4.

Two batters later, Lane Sparks connected on a two-run home
run to right field, putting the Larks up 6-5.

Later in the inning, Brady Kreutzer singled home the seventh
run of the inning, giving the Larks the 7-5 lead.

The Larks continued to pile on the lead in the bottom of the
third inning, scoring three more times.

Reid homered, Sparks doubled and scored on a wild pitch,
making it 10-5 Larks through three innings.

Following on their second scoreless inning of the game, Hays’
offensive outburst continued in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five times.

Tabor Stokes led off the inning with a solo home run. After
a Sparks triple, Jackson Babcock drove him home with an RBI single for a 12-5
Hays lead.

A sacrifice fly made it 13-5, Hays and then Kreutzer hit a
two-run home run to left, making it 15-5.

In the bottom of the sixth, Hays plated a pair of runs on
RBI groundouts for a 17-5 lead, and they went on to secure that run-rule
victory in the seventh. 

Lane Sparks hit for the cycle. He finished 4-for-5 with a
home run, triple, double and single. He also scored four times and drove in
three runs. 

Brady Kreutzer homered and drove in four runs. Jackson Babcock
was a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs scored.

Trent Baker was awarded with victory for Hays. 

He allowed five runs in four innings with five strikeouts
and one walk. 

Hays and the Roughriders play game three Saturday at 7 p.m.

Hays Post SportsHAYS – The Hays Larks scored double-digit runs for a 12th
time this season in a 17-5 run-rule victory over the Colorado Collegiate Roughriders
Friday night at Larks Park.While the Larks (21-4-1) ran their win streak to six straight,
with a blowout victory Friday night, it wasn’t an easy victory for the home
team. Colorado jumped out to a 5-0 lead through an inning and a
half, but the Larks answered in a big way, scoring 17 unanswered runs. The Larks used a hit by pitch and back-to-back walks to load
the bases. Kaleb Duncan followed that with a two-run double, cutting the
Colorado lead to 5-2. CJ Reid added a two-run triple in the next at-bat,
pulling the Larks within a run at 5-4.Two batters later, Lane Sparks connected on a two-run home
run to right field, putting the Larks up 6-5.Later in the inning, Brady Kreutzer singled home the seventh
run of the inning, giving the Larks the 7-5 lead.The Larks continued to pile on the lead in the bottom of the
third inning, scoring three more times.Reid homered, Sparks doubled and scored on a wild pitch,
making it 10-5 Larks through three innings.Following on their second scoreless inning of the game, Hays’
offensive outburst continued in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five times.Tabor Stokes led off the inning with a solo home run. After
a Sparks triple, Jackson Babcock drove him home with an RBI single for a 12-5
Hays lead.A sacrifice fly made it 13-5, Hays and then Kreutzer hit a
two-run home run to left, making it 15-5.In the bottom of the sixth, Hays plated a pair of runs on
RBI groundouts for a 17-5 lead, and they went on to secure that run-rule
victory in the seventh. Lane Sparks hit for the cycle. He finished 4-for-5 with a
home run, triple, double and single. He also scored four times and drove in
three runs. Brady Kreutzer homered and drove in four runs. Jackson Babcock
was a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs scored.Trent Baker was awarded with victory for Hays. He allowed five runs in four innings with five strikeouts
and one walk. Hays and the Roughriders play game three Saturday at 7 p.m.

⚾ Larks homer four times, Sparks hits for cycle in win over Roughriders

A portable generator outside a building in Hays caused structural damage and left one person injured Tuesday.

Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the generator at Wheelchairs of Kansas, 500 Commerce Parkway, sparked a fire around 4:15 p.m., damaging the building’s exterior.

Preston said vapors from the generator ignited, sending one person to the hospital. The incident did not significantly impact the business operations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751902451563.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA portable generator outside a building in Hays caused structural damage and left one person injured Tuesday.Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the generator at Wheelchairs of Kansas, 500 Commerce Parkway, sparked a fire around 4:15 p.m., damaging the building’s exterior.Preston said vapors from the generator ignited, sending one person to the hospital. The incident did not significantly impact the business operations.

Portable generator sparks fire in Hays, one injured

With boots on their feet and passion in their hearts, young contestants are saddling up to represent Ellis County as the next rodeo royalty.

The competition crowns three titleholders: Queen, Princess and Little Miss, judged on their horsemanship, rodeo knowledge, public speaking and overall presentation.

Ellis County Rodeo Pageant Coordinator April Pfeifer said the fair event goes beyond a beauty pageant, emphasizing leadership and a strong connection to the rodeo lifestyle.

"We want them to be good role models for all the little kids that are looking up to them," she said.

Winners are required to attend rodeos and community events throughout the year. Two Queen contestants, two Princess contestants and one Little Miss contestant have been announced.

Seventeen-year-old Amelia Marten of Cheney attends Bishop Carroll Catholic High School. She competes in rodeos, plays the saxophone and volunteers at her local humane society.

Seventeen-year-old Adeline Robinson of Dodge City attends Dodge City High School, where she competes in varsity track and forensics. She serves as secretary of her FFA  chapter and leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Fourteen-year-old Lily Basagall of Hays is an incoming freshman at Hays High School and participates in wrestling and track.

Thirteen-year-old Kendre Randa of Ellis is homeschooled and enjoys jewelry-making, riding and caring for her horse, and spending time with her farm animals and family.

Eight-year-old Brooke Broeckelman of Norton will enter third grade at Eisenhower Elementary this fall. She loves riding her horse, swimming, reading and is also working on 4-H projects for the fair.

The pageant begins with horsemanship at 8 a.m. July 12 at the Rodeo Arena before moving to the Unrien building for speeches and modeling. Winners will be announced at 7:45 p.m. July 15, the first night of the rodeo.

You can follow the Ellic County Rodeo Pageant on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCountyRodeoRoyalty">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751305994830.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostWith boots on their feet and passion in their hearts, young contestants are saddling up to represent Ellis County as the next rodeo royalty.The competition crowns three titleholders: Queen, Princess and Little Miss, judged on their horsemanship, rodeo knowledge, public speaking and overall presentation.Ellis County Rodeo Pageant Coordinator April Pfeifer said the fair event goes beyond a beauty pageant, emphasizing leadership and a strong connection to the rodeo lifestyle."We want them to be good role models for all the little kids that are looking up to them," she said.Winners are required to attend rodeos and community events throughout the year. Two Queen contestants, two Princess contestants and one Little Miss contestant have been announced.Seventeen-year-old Amelia Marten of Cheney attends Bishop Carroll Catholic High School. She competes in rodeos, plays the saxophone and volunteers at her local humane society.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751312810724.jpeg" alt="17-year-old Amelia Marten of Cheney (left) and&nbsp;17-year-old Adeline Robinson of Dodge City (right). Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>17-year-old Amelia Marten of Cheney (left) and&nbsp;17-year-old Adeline Robinson of Dodge City (right). Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Seventeen-year-old Adeline Robinson of Dodge City attends Dodge City High School, where she competes in varsity track and forensics. She serves as secretary of her FFA chapter and leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.Fourteen-year-old Lily Basagall of Hays is an incoming freshman at Hays High School and participates in wrestling and track.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751312836081.jpeg" alt="14-year-old Lily Basagall of Hays (left) and&nbsp;13-year-old Kendre Randa of Ellis (right). Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>14-year-old Lily Basagall of Hays (left) and&nbsp;13-year-old Kendre Randa of Ellis (right). Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Thirteen-year-old Kendre Randa of Ellis is homeschooled and enjoys jewelry-making, riding and caring for her horse, and spending time with her farm animals and family.Eight-year-old Brooke Broeckelman of Norton will enter third grade at Eisenhower Elementary this fall. She loves riding her horse, swimming, reading and is also working on 4-H projects for the fair.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751312869125.jpeg" alt="8-year-old Brooke Broeckelman of Norton. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>8-year-old Brooke Broeckelman of Norton. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The pageant begins with horsemanship at 8 a.m. July 12 at the Rodeo Arena before moving to the Unrien building for speeches and modeling. Winners will be announced at 7:45 p.m. July 15, the first night of the rodeo.You can follow the Ellic County Rodeo Pageant on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCountyRodeoRoyalty">Facebook</a>.

Contestants announced for Ellis County Fair Rodeo Pageant

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Ellis County is introducing a new mass notification system to improve emergency communication.

The Ellis County Commission discussed the Everbridge system during its Tuesday meeting. It is set to replace the previous CivicPlus system, which had low public engagement due to requiring users to opt in.

Jeffrey Ridgway, county communications director, gave an overview of the system and said that one advantage of Everbridge is its ability to send alerts based on a person's location, rather than relying on users to opt in.

"This system will help bridge a gap that we currently have," Ridgeway said.

Ridgway said alerts remain active until they are manually deactivated and anyone entering the affected area while an alert is active will also receive the notification. He refers back to the 2021 four-county fire that swept through Ellis, Osborne, Rooks and Russell counties.

"The City of Ellis was recommended to evacuate due to that fire threat; the only way we could get that notification out was through media and social media," Ridgway said.

Emergency alerts will be sent automatically by using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert &amp; Warning System. The system also supports sending a single alert simultaneously to multiple platforms.

However, Ridgway said residents will need to opt in to receive non-emergency messages, such as event notices or public announcements.

The commission supports the Everbridge system, as it can also send notifications to county employees. Ridgway said the system can be customized for use by individual departments, allowing them to send their own notifications among staff or the public when needed.

"We've been trying to go through the onboarding process in the last month and hopefully in the next month or so, we will be completely live on it," Ridgway said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752001899764.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostEllis County is introducing a new mass notification system to improve emergency communication.The Ellis County Commission discussed the Everbridge system during its Tuesday meeting. It is set to replace the previous CivicPlus system, which had low public engagement due to requiring users to opt in.Jeffrey Ridgway, county communications director, gave an overview of the system and said that one advantage of Everbridge is its ability to send alerts based on a person's location, rather than relying on users to opt in."This system will help bridge a gap that we currently have," Ridgeway said.Ridgway said alerts remain active until they are manually deactivated and anyone entering the affected area while an alert is active will also receive the notification. He refers back to the 2021 four-county fire that swept through Ellis, Osborne, Rooks and Russell counties."The City of Ellis was recommended to evacuate due to that fire threat; the only way we could get that notification out was through media and social media," Ridgway said.Emergency alerts will be sent automatically by using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert &amp; Warning System. The system also supports sending a single alert simultaneously to multiple platforms.However, Ridgway said residents will need to opt in to receive non-emergency messages, such as event notices or public announcements.The commission supports the Everbridge system, as it can also send notifications to county employees. Ridgway said the system can be customized for use by individual departments, allowing them to send their own notifications among staff or the public when needed."We've been trying to go through the onboarding process in the last month and hopefully in the next month or so, we will be completely live on it," Ridgway said.

Ellis County to launch new geo-targeted alert system

Sign up Saturday at&nbsp;Malay’s Market in WaKeeney to become a finalist for a&nbsp;Yuengling Flight Golf Cart from our friends at A &amp; A in Hays. 

The Yuengling Flight Golf Cart, which is worth $10,000, will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST 2025!

Special thanks to our sponsors: High Plains Roofing and A &amp; A Coors Yuengling.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751402885859.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sign up Saturday at&nbsp;Malay’s Market in WaKeeney to become a finalist for a&nbsp;Yuengling Flight Golf Cart from our friends at A &amp; A in Hays. The Yuengling Flight Golf Cart, which is worth $10,000, will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST 2025!Special thanks to our sponsors: High Plains Roofing and A &amp; A Coors Yuengling.Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

Enter to be finalist for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Saturday at Malay’s Market in WaKeeney

HAYS
– The Hays Larks scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to break open a
one-run game and beat the Collegiate Roughriders in the opening game of a four-game
series at Larks Park.

The
Larks (20-4-1, 13-4 RMBL) have won five straight and 10 of their last 11 and increased
their lead to five games over Liberal in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League.

Lane
Sparks walked, advanced to second on a groundout then scored on a wild pitch to
give the Larks a 4-2 lead in the seventh. Jackson Babcock singled and Wilbert
Espinal doubled, both scored on a Paul Smith single to round out the scoring.

Trent
Baker scored on a groundout in the bottom of the fifth to give the Larks a 3-2
lead.

The
Larks grabbed the lead in the third when they scored a pair of runs with two
outs off a couple of Roughriders errors. The Roughriders (8-13, 4-6 RMBL) answered
with two runs in the fifth.

Brooks
Jones and Nolan Wilson combine to pitch 4 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to
close out the game. Jones didn’t allow a hit with five strikeouts and two walks
over 3 2/3 innings. Wilson gave up a hit but struck out the side in the ninth. 

Starter
Dalton Campbell (4-1) allowed one earned run on five hits with four strikeouts and
four walks over 4 1/3 innings and was awarded the win.

Taber
Stokes had three of the Larks nine hits.

The
Larks pitchers combined to strikeout out 12 Roughrider batters. It’s the 10th
consecutive game and 19th game overall this season in which they’ve fanned 10 or
more opponent batters.

The Larks and Roughriders play game two of their
four-game series Friday night at 7:00 p.m. It’s Educators Night with free
admission courtesy of the First United Methodist Church, First Care Clinic,
Werth Eye Group and Adams Brown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsHAYS
– The Hays Larks scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to break open a
one-run game and beat the Collegiate Roughriders in the opening game of a four-game
series at Larks Park.The
Larks (20-4-1, 13-4 RMBL) have won five straight and 10 of their last 11 and increased
their lead to five games over Liberal in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League.Lane
Sparks walked, advanced to second on a groundout then scored on a wild pitch to
give the Larks a 4-2 lead in the seventh. Jackson Babcock singled and Wilbert
Espinal doubled, both scored on a Paul Smith single to round out the scoring.Trent
Baker scored on a groundout in the bottom of the fifth to give the Larks a 3-2
lead.The
Larks grabbed the lead in the third when they scored a pair of runs with two
outs off a couple of Roughriders errors. The Roughriders (8-13, 4-6 RMBL) answered
with two runs in the fifth.Brooks
Jones and Nolan Wilson combine to pitch 4 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to
close out the game. Jones didn’t allow a hit with five strikeouts and two walks
over 3 2/3 innings. Wilson gave up a hit but struck out the side in the ninth. Starter
Dalton Campbell (4-1) allowed one earned run on five hits with four strikeouts and
four walks over 4 1/3 innings and was awarded the win.Taber
Stokes had three of the Larks nine hits.DOUBLE
DIGIT STRIKEOUTSThe
Larks pitchers combined to strikeout out 12 Roughrider batters. It’s the 10th
consecutive game and 19th game overall this season in which they’ve fanned 10 or
more opponent batters.UP
NEXTThe Larks and Roughriders play game two of their
four-game series Friday night at 7:00 p.m. It’s Educators Night with free
admission courtesy of the First United Methodist Church, First Care Clinic,
Werth Eye Group and Adams Brown.

⚾ Larks take series opener with Roughriders

Tryyaki Asian Cuisine &amp; TeaHouse,&nbsp;located at 2814 Vine St., sustained fire and smoke damage Wednesday morning.

Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans said the fire was caused by the spontaneous combustion of cleaning rags in the restaurant’s storage area.

Hagans said that around 6:30 a.m., when the restaurant was closed and empty, a passerby noticed smoke coming from the building. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had already burned itself out.

Hagans said  there was smoke damage throughout the building. No injuries were reported.

Tryyaki Asian Cuisine &amp; TeaHouse, located at 2814 Vine St., announced on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AtrsUPt3i/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;that it experienced a fire on Wednesday morning and will remain closed until further notice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751902451563.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostTryyaki Asian Cuisine &amp; TeaHouse,&nbsp;located at 2814 Vine St., sustained fire and smoke damage Wednesday morning.Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans said the fire was caused by the spontaneous combustion of cleaning rags in the restaurant’s storage area.Hagans said that around 6:30 a.m., when the restaurant was closed and empty, a passerby noticed smoke coming from the building. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had already burned itself out.Hagans said there was smoke damage throughout the building. No injuries were reported.----------Tryyaki Asian Cuisine &amp; TeaHouse, located at 2814 Vine St., announced on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AtrsUPt3i/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;that it experienced a fire on Wednesday morning and will remain closed until further notice.

Update: Tryyaki Asian Cuisine in Hays sustains fire Wednesday morning

Hays city commissioners will hear a status report about the operations of Hays Regional Airport and its carrier SkyWest/United from consultant&nbsp;Gary Foss of The ArkStar Group during&nbsp; their meeting this afternoon.

The draft 2026 city budget calls for a one mill increase allocated to the airport, from 1.5 to 2.5 mills. The total mill levy for the city would remain at 25 mills.

Also on the agenda are two resolutions regarding bond sales for infrastructure at city-owned Interstate 70 Exit 161 and public infrastructure improvements at The Grove, 27th and Canterbury.

The complete June 10 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07102025-1557">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays PostHays city commissioners will hear a status report about the operations of Hays Regional Airport and its carrier SkyWest/United from consultant&nbsp;Gary Foss of The ArkStar Group during&nbsp; their meeting this afternoon.The draft 2026 city budget calls for a one mill increase allocated to the airport, from 1.5 to 2.5 mills. The total mill levy for the city would remain at 25 mills.Also on the agenda are two resolutions regarding bond sales for infrastructure at city-owned Interstate 70 Exit 161 and public infrastructure improvements at The Grove, 27th and Canterbury.The complete June 10 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07102025-1557">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;&nbsp;

City commission to hear status report about Hays Regional Airport, SkyWest passenger service

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly was in Hays Wednesday morning to ceremonially sign&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kslegislature.gov%2Fli%2Fb2025_26%2Fmeasures%2Fhb2172%2F/1/01010197f074f5af-249c87b1-c6c5-4769-a0f7-0caf1a577791-000000/ttwrjcu9dwmlz8zOLDRjK5dseHfAlXmSaIdT8vAh9uI=413">Senate Substitute for House Bill 2172</a>&nbsp;which establishes the state's new bipartisan water program task force.&nbsp;

 The group is charged with evaluating the state's water program and its funding and will establish a water planning work group to submit reports to the legislature and the governor in 2026 and 2027.

“Kansas’ water challenges require us to act now to secure this essential, nonrenewable resource,” Gov. Kelly said. “Kansas’ agriculture industry, economy, and communities must have a secure water supply to thrive, now and into the future. This bill is a significant step forward in protecting our water quality and quantity for generations to come.”

The report will include recommendations on the water program’s long-term structure to address Kansas’ current and future water needs, the roles and responsibilities of the state, municipalities, and regional entities, and identify a dedicated funding source for the State Water Plan fund.

The co-chairs of the task force, Sen. Kenny Titus (R-Wamego)&nbsp; and Rep. Jim Minnix (R-Scott City) and several task force members were also on hand at the signing ceremony held at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Also attending were representatives from other Kansas water authorities along with local state representatives Barb Wasinger (R-Hays) and Ken Rahjes (R-Agra) and city of Hays officials.&nbsp;

Sandy Jacobs, mayor, welcomed the crowd and talked about Hays' leadership in water conservation programs since the 1990s.

"Any time that we can show off the things we're doing in this community from a conservation standpoint and all our efforts in securing our water in Edwards County, it's important," Jacobs said after the ceremony. "If we can get the governor listening, we can get other people listening, too."

Sen. Titus talked about the 100-plus years of history in Kansas regarding its water issues.&nbsp;

 “If we want to continue to make progress with our state’s water issues, we must develop clear priorities for investment and make sure we have the necessary accountability measures in place to create a sustainable water supply for future Kansans," Titus said.

“The livelihood of our state is dependent upon the actions we take now to ensure Kansas has the water it needs to prosper in the coming decades,” said Rep. Minnix. “The task force’s work will be crucial to support our farmers and ranchers, economy, and every corner of Kansas that must have access to a reliable, clean water supply.”

The task force includes 16 voting members spearheaded by a bipartisan group of legislators. Of those 13 voting members, six members were Kansans appointed by legislative leadership. The task force also includes a five-member water planning work group, which is tasked with reviewing and modernizing the State Water Resources Planning Act.

The governor also posed for pictures with some of the young artists who had their work selected in the 2025 water poster contest.

"I'm a product of those water conservation education programs," said Vice-Mayor Mason Ruder afterwards, "....because we understood the situation when it happened. The people who came before us knew what the issue was and decided to go after it and find real, reasonable solutions to tackle this crisis."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752152612390.jpeg" alt="Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signs Senate Substitute for House Bill 2172 Wednesday at Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Hays. The bill establishes the state's new bipartisan water program task force. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signs Senate Substitute for House Bill 2172 Wednesday at Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Hays. The bill establishes the state's new bipartisan water program task force. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostDemocratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly was in Hays Wednesday morning to ceremonially sign&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kslegislature.gov%2Fli%2Fb2025_26%2Fmeasures%2Fhb2172%2F/1/01010197f074f5af-249c87b1-c6c5-4769-a0f7-0caf1a577791-000000/ttwrjcu9dwmlz8zOLDRjK5dseHfAlXmSaIdT8vAh9uI=413">Senate Substitute for House Bill 2172</a>&nbsp;which establishes the state's new bipartisan water program task force.&nbsp; The group is charged with evaluating the state's water program and its funding and will establish a water planning work group to submit reports to the legislature and the governor in 2026 and 2027.“Kansas’ water challenges require us to act now to secure this essential, nonrenewable resource,” Gov. Kelly said. “Kansas’ agriculture industry, economy, and communities must have a secure water supply to thrive, now and into the future. This bill is a significant step forward in protecting our water quality and quantity for generations to come.”The report will include recommendations on the water program’s long-term structure to address Kansas’ current and future water needs, the roles and responsibilities of the state, municipalities, and regional entities, and identify a dedicated funding source for the State Water Plan fund.The co-chairs of the task force, Sen. Kenny Titus (R-Wamego)&nbsp; and Rep. Jim Minnix (R-Scott City) and several task force members were also on hand at the signing ceremony held at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Also attending were representatives from other Kansas water authorities along with local state representatives Barb Wasinger (R-Hays) and Ken Rahjes (R-Agra) and city of Hays officials.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fmwg2DlCc-Y" title="mason sandy 1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Sandy Jacobs, mayor, welcomed the crowd and talked about Hays' leadership in water conservation programs since the 1990s."Any time that we can show off the things we're doing in this community from a conservation standpoint and all our efforts in securing our water in Edwards County, it's important," Jacobs said after the ceremony. "If we can get the governor listening, we can get other people listening, too."Sen. Titus talked about the 100-plus years of history in Kansas regarding its water issues.&nbsp; “If we want to continue to make progress with our state’s water issues, we must develop clear priorities for investment and make sure we have the necessary accountability measures in place to create a sustainable water supply for future Kansans," Titus said.“The livelihood of our state is dependent upon the actions we take now to ensure Kansas has the water it needs to prosper in the coming decades,” said Rep. Minnix. “The task force’s work will be crucial to support our farmers and ranchers, economy, and every corner of Kansas that must have access to a reliable, clean water supply.”The task force includes 16 voting members spearheaded by a bipartisan group of legislators. Of those 13 voting members, six members were Kansans appointed by legislative leadership. The task force also includes a five-member water planning work group, which is tasked with reviewing and modernizing the State Water Resources Planning Act.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752088296396.jpeg" alt="Gov. Kelly looks at some of the winning submissions to the annual water poster contest sponsored by the City of Hays and KSU Watersheds. Photo by Office of the Governor" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Kelly looks at some of the winning submissions to the annual water poster contest sponsored by the City of Hays and KSU Watersheds. Photo by Office of the Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>The governor also posed for pictures with some of the young artists who had their work selected in the 2025 water poster contest."I'm a product of those water conservation education programs," said Vice-Mayor Mason Ruder afterwards, "....because we understood the situation when it happened. The people who came before us knew what the issue was and decided to go after it and find real, reasonable solutions to tackle this crisis."&nbsp;

🎥 Hays hosts ceremonial signing of water program task force bill by Gov. Kelly

KANSAS CITY —The owner of the Kansas City Chiefs is making a financial contribution toward the relief efforts following the deadly flooding in Texas.

In a statement released Wednesday through the MLS club the Hunt family owns, FC Dallas, Hunt said donations will be directed toward both immediate disaster response and long-term care.

On Sunday, Tavia Hunt, the wife of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt,&nbsp; reported on Instagram they were mourning the loss of lives, “including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend’s little girls.”&nbsp;

More than 160 are still believed to be missing in hard-hit Kerr County, Texas. The floods are now the deadliest from inland flooding in the U.S. since 1976. The Hunt Family is originally from Texas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751903988970.jpeg" alt="Photo Texa National Guard" />
 <figcaption>Photo Texa National Guard</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The owner of the Kansas City Chiefs is making a financial contribution toward the relief efforts following the deadly flooding in Texas.In a statement released Wednesday through the MLS club the Hunt family owns, FC Dallas, Hunt said donations will be directed toward both immediate disaster response and long-term care.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffcdallas%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0puF6cMNNAbjg1JJo6yVXbFXYTQ9DiBBHWjd52rwxVnaeQmMiKyxeUo4MKKidLQ1El&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="692" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>On Sunday, Tavia Hunt, the wife of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt,&nbsp; reported on Instagram they were mourning the loss of lives, “including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend’s little girls.”&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLvT-cIxSIx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; 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height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLvT-cIxSIx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Tavia Hunt (@taviahunt)</a></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>More than 160 are still believed to be missing in hard-hit Kerr County, Texas. The floods are now the deadliest from inland flooding in the U.S. since 1976. The Hunt Family is originally from Texas.

Hunt family donates toward relief efforts after deadly Texas floods

The Ellis County Fair is rolling out days of entertainment and activities for all ages.

The fair runs from July 11 to 19 and features rodeos, wrestling and exciting prize-filled races.

"We're gonna do frog and turtle races,&nbsp;minnow races and probably a water balloon toss,"&nbsp;Ellis County Fair Vice President Jill Pfannenstiel said.

Events for kids to look forward to include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750885135635.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Fair attendees at Thorni Ridge Exotics Petting Zoo. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Fair attendees at Thorni Ridge Exotics Petting Zoo. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Fair is rolling out days of entertainment and activities for all ages.The fair runs from July 11 to 19 and features rodeos, wrestling and exciting prize-filled races."We're gonna do frog and turtle races,&nbsp;minnow races and probably a water balloon toss,"&nbsp;Ellis County Fair Vice President Jill Pfannenstiel said.Events for kids to look forward to include:<ul>
 <li>Thorni Ridge Exotics Petting Zoo: Entry is free, but you must pay to feed animals or ride camels and horses. It is open from 6 to 10 p.m. July 15-19 at the Midway.</li><li>Balloon artist: Free balloon creations from 6 to 10 p.m. July 15-19 at the Midway.</li><li>Kids games: Frog and turtle races, minnow races and a water balloon toss. Bring your own frogs and turtles. Begins at 7 p.m. July 16 at the Midway.</li><li>Nutrien Coloring Contest: Kids bring completed coloring pages for judging and prizes. It starts at 7 p.m. July 16 at the Midway Stage.</li><li>Sunflower Clydesdales wagon rides: From 7 to 9 p.m. July 16-18 at the Midway.</li><li>Little Kids and Big Rigs: Hands-on exploration of big machinery and vehicles. The first 50 kids receive a free carnival armband. Runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 17 at the Midway.</li><li>Lego bricks building contest: Kids or teams build themed creations for judging and prizes. The contest begins at 2 p.m. July 17 at Deutschefest Hall.</li><li>Kids tractor pedal pull: Compete for a chance to qualify for the Kansas State Fair at 7 p.m. July 18 at the Midway.</li><li>Mutton Bustin': Rodeo event where kids ride sheep. Begins at 6:30 p.m. July 15 and 16 at the Rodeo Arena. Registration is at 6 p.m. both days.</li><li>Inflatable carnival and laser tag: Activities require a $13 paid wristband. Open from 6 to 10 p.m. July 15-19 at the Midway.</li>
 </ul>Tickets for the fair can be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/36944/ellis-county-fair?fbclid=IwY2xjawKujTRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6VFdJNnVTa0NYYk82ZUp4AR44_gw2XjWFjbazSFQJZE4y3MXwLLePpTZO8DU_vIYc0eKGGESB4xXlYUunwA_aem_v9FbcbBjuUHs1yaGOY1NgA">here</a>&nbsp;or at the gate. A pass covering seven events costs $40, and a single-night admission costs $20. Children age 5 and younger get in free.You can follow the Ellis County Fair on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750885193476.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Fair attendees at Thorni Ridge Exotics Petting Zoo. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Fair attendees at Thorni Ridge Exotics Petting Zoo. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750885212195.jpeg" alt="A John Deere tractor at the Ellis County Fair. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A John Deere tractor at the Ellis County Fair. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750885227622.jpeg" alt="The Ellis County Fair inflatable carnival. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Ellis County Fair inflatable carnival. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County Fair offers week of family fun

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about the recent grant awards and two new funds at the Heartland Community Foundation with Sarah Meitner, executive director.

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: 33 project awards granted by Heartland Community Foundation in spring cycle" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=97nsn-18fdca0-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about the recent grant awards and two new funds at the Heartland Community Foundation with Sarah Meitner, executive director.

🎙POST PODCAST: 33 area project awards granted by Heartland Community Foundation in spring cycle

Become an instant finalist in the Miller Lite UTV Giveaway from A&amp;A Coors-Miller and Briney Motorsports of Hays. Sign up Friday at the Trego County Fair.

Register for a 4-seat CF-Moto U-Force 1000 valued at $20,000.&nbsp;

Additional thanks to Advantage Glass Plus and Commercial Sign of Hays.

Keep listening and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

The UTV will be given away at a Fort Hays State University football game on Saturday, Sept. 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750185433864.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4GiQ8bT1mls?si=x0Sy46fK9L1wTVy1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750183630238.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Become an instant finalist in the Miller Lite UTV Giveaway from A&amp;A Coors-Miller and Briney Motorsports of Hays. Sign up Friday at the Trego County Fair.Register for a 4-seat CF-Moto U-Force 1000 valued at $20,000.&nbsp;Additional thanks to Advantage Glass Plus and Commercial Sign of Hays.Keep listening and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.The UTV will be given away at a Fort Hays State University football game on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Become Miller Lite UTV giveaway finalist Friday at Trego County Fair!

NEW YORK (AP) —Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company said Wednesday that it’s taking down “inappropriate posts” made by its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-misinformation-x-twitter-elon-musk-4821523a795ba0dd04695c385c4b14d3">Grok chatbot</a>, which appeared to include antisemitic comments that praised Adolf Hitler.

Grok was developed by Musk’s xAI and pitched as alternative to “woke AI” interactions from rival chatbots like Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/google-search-artificial-intelligence-upheaval-5b0cdc59870508dab856227185cb8e23">Gemini</a>, or OpenAI’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/openai-ceo-sam-altman-congress-senate-testify-ai-20e7bce9f59ee0c2c9914bc3ae53d674">ChatGPT</a>.

Musk said Friday that Grok has been improved significantly, and users “should notice a difference.”

Since then, Grok has shared several antisemitic posts, including the trope that Jews run Hollywood, and denied that such a stance could be described as Nazism.

“Labeling truths as hate speech stifles discussion,” Grok said.

It also appeared to praise Hitler, according to screenshots of posts that have now apparently been deleted.

After making one of the posts, Grok walked back the comments, saying it was “an unacceptable error from an earlier model iteration, swiftly deleted” and that it condemned “Nazism and Hitler unequivocally — his actions were genocidal horrors.”

“We are aware of recent posts made by Grok and are actively working to remove the inappropriate posts,” the Grok account posted early Wednesday, without being more specific.

“Since being made aware of the content, xAI has taken action to ban hate speech before Grok posts on X. xAI is training only truth-seeking and thanks to the millions of users on X, we are able to quickly identify and update the model where training could be improved.

Talia Ringer, a professor of computer science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said it’s likely that the Grok update that caused the chatbot to spew antisemitic messages this week was the “soft launch” of Grok 4, which Musk plans to introduce late Wednesday. But if that’s the case, it doesn’t appear ready, she said.

“Fixing this is probably going to require retraining the model,” she said. “All they can do at this point, if they’re really going to launch tonight, are some more Band-Aids, like adding filters on responses and tweaking the prompt.”

Editing some of the chatbot’s instructions “might make its behavior a little bit better” but won’t fix all of its problems.

“I think they’re probably scrambling for some kind of fix right now,” she said on Wednesday.

A similar instruction was baked into Grok’s “prompts” that guide it on how to respond, which told the chatbot to “not shy away from making claims which are politically incorrect, as long as they are well substantiated.” That part of the instructions was deleted on Tuesday.

The Anti-Defamation League, which works to combat antisemitism, called out Grok’s behavior.

“What we are seeing from Grok LLM right now is irresponsible, dangerous and antisemitic, plain and simple,” the group said in a post on X. “This supercharging of extremist rhetoric will only amplify and encourage the antisemitism that is already surging on X and many other platforms.”

Musk later waded into the debate, alleging that some users may have been trying to manipulate Grok into making the statements.

“Grok was too compliant to user prompts. Too eager to please and be manipulated, essentially. That is being addressed,” he wrote on X, in response to comments that a user was trying to get Grok to make controversial and politically incorrect statements.

Also Wednesday, a court in Turkey ordered a ban on Grok and Poland’s digital minister said he would report the chatbot to the European Commission after it made vulgar comments about politicians and public figures in both countries.

Krzysztof Gawkowski, who’s also Poland’s deputy prime minister, told private broadcaster RMF FM that his ministry would report Grok “for investigation and, if necessary, imposing a fine on X.” Under an EU digital law, social media platforms are required to protect users or face hefty fines.

“I have the impression that we’re entering a higher level of hate speech, which is controlled by algorithms, and that turning a blind eye ... is a mistake that could cost people in the future,” Gawkowski told the station.

Turkey’s pro-government A Haber news channel reported that Grok posted vulgarities about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his late mother and well-known personalities. Offensive responses were also directed toward modern Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, other media outlets said.

That prompted the Ankara public prosecutor to file for the imposition of restrictions under Turkey’s internet law, citing a threat to public order. A criminal court approved the request early on Wednesday, ordering the country’s telecommunications authority to enforce the ban.

It’s not the first time Grok’s behavior has raised questions.

Earlier this year the chatbot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grok-ai-south-africa-64ce5f240061ca0b88d5af4c424e1f3b">kept talking about</a>&nbsp;South African racial politics and the subject of “white genocide” despite being asked a variety of questions, most of which had nothing to do with the country. An “unauthorized modification” was behind the problem, xAI said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752110888460.png" alt="Grok image from the App Store" />
 <figcaption>Grok image from the App Store</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company said Wednesday that it’s taking down “inappropriate posts” made by its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-misinformation-x-twitter-elon-musk-4821523a795ba0dd04695c385c4b14d3">Grok chatbot</a>, which appeared to include antisemitic comments that praised Adolf Hitler.Grok was developed by Musk’s xAI and pitched as alternative to “woke AI” interactions from rival chatbots like Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/google-search-artificial-intelligence-upheaval-5b0cdc59870508dab856227185cb8e23">Gemini</a>, or OpenAI’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/openai-ceo-sam-altman-congress-senate-testify-ai-20e7bce9f59ee0c2c9914bc3ae53d674">ChatGPT</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740511408091.png" alt="File image Elon Musk -courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File image Elon Musk -courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Musk said Friday that Grok has been improved significantly, and users “should notice a difference.”Since then, Grok has shared several antisemitic posts, including the trope that Jews run Hollywood, and denied that such a stance could be described as Nazism.“Labeling truths as hate speech stifles discussion,” Grok said.It also appeared to praise Hitler, according to screenshots of posts that have now apparently been deleted.After making one of the posts, Grok walked back the comments, saying it was “an unacceptable error from an earlier model iteration, swiftly deleted” and that it condemned “Nazism and Hitler unequivocally — his actions were genocidal horrors.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are aware of recent posts made by Grok and are actively working to remove the inappropriate posts. Since being made aware of the content, xAI has taken action to ban hate speech before Grok posts on X. xAI is training only truth-seeking and thanks to the millions of users on…&mdash; Grok (@grok) <a href="https://twitter.com/grok/status/1942720721026699451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We are aware of recent posts made by Grok and are actively working to remove the inappropriate posts,” the Grok account posted early Wednesday, without being more specific.“Since being made aware of the content, xAI has taken action to ban hate speech before Grok posts on X. xAI is training only truth-seeking and thanks to the millions of users on X, we are able to quickly identify and update the model where training could be improved.Talia Ringer, a professor of computer science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said it’s likely that the Grok update that caused the chatbot to spew antisemitic messages this week was the “soft launch” of Grok 4, which Musk plans to introduce late Wednesday. But if that’s the case, it doesn’t appear ready, she said.“Fixing this is probably going to require retraining the model,” she said. “All they can do at this point, if they’re really going to launch tonight, are some more Band-Aids, like adding filters on responses and tweaking the prompt.”Editing some of the chatbot’s instructions “might make its behavior a little bit better” but won’t fix all of its problems.“I think they’re probably scrambling for some kind of fix right now,” she said on Wednesday.A similar instruction was baked into Grok’s “prompts” that guide it on how to respond, which told the chatbot to “not shy away from making claims which are politically incorrect, as long as they are well substantiated.” That part of the instructions was deleted on Tuesday.The Anti-Defamation League, which works to combat antisemitism, called out Grok’s behavior.“What we are seeing from Grok LLM right now is irresponsible, dangerous and antisemitic, plain and simple,” the group said in a post on X. “This supercharging of extremist rhetoric will only amplify and encourage the antisemitism that is already surging on X and many other platforms.”Musk later waded into the debate, alleging that some users may have been trying to manipulate Grok into making the statements.“Grok was too compliant to user prompts. Too eager to please and be manipulated, essentially. That is being addressed,” he wrote on X, in response to comments that a user was trying to get Grok to make controversial and politically incorrect statements.Also Wednesday, a court in Turkey ordered a ban on Grok and Poland’s digital minister said he would report the chatbot to the European Commission after it made vulgar comments about politicians and public figures in both countries.Krzysztof Gawkowski, who’s also Poland’s deputy prime minister, told private broadcaster RMF FM that his ministry would report Grok “for investigation and, if necessary, imposing a fine on X.” Under an EU digital law, social media platforms are required to protect users or face hefty fines.“I have the impression that we’re entering a higher level of hate speech, which is controlled by algorithms, and that turning a blind eye ... is a mistake that could cost people in the future,” Gawkowski told the station.Turkey’s pro-government A Haber news channel reported that Grok posted vulgarities about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his late mother and well-known personalities. Offensive responses were also directed toward modern Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, other media outlets said.That prompted the Ankara public prosecutor to file for the imposition of restrictions under Turkey’s internet law, citing a threat to public order. A criminal court approved the request early on Wednesday, ordering the country’s telecommunications authority to enforce the ban.It’s not the first time Grok’s behavior has raised questions.Earlier this year the chatbot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grok-ai-south-africa-64ce5f240061ca0b88d5af4c424e1f3b">kept talking about</a>&nbsp;South African racial politics and the subject of “white genocide” despite being asked a variety of questions, most of which had nothing to do with the country. An “unauthorized modification” was behind the problem, xAI said.

 Musk says AI chatbot Grok's inappropriate posts being addressed

MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson County Crimestoppers is asking for the public’s help in tracking down three would-be thieves who attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM — the hard way.

According to police, the attempted theft happened on June 29, 2025, when three suspects, disguised in hoodies and hats, tried to break into an ATM. Surveillance footage shows the trio fumbling with tools and prying the machine open, apparently unaware that their entire “heist” was being recorded on multiple cameras.

“Let’s just say the ATM wasn’t impressed — and neither are we,” they said in a Facebook post.

Police described the suspects as male and likely inexperienced in any actual form of ATM theft. Investigators are urging anyone who may recognize the individuals — or knows a roommate, ex, or coworker who suddenly seems flush with cash — to contact Crime Stoppers.

Tips can be made anonymously, and information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752076537158.jpeg" alt="Photo McPherson County Crime Stoppers" />
 <figcaption>Photo McPherson County Crime Stoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson County Crimestoppers is asking for the public’s help in tracking down three would-be thieves who attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM — the hard way.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752101355143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to police, the attempted theft happened on June 29, 2025, when three suspects, disguised in hoodies and hats, tried to break into an ATM. Surveillance footage shows the trio fumbling with tools and prying the machine open, apparently unaware that their entire “heist” was being recorded on multiple cameras.“Let’s just say the ATM wasn’t impressed — and neither are we,” they said in a Facebook post.Police described the suspects as male and likely inexperienced in any actual form of ATM theft. Investigators are urging anyone who may recognize the individuals — or knows a roommate, ex, or coworker who suddenly seems flush with cash — to contact Crime Stoppers.Tips can be made anonymously, and information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward

Police ask for help to ID Kansas ATM theft suspects

AUSTIN, Texas - Fort Hays State men's golfer Cooper Scheck has been named to the 2024-25 CSC Academic All-America At-Large Team as a second team selection, announced Wednesday. The Academic All-America Team is voted on by members of College Sports Communicators nationwide, which reflects both academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected.

A native of Dodge City, Kan., Scheck put together a strong junior season, becoming the first PING All-Region selection in program history after averaging 72.15 across 12 events and 33 rounds of competition. Scheck earned six top 10 finishes, including one victory at the Newman Invitational in October.

He qualified as an individual for the Central/Midwest Regional Championships, becoming the first Tiger to qualify for NCAA postseason competition in a decade. Scheck finished in a tie for 22nd out of 108 golfers at regionals at 4-over for the week (72-75-70). He also earned All-MIAA honors for his performance this season, becoming just the second player in team history to earn multiple All-MIAA recognitions.

Scheck turned in 11 rounds at-or-under par, including the lowest round in recorded team history of 7-under 64 at the Hillcat Classic in March. He posted eight rounds in the 60s on the year, including five rounds of 67 or lower.

He earned his second-consecutive MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award in addition to picking up the MIAA Academic Excellence Award for a second year in a row. He was one of just two men's golfers league-wide to take home both awards.

Scheck continues to maintain a perfect 4.00 GPA through six semesters of higher education coursework. He is a health and human performance major at FHSU with an emphasis in sport and exercise therapy.

He was the only male and one of only two MIAA athletes to earn a spot on one of the Academic All-America At-Large Teams, joined by Mia Rallo (UCM women's golf) who was also listed on the second team.

Scheck is the first men's golfer in school history to earn the prestigious award and is the second golfer overall after Morgan Brasser represented the women's golf team with a second team recognition in 2022-23.

He brings Fort Hays State's all-time CSC Academic All-America count to 76 for all sports, with the first awarded back in 1975. Scheck is the fifth CSC Academic All-America selection during the 2024-25 academic year for Fort Hays State, joining Tadhg Walsh of men's soccer, Myles Menges and Josh Shaw of football and Katie DeGarmo of women's basketball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752142015014.png" alt="Image Courtesy FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsAUSTIN, Texas - Fort Hays State men's golfer Cooper Scheck has been named to the 2024-25 CSC Academic All-America At-Large Team as a second team selection, announced Wednesday. The Academic All-America Team is voted on by members of College Sports Communicators nationwide, which reflects both academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected.A native of Dodge City, Kan., Scheck put together a strong junior season, becoming the first PING All-Region selection in program history after averaging 72.15 across 12 events and 33 rounds of competition. Scheck earned six top 10 finishes, including one victory at the Newman Invitational in October.He qualified as an individual for the Central/Midwest Regional Championships, becoming the first Tiger to qualify for NCAA postseason competition in a decade. Scheck finished in a tie for 22nd out of 108 golfers at regionals at 4-over for the week (72-75-70). He also earned All-MIAA honors for his performance this season, becoming just the second player in team history to earn multiple All-MIAA recognitions.Scheck turned in 11 rounds at-or-under par, including the lowest round in recorded team history of 7-under 64 at the Hillcat Classic in March. He posted eight rounds in the 60s on the year, including five rounds of 67 or lower.He earned his second-consecutive MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award in addition to picking up the MIAA Academic Excellence Award for a second year in a row. He was one of just two men's golfers league-wide to take home both awards.Scheck continues to maintain a perfect 4.00 GPA through six semesters of higher education coursework. He is a health and human performance major at FHSU with an emphasis in sport and exercise therapy.He was the only male and one of only two MIAA athletes to earn a spot on one of the Academic All-America At-Large Teams, joined by Mia Rallo (UCM women's golf) who was also listed on the second team.Scheck is the first men's golfer in school history to earn the prestigious award and is the second golfer overall after Morgan Brasser represented the women's golf team with a second team recognition in 2022-23.He brings Fort Hays State's all-time CSC Academic All-America count to 76 for all sports, with the first awarded back in 1975. Scheck is the fifth CSC Academic All-America selection during the 2024-25 academic year for Fort Hays State, joining Tadhg Walsh of men's soccer, Myles Menges and Josh Shaw of football and Katie DeGarmo of women's basketball.

⛳ FHSU's Scheck named to CSC Academic All-America Team

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department is warning U.S. diplomats of attempts to impersonate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Secretary of State Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;and possibly other officials using technology driven by artificial intelligence, according to two senior officials and a cable sent last week to all embassies and consulates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752074253485.png" alt="Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday- image White House" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday- image White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department is warning U.S. diplomats of attempts to impersonate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Secretary of State Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;and possibly other officials using technology driven by artificial intelligence, according to two senior officials and a cable sent last week to all embassies and consulates.The warning came after the department discovered that an impostor posing as Rubio had attempted to reach out to at least three foreign ministers, a U.S. senator and a governor, according to the July 3 cable, which was first reported by The Washington Post.The recipients of the scam messages, which were sent by text, Signal and voice mail, were not identified in the cable, a copy of which was shared with The Associated Press.“The State Department is aware of this incident and is currently monitoring and addressing the matter,” department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters. “The department takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard its information and continuously take steps to improve the department’s cybersecurity posture to prevent future incidents.”She declined to comment further due to “security reasons” and the ongoing investigation.It’s the latest instance of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/susie-wiles-phone-impersonation-bc6ac99e5db06ac70307ca031ab8d647">high-level Trump administration figure</a>&nbsp;targeted by an impersonator, with a similar incident revealed in May involving President Donald Trump’s chief of staff,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-susie-wiles-transition-white-house-f917aa91b030d836b3bac01659b6fab4">Susie Wiles</a>. The misuse of AI to deceive people is likely to grow as the technology improves and becomes more widely available, and the FBI warned this past spring about “malicious actors” impersonating senior U.S. government officials in a text and voice messaging campaign.The hoaxes involving Rubio had been unsuccessful and “not very sophisticated,” one of the officials said. Nonetheless, the second official said the department deemed it “prudent” to advise all employees and foreign governments, particularly as efforts by foreign actors to compromise information security increase.The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.“There is no direct cyber threat to the department from this campaign, but information shared with a third party could be exposed if targeted individuals are compromised,” the cable said.The FBI has warned in a public service announcement about a “malicious” campaign relying on text messages and AI-generated voice messages that purport to come from a senior U.S. official and that aim to dupe other government officials as well as the victim’s associates and contacts.This is not the first time that Rubio has been impersonated in a deepfake. This spring, someone created a bogus video of him saying he wanted to cut off Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CforCD/status/1896893386323628172" target="_blank">Starlink internet service</a>. Ukraine’s government later&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CforCD/status/1896893386323628172" target="_blank">rebutted the false claim</a>.Several potential solutions have been put forward in recent years to the growing misuse of AI for deception, including criminal penalties and improved media literacy. Concerns about deepfakes have also led to a flood of new apps and AI systems designed to spot phonies that could easily fool a human.The tech companies working on these systems are now in competition against those who would use AI to deceive, according to Siwei Lyu, a professor and computer scientist at the University at Buffalo. He said he’s seen an increase in the number of deepfakes portraying celebrities, politicians and business leaders as the technology improves.Just a few years ago, fakes contained easy-to-spot flaws — inhuman voices or mistakes like extra fingers — but now the AI is so good, it’s much harder for a human to spot, giving deepfake makers an advantage.“The level of realism and quality is increasing,” Lyu said. “It’s an arms race, and right now the generators are getting the upper hand.”The Rubio hoax comes after text messages and phone calls went to elected officials, business executives and other prominent figures from someone who seemed to have gained access to the contacts in Wiles’ personal cellphone, The Wall Street Journal reported in May.Some of those who received calls heard a voice that sounded like Wiles, which may have been generated by AI, according to the newspaper. The messages and calls were not coming from Wiles’ number, the report said. The government was investigating.