Fort Hays State University has named 1,841 students to the Deans’ Honor Roll for the Spring 2025 semester.

The Deans’ Honor Roll includes undergraduate students only. To be eligible, students must have completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.60 for the semester. Full-time on-campus and FHSU Virtual College students are eligible.

The following list does not include students who requested privacy. If a Hays address was given by the student as their primary home address, and no other hometown was designated, the student will be listed as a Hays student.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747315601528.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University Picken Hall. Photo by FHSU&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University Picken Hall. Photo by FHSU&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University has named 1,841 students to the Deans’ Honor Roll for the Spring 2025 semester.The Deans’ Honor Roll includes undergraduate students only. To be eligible, students must have completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.60 for the semester. Full-time on-campus and FHSU Virtual College students are eligible.The following list does not include students who requested privacy. If a Hays address was given by the student as their primary home address, and no other hometown was designated, the student will be listed as a Hays student.Hays, Kansas studentsElena Aguilar-PazRyan AllenSophia AllenEmma AndersonDawson ArmstrongTegan ArmstrongOlivia ArnoldEmilee AugustineMichaela AustinKhadija BAJulianna BaalmannSophia BallengerEvan BalthazorSophia BalthazorLaci BaylessDaniel BechleCaden BeckerDanielle BecvarTessa BefortWhitney BefortSadie BiedenbenderSierra BlackburnDante BlackmonHalle BohlRachel BombaEmma BorellMax BowyerTanner BoxbergerWilliam BradleyBrianna BradstreetSarah BraunRylee BrettonAdrian BromanMatteson BrownellElla BrummerJessica BuessingApril BurdRylee BurdMicah BurkChristian BurkholderAiden BurtonAlexis BurtonEaston BurtonClayton CainKatzel CarlinJoanna Carrillo-MaldonadoAvery CaselmanLaurel CatesChivithrokal ChanSok Sreng ChanElsie ChartierSelene Chavez SaucedoSixie ChenSophalkalyan ChhenySeungyou ChoYumi ChoiChan Nirak ChounFatou Penda CisseColin ClarkKylie ClarkLanden ClarkElizabeth ClinganGarrett ColeReilly ConnerEvan Cosgriff-GuthrieKeegan CraigAustin CramerMali CrawfordHanna CrockettEmma CurryMarcus DalseideCalista DavisEmily DavisSaul De Los SantosEvan DealyMariah DechantAndrew DegesBriahna DeWeeseMontserrat DiazKassadee DickeySydney DickeyAndrea DinkelEmma DinkelKenlie DinkelTyson DinkelRahmatoulaye Thialaw DiopBentley DitterKiley DoonanGeorgeAnna DorzweilerLandri DottsElle DreilingLacy DroegemeierEve DuganMeleah EasterLevi EckChloe EcordKatie EcordMakayla EdigerGeorgia EdmondsSavanah EggerJulie EikenberryMaggie EilertAnneliese ElderEva ElderEmma ElliottMadison ElmerBrian EscobedoZachary EsslingerSadie EstillCade EvansYue FanElizabeth FenderMiguel FerminGriffin FischerFarrah FleshmanErin FlickingerStanna FlinnAlexa FryKrystal FulsaasXiaotian GaoAvalon GarlandLily GarrisonSophia GarrisonMason GaryLiam GatschetLuke GebhardtMadison GeerdesMorgan GeerdesIsabelle GibsonHannah GideonHayden GieblerBethan GillKeiarra GonzalesMicah GoodmanAshlynn GoodwinLillie GorgesMary GreenwoodBrock GriffinJiangzi GuoLiliana GuzmanFabian Gylden SvenssonKaydawn HaagSydney HahnMegan HamelIsaac HargettChloe HarmonJacob HeimermanHenry HeinPieter Hans Kees HengeveldCheryl HensleyAshton HernandezBryan HernandezCeleste HernandezDominic HernandezJolie HielscherLuke HillmanAshley HippMarissa HoffmanSilas HollidayElizabeth HorinekKaylee HornAlli HornungMegan HouseholterCamryn HunzikerBrooke HylandJaehwan HyunKyler IbarraCamden IwanskiConnor JacobsKeylan JonesSydney KaiserJanae KellerJamie KerkvlietRiley KershnerIsabella KesterBrynn KinderknechtLexi KinderknechtHannah KitzmannSasha KoenigAlaina KolbeckJacob KolbeckEmma KuhnEmily LaBargeNyima LamaTendel Sangmo LamaGrace LangKortney LangJamie LaswellInes LatorreKiley LegleiterTeagan LegleiterBrett LeikerJessica LeikerCameron LindseyKaitlin LindstromMcKenzie LinenbergerJiayan LingKale LinkHalle LohmeyerXingyi LongNohemi Lopez-VallejoAnnalise LoucksJonathan LoweJessica LueddersAshlyn LuettersAniol Majoral ObradorsArely MaldonadoNina MallitonLyric MarquezKarlie MartinMickey MasonKori MassnerKaida MatthewAminata MbayeNdeye Anta MbayeSeynabou MbayeMcKena McBrideAllyiah McCartneyEverett McClureGrace McCordPatrice McCoyElijah McCulloughJessica McGuireQuinton McGuireKoa McIntyreBritnee McKinneyJeremy McKowskiDawson McNealSarah MehlhaffHenry MeitnerMonyvann MenAimee MerrillEden MerrittBrianna MikkelsonAlexis MohrLillian MohrChanrattnak MongEric MoonCamille MooreShelby MullenMcKenna MurphyCorey MusilJordin MyersLincoln MyersMamadou Oumar NdiayeNdeye Ngone NdiayeCarter NewellLongwei NgorHo Philipp Manh NguyenHannah NimmoKaylee NollAdrian NormandinCarter NormandinDakota NormandinAbigail NorrisJennifer OdomDasiksa OlJacob OlsonReese O'NealAshton OttleyAmoro Mery Sarah OuattaraFranklin OwensCamden PadgettNicolas ParkKelly ParrAvery ParrottMatthias PearceAugustus PeineSeth PerrettMaggie PetersonAryssa Peterson-SheaRiley PetitjeanJaiden PfannenstielJanessa PfeiferKiana PfeiferOlivia PinceDrayton PletcherClare PollockGrace PopeAvery PorterTimothy PostDerek QuachEstefani RamirezLilliana Ramirez-JohnsonIsaac ReedHaley ReesTallon RentschlerCooper RheaCaden RiatCarsen RiatAllison RiceKay Lee RichardsonMolly RickeIsabel RobbenAllie RobinsonAbigail RoblesAlyssa RodriguezKarlyn RohrAmy RuderKylin RudzikMichelle SackKassandra SalazarDyamond SalemHayden SandersMargaret SavageSummar SchaeferBraden ScheppJenna SchlyerCatherine SchmidtCiara SchmidtEmma SchmidtLogan SchmidtRyan SchuckmanKatie SchulzConnor SchurrBrenna SchwienKaden SchwindtXiwen SheMufeng ShenClaire ShippyMaggie ShupeJackson SinselEmma SladeAustin SmithTatom SmithKaelin SparrDelaney StaabRylee StahlBlayze StandleyConnor StantonMadison StantonJaden StaufferEllie StearnsInes Adria SteemanElla StroyanBrendan StultsJiaying SuSeren SumayaChase SummersKaitlyn SuppesUccakool TholJordan TimkenWyatt TrombleyCyrus VajnarDrake Van ScoyocShreethika Reddy VangalaBrooklyn VasquezEileen VeatchKylie VennebergJohanna Vera-OchoaSamantha VesperAshley VilaysingMicah Von StrohDawson VonFeldtElla VothMatthew VredenburgKate WackerLauren WagnerPeyton WahlmeierSydney WalkerTadhg WalshNathan WardMorgan WaySeth WeigelJalynn WeilertCasey WeiselGarrett WellbrockHunter WellbrockSavanna WellbrockRaeLynn WelshLauren WhelchelAyden WhippleCorbin WhiteEmily WhiteIan WillDayne WilliamsGenisis WilsonSierra WilsonMacie WiltseMegan WimanHtet Aung WinToe Aung WinHaylee WolfJaden WolfeMakenna WolgastAddison WoltersGrace WoodsTrennedy WoolseyOliver WrightTianhui XieJoyce Yao-YaoJulia ZadinaPerla ZamoranoYiqing ZangAva ZergerAlyse ZimmermanMackenzie ZimmermanMadox ZimmermanMika ZimmermanPeyton ZimmermanSamantha ZimmermanRachael Zogleman

FHSU announces Hays students named to Spring 2025 Deans’ Honor Roll 

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

With the 2025 wheat harvest in full swing it is time to think about weed control in wheat stubble. When soil moisture conditions are favorable, weeds that have been suppressed by the canopy will grow rapidly once crop competition is removed. In addition, weeds that have emerged through the wheat canopy will be damaged during harvest and will quickly begin regrowth. 

Delaying control can result in lost soil moisture that could be used for crop production, as well as weed seed production, which will cause difficulties in the future.

When thinking about weed control in wheat stubble, there are two priorities – controlling already emerged weeds and preventing later flushes. Making applications before weeds exceed 4 to 6 inches is necessary for good control of already emerged weeds. Residual herbicides are necessary to reduce the number of herbicide applications required to control multiple flushes of weeds.

Despite a growing number of herbicide-resistant weeds, glyphosate plus 2,4-D LVE and/or dicamba continue to be important for weed control in wheat stubble. However, these herbicides alone are not likely to provide adequate control of pigweeds or kochia, especially when applied in the hot, dry conditions that are common after wheat harvest. 

Some herbicide options commonly used to control weeds after wheat harvest are listed below.

Paraquat (Gramoxone, others) is a Group 22 herbicide that can work well in place of glyphosate for nonselective control of emerged pigweed and kochia. 

If planning to plant corn or sorghum next spring, a tank mix of paraquat with atrazine (Group 5) will enhance the control of emerged weeds and provide some residual weed control. Atrazine labels have recently changed such that the only noncrop uses of atrazine permitted are for wheat stubble in wheat-fallow-wheat, wheat-corn-fallow, and wheat-sorghum-fallow rotations.

Metribuzin is another Group 5 herbicide that can be used instead of atrazine to enhance control and provide some residual activity.

One final note regarding paraquat. Limited research out of Australia suggests applying paraquat 2 weeks after a glyphosate application will increase weed control. This is called a ‘double knock’ strategy. This information is included here not as a recommendation per se, but to encourage careful thought about when you want to utilize contact herbicides in your fallow weed management system. 

If paraquat were sprayed with or before glyphosate, the rapid damage to leaf tissue with prevent uptake and translocation of glyphosate. However, if a glyphosate application partially controls weeds, there will be sufficient leaf area 2 weeks after application for paraquat to be effective.

Saflufenacil (Sharpen), a Group 14 herbicide applied at one to two fluid ounces per acre, is an option to provide postemergence and short-term residual control of Palmer amaranth, kochia, and other broadleaf weeds.

Tiafenacil (Reviton) is a Group 14 very similar to Sharpen in terms of weed control and adjuvant use.

Flumioxazin (Valor, others) is a Group 14 herbicide that can be added to burndown treatments at rates of one to four fluid ounces per acre for activity on emerged broadleaf weeds and some residual activity on broadleaf and grass weeds in wheat stubble. Flumioxazin can be mixed with glyphosate or clethodim (Select Max) for enhanced grass control. It can also be mixed with 2,4-D, atrazine, metribuzin, or paraquat.

Another group 14 herbicide that can be considered is sulfentrazone (Spartan, others). Sulfentrazone can be applied to stubble and will control Palmer amaranth and kochia as well as other broadleaf weeds and some grasses. Of the Group 14 herbicides discussed, flumioxazin and sulfentrazone provide the greatest residual activity; however, saflufenacil provides greater postemergence kochia control than flumioxazin.

 Research to evaluate Palmer amaranth control in wheat stubble was conducted in Hays during 2019 and 2020. Herbicides were applied approximately 3 weeks after harvest to Palmer amaranth that was 2 to 3 feet tall. Palmer amaranth control 4 weeks after application in general, treatments that included paraquat (Gramoxone) resulted in the greatest Palmer amaranth control.

Information provided by K-State weed control specialists.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at&nbsp;scampbel@ksu.edu&nbsp;or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension." />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictWith the 2025 wheat harvest in full swing it is time to think about weed control in wheat stubble. When soil moisture conditions are favorable, weeds that have been suppressed by the canopy will grow rapidly once crop competition is removed. In addition, weeds that have emerged through the wheat canopy will be damaged during harvest and will quickly begin regrowth. Delaying control can result in lost soil moisture that could be used for crop production, as well as weed seed production, which will cause difficulties in the future.When thinking about weed control in wheat stubble, there are two priorities – controlling already emerged weeds and preventing later flushes. Making applications before weeds exceed 4 to 6 inches is necessary for good control of already emerged weeds. Residual herbicides are necessary to reduce the number of herbicide applications required to control multiple flushes of weeds.Despite a growing number of herbicide-resistant weeds, glyphosate plus 2,4-D LVE and/or dicamba continue to be important for weed control in wheat stubble. However, these herbicides alone are not likely to provide adequate control of pigweeds or kochia, especially when applied in the hot, dry conditions that are common after wheat harvest. Some herbicide options commonly used to control weeds after wheat harvest are listed below.Paraquat (Gramoxone, others) is a Group 22 herbicide that can work well in place of glyphosate for nonselective control of emerged pigweed and kochia. If planning to plant corn or sorghum next spring, a tank mix of paraquat with atrazine (Group 5) will enhance the control of emerged weeds and provide some residual weed control. Atrazine labels have recently changed such that the only noncrop uses of atrazine permitted are for wheat stubble in wheat-fallow-wheat, wheat-corn-fallow, and wheat-sorghum-fallow rotations.Metribuzin is another Group 5 herbicide that can be used instead of atrazine to enhance control and provide some residual activity.One final note regarding paraquat. Limited research out of Australia suggests applying paraquat 2 weeks after a glyphosate application will increase weed control. This is called a ‘double knock’ strategy. This information is included here not as a recommendation per se, but to encourage careful thought about when you want to utilize contact herbicides in your fallow weed management system. If paraquat were sprayed with or before glyphosate, the rapid damage to leaf tissue with prevent uptake and translocation of glyphosate. However, if a glyphosate application partially controls weeds, there will be sufficient leaf area 2 weeks after application for paraquat to be effective.Saflufenacil (Sharpen), a Group 14 herbicide applied at one to two fluid ounces per acre, is an option to provide postemergence and short-term residual control of Palmer amaranth, kochia, and other broadleaf weeds.Tiafenacil (Reviton) is a Group 14 very similar to Sharpen in terms of weed control and adjuvant use.Flumioxazin (Valor, others) is a Group 14 herbicide that can be added to burndown treatments at rates of one to four fluid ounces per acre for activity on emerged broadleaf weeds and some residual activity on broadleaf and grass weeds in wheat stubble. Flumioxazin can be mixed with glyphosate or clethodim (Select Max) for enhanced grass control. It can also be mixed with 2,4-D, atrazine, metribuzin, or paraquat.Another group 14 herbicide that can be considered is sulfentrazone (Spartan, others). Sulfentrazone can be applied to stubble and will control Palmer amaranth and kochia as well as other broadleaf weeds and some grasses. Of the Group 14 herbicides discussed, flumioxazin and sulfentrazone provide the greatest residual activity; however, saflufenacil provides greater postemergence kochia control than flumioxazin. Research to evaluate Palmer amaranth control in wheat stubble was conducted in Hays during 2019 and 2020. Herbicides were applied approximately 3 weeks after harvest to Palmer amaranth that was 2 to 3 feet tall. Palmer amaranth control 4 weeks after application in general, treatments that included paraquat (Gramoxone) resulted in the greatest Palmer amaranth control.Information provided by K-State weed control specialists.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at&nbsp;scampbel@ksu.edu&nbsp;or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Post-harvest weed control strategies for wheat stubble

Michael 'Mike' Suppes, 72, Hays, died Friday, May 30, 2025 at Select
Specialty Hospital in Wichita.

He was born
September 2, 1952 in Great Bend, the son of Severin and Rose (Billinger)
Suppes.&nbsp; He was a member of St. Francis
of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor and the St. Francis Third Degree Knights of
Columbus.

As a child, when Mike wasn't bonding
with his brother by picking on their little sister, he was biting junkyard dogs
and running through his babysitter’s glass door leaving a scar on his
nose.&nbsp; When he was 12, he rode a train
from Livermore, California to Victoria, Kansas where he lived with his Grandpa
Billinger who taught him the colorful old-time sayings that we all knew and
loved.&nbsp; He spent the weekends on the farm
in Liebenthal with his grandparents on the Suppes side, getting in trouble with
his cousin Suzie for playing on the rope in the barn.

After a year, Mike went back to
California where he earned a reputation for not liking bullies and for standing
up for those who couldn't stand up for themselves. He was known by name as
someone not to be messed with.&nbsp; He then
joined the hippy movement in the San Francisco area where he expanded his mind
and his taste in clothes.&nbsp; He moved from
denim and slicked back hair to bell bottoms and love beads.&nbsp; He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the
Vietnam Era where he and his brother were stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington
State.&nbsp; After leaving the Army, he
ditched the barber and hit the road with his newfound love for Harley Davidson
motorcycles.&nbsp; During this period of open
road freedom and keg parties he met his future bride, Beatrice “Bea” Reeh.&nbsp; 

Mike and Bea were married a year
later, on June 17, 1978 in Victoria, and they quickly started the task of
making a home and family, welcoming their two children, Nick and Natalie.&nbsp; Mike loved his family and having children
around.&nbsp; For the next 20 years it was
dance classes, Cub Scouts, sporting events, coaching, fishing, hunting, and his
personal favorite, family camping trips.&nbsp;
Family was his love and way of life. 

After putting his two kids through
school, it wasn't long before he was gifted with his first grandchild and every
three years thereafter, he was gifted with another fishing buddy.&nbsp; With loving arms, he welcomed his four
grandchildren, Alexa, Adam, Eliana, and Gage.&nbsp;
He was again allowed to rinse and repeat the wonderful times of sports,
outdoors, and time spent with those he loved. 

Enjoying his retirement, Mike spent
the rest of his years in bibs, doing what he loved most: fishing, camping,
woodworking, and spending his time with loved ones.&nbsp; He will be missed.

Survivors
include his wife Bea of Hays, son, Nick Suppes (Amanda) of Wichita Falls, TX,
daughter, Natalie Suppes-Armbrister (Garrett Keil) of Hays, his brother, Joe
Suppes (Sunny) of Vernonia, OR, his sister, Marilyn Pfannenstiel and husband
Mike of Munjor, four grandchildren, Eliana Suppes, Gage Suppes, Alexa
Armbrister (Conner Staab), Adam Armbrister, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was
preceded in death by his parents and a nephew Adam Pfannenstiel.

Mass of
Christian Burial was on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic
Church in Munjor with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. &nbsp;Burial with
military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard followed in the church
cemetery.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to St.
Francis of Assisi Catholic Church or to Scout Troop #101.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Mike may be left
for his family at www.haysmemorial.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748730785559.jpeg" alt="Michael 'Mike' Suppes" />
 <figcaption>Michael 'Mike' Suppes</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael 'Mike' Suppes, 72, Hays, died Friday, May 30, 2025 at Select
Specialty Hospital in Wichita.He was born
September 2, 1952 in Great Bend, the son of Severin and Rose (Billinger)
Suppes.&nbsp; He was a member of St. Francis
of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor and the St. Francis Third Degree Knights of
Columbus.As a child, when Mike wasn't bonding
with his brother by picking on their little sister, he was biting junkyard dogs
and running through his babysitter’s glass door leaving a scar on his
nose.&nbsp; When he was 12, he rode a train
from Livermore, California to Victoria, Kansas where he lived with his Grandpa
Billinger who taught him the colorful old-time sayings that we all knew and
loved.&nbsp; He spent the weekends on the farm
in Liebenthal with his grandparents on the Suppes side, getting in trouble with
his cousin Suzie for playing on the rope in the barn.After a year, Mike went back to
California where he earned a reputation for not liking bullies and for standing
up for those who couldn't stand up for themselves. He was known by name as
someone not to be messed with.&nbsp; He then
joined the hippy movement in the San Francisco area where he expanded his mind
and his taste in clothes.&nbsp; He moved from
denim and slicked back hair to bell bottoms and love beads.&nbsp; He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the
Vietnam Era where he and his brother were stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington
State.&nbsp; After leaving the Army, he
ditched the barber and hit the road with his newfound love for Harley Davidson
motorcycles.&nbsp; During this period of open
road freedom and keg parties he met his future bride, Beatrice “Bea” Reeh.&nbsp; Mike and Bea were married a year
later, on June 17, 1978 in Victoria, and they quickly started the task of
making a home and family, welcoming their two children, Nick and Natalie.&nbsp; Mike loved his family and having children
around.&nbsp; For the next 20 years it was
dance classes, Cub Scouts, sporting events, coaching, fishing, hunting, and his
personal favorite, family camping trips.&nbsp;
Family was his love and way of life. After putting his two kids through
school, it wasn't long before he was gifted with his first grandchild and every
three years thereafter, he was gifted with another fishing buddy.&nbsp; With loving arms, he welcomed his four
grandchildren, Alexa, Adam, Eliana, and Gage.&nbsp;
He was again allowed to rinse and repeat the wonderful times of sports,
outdoors, and time spent with those he loved. Enjoying his retirement, Mike spent
the rest of his years in bibs, doing what he loved most: fishing, camping,
woodworking, and spending his time with loved ones.&nbsp; He will be missed.Survivors
include his wife Bea of Hays, son, Nick Suppes (Amanda) of Wichita Falls, TX,
daughter, Natalie Suppes-Armbrister (Garrett Keil) of Hays, his brother, Joe
Suppes (Sunny) of Vernonia, OR, his sister, Marilyn Pfannenstiel and husband
Mike of Munjor, four grandchildren, Eliana Suppes, Gage Suppes, Alexa
Armbrister (Conner Staab), Adam Armbrister, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was
preceded in death by his parents and a nephew Adam Pfannenstiel.Mass of
Christian Burial was on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic
Church in Munjor with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. &nbsp;Burial with
military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard followed in the church
cemetery.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to St.
Francis of Assisi Catholic Church or to Scout Troop #101.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Mike may be left
for his family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Michael 'Mike' Suppes

LIBERAL – After falling behind early, the Hays Larks
outscored the Liberal BeeJays 8-0 from the seventh inning on, including a pair
of runs in the top of the 10th inning in an 11-9 extra-inning
victory Thursday in Liberal.

The Larks (12-3-1, 7-3 RMBL) took the early 3-1 lead through
three and a half innings, scoring on a Garrett Gruell RBI single in the first
inning, a CJ Reid double in the second inning and a passed ball.

Liberal erased the deficit, scoring four runs in the bottom
of the fourth and then extended the lead with three in the fifth and one in the
sixth for a 9-3 lead.

Down six runs through six innings the Larks outscored
Liberal 8-0 over the next four innings.

They got their rally started by scoring two runs in the
seventh on a wild pitch and a Ried RBI single.

Jackson Babcock’s grand slam in the top of the eighth inning
tied the game at nine.

Then, after a scoreless ninth, Dylan LaRue put the Larks up
10-9 with an RBI triple, and Babcock followed with a sacrifice fly to put Hays
up 11-9.

Babcock was two-for-three with five RBIs and scored three
times. LaRue collected three hits and scored three times.

Adrian Najar pitched the final four innings of relief for
the Larks and picked up the win.

He allowed just two hits and one walk, with four strikeouts.

After an off day on Friday, the Larks return to action at
home on Saturday against the Colorado Roughriders. 

Hays Post SportsLIBERAL – After falling behind early, the Hays Larks
outscored the Liberal BeeJays 8-0 from the seventh inning on, including a pair
of runs in the top of the 10th inning in an 11-9 extra-inning
victory Thursday in Liberal.The Larks (12-3-1, 7-3 RMBL) took the early 3-1 lead through
three and a half innings, scoring on a Garrett Gruell RBI single in the first
inning, a CJ Reid double in the second inning and a passed ball.Liberal erased the deficit, scoring four runs in the bottom
of the fourth and then extended the lead with three in the fifth and one in the
sixth for a 9-3 lead.Down six runs through six innings the Larks outscored
Liberal 8-0 over the next four innings.They got their rally started by scoring two runs in the
seventh on a wild pitch and a Ried RBI single.Jackson Babcock’s grand slam in the top of the eighth inning
tied the game at nine.Then, after a scoreless ninth, Dylan LaRue put the Larks up
10-9 with an RBI triple, and Babcock followed with a sacrifice fly to put Hays
up 11-9.Babcock was two-for-three with five RBIs and scored three
times. LaRue collected three hits and scored three times.Adrian Najar pitched the final four innings of relief for
the Larks and picked up the win.He allowed just two hits and one walk, with four strikeouts.After an off day on Friday, the Larks return to action at
home on Saturday against the Colorado Roughriders.

⚾Larks rally to beat BeeJays in extra innings

Hutch Post has learned of an ongoing investigation by the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) into suspected drone smuggling activity at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

Sources confirm that drones are being used to drop illegal drugs into the prison yard, where inmates retrieve the contraband. This smuggling method is believed to have contributed to a deadly drug-related incident inside the facility.

Officials have confirmed at least one inmate overdose death tied to the drug issue. The fatality occurred on March 15 of this year.

State Senator Michael Murphy responded to Hutch Post via email, stating, “I have heard there has been a serious issue with drugs getting in to the inmates.” His comments echo growing concerns about prison security and contraband prevention in Kansas correctional institutions.

Hutch Post has reached out to State Representative Bob Lewis of Garden City, who chairs the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee, as well as the Kansas Department of Corrections, for further comment. At this time, no official responses have been provided.

The investigation is ongoing. Hutch Post will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as new information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751026772909.png" alt="Hutchinson Correctional Facility" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Correctional Facility</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;Hutch Post has learned of an ongoing investigation by the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) into suspected drone smuggling activity at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.Sources confirm that drones are being used to drop illegal drugs into the prison yard, where inmates retrieve the contraband. This smuggling method is believed to have contributed to a deadly drug-related incident inside the facility.Officials have confirmed at least one inmate overdose death tied to the drug issue. The fatality occurred on March 15 of this year.State Senator Michael Murphy responded to Hutch Post via email, stating, “I have heard there has been a serious issue with drugs getting in to the inmates.” His comments echo growing concerns about prison security and contraband prevention in Kansas correctional institutions.Hutch Post has reached out to State Representative Bob Lewis of Garden City, who chairs the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee, as well as the Kansas Department of Corrections, for further comment. At this time, no official responses have been provided.The investigation is ongoing. Hutch Post will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as new information becomes available.

Drones being used to smuggle drugs into Kansas prison

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays native is coming home with his own Western feature film, "Was Once a Hero," at the same theatre where he grew up watching classic movies.

The film will screen at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $13.99 and are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-fox-theatre-32076173407">online</a> in advance and at the door on both days.

Paige Smith took on multiple roles in the film, as co-writer, co-producer, costume designer and assistant director, after Dan Searles, whom he met at a film festival, approached him with a short script.

"I wrote the first draft based on his outline and then the two of us sort of molded it to our preference," Smith said.

The story centers on a veteran battling PTSD and dementia who sets out on a final journey and forms an unexpected bond along the way. It was primarily shot in Maryland with a small crew and a budget of less than $200,000.

The film stars Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter and includes performances by Rebecca Holden, Robert Carradine and John Carter Cash. Smith also appears in the film as an actor.

"We really want to push the idea that family comes from anywhere. You can be yourself and still be loved by others who maybe come from somewhere different. ... We come together through diversity and through the tragedies in our lives," he said.

Smith will attend the screening to introduce the film and be available to answer questions.

Smith graduated from Hays High School in 1994 and later attended Kansas State University, where he initially studied biology before transitioning to theater, drawing inspiration from his family.

"As a kid, I watched my dad work on books and bounce ideas off people around him. It's very inspiring to watch somebody go for it," Smith said. "My brother was an actor as well. I watched him go for it and give it a shot."

Smith moved to Chicago after college, where he worked in local theater and began gaining television experience. He later moved to Los Angeles to continue building his career in acting and writing.

Smith has created several short films, including one that won Best Action/Adventure at Comic-Con in San Diego. He has also acted in and been involved in television series such as "Chicago Fire," "Chicago Med," "Shameless," "Goliath" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."

He said most of those roles were “day jobs” and that breaking into the industry was difficult. This led him to create his own projects, which are now set to screen at the same theater he visited as a kid.

"Being able to go full circle and see a movie that I made in the theatre where I grew up watching movies is incredible and quite possibly once in a lifetime for me. It means the world to me," Smith said.

Filming took just a few weeks, but the whole process, from development through post-production and editing, took three years to complete.

You can learn more about Smith on his <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5812325/?ref_=tt_cst_2_2">IMDb page</a>&nbsp;and about "Was Once a Hero"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19715532/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696678689.jpeg" alt="Cast and production members on the set of 'Was Once a Hero'. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast and production members on the set of 'Was Once a Hero'. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750892423685.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays native is coming home with his own Western feature film, "Was Once a Hero," at the same theatre where he grew up watching classic movies.The film will screen at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $13.99 and are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-fox-theatre-32076173407">online</a> in advance and at the door on both days.Paige Smith took on multiple roles in the film, as co-writer, co-producer, costume designer and assistant director, after Dan Searles, whom he met at a film festival, approached him with a short script."I wrote the first draft based on his outline and then the two of us sort of molded it to our preference," Smith said.The story centers on a veteran battling PTSD and dementia who sets out on a final journey and forms an unexpected bond along the way. It was primarily shot in Maryland with a small crew and a budget of less than $200,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696866837.jpeg" alt="Cast and production members of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast and production members of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696939851.jpeg" alt="Cast and production members on the set of "Was Once a Hero" filming a scene. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast and production members on the set of "Was Once a Hero" filming a scene. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696908901.jpeg" alt="Cast members on the set of "Was Once a Hero."Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast members on the set of "Was Once a Hero."Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696819937.jpeg" alt="Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter on the set of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter on the set of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The film stars Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter and includes performances by Rebecca Holden, Robert Carradine and John Carter Cash. Smith also appears in the film as an actor."We really want to push the idea that family comes from anywhere. You can be yourself and still be loved by others who maybe come from somewhere different. ... We come together through diversity and through the tragedies in our lives," he said.Smith will attend the screening to introduce the film and be available to answer questions.Smith graduated from Hays High School in 1994 and later attended Kansas State University, where he initially studied biology before transitioning to theater, drawing inspiration from his family."As a kid, I watched my dad work on books and bounce ideas off people around him. It's very inspiring to watch somebody go for it," Smith said. "My brother was an actor as well. I watched him go for it and give it a shot."Smith moved to Chicago after college, where he worked in local theater and began gaining television experience. He later moved to Los Angeles to continue building his career in acting and writing.Smith has created several short films, including one that won Best Action/Adventure at Comic-Con in San Diego. He has also acted in and been involved in television series such as "Chicago Fire," "Chicago Med," "Shameless," "Goliath" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."He said most of those roles were “day jobs” and that breaking into the industry was difficult. This led him to create his own projects, which are now set to screen at the same theater he visited as a kid."Being able to go full circle and see a movie that I made in the theatre where I grew up watching movies is incredible and quite possibly once in a lifetime for me. It means the world to me," Smith said.Filming took just a few weeks, but the whole process, from development through post-production and editing, took three years to complete.You can learn more about Smith on his <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5812325/?ref_=tt_cst_2_2">IMDb page</a>&nbsp;and about "Was Once a Hero"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19715532/">here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750697710259.jpeg" alt="Paige Smith of Hays,&nbsp;co-writer, co-producer, costume designer, actor and assistant director of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Paige Smith of Hays,&nbsp;co-writer, co-producer, costume designer, actor and assistant director of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: Hays native to screen western film 'Was Once a Hero' at Fox Theatre

ATLANTA (AP) — The Trump administration’s new vaccine advisers on Thursday endorsed this fall’s flu vaccinations for just about every American — but only if they use certain shots free of an ingredient antivaccine groups have falsely tied to autism.

What is normally a routine step in preparing for the upcoming flu season drew intense scrutiny after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">abruptly fired</a>&nbsp;the influential 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-vaccine-committee-9f58e1f004075b081718ff078de88d76">handpicked replacements</a>&nbsp;that include several vaccine skeptics.

(Click below to watch Redwood's presentation on thimerosal)

The seven-member panel bucked another norm Thursday as it discussed the safety of a preservative used in less than 5% of U.S. flu vaccinations: It deliberated based only on a presentation from an antivaccine group’s former leader — without allowing the usual public airing of scientific data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The preservative,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thimerosal-mercury-vaccine-preservative-7626ec1455ad98228cf8b041f6388bab">thimerosal</a>, has long been used in certain vaccines that come in multi-dose vials, to prevent contamination as each dose is withdrawn. But it has been controversial because it contains a small amount of a particular form of mercury.

Study after study has found no evidence that thimerosal causes autism or other harm. Yet since 2001, all vaccines routinely used for U.S. children age 6 years or younger have come in thimerosal-free formulas — including single-dose flu shots that account for the vast majority of influenza vaccinations.

The advisory panel first voted, with one abstention, to back the usual U.S. recommendation that nearly everyone age 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination. Then the advisers decided people should only be given thimerosal-free single-dose formulations, voting 5-1 with one abstention.

That would include single-dose shots that already are the most common type of flu vaccination, as well as the nasal spray FluMist. It would rule out the subset of flu vaccine dispensed in multi-dose vials.

“There is still no demonstrable evidence of harm,” one panelist, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, a psychiatrist formerly with the National Institutes of Health, said in acknowledging the committee wasn’t following its usual practice of acting on evidence.

But he added that “whether the actual molecule is a risk or not, we have to respect the fear of mercury” that might dissuade some people from getting vaccinated.

The ACIP helps the CDC determine who should be vaccinated against a long list of diseases, and when. Those recommendations have a big impact on whether insurance covers vaccinations and where they’re available.

Normally the CDC’s director would decide whether to accept ACIP’s recommendation, but the Senate has not yet confirmed nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/susan-monarez-cdc-director-senate-hearing-rfk-c7c883f604711238643a9ffd1681bcc0">Susan Monarez</a>. Administration officials said Kennedy would make that decision.

Medical groups decried the panel’s lack of transparency in blocking a CDC analysis of thimerosal that concluded there was no link between the preservative and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20250624164828/https://www.cdc.gov/acip/downloads/slides-2025-06-25-26/Thimerosal-Containing-Vaccines-Summary-of-Evidence-508.pdf" target="_blank">The data</a>&nbsp;had been posted on the committee’s website Tuesday, but was later removed — because, according to ACIP member Dr. Robert Malone, the report hadn’t been authorized by Kennedy’s office. Panel members said they had read it.

While Thursday’s debate involved only a small fraction of flu vaccines, some public health experts contend the discussion unnecessarily raised doubt about vaccine safety. Already, fewer than half of Americans get their yearly flu vaccinations, and mistrust in vaccines overall is growing.

“Selective use of data and omission of established science undermines public trust and fuels misinformation,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He said of the new panelists, “Nothing about their recent actions have been science-based or transparent.”

The flu votes marked the final step of a two-day meeting that alarmed pediatricians and other doctors’ groups, who pointed to new panelists’ lack of expertise in how to properly track vaccine safety — and a shift in focus to some longtime messages of antivaccine groups.

“What should have been a rigorous, evidence-based discussion on the national vaccine schedule instead appeared to be a predetermined exercise orchestrated to undermine the well-established safety and efficacy of vaccines and fundamental basics of science,” said Dr. Jason Goldman of the American College of Physicians.

Of special concern was the announcement by panel chairman Martin Kulldorff to reevaluate the “cumulative effect” of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccines-schedule-kennedy-trump-hhs-4d5e6c52c602f5edbcd837748605e9d0">children’s vaccine schedule</a>&nbsp;— the list of immunizations given at different times throughout childhood. That reflects the scientifically debunked notion that children today get too many vaccinations, somehow overwhelming their immune system.

Doctors say improved vaccine technology means kids today are exposed to fewer antigens — substances that the immune system reacts to — than their grandparents despite getting more doses.

U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, a pediatrician and Democrat from Washington state, told reporters Thursday that children are exposed to more antigens “in one day of day care” than in all their vaccinations.

— The panel backed a new option to protect infants against RSV, a virus especially dangerous to babies. It voted 5-2 that a newly approved antibody shot from Merck could be used alongside two existing options.

— Kulldorff said the panel may look into whether hepatitis B vaccination of newborns is appropriate if the mother doesn’t carry the liver-destroying virus. Pediatricians counter that babies can catch the virus in other ways, such as from other caregivers who don’t know they’re infected.

— Kennedy already sidestepped the advisory group and announced the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women. But CDC scientists told the panel that vaccination is “the best protection” during pregnancy and that most children hospitalized for COVID-19 over the past year were unvaccinated. Some advisers questioned if the CDC’s extensive tracking of vaccine safety is trustworthy.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750974087831.png" alt="Image from the committee hearing" />
 <figcaption>Image from the committee hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — The Trump administration’s new vaccine advisers on Thursday endorsed this fall’s flu vaccinations for just about every American — but only if they use certain shots free of an ingredient antivaccine groups have falsely tied to autism.(click below to watch the full meeting)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z-16fImZoEc?si=RfPDCTz9gEs1Oz2Z&amp;start=1250" 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>What is normally a routine step in preparing for the upcoming flu season drew intense scrutiny after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">abruptly fired</a>&nbsp;the influential 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-vaccine-committee-9f58e1f004075b081718ff078de88d76">handpicked replacements</a>&nbsp;that include several vaccine skeptics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750973658608.png" alt="Lyn Redwood, a nurse practitioner who once ran the anti-vaccine group that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. founded, spoke at the meeting on Thursday -image from the CDC video" />
 <figcaption>Lyn Redwood, a nurse practitioner who once ran the anti-vaccine group that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. founded, spoke at the meeting on Thursday -image from the CDC video</figcaption>
 </figure>(Click below to watch Redwood's presentation on thimerosal)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z-16fImZoEc?si=z33-dj87jdPiqZRU&amp;start=10151" 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>The seven-member panel bucked another norm Thursday as it discussed the safety of a preservative used in less than 5% of U.S. flu vaccinations: It deliberated based only on a presentation from an antivaccine group’s former leader — without allowing the usual public airing of scientific data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The preservative,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thimerosal-mercury-vaccine-preservative-7626ec1455ad98228cf8b041f6388bab">thimerosal</a>, has long been used in certain vaccines that come in multi-dose vials, to prevent contamination as each dose is withdrawn. But it has been controversial because it contains a small amount of a particular form of mercury.Study after study has found no evidence that thimerosal causes autism or other harm. Yet since 2001, all vaccines routinely used for U.S. children age 6 years or younger have come in thimerosal-free formulas — including single-dose flu shots that account for the vast majority of influenza vaccinations.The advisory panel first voted, with one abstention, to back the usual U.S. recommendation that nearly everyone age 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination. Then the advisers decided people should only be given thimerosal-free single-dose formulations, voting 5-1 with one abstention.That would include single-dose shots that already are the most common type of flu vaccination, as well as the nasal spray FluMist. It would rule out the subset of flu vaccine dispensed in multi-dose vials.“There is still no demonstrable evidence of harm,” one panelist, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, a psychiatrist formerly with the National Institutes of Health, said in acknowledging the committee wasn’t following its usual practice of acting on evidence.But he added that “whether the actual molecule is a risk or not, we have to respect the fear of mercury” that might dissuade some people from getting vaccinated.The ACIP helps the CDC determine who should be vaccinated against a long list of diseases, and when. Those recommendations have a big impact on whether insurance covers vaccinations and where they’re available.Normally the CDC’s director would decide whether to accept ACIP’s recommendation, but the Senate has not yet confirmed nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/susan-monarez-cdc-director-senate-hearing-rfk-c7c883f604711238643a9ffd1681bcc0">Susan Monarez</a>. Administration officials said Kennedy would make that decision.Medical groups decried the panel’s lack of transparency in blocking a CDC analysis of thimerosal that concluded there was no link between the preservative and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20250624164828/https://www.cdc.gov/acip/downloads/slides-2025-06-25-26/Thimerosal-Containing-Vaccines-Summary-of-Evidence-508.pdf" target="_blank">The data</a>&nbsp;had been posted on the committee’s website Tuesday, but was later removed — because, according to ACIP member Dr. Robert Malone, the report hadn’t been authorized by Kennedy’s office. Panel members said they had read it.While Thursday’s debate involved only a small fraction of flu vaccines, some public health experts contend the discussion unnecessarily raised doubt about vaccine safety. Already, fewer than half of Americans get their yearly flu vaccinations, and mistrust in vaccines overall is growing.“Selective use of data and omission of established science undermines public trust and fuels misinformation,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He said of the new panelists, “Nothing about their recent actions have been science-based or transparent.”The flu votes marked the final step of a two-day meeting that alarmed pediatricians and other doctors’ groups, who pointed to new panelists’ lack of expertise in how to properly track vaccine safety — and a shift in focus to some longtime messages of antivaccine groups.“What should have been a rigorous, evidence-based discussion on the national vaccine schedule instead appeared to be a predetermined exercise orchestrated to undermine the well-established safety and efficacy of vaccines and fundamental basics of science,” said Dr. Jason Goldman of the American College of Physicians.Of special concern was the announcement by panel chairman Martin Kulldorff to reevaluate the “cumulative effect” of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccines-schedule-kennedy-trump-hhs-4d5e6c52c602f5edbcd837748605e9d0">children’s vaccine schedule</a>&nbsp;— the list of immunizations given at different times throughout childhood. That reflects the scientifically debunked notion that children today get too many vaccinations, somehow overwhelming their immune system.Doctors say improved vaccine technology means kids today are exposed to fewer antigens — substances that the immune system reacts to — than their grandparents despite getting more doses.U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, a pediatrician and Democrat from Washington state, told reporters Thursday that children are exposed to more antigens “in one day of day care” than in all their vaccinations.Also at the ACIP meeting:— The panel backed a new option to protect infants against RSV, a virus especially dangerous to babies. It voted 5-2 that a newly approved antibody shot from Merck could be used alongside two existing options.— Kulldorff said the panel may look into whether hepatitis B vaccination of newborns is appropriate if the mother doesn’t carry the liver-destroying virus. Pediatricians counter that babies can catch the virus in other ways, such as from other caregivers who don’t know they’re infected.— Kennedy already sidestepped the advisory group and announced the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women. But CDC scientists told the panel that vaccination is “the best protection” during pregnancy and that most children hospitalized for COVID-19 over the past year were unvaccinated. Some advisers questioned if the CDC’s extensive tracking of vaccine safety is trustworthy.___Neergaard reported from Washington.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

🎥RFK Jr’s vaccine panel votes against preservative in flu shots 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Westlake Ace Hardware in Hays, in partnership with its customers, donated 25 fans to the Salvation Army's annual fan drive on Thursday.

The fans are available through the Salvation Army by calling&nbsp;785-621-2794.

There are no income requirements to receive a fan. The Salvation Army requests that you limit yourself to one fan per household, and households that received a fan last year not request another fan this year.

Laura Allen of the Salvation Army said her agency and other nonprofits in the community receive requests throughout the summer for fans.

Anyone who would still like to donate a fan can reach out to the Salvation Army or other community agencies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750956564109.jpeg" alt="Westlake Ace of Hays donated 25 fans in partnership with its customers to the Salvation Army's annual fan drive. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Westlake Ace of Hays donated 25 fans in partnership with its customers to the Salvation Army's annual fan drive. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWestlake Ace Hardware in Hays, in partnership with its customers, donated 25 fans to the Salvation Army's annual fan drive on Thursday.The fans are available through the Salvation Army by calling&nbsp;785-621-2794.There are no income requirements to receive a fan. The Salvation Army requests that you limit yourself to one fan per household, and households that received a fan last year not request another fan this year.Laura Allen of the Salvation Army said her agency and other nonprofits in the community receive requests throughout the summer for fans.Anyone who would still like to donate a fan can reach out to the Salvation Army or other community agencies.

Westlake Ace of Hays donates fans to Salvation Army to help needy beat heat

Become an instant finalist in the Miller Lite UTV Giveaway from A&amp;A Coors-Miller and Briney Motorsports of Hays. Sign up at the all-new Lokal Country Bar, formerly the Fort, tonight starting at 7.

Lokal will usher in their opening night with D.O.C. playing live and no cover charge!&nbsp;

Register for a 4-seat CF-Moto U-Force 1000 valued at $20,000. The Miller Lite UTV giveaway is this evening at 7 at Lokal Country Bar, 109 W. Seventh in Hays.

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 at the all-new Lokal Country Bar, formerly the Fort, tonight starting at 7.Lokal will usher in their opening night with D.O.C. playing live and no cover charge!&nbsp;Register for a 4-seat CF-Moto U-Force 1000 valued at $20,000. The Miller Lite UTV giveaway is this evening at 7 at Lokal Country Bar, 109 W. Seventh in Hays.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 tonight at Lokal country bar in Hays

Due to the Fourth of July holiday on Friday, July 4, 2025 there will be changes to the refuse and recycling pick-up schedule. 

Both Thursday and Friday routes will be picked up on Thursday July 3. 

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays routes will not change.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclable will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605721681274.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the Fourth of July holiday on Friday, July 4, 2025 there will be changes to the refuse and recycling pick-up schedule. Both Thursday and Friday routes will be picked up on Thursday July 3. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays routes will not change.It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclable will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Changes in Hays' refuse/recycling schedule this holiday week

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays received a half-inch of rain overnight Wednesday according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center.

The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, measured 0.45 of an inch.

So far in 2025, Hays has received a total 10.94 inches of moisture. The cumulative total through the end of June is 11.31 inches.&nbsp;

The month of June is behind average. So far this month, 2.06 inches of rain has fallen with the average monthly total for all of June at 3.38 inches.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9c3a7354-563f-4347-80c4-47561f31ea68">weather forecast </a>calls for chance of more thunderstorms today and Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687365048556.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays received a half-inch of rain overnight Wednesday according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center.The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, measured 0.45 of an inch.So far in 2025, Hays has received a total 10.94 inches of moisture. The cumulative total through the end of June is 11.31 inches.&nbsp;The month of June is behind average. So far this month, 2.06 inches of rain has fallen with the average monthly total for all of June at 3.38 inches.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9c3a7354-563f-4347-80c4-47561f31ea68">weather forecast </a>calls for chance of more thunderstorms today and Saturday.

Half inch of rain falls overnight in Hays

Construction is scheduled to begin&nbsp; before the end of the year on homes in the Grove addition.

The addition will include 50 single-family homes, 50 villas and four duplexes.

Construction crews, which are ahead of schedule, are very close to completing the streets, sewer, water curbs and gutters. That work is expected to be completed within the next few weeks, followed by the electrical installation.&nbsp;

Construction on houses should start in September or October.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center</a>&nbsp;is expected to be completed by late July. The center will be the new home for the Hays Senior Center, a new child care center operated by Bright Minds Academy and multi-use community rooms.

A ribbon cutting for that facility is set for 9 a.m. Aug. 29.

Grow Hays is still a little short of budget for the community center. Anyone interesting in donating to that project can contact Grow Hays at&nbsp;785-628-3102.

Mayor Sandy Jacobs said the community center will be an amazing facility. She said she expects many more seniors to participate in the senior center when it moves into its new facility.

"Besides that, when you walk into that big open space with the glass in the back, it is really a special place," she said, "and I can't imagine if I lived in the Grove that I wouldn't want to rent those units for family gatherings."

The other housing addition Grow Hays has been heavily involved with, the Tallgrass Addition, has been highly successful, Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, said.

Since developers began building there in 2022, all the homes have sold before they were completed, with a waiting list still in place.

That demand, combined with a 2019 study showing seniors were a significant economic driver and recruitment opportunity for the community, prompted Grow Hays to embark on the Grove project.

Although the addition is geared toward seniors, it will have no age restrictions, Williams said.

The addition is conveniently located next to HaysMed as well as the Center for Health Improvement.

In addition, the Grove will feature a multi-use path that will eventually connect existing paths running from the Hays Recreation Center, behind HaysMed, to the Sternberg Museum and on to Hall Street, and ultimately 41st Street in northwest Hays.

When both the Grove trail and a section being built by the city connect, there will be six miles of continuous trail.

&nbsp;Some of the features of the homes will include • Slab on grade construction • 3-foot doorways • Open floor plans • 9-foot ceilings • Granite, quartz or onyx counter tops • Solid core doors • High efficiency HVAC • Optional storm shelters

A homeowners association will be responsible for all exterior maintenance.

This includes • Insurance for exteriors and exterior repairs on all of the homes, including roofs and siding • Lawn maintenance • Snow removal&nbsp;

Homeowners association fees have yet to be calculated. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/43bd3666-a30c-449a-acde-9e1bec020952">The Grove is being built within a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District, so homeowners will not be required to pay special assessments.</a>

Homeowners will be responsible for insuring the interior and their contents.

"You do subject yourself to certain rules and regulations," Williams said. "You're not going to park your boat in front of your unit. You're not going to park your camper in front of your unit. There are some limitations. That is just the way it is.

"Unfortunately, if you can't live with that, it's probably not a good place for you to be."

Pets will be allowed, although the homeowners association may have restrictions on the types and sizes of pets.

The homeowners association will likely restrict short-term rentals and Airbnbs. Although there may be some allowances for long-term rentals, Williams said he doubted investors would purchase these homes at these prices as rental properties.

The original plan was to build multi-family units on the corner of 27th and Canterbury streets, but developers seemed less interested in this concept, Williams said.

Grow Hays pivoted and decided to build the Villas.

These will be two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-car-garage patio homes.

The homes' entrances will face each other in a courtyard configuration, with the garages in the rear of the homes off of a paved alley.

Williams said the housing addition will be dense, but private. The patios will be on opposite sides of each other. There will also be provisions for privacy or pet fencing if desired.

The Villas will be offered at a lower price point, with smaller square footage — specifically 1,000 square feet — compared to the 1,500 square feet in the homes in the Grove proper.

The villas will feature similar interior amenities to those of the other homes in the Grove. The garages will be slightly oversized to accommodate more storage. The patio homes can also be equipped with storm shelters.

Work on the Villas is further behind the Grove proper because Grow Hays was waiting to take control of the last existing home on the parcel. It will be either sold and moved or demolished, Williams said.

The larger homes in the Grove will cost about $390,000 or more, depending on floor plan and interior finishes. The Villas will cost about $295,000 or more.

Williams said although the cost of buying a new home is greater than that of an older home, it may result in your homeowner's insurance, property taxes and utility expenses decreasing.

Williams said Grow Hays has received interest from about 50 potential homeowners, but he does not think all of those individuals will ultimately purchase homes.

The build is going to start with at least five homes, he said.

If you are interested in learning more about buying a home in the Grove, you can contact Grow Hays at&nbsp;785-628-3102.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750887395295.jpeg" alt="An aerial photo of the Grove housing addition on north Canterbury. Water, sewer, curbs and gutter should be complete within the next few weeks. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An aerial photo of the Grove housing addition on north Canterbury. Water, sewer, curbs and gutter should be complete within the next few weeks. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostConstruction is scheduled to begin&nbsp; before the end of the year on homes in the Grove addition.The addition will include 50 single-family homes, 50 villas and four duplexes.Construction crews, which are ahead of schedule, are very close to completing the streets, sewer, water curbs and gutters. That work is expected to be completed within the next few weeks, followed by the electrical installation.&nbsp;Construction on houses should start in September or October.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750887660555.jpeg" alt="The layout of the Grove housing addition.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The layout of the Grove housing addition.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center</a>&nbsp;is expected to be completed by late July. The center will be the new home for the Hays Senior Center, a new child care center operated by Bright Minds Academy and multi-use community rooms.A ribbon cutting for that facility is set for 9 a.m. Aug. 29.Grow Hays is still a little short of budget for the community center. Anyone interesting in donating to that project can contact Grow Hays at&nbsp;785-628-3102.Mayor Sandy Jacobs said the community center will be an amazing facility. She said she expects many more seniors to participate in the senior center when it moves into its new facility."Besides that, when you walk into that big open space with the glass in the back, it is really a special place," she said, "and I can't imagine if I lived in the Grove that I wouldn't want to rent those units for family gatherings."The other housing addition Grow Hays has been heavily involved with, the Tallgrass Addition, has been highly successful, Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750887699603.jpeg" alt="Aerial view of the Grove. Fifty slab-on-grade homes will be built in the main portion of the addition." />
 <figcaption>Aerial view of the Grove. Fifty slab-on-grade homes will be built in the main portion of the addition.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750887846184.jpeg" alt="Aerial photo of the Grove. The area that will be the Villas is on the lower left side of the image.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Aerial photo of the Grove. The area that will be the Villas is on the lower left side of the image.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Since developers began building there in 2022, all the homes have sold before they were completed, with a waiting list still in place.That demand, combined with a 2019 study showing seniors were a significant economic driver and recruitment opportunity for the community, prompted Grow Hays to embark on the Grove project.Although the addition is geared toward seniors, it will have no age restrictions, Williams said.The addition is conveniently located next to HaysMed as well as the Center for Health Improvement.In addition, the Grove will feature a multi-use path that will eventually connect existing paths running from the Hays Recreation Center, behind HaysMed, to the Sternberg Museum and on to Hall Street, and ultimately 41st Street in northwest Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750887774653.jpeg" alt="What the exteriors and courtyard for the Villas might look like.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>What the exteriors and courtyard for the Villas might look like.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750887798785.jpeg" alt="Villa garage. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Villa garage. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750887810052.jpeg" alt="What a patio for one of the Villa patio homes might look like.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>What a patio for one of the Villa patio homes might look like.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>When both the Grove trail and a section being built by the city connect, there will be six miles of continuous trail.&nbsp;Some of the features of the homes will include • Slab on grade construction • 3-foot doorways • Open floor plans • 9-foot ceilings • Granite, quartz or onyx counter tops • Solid core doors • High efficiency HVAC • Optional storm sheltersA homeowners association will be responsible for all exterior maintenance.This includes • Insurance for exteriors and exterior repairs on all of the homes, including roofs and siding • Lawn maintenance • Snow removal&nbsp;Homeowners association fees have yet to be calculated. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/43bd3666-a30c-449a-acde-9e1bec020952">The Grove is being built within a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District, so homeowners will not be required to pay special assessments.</a>Homeowners will be responsible for insuring the interior and their contents."You do subject yourself to certain rules and regulations," Williams said. "You're not going to park your boat in front of your unit. You're not going to park your camper in front of your unit. There are some limitations. That is just the way it is."Unfortunately, if you can't live with that, it's probably not a good place for you to be."Pets will be allowed, although the homeowners association may have restrictions on the types and sizes of pets.The homeowners association will likely restrict short-term rentals and Airbnbs. Although there may be some allowances for long-term rentals, Williams said he doubted investors would purchase these homes at these prices as rental properties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750888221379.jpeg" alt="An example of what the interior of one of the Villas might look like. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An example of what the interior of one of the Villas might look like. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750888236260.jpeg" alt="An example of what a master suite in one of the Villas might look like.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An example of what a master suite in one of the Villas might look like.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750888249425.jpeg" alt="What a kitchen in one of the Villas might look like.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>What a kitchen in one of the Villas might look like.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The original plan was to build multi-family units on the corner of 27th and Canterbury streets, but developers seemed less interested in this concept, Williams said.Grow Hays pivoted and decided to build the Villas.These will be two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-car-garage patio homes.The homes' entrances will face each other in a courtyard configuration, with the garages in the rear of the homes off of a paved alley.Williams said the housing addition will be dense, but private. The patios will be on opposite sides of each other. There will also be provisions for privacy or pet fencing if desired.The Villas will be offered at a lower price point, with smaller square footage — specifically 1,000 square feet — compared to the 1,500 square feet in the homes in the Grove proper.The villas will feature similar interior amenities to those of the other homes in the Grove. The garages will be slightly oversized to accommodate more storage. The patio homes can also be equipped with storm shelters.Work on the Villas is further behind the Grove proper because Grow Hays was waiting to take control of the last existing home on the parcel. It will be either sold and moved or demolished, Williams said.The larger homes in the Grove will cost about $390,000 or more, depending on floor plan and interior finishes. The Villas will cost about $295,000 or more.Williams said although the cost of buying a new home is greater than that of an older home, it may result in your homeowner's insurance, property taxes and utility expenses decreasing.Williams said Grow Hays has received interest from about 50 potential homeowners, but he does not think all of those individuals will ultimately purchase homes.The build is going to start with at least five homes, he said.If you are interested in learning more about buying a home in the Grove, you can contact Grow Hays at&nbsp;785-628-3102.

Construction to begin soon on homes in Grove addition

ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new vaccine advisers alarmed pediatricians Wednesday by announcing inquiries into some long-settled questions about children’s shots.

Opening the first meeting of Kennedy’s handpicked seven-member panel, committee chairman Martin Kulldorff said he was appointing a work group to evaluate the “cumulative effect” of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccines-schedule-kennedy-trump-hhs-4d5e6c52c602f5edbcd837748605e9d0">children’s vaccine schedule</a>&nbsp;— the list of immunizations given at different times throughout childhood.

Also to be evaluated, he said, is how two other shots are administered — one that guards against liver-destroying hepatitis B and another that combines chickenpox protection with MMR, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

It was an early sign of how the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is being reshaped by Kennedy, a leading antivaccine activist before becoming the nation's top health official.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">He fired</a>&nbsp;the entire 17-member panel this month and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-vaccine-committee-9f58e1f004075b081718ff078de88d76">replaced it</a>&nbsp;with a group that includes several anti-vaccine voices.

“Vaccines are not all good or bad,” Kulldorff said. “We are learning more about vaccines over time” and must “keep up to date.”

His announcement reflected a common message of vaccine skeptics: that too many shots may overwhelm kids’ immune systems or that the ingredients may build up to cause harm. Scientists say those claims have been repeatedly investigated with no signs of concern.

Kids today are exposed to fewer antigens — immune-revving components — than their grandparents despite getting more doses, because of improved vaccine technology, said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The American Academy of Pediatrics announced Wednesday that it would continue publishing its own vaccine schedule for children but now will do so independently of the ACIP, calling it “no longer a credible process.”

“The narrative that current vaccine policies are flawed and need ‘fixing’ is a distortion," said the AAP’s Dr. Sean O’Leary. "These policies have saved trillions of dollars and millions of lives."

The ACIP, created more than 60 years ago, helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determine who should be vaccinated against a long list of diseases, and when. Those recommendations have a big impact on whether insurance covers vaccinations and where they’re available, such as at pharmacies.

After Kennedy’s abrupt dismissal of the existing expert panel, a number of the CDC’s top vaccine scientists — including some who lead the reporting of data and the vetting of presentations at ACIP meetings — have resigned or been moved out of previous positions.

And shortly before Wednesday’s meeting, a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist appointed to the committee stepped down. According to the Trump administration, he withdrew during a customary review of members’ financial holdings.

Scientists show data that COVID-19 vaccines protect pregnant women and kids

First on the committee’s agenda Wednesday were COVID-19 vaccinations. Kennedy already sidestepped the panel and announced the vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women.

Yet CDC scientists told the panel that vaccination is “the best protection” during pregnancy, and said most children hospitalized for COVID-19 over the past year were unvaccinated.

COVID-19 remains a public health threat, resulting in 32,000 to 51,000 U.S. deaths and more than 250,000 hospitalizations since last fall, according to the CDC. Most at risk for hospitalization are seniors and children under 2 — especially infants under 6 months who could have some protection if their mom got vaccinated during pregnancy, according to the CDC’s presentation.

The new advisers weren’t asked to vote on Kennedy’s recommendations, which raise uncertainty about how easily people will be able to access COVID-19 vaccinations this fall.

After CDC staff outlined multiple overlapping systems that continue to track the vaccines’ safety, several advisers questioned if the real-world data really is trustworthy.

Also Wednesday, the committee took up RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of cold-like symptoms that can be dangerous for infants.

In 2023, U.S. health officials began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-vaccine-infants-cdc-e30abab0c84ab22ddddc4963dad7c0ad">recommending</a>&nbsp;two new measures to protect infants — a lab-made antibody for newborns and a vaccine for pregnant women — that experts say likely drove an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infant-mortality-cdc-8b79d43cd3d994b9a5de92d39f3af8cc">improvement</a>&nbsp;in infant mortality. The antibody proved to be 63% to 76% effective against emergency department visits for infants over the last year.

"People need to understand what a spectacular accomplishment these results are,” said ACIP member Dr. Cody Meissner, of Dartmouth.

The committee postponed until Thursday a vote on whether to recommend another company's newly approved antibody shot as well.

At its June meetings, the committee usually refreshes guidance for Americans 6 months and older to get a flu shot, and helps green light the annual fall vaccination campaign.

But a vote set for Thursday also promises controversy.

The panel is set to consider a preservative in a subset of flu shots that Kennedy and some antivaccine groups have falsely contended is tied to autism.

In preparation, the CDC posted a new report confirming that research shows no link between the preservative, thimerosal, and autism or any other neurodevelopmental disorders. By Wednesday afternoon, the analysis had been removed from the committee's website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750899322024.png" alt="Dr. Martin Kulldorf speaks during a meeting of the Advisory Committee in Immunization Practices at the CDC image from CDC video" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Martin Kulldorf speaks during a meeting of the Advisory Committee in Immunization Practices at the CDC image from CDC video</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new vaccine advisers alarmed pediatricians Wednesday by announcing inquiries into some long-settled questions about children’s shots.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2PnYYb_xj3U?si=YvZGpeJ1tIySjBaL&amp;start=932" 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>Opening the first meeting of Kennedy’s handpicked seven-member panel, committee chairman Martin Kulldorff said he was appointing a work group to evaluate the “cumulative effect” of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccines-schedule-kennedy-trump-hhs-4d5e6c52c602f5edbcd837748605e9d0">children’s vaccine schedule</a>&nbsp;— the list of immunizations given at different times throughout childhood.Also to be evaluated, he said, is how two other shots are administered — one that guards against liver-destroying hepatitis B and another that combines chickenpox protection with MMR, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.It was an early sign of how the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is being reshaped by Kennedy, a leading antivaccine activist before becoming the nation's top health official.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">He fired</a>&nbsp;the entire 17-member panel this month and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-vaccine-committee-9f58e1f004075b081718ff078de88d76">replaced it</a>&nbsp;with a group that includes several anti-vaccine voices.“Vaccines are not all good or bad,” Kulldorff said. “We are learning more about vaccines over time” and must “keep up to date.”His announcement reflected a common message of vaccine skeptics: that too many shots may overwhelm kids’ immune systems or that the ingredients may build up to cause harm. Scientists say those claims have been repeatedly investigated with no signs of concern.Kids today are exposed to fewer antigens — immune-revving components — than their grandparents despite getting more doses, because of improved vaccine technology, said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.The American Academy of Pediatrics announced Wednesday that it would continue publishing its own vaccine schedule for children but now will do so independently of the ACIP, calling it “no longer a credible process.”“The narrative that current vaccine policies are flawed and need ‘fixing’ is a distortion," said the AAP’s Dr. Sean O’Leary. "These policies have saved trillions of dollars and millions of lives."The ACIP, created more than 60 years ago, helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determine who should be vaccinated against a long list of diseases, and when. Those recommendations have a big impact on whether insurance covers vaccinations and where they’re available, such as at pharmacies.After Kennedy’s abrupt dismissal of the existing expert panel, a number of the CDC’s top vaccine scientists — including some who lead the reporting of data and the vetting of presentations at ACIP meetings — have resigned or been moved out of previous positions.And shortly before Wednesday’s meeting, a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist appointed to the committee stepped down. According to the Trump administration, he withdrew during a customary review of members’ financial holdings.<h2>Scientists show data that COVID-19 vaccines protect pregnant women and kids</h2>First on the committee’s agenda Wednesday were COVID-19 vaccinations. Kennedy already sidestepped the panel and announced the vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women.Yet CDC scientists told the panel that vaccination is “the best protection” during pregnancy, and said most children hospitalized for COVID-19 over the past year were unvaccinated.COVID-19 remains a public health threat, resulting in 32,000 to 51,000 U.S. deaths and more than 250,000 hospitalizations since last fall, according to the CDC. Most at risk for hospitalization are seniors and children under 2 — especially infants under 6 months who could have some protection if their mom got vaccinated during pregnancy, according to the CDC’s presentation.The new advisers weren’t asked to vote on Kennedy’s recommendations, which raise uncertainty about how easily people will be able to access COVID-19 vaccinations this fall.After CDC staff outlined multiple overlapping systems that continue to track the vaccines’ safety, several advisers questioned if the real-world data really is trustworthy.<h2>Vote on RSV protections is postponed</h2>Also Wednesday, the committee took up RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of cold-like symptoms that can be dangerous for infants.In 2023, U.S. health officials began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-vaccine-infants-cdc-e30abab0c84ab22ddddc4963dad7c0ad">recommending</a>&nbsp;two new measures to protect infants — a lab-made antibody for newborns and a vaccine for pregnant women — that experts say likely drove an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infant-mortality-cdc-8b79d43cd3d994b9a5de92d39f3af8cc">improvement</a>&nbsp;in infant mortality. The antibody proved to be 63% to 76% effective against emergency department visits for infants over the last year."People need to understand what a spectacular accomplishment these results are,” said ACIP member Dr. Cody Meissner, of Dartmouth.The committee postponed until Thursday a vote on whether to recommend another company's newly approved antibody shot as well.<h2>Flu shot recommendations to be debated</h2>At its June meetings, the committee usually refreshes guidance for Americans 6 months and older to get a flu shot, and helps green light the annual fall vaccination campaign.But a vote set for Thursday also promises controversy.The panel is set to consider a preservative in a subset of flu shots that Kennedy and some antivaccine groups have falsely contended is tied to autism.In preparation, the CDC posted a new report confirming that research shows no link between the preservative, thimerosal, and autism or any other neurodevelopmental disorders. By Wednesday afternoon, the analysis had been removed from the committee's website.___Neergaard reported from Washington.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.