Childhood vaccination rates against measles fell in the years after the COVID-19 pandemic in nearly 80% of the more than 2,000 U.S. counties with available data — including in states that are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccination-us-rfk-mmr-8fb86f56b0892408680daae4a52047e6">battling outbreaks</a>&nbsp;this year including in Kansas.&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Health on Wednesday reported seven new case of measles over the past week in the state for a total of 71 cases in 11 counties.

A Johns Hopkins University study,&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2834892">published in JAMA this week</a>, illustrates where more vulnerable communities are located. The results mirror trends established at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">state</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">national levels</a>: Routine childhood&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">vaccination rates</a>&nbsp;are dropping.

“When you look at the state level or national level ... you really don’t see those drastic drops. Those are there. They’re real and they’re really problematic,” said Lauren Gardner, an expert in infectious disease modeling at Johns Hopkins University who is the paper’s senior author. Gardner also built the university’s COVID-19 database.

Most of the measles cases in the U.S. this year — 1,088 nationally as of Friday — are in unvaccinated people. It has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-international-travel-vaccine-980fdb9fcf8522fed01d23427eba4429">been spreading</a>&nbsp;among communities due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c">international and domestic travel</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Three people have died from measles</a>&nbsp;during this year's outbreaks, and 2025 is inching closer to becoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">the worst for measles</a>&nbsp;in more than three decades.

Measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">the vaccine is safe and highly effective</a>. Public schools nationwide require two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine before kindergarten, but the number of children with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-whooping-cough-rfk-measles-exemptions-covid-27dae6f61505ef1953ca869a78c71942">non-medical exemptions</a>&nbsp;from those requirements hit an all-time high in the 2023-2024 school year. Health experts say community-level vaccination needs to be at 95% or higher to prevent outbreaks.

The Johns Hopkins study looked at 2,066 counties across 33 states, comparing kindergarten vaccination rates averaged over school years from 2017-2020 to averages from 2022-2024. Where kindergarten data wasn’t available, the researchers used a comparable rate.

Here's what it looks like in counties where there have been outbreaks this year, including in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas counties that are the epicenter of measles</a>.

Counties with outbreaks in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>&nbsp;include Gray with 25 cases, Haskell with 11 and and Stevens with seven.

Vaccination rates in Gray County dropped 23 percentage points after the pandemic, from 94% to 71%.

Haskell County dropped 18 percentage points to 65%. And Stevens County dropped 0.5 percentage points to 90.5%.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-vaccines-measles-outbreak-exemptions-rfk-ab4aea44661153a789472f9d7fa8d17b">Texas</a>&nbsp;has logged 742 measles cases since late January, most in West Texas.

Gaines County has 411 cases, the most in the state. Almost 2% of its population got measles. While the county saw a two percentage-point increase in vaccination rates after the pandemic, its 82.4% rate remains&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-gaines-county-texas-religious-exemptions-cacdae1843fa918964a1b8e01fe757f5">below herd immunity.</a>

Terry County (60 cases) and Yoakum County (20 cases) dropped below the 95% threshold for herd immunity after the pandemic, to 93.7% and 91.8% respectively.

Lubbock County — which has seen 53 cases and is the closest metro area to Gaines County — was just below 95% before the pandemic, but dropped three percentage points after to 91.8%.

El Paso County on the border of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-measles-vaccines-misinformation-mmr-mennonites-misinformation-ea6158b9a4d513b20f33cbc09034e5c2">Mexico</a>&nbsp;has had the third-most measles cases in Texas this year with 57. Its vaccination rate is higher than 95% but saw a 2.1 percentage-point decline to 96.5%.

Colorado's outbreak, which is linked to an international flight that landed at the Denver airport in mid-May, involves six cases: five in state residents and one out-of-state traveler.

Two people who got measles live in Arapahoe County in the Denver metro, where the vaccination rate dropped 3.5 percentage points to 88.4%. Three others live in El Paso County, home to Colorado Springs, where the vaccination rate dropped 3.8 percentage points to 80% post-pandemic.

Pre-pandemic data in North Dakota wasn't available to Johns Hopkins researchers, but they looked at rates from school years ending in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

North Dakota's first outbreak started in Williams County, which now has 16 measles cases. In the timeframe researchers looked at, vaccination rates in Williams rose from 84.6% in 2022 to 87.7% in 2023, only to drop back to 83.5% in 2024.

Cass County has seven cases, and its rate has stayed steady at about 92.7%, while Grand Forks County, which has 10 measles cases, dropped from 95.4% to 93.4%.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743085628490.png" alt="Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</figcaption>
 </figure>Childhood vaccination rates against measles fell in the years after the COVID-19 pandemic in nearly 80% of the more than 2,000 U.S. counties with available data — including in states that are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccination-us-rfk-mmr-8fb86f56b0892408680daae4a52047e6">battling outbreaks</a>&nbsp;this year including in Kansas.&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Health on Wednesday reported seven new case of measles over the past week in the state for a total of 71 cases in 11 counties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749059518752.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Johns Hopkins University study,&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2834892">published in JAMA this week</a>, illustrates where more vulnerable communities are located. The results mirror trends established at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">state</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">national levels</a>: Routine childhood&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">vaccination rates</a>&nbsp;are dropping.“When you look at the state level or national level ... you really don’t see those drastic drops. Those are there. They’re real and they’re really problematic,” said Lauren Gardner, an expert in infectious disease modeling at Johns Hopkins University who is the paper’s senior author. Gardner also built the university’s COVID-19 database.Most of the measles cases in the U.S. this year — 1,088 nationally as of Friday — are in unvaccinated people. It has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-international-travel-vaccine-980fdb9fcf8522fed01d23427eba4429">been spreading</a>&nbsp;among communities due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c">international and domestic travel</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Three people have died from measles</a>&nbsp;during this year's outbreaks, and 2025 is inching closer to becoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">the worst for measles</a>&nbsp;in more than three decades.Measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">the vaccine is safe and highly effective</a>. Public schools nationwide require two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine before kindergarten, but the number of children with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-whooping-cough-rfk-measles-exemptions-covid-27dae6f61505ef1953ca869a78c71942">non-medical exemptions</a>&nbsp;from those requirements hit an all-time high in the 2023-2024 school year. Health experts say community-level vaccination needs to be at 95% or higher to prevent outbreaks.The Johns Hopkins study looked at 2,066 counties across 33 states, comparing kindergarten vaccination rates averaged over school years from 2017-2020 to averages from 2022-2024. Where kindergarten data wasn’t available, the researchers used a comparable rate.Here's what it looks like in counties where there have been outbreaks this year, including in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas counties that are the epicenter of measles</a>.<h2>Kansas</h2>Counties with outbreaks in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>&nbsp;include Gray with 25 cases, Haskell with 11 and and Stevens with seven.Vaccination rates in Gray County dropped 23 percentage points after the pandemic, from 94% to 71%.Haskell County dropped 18 percentage points to 65%. And Stevens County dropped 0.5 percentage points to 90.5%.<h2>Texas</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-vaccines-measles-outbreak-exemptions-rfk-ab4aea44661153a789472f9d7fa8d17b">Texas</a>&nbsp;has logged 742 measles cases since late January, most in West Texas.Gaines County has 411 cases, the most in the state. Almost 2% of its population got measles. While the county saw a two percentage-point increase in vaccination rates after the pandemic, its 82.4% rate remains&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-gaines-county-texas-religious-exemptions-cacdae1843fa918964a1b8e01fe757f5">below herd immunity.</a>Terry County (60 cases) and Yoakum County (20 cases) dropped below the 95% threshold for herd immunity after the pandemic, to 93.7% and 91.8% respectively.Lubbock County — which has seen 53 cases and is the closest metro area to Gaines County — was just below 95% before the pandemic, but dropped three percentage points after to 91.8%.El Paso County on the border of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-measles-vaccines-misinformation-mmr-mennonites-misinformation-ea6158b9a4d513b20f33cbc09034e5c2">Mexico</a>&nbsp;has had the third-most measles cases in Texas this year with 57. Its vaccination rate is higher than 95% but saw a 2.1 percentage-point decline to 96.5%.<h2>Colorado</h2>Colorado's outbreak, which is linked to an international flight that landed at the Denver airport in mid-May, involves six cases: five in state residents and one out-of-state traveler.Two people who got measles live in Arapahoe County in the Denver metro, where the vaccination rate dropped 3.5 percentage points to 88.4%. Three others live in El Paso County, home to Colorado Springs, where the vaccination rate dropped 3.8 percentage points to 80% post-pandemic.<h2>North Dakota</h2>Pre-pandemic data in North Dakota wasn't available to Johns Hopkins researchers, but they looked at rates from school years ending in 2022, 2023 and 2024.North Dakota's first outbreak started in Williams County, which now has 16 measles cases. In the timeframe researchers looked at, vaccination rates in Williams rose from 84.6% in 2022 to 87.7% in 2023, only to drop back to 83.5% in 2024.Cass County has seven cases, and its rate has stayed steady at about 92.7%, while Grand Forks County, which has 10 measles cases, dropped from 95.4% to 93.4%.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Measles vaccination rates drop after COVID-19 pandemic in Kansas

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for jumping the wall at President&nbsp;Donald Trump's Florida Mar-a-Lago estate, according to Captain Will Rothrock with the Palm Beach Police Department.

Just after midnight June 3, Palm Beach Police Department responded to Mar-a-Lago club, 1100 South Ocean Blvd., in reference to a trespass, according to a probable cause affidavit from the department.

Upon arrival, Palm Beach Police officers were met by U.S. Secret Service agents who had detained 23-year-old Anthony Thomas Reyes.

Secret Service agents advised that Reyes was found on the property and that Reyes stated to them that "he had jumped over the wall to get into the property." Secret Service agents stated that Reyes had not entered the sweep area or had been granted permission to enter the protected site. Reyes was previously trespassed from Mar-a-Lago on December 31, 2024.

Reyes was read his Miranda Warnings from a Palm Beach Police pre-printed card to which he acknowledged he understood.&nbsp;

Mar-a-Lago Club has numerous signs posted around the property that clearly state "No Trespassing" with tallgates that remain closed when not in use. At this time, Mar-a-Lago was not accepting visitors or guests, the gates and entry points were closed and manned by USSS security personnel.

Reyes is being held at Palm Beach County Jail on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records. He pleaded not guilty later Tuesday during his first appearance in court. President Trump was in Washington at the time of the incident.

It should be noted that effective May 16, 2025, House Bill 1447: Trespass provides enhanced penalties for trespassing on property maintained or secured by federal, state, or local law enforcement officers if specified notice is posted, anyone in violation commits a felony.

Based on the facts, police had&nbsp; Probable Cause to arrest Reyes on requested charges of count of Felony Occupied Trespass pursuant to F.S.S 810.09 (1) (a) (2) because he did in fact, without being authorized, licensed, or invited, willfully entered upon and remained on the property at 1100 South Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach, FL 33480, which at the time of the offense, was a federally protected area by the United States Secret Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749032592579.png" alt="Reyes photo Palm Beach County" />
 <figcaption>Reyes photo Palm Beach County</figcaption>
 </figure>PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for jumping the wall at President&nbsp;Donald Trump's Florida Mar-a-Lago estate, according to Captain Will Rothrock with the Palm Beach Police Department.Just after midnight June 3, Palm Beach Police Department responded to Mar-a-Lago club, 1100 South Ocean Blvd., in reference to a trespass, according to a probable cause affidavit from the department.Upon arrival, Palm Beach Police officers were met by U.S. Secret Service agents who had detained 23-year-old Anthony Thomas Reyes.Secret Service agents advised that Reyes was found on the property and that Reyes stated to them that "he had jumped over the wall to get into the property." Secret Service agents stated that Reyes had not entered the sweep area or had been granted permission to enter the protected site. Reyes was previously trespassed from Mar-a-Lago on December 31, 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749048514455.png" alt="Document from the New Year's Eve incident at Mar-a-Lago involving Reyes-Palm Beach Police" />
 <figcaption>Document from the New Year's Eve incident at Mar-a-Lago involving Reyes-Palm Beach Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Reyes was read his Miranda Warnings from a Palm Beach Police pre-printed card to which he acknowledged he understood.&nbsp;Mar-a-Lago Club has numerous signs posted around the property that clearly state "No Trespassing" with tallgates that remain closed when not in use. At this time, Mar-a-Lago was not accepting visitors or guests, the gates and entry points were closed and manned by USSS security personnel.Reyes is being held at Palm Beach County Jail on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records. He pleaded not guilty later Tuesday during his first appearance in court. President Trump was in Washington at the time of the incident.It should be noted that effective May 16, 2025, House Bill 1447: Trespass provides enhanced penalties for trespassing on property maintained or secured by federal, state, or local law enforcement officers if specified notice is posted, anyone in violation commits a felony.Based on the facts, police had&nbsp; Probable Cause to arrest Reyes on requested charges of count of Felony Occupied Trespass pursuant to F.S.S 810.09 (1) (a) (2) because he did in fact, without being authorized, licensed, or invited, willfully entered upon and remained on the property at 1100 South Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach, FL 33480, which at the time of the offense, was a federally protected area by the United States Secret Service.

Police: Man scaled wall at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fireworks can be discharged in unincorporated areas of the county on and before Independence Day.

On Tuesday, the Ellis County Commission approved fireworks discharge times from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to 4, aligning with the City of Hays’ schedule to make enforcement easier.

The city of Ellis allows discharge from July 3 to 4, and the city of Victoria only allows it on July 4.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748631073672.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFireworks can be discharged in unincorporated areas of the county on and before Independence Day.On Tuesday, the Ellis County Commission approved fireworks discharge times from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to 4, aligning with the City of Hays’ schedule to make enforcement easier.The city of Ellis allows discharge from July 3 to 4, and the city of Victoria only allows it on July 4.&nbsp;

Ellis County sets fireworks discharge rules

On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney talks with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executive Brian Weimer and Tiffany Zimmerman about insuring boats and RVS.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: IPI - Boat, RV, Camper Coverage" 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=qgzxv-18c8583-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&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney talks with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executive Brian Weimer and Tiffany Zimmerman about insuring boats and RVS.

🎙 Post Podcast: Insurance Planning on insuring your boat, RV

Reporter Cristina Janney discusses the new Chamber in Hays Workforce Development Committee with Leigh Purdy with the Chamber and Ben Shears with Fort Hays State University on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: The Chamber" 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=gmy64-18c6c33-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>Reporter Cristina Janney discusses the new Chamber in Hays Workforce Development Committee with Leigh Purdy with the Chamber and Ben Shears with Fort Hays State University on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Chamber in Hays discusses new Workforce Development Committee

The county administrator said the county is within .01 mill of last year as of its draft budget presented on Tuesday.

To keep the mill levy stable, commissioners would need to cut about $100,000 out of the county budget,&nbsp;Darin Myers, county administrator, said as he reviewed a draft of the budget with county commissioners on Tuesday.

County officials are projecting $30.43 million in general fund revenue and $33.33 million in expenditures, an increase from 2025.

The county is waiting for the final assessed valuation from the appraiser.

"This is very preliminary, but the good news is the budget came in at a point where it's not as concerning as originally thought," Myers said.

Myers said the proposed 2026 budget slightly exceeds the revenue-neutral rate, and to stay within the revenue-neutral rate, the county would need to cut about $750,000 from the budget.

Myers said Ellis County has the 13th lowest mill levy in Kansas.&nbsp;

The cash carryover was $4.3 million last year compared to $4.8 million this year, which Myers said will be positive for property taxes.

The current draft includes an estimated 7% increase in health insurance costs. The actual renewal rates will not be determined until after the final budget adoption in September.

Items in the 2026 Ellis County Budget draft include:

• Step wage increase for county employees with a possible cost of living increase mid-year • $1.6 million to the highway fund for road and bridge projects. • Continued funding for the asphalt road maintenance program. • Funding for staff development to attend a Certified Public Manager Course through KU. • Continued transfers to reserves for capital projects. • Finalization of a plan to absorb 911 communications positions from the city of Hays

The commission heard from a few outside agencies and will hear from more at the June 10 meeting. Myers said about 18 agencies have submitted their funding requests to the Ellis County Care Council, which will review them and likely provide recommendations before the end of July.

Some items that are not currently in the first draft budget but the commission has expressed interest in considering include:

• Funding for the law enforcement center remodel after the Hays Police Department moves into their new facility in August 2026. • Price increase request from the contract attorneys for the Ellis County District Court. • Funding for IT infrastructure for upgrades in the 911 communications center. • Staffing requests to change the sheriff's office from 8 to 12 hour shifts and adding one additional EMT medic per shift for EMS

The biggest increase in the fire district budget is due to higher insurance costs. Myers said this is because the county must insure both active fire trucks and those still being built.

The 2026 solid waste budget is balanced, and no rate increases are planned for municipal waste, Myers said.

Commissioner Michael Berges said even though the commission now has a clearer picture of the draft budget, there will be tough financial decisions to make due to state and federal funding cuts to local agencies.

"I think this is going to be our toughest budget out of the three that I've been through for various reasons," Berges said, "but I appreciate what we have to start here today."

Commissioners heard from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three of the disability services organization's programs.

The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025. The nonprofit is asking for the same amount despite a local funding gap. Michaud said the agency faces ongoing staffing challenges, with 27 open positions, 12 of which are in Ellis County.

The commission reappointed Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.

The commission was notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers announced the openings and invited interested residents to apply <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/494/Citizen-Interest---Volunteer">here</a>.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, provided an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County, such as the Heart of America Development.

The commission also approved a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748874047174.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe county administrator said the county is within .01 mill of last year as of its draft budget presented on Tuesday.To keep the mill levy stable, commissioners would need to cut about $100,000 out of the county budget,&nbsp;Darin Myers, county administrator, said as he reviewed a draft of the budget with county commissioners on Tuesday.County officials are projecting $30.43 million in general fund revenue and $33.33 million in expenditures, an increase from 2025.The county is waiting for the final assessed valuation from the appraiser."This is very preliminary, but the good news is the budget came in at a point where it's not as concerning as originally thought," Myers said.Myers said the proposed 2026 budget slightly exceeds the revenue-neutral rate, and to stay within the revenue-neutral rate, the county would need to cut about $750,000 from the budget.Myers said Ellis County has the 13th lowest mill levy in Kansas.&nbsp;The cash carryover was $4.3 million last year compared to $4.8 million this year, which Myers said will be positive for property taxes.The current draft includes an estimated 7% increase in health insurance costs. The actual renewal rates will not be determined until after the final budget adoption in September.Items in the 2026 Ellis County Budget draft include:• Step wage increase for county employees with a possible cost of living increase mid-year • $1.6 million to the highway fund for road and bridge projects. • Continued funding for the asphalt road maintenance program. • Funding for staff development to attend a Certified Public Manager Course through KU. • Continued transfers to reserves for capital projects. • Finalization of a plan to absorb 911 communications positions from the city of HaysThe commission heard from a few outside agencies and will hear from more at the June 10 meeting. Myers said about 18 agencies have submitted their funding requests to the Ellis County Care Council, which will review them and likely provide recommendations before the end of July.Some items that are not currently in the first draft budget but the commission has expressed interest in considering include:• Funding for the law enforcement center remodel after the Hays Police Department moves into their new facility in August 2026. • Price increase request from the contract attorneys for the Ellis County District Court. • Funding for IT infrastructure for upgrades in the 911 communications center. • Staffing requests to change the sheriff's office from 8 to 12 hour shifts and adding one additional EMT medic per shift for EMSThe biggest increase in the fire district budget is due to higher insurance costs. Myers said this is because the county must insure both active fire trucks and those still being built.The 2026 solid waste budget is balanced, and no rate increases are planned for municipal waste, Myers said.Commissioner Michael Berges said even though the commission now has a clearer picture of the draft budget, there will be tough financial decisions to make due to state and federal funding cuts to local agencies."I think this is going to be our toughest budget out of the three that I've been through for various reasons," Berges said, "but I appreciate what we have to start here today."<h2>DSNWK budget requests</h2>Commissioners heard from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three of the disability services organization's programs.The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025. The nonprofit is asking for the same amount despite a local funding gap. Michaud said the agency faces ongoing staffing challenges, with 27 open positions, 12 of which are in Ellis County.<h2>Other business</h2>The commission reappointed Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.The commission was notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers announced the openings and invited interested residents to apply <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/494/Citizen-Interest---Volunteer">here</a>.Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, provided an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County, such as the Heart of America Development.The commission also approved a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.

Ellis County administrator says mill levy likely to be stable in 2026

HAYS - The Hays Larks embark on another season of summer
collegiate baseball Wednesday with a non-league game against the Dodge City A’s
at Cavalier Field in Dodge City. The Larks play their home opener against the A’s on
Saturday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m.

The team reported late last week to begin preparations for
the 2025 season. The Larks are coming off their first NBC World Series
championship in 2024 and are led by veteran head coach Frank Leo who begins his
43rd season.

"We've got a great bunch of those guys back that can actually enjoy what we accomplished last year" Leo said.

Keith Harper is back for a 21st season as the team's pitching coach and Andy Lewton returns for a fourth season as an assistant coach.

The 2025 schedule
includes 34 dates, with 25 home games at Larks Park.

Click <a href="https://hayslarks.org/schedule/">here</a> to view complete schedule.

DATE	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION	SPECIAL EVENT June 4	at Dodge City A’s	7:00pm	Cavalier Field June 5	at Newton Rebels	7:00pm	Klein Scott Field June 7	 DODGE CITY A’s*	7:00pm	Larks Park June 8	at Dodge City*	7:00pm	Cavalier Field June 10	 KANSAS CANNONS	7:00pm	Larks Park June 11	 DODGE CITY A’s*	7:00pm	Larks Park June 13	 DENVER COUGARS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	First Responders Night June 14	 DENVER COUGARS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Military Appreciation June 15	 DENVER COUGARS	6:00pm	Larks Park June 19	 GAMEDAY ANGELS*	7:00pm	Larks Park June 20	 GAMEDAY ANGELS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Big Brothers/Big Sisters June 21	 GAMEDAY ANGELS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Championship Celebration June 22	 GAMEDAY ANGELS*	6:00pm	Larks Park June 24	at Liberal BeeJays*	7:00pm	Brent Gould Field June 25	at Liberal BeeJays*	7:00pm	Brent Gould Field June 26	at Liberal BeeJays*	7:00pm	Brent Gould Field June 28	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS*	7:00pm	Larks Park June 29	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS	6:00pm	Larks Park	Stand UP 2 Cancer June 30	 DODGE CITY A’s*	7:00pm	Larks Park July 2	at Colorado Roughriders*	5:00pm	Regis Baseball Field	 July 3	at Gameday Angels	7:05pm	Double Angel Field July 5	at Gameday Angels*	7:05pm	Double Angel Field July 7	 NEWTON REBELS	7:00pm	Larks Park July 8 at Kansas Cannons 7:00pm Augusta HS July 10	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS*	7:00pm	Larks Park July 11	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS*	7:00pm	Larks Lark	Educators Night July 12	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	McKids Day July 13	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS	7:00pm	Larks Lark July 15	 LIBERAL BEEJAYS*	7:00pm	Larks Park July 16	 LIBERAL BEEJAYS*	7:00pm	Larks Park July 18	 DENVER COUGARS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Pack the Pantry July 19	 DENVER COUGARS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Host Family/Pack the Pantry July 20	 DENVER COUGARS	7:00pm	Larks Park	Pack the Pantry July 21	 DODGE CITY A’s*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Pack the Pantry July 24-Aug 2	at NBC World Series	TBD * Rocky Mountain Baseball League

2025 Hays Larks Roster #	Player	Position	College	Year	Hometown 1	CJ Reid	INF	Hutchinson CC	SO	Colorado Springs, CO 2	Trent Baker	Outfield, RHP	Lamar	JR	Spring, TX 3	Ray Jesse	C	Pima CC	SO	Lockport, IL 5	Jackson Babcock	1B	Colorado School of Mines	FR	League City, TX 6	Taber Stokes	INF	Hutchinson CC	SO	Mustang, OK 7	Mason Hamlin	INF	Oklahoma	JR	Falcon, CO 8	Lane Sparks	Outfield	Wharton State CC	SO	Brenham, TX 9	Michael Chago Barham	OF/1B	Murray State CC	FR	Duncan, OK 12	Kaleb Duncan	Outfield	Wichita State	SO	Goodyear, AZ 14	Nick Gray	RHP	Angelo State	JR	Forney, TX 15	Thomas Lyssy	INF	Incarnate Word	JR	Harlingen, TX 16	Seth Lee	RHP	Pima CC	SO	Rio Rancho, NM 17	Adrian Najar	RHP	Lamar	JR	DeSoto, TX 18	Garrett Hicks	RHP	Arizona	JR	Buckeye, AZ 19	Aiden Schmidgall	RHP	Arizona Western CC	SO	Yuma, AZ 20	Braxton Bjur	LHP	Pima CC	FR	Buckeye, AZ 21	Lorenzo Rios	C	Rice	JR	Yorkville, IL 22	Julio Ramos	RHP	Lamar	JR	Nogales, AZ 26	Dylan LaRue	1B/C	Cumberland Univ	JR	Blanco, TX 27	Brooks Jones	LHP	Hutchinson CC	FR	Lawrence, KS 29	Jordan Stribling	LHP	Oklahoma	FR	Dallas, TX 30	Nolan Wilson	RHP	Univ of Cumberlands	JR	Hockley, TX 31	Keevyn Goss	LHP	Wharton State CC	SO	Rockwell, TX 32	Dalton Campbell	LHP	Oklahoma City	JR	Liberty Hill, TX &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Braxton Bjur	LHP	Pima CC FR	Buckeye, AZ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsHAYS - The Hays Larks embark on another season of summer
collegiate baseball Wednesday with a non-league game against the Dodge City A’s
at Cavalier Field in Dodge City. The Larks play their home opener against the A’s on
Saturday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m.The team reported late last week to begin preparations for
the 2025 season. The Larks are coming off their first NBC World Series
championship in 2024 and are led by veteran head coach Frank Leo who begins his
43rd season."We've got a great bunch of those guys back that can actually enjoy what we accomplished last year" Leo said.Keith Harper is back for a 21st season as the team's pitching coach and Andy Lewton returns for a fourth season as an assistant coach.The 2025 schedule
includes 34 dates, with 25 home games at Larks Park.Click <a href="https://hayslarks.org/schedule/">here</a> to view complete schedule.DATE	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION	SPECIAL EVENT June 4	at Dodge City A’s	7:00pm	Cavalier Field June 5	at Newton Rebels	7:00pm	Klein Scott Field June 7	 DODGE CITY A’s*	7:00pm	Larks Park June 8	at Dodge City*	7:00pm	Cavalier Field June 10	 KANSAS CANNONS	7:00pm	Larks Park June 11	 DODGE CITY A’s*	7:00pm	Larks Park June 13	 DENVER COUGARS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	First Responders Night June 14	 DENVER COUGARS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Military Appreciation June 15	 DENVER COUGARS	6:00pm	Larks Park June 19	 GAMEDAY ANGELS*	7:00pm	Larks Park June 20	 GAMEDAY ANGELS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Big Brothers/Big Sisters June 21	 GAMEDAY ANGELS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Championship Celebration June 22	 GAMEDAY ANGELS*	6:00pm	Larks Park June 24	at Liberal BeeJays*	7:00pm	Brent Gould Field June 25	at Liberal BeeJays*	7:00pm	Brent Gould Field June 26	at Liberal BeeJays*	7:00pm	Brent Gould Field June 28	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS*	7:00pm	Larks Park June 29	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS	6:00pm	Larks Park	Stand UP 2 Cancer June 30	 DODGE CITY A’s*	7:00pm	Larks Park July 2	at Colorado Roughriders*	5:00pm	Regis Baseball Field	 July 3	at Gameday Angels	7:05pm	Double Angel Field July 5	at Gameday Angels*	7:05pm	Double Angel Field July 7	 NEWTON REBELS	7:00pm	Larks Park July 8 at Kansas Cannons 7:00pm Augusta HS July 10	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS*	7:00pm	Larks Park July 11	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS*	7:00pm	Larks Lark	Educators Night July 12	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	McKids Day July 13	 COLORADO ROUGHRIDERS	7:00pm	Larks Lark July 15	 LIBERAL BEEJAYS*	7:00pm	Larks Park July 16	 LIBERAL BEEJAYS*	7:00pm	Larks Park July 18	 DENVER COUGARS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Pack the Pantry July 19	 DENVER COUGARS*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Host Family/Pack the Pantry July 20	 DENVER COUGARS	7:00pm	Larks Park	Pack the Pantry July 21	 DODGE CITY A’s*	7:00pm	Larks Park	Pack the Pantry July 24-Aug 2	at NBC World Series	TBD * Rocky Mountain Baseball League2025 Hays Larks Roster #	Player	Position	College	Year	Hometown 1	CJ Reid	INF	Hutchinson CC	SO	Colorado Springs, CO 2	Trent Baker	Outfield, RHP	Lamar	JR	Spring, TX 3	Ray Jesse	C	Pima CC	SO	Lockport, IL 5	Jackson Babcock	1B	Colorado School of Mines	FR	League City, TX 6	Taber Stokes	INF	Hutchinson CC	SO	Mustang, OK 7	Mason Hamlin	INF	Oklahoma	JR	Falcon, CO 8	Lane Sparks	Outfield	Wharton State CC	SO	Brenham, TX 9	Michael Chago Barham	OF/1B	Murray State CC	FR	Duncan, OK 12	Kaleb Duncan	Outfield	Wichita State	SO	Goodyear, AZ 14	Nick Gray	RHP	Angelo State	JR	Forney, TX 15	Thomas Lyssy	INF	Incarnate Word	JR	Harlingen, TX 16	Seth Lee	RHP	Pima CC	SO	Rio Rancho, NM 17	Adrian Najar	RHP	Lamar	JR	DeSoto, TX 18	Garrett Hicks	RHP	Arizona	JR	Buckeye, AZ 19	Aiden Schmidgall	RHP	Arizona Western CC	SO	Yuma, AZ 20	Braxton Bjur	LHP	Pima CC	FR	Buckeye, AZ 21	Lorenzo Rios	C	Rice	JR	Yorkville, IL 22	Julio Ramos	RHP	Lamar	JR	Nogales, AZ 26	Dylan LaRue	1B/C	Cumberland Univ	JR	Blanco, TX 27	Brooks Jones	LHP	Hutchinson CC	FR	Lawrence, KS 29	Jordan Stribling	LHP	Oklahoma	FR	Dallas, TX 30	Nolan Wilson	RHP	Univ of Cumberlands	JR	Hockley, TX 31	Keevyn Goss	LHP	Wharton State CC	SO	Rockwell, TX 32	Dalton Campbell	LHP	Oklahoma City	JR	Liberty Hill, TX &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Braxton Bjur	LHP	Pima CC FR	Buckeye, AZ

⚾ Larks open season Wednesday in Dodge City

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The deadline for candidates to file for the 2025 city and
school board elections has passed, and while there are several contested races,
there aren’t enough candidates vying for each position to hold a preliminary
election. 

Instead, all races will be decided in the November general
election.

Nine candidates are vying for two four-year and one two-year
term on the Hays City Commission. 

Those candidates are incumbents Reese Barrick, Shaun Musil
and Sandy Jacobs. Other candidates include David Vilaysing, Candace (CJ)
Hathaway, Samuel Allen, Justin Choitz, Kelly Ancar and David Koshiol.

There are three at-large seats open on the Ellis City
Council. Incumbent John A. Walz and Mayor David R. McDaniel will be on the
ballot along with Kevin LaBarge.

Just one person filed for the Schoenchen City Council: Jim
Mowry. There are five positions up for election.

Ryan Lichter and Matthew L Sander filed for two of the three
open seats on the Victoria City Council.

Other contested races include the contest for three seats on
the Hays USD 489 School Board. 

Ken Brooks, Curt C. Vajnar, Craig Pallister, Meagan
Zampieri-Lillpopp and Kelly Ancar all filed to run for those three seats. 

Five Victoria residents will be facing off for three spots
on the USD 432 Victoria School Board. 

Those five candidates are Shanna Dinkel, Jacob Hunter, Connie
Braun, Jeanna Wellbrock and Jennifer Berens. 

There are also four Russell residents vying for three seats
on the Russell School Board. They are Joyce Ellis, Nancy M. Schmitt, Shari
Pittenger and Many K. Troug.

There are also contested races for the Big Creek, Munjor,
Prairie Acres and Suburban Estates Improvement Districts, as well as Cottonwood
Extension District #17. 

You can find the complete list of candidates below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747840530130.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe deadline for candidates to file for the 2025 city and
school board elections has passed, and while there are several contested races,
there aren’t enough candidates vying for each position to hold a preliminary
election. Instead, all races will be decided in the November general
election.Nine candidates are vying for two four-year and one two-year
term on the Hays City Commission. Those candidates are incumbents Reese Barrick, Shaun Musil
and Sandy Jacobs. Other candidates include David Vilaysing, Candace (CJ)
Hathaway, Samuel Allen, Justin Choitz, Kelly Ancar and David Koshiol.There are three at-large seats open on the Ellis City
Council. Incumbent John A. Walz and Mayor David R. McDaniel will be on the
ballot along with Kevin LaBarge.Just one person filed for the Schoenchen City Council: Jim
Mowry. There are five positions up for election.Ryan Lichter and Matthew L Sander filed for two of the three
open seats on the Victoria City Council.Other contested races include the contest for three seats on
the Hays USD 489 School Board. Ken Brooks, Curt C. Vajnar, Craig Pallister, Meagan
Zampieri-Lillpopp and Kelly Ancar all filed to run for those three seats. Five Victoria residents will be facing off for three spots
on the USD 432 Victoria School Board. Those five candidates are Shanna Dinkel, Jacob Hunter, Connie
Braun, Jeanna Wellbrock and Jennifer Berens. There are also four Russell residents vying for three seats
on the Russell School Board. They are Joyce Ellis, Nancy M. Schmitt, Shari
Pittenger and Many K. Troug.There are also contested races for the Big Creek, Munjor,
Prairie Acres and Suburban Estates Improvement Districts, as well as Cottonwood
Extension District #17. You can find the complete list of candidates below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748987748023.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748987765874.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748987782414.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Candidate field set for fall general election

Note: The letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, and the EAS recommended line-item cuts are attached at the end of this letter.

This is in response to the article regarding Essential Air Service funding for the Hays airport.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2730c5cd-1026-4098-9e5f-ebf15c8fd949">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays faces loss of federal airport funds</a>

After reading the article in Hays Post about the Hays airport losing its Essential Air Service (EAS) federal funding, I shared mixed feelings of panic and anger. Panic because it meant that my husband who has worked for TSA for 22 plus years would possibly need to relocate or lose his job if Hays no longer had air service. And anger at our city council for fear-mongering the public by not giving more details about the information and its source. Instead, they chose to direct us down a path of doom by making this comment about their solution of how to make up the money that would be lost: "For us, to make that up, we would have to increase our mill levy from 25 to 44. That's almost double the mills just to cover that annual subsidy," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor.

While I appreciate our city council directing us to contact our legislators about anything of concern, I am putting them on notice. Give us the facts and the source of where you are getting your information. Spend time explaining it to those who voted for you. Don’t just say “Trump’s budget” and sound the alarm, push us in a corner and leave it at that! Research some other funding options, or at least tell us you are looking into it, rather than make some crazy comment about raising our mill levy/taxes. Like we all needed to hear that right now!

I am always skeptical of both sides of the news – left and right. I think for myself. It’s sad that journalism isn’t what it used to be…when opinions of the journalists were not expressed, and all that we got were the facts. Now it’s almost like a reality show where the public feeds off the controversy.

After reading the article, I did my research. I went to the belly of the beast, the actual “Big Beautiful Bill” all 1,118 pages of it. Doing a search within the bill, I found nothing that mentions “Essential Air Service.” I dissected the table of contents and still nothing. After searching more on <a href="http://Congress.gov">Congress.gov</a>, I found that cutting EAS has not been introduced into any type of legislation. Where I did find it mentioned was at the bottom of page 23 in a letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget as a proposal to Congress for the 2026 budget. This is not written in stone legislation. It is merely a proposal to Congress. Congress is the one that needs to enact the legislation to remove EAS. Nothing in that budget proposal letter is written in stone. I encourage you to click on the bill highlighted above, which is legislation currently in the Senate, and read (or press the listen button) to be informed of what your Congress is voting on…go to the source itself instead of listening to he said, she said. Make up your own mind.

Here is an explanation about Essential Air Service for those who don’t know. The airline is given federal EAS funding for each seat in the plane, whether empty or occupied. To receive EAS funding, certain criteria must be met, and an application must be submitted and approved. It is federal money put in the pocket of the airline to entice them to service the area, and it gives the city an edge to contract with a competitive air carrier. Many rural towns do not fill their seats, so it is debatable by the administration if it is considered wasteful to the taxpayers to pay for all those empty seats in the airplane. Hays has high boarding numbers, which is very good and something positive that should be pointed out by our city council. In my opinion, and according to the criteria they are stating in the budget proposal, we are being good stewards of the money given by evidence of the enplanements we have. FHSU requires their faculty/staff to fly out of Hays whenever possible because the more the community supports the airline, the more likelihood the airline will be able to receive EAS funding, and we will keep our service. Community support is also one of the criteria for receiving funding.

Everyone complains that it is so expensive to fly out of Hays. To get the best ticket price you should try being flexible on the dates you are traveling, if possible. When going to United.com, click on the “flexible dates” box and adjust how many days in your trip and the month. It will show the entire month and the ticket prices for every day. You can adjust your travel dates or number of days to get the lowest price. Also, booking on Tuesday or Wednesday could be better. On my search for Hays to Orlando, I found a roundtrip ticket price of $275 on June 27. Isn’t it much better to avoid the driving, traffic, gas, hotel, parking fees, plus just all the hassle when you can fly right out of Hays?

We could all use more positivity in our lives. Shouldn’t we try to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Note: The letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, and the EAS recommended line-item cuts are attached at the end of this letter.This is in response to the article regarding Essential Air Service funding for the Hays airport.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2730c5cd-1026-4098-9e5f-ebf15c8fd949">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays faces loss of federal airport funds</a>After reading the article in Hays Post about the Hays airport losing its Essential Air Service (EAS) federal funding, I shared mixed feelings of panic and anger. Panic because it meant that my husband who has worked for TSA for 22 plus years would possibly need to relocate or lose his job if Hays no longer had air service. And anger at our city council for fear-mongering the public by not giving more details about the information and its source. Instead, they chose to direct us down a path of doom by making this comment about their solution of how to make up the money that would be lost: "For us, to make that up, we would have to increase our mill levy from 25 to 44. That's almost double the mills just to cover that annual subsidy," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor.While I appreciate our city council directing us to contact our legislators about anything of concern, I am putting them on notice. Give us the facts and the source of where you are getting your information. Spend time explaining it to those who voted for you. Don’t just say “Trump’s budget” and sound the alarm, push us in a corner and leave it at that! Research some other funding options, or at least tell us you are looking into it, rather than make some crazy comment about raising our mill levy/taxes. Like we all needed to hear that right now!I am always skeptical of both sides of the news – left and right. I think for myself. It’s sad that journalism isn’t what it used to be…when opinions of the journalists were not expressed, and all that we got were the facts. Now it’s almost like a reality show where the public feeds off the controversy.After reading the article, I did my research. I went to the belly of the beast, the actual “Big Beautiful Bill” all 1,118 pages of it. Doing a search within the bill, I found nothing that mentions “Essential Air Service.” I dissected the table of contents and still nothing. After searching more on <a href="http://Congress.gov">Congress.gov</a>, I found that cutting EAS has not been introduced into any type of legislation. Where I did find it mentioned was at the bottom of page 23 in a letter from the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget as a proposal to Congress for the 2026 budget. This is not written in stone legislation. It is merely a proposal to Congress. Congress is the one that needs to enact the legislation to remove EAS. Nothing in that budget proposal letter is written in stone. I encourage you to click on the bill highlighted above, which is legislation currently in the Senate, and read (or press the listen button) to be informed of what your Congress is voting on…go to the source itself instead of listening to he said, she said. Make up your own mind.Here is an explanation about Essential Air Service for those who don’t know. The airline is given federal EAS funding for each seat in the plane, whether empty or occupied. To receive EAS funding, certain criteria must be met, and an application must be submitted and approved. It is federal money put in the pocket of the airline to entice them to service the area, and it gives the city an edge to contract with a competitive air carrier. Many rural towns do not fill their seats, so it is debatable by the administration if it is considered wasteful to the taxpayers to pay for all those empty seats in the airplane. Hays has high boarding numbers, which is very good and something positive that should be pointed out by our city council. In my opinion, and according to the criteria they are stating in the budget proposal, we are being good stewards of the money given by evidence of the enplanements we have. FHSU requires their faculty/staff to fly out of Hays whenever possible because the more the community supports the airline, the more likelihood the airline will be able to receive EAS funding, and we will keep our service. Community support is also one of the criteria for receiving funding.Everyone complains that it is so expensive to fly out of Hays. To get the best ticket price you should try being flexible on the dates you are traveling, if possible. When going to United.com, click on the “flexible dates” box and adjust how many days in your trip and the month. It will show the entire month and the ticket prices for every day. You can adjust your travel dates or number of days to get the lowest price. Also, booking on Tuesday or Wednesday could be better. On my search for Hays to Orlando, I found a roundtrip ticket price of $275 on June 27. Isn’t it much better to avoid the driving, traffic, gas, hotel, parking fees, plus just all the hassle when you can fly right out of Hays?We could all use more positivity in our lives. Shouldn’t we try to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem?— Jodie J. Wear-Leiker<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979073961.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979098644.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748979120678.png" alt="Line item for recommended budget cut for Essential Air Service." />
 <figcaption>Line item for recommended budget cut for Essential Air Service.</figcaption>
 </figure>

LETTER: Reader wants city to find other solutions for air service

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/lisa-mascaro">LISA MASCARO</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mary-clare-jalonick">MARY CLARE JALONICK</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) —Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who just left the Trump administration, blasted the Republican tax cuts and spending plans that passed the House.

“This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” Musk posted Tuesday on X. “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”

Musk continued that the bill “will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Musk stepped down</a>&nbsp;last week from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which has been tasked with slashing federal spending.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt played down the criticism by one of Trump’s top advisers and funders of his political operations during last year’s election.

“The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill,” Leavitt said, adding that Musk’s post “doesn’t change the president’s opinion.”

Senate majority leader pushes back on Musk critique of GOP bill

John Thune said billionaire Elon Musk’s critiques of the Republicans’ sweeping tax and spending package amounts to “a difference of opinion” and said the Senate would not change course.

“So we have a difference of opinion. He’s entitled to that opinion. We’re going to proceed full speed ahead,” Thune told reporters.

Thune said he has seen economic modeling that predicts “significant growth” in the U.S. economy if the proposals were enacted.

He said Musk’s concerns were based on analysis from the Congressional Budget Office that he called “static scoring assessment.”

He dismissed concerns that Musk’s critiques could tank the GOP’s signature legislation.

“We have an agenda that everybody campaigned on, most notably the president,” Thune said.

House speaker calls Elon Musk’s criticism of the Republican tax and immigration bill ‘very disappointing’

“With all due respect,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-leaves-white-house-doge-savings-trump-666f0c3f890354fe836230826d9faa85">my friend Elon</a>&nbsp;is terribly wrong about the one big beautiful bill,” Mike Johnson said Tuesday.

Johnson said he spoke with Musk on Monday for more than 20 minutes by telephone. He said he extolled the virtues of the bill and how it was achieving campaign promises while making permanent massive tax and spending cuts.

“It’s a very important first start. Elon is missing it,” Johnson said.

Johnson also noted how the bill quickly phases out tax credits for electric vehicle purchases.

“That is going away because the government should not be subsidizing these things,” Johnson said. “I know that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-trump-tesla-starlink-spacex-twitter-x-robotaxi-selfdriving-austin-e5206c756299f47e81fb90fb4734661a">has an effect on his business</a>&nbsp;and I lament that.”

He also said that’s he’s surprised by Musk’s criticism given their conversation.

“I just deeply regret he’s made this mistake,” Johnson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748628883590.png" alt="File photo White House- Elon Musk during a farewell press conference in the Oval Office last month" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House- Elon Musk during a farewell press conference in the Oval Office last month</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/lisa-mascaro">LISA MASCARO</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mary-clare-jalonick">MARY CLARE JALONICK</a>WASHINGTON (AP) —Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who just left the Trump administration, blasted the Republican tax cuts and spending plans that passed the House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1929954109689606359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” Musk posted Tuesday on X. “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”Musk continued that the bill “will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt.”<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Musk stepped down</a>&nbsp;last week from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which has been tasked with slashing federal spending.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt played down the criticism by one of Trump’s top advisers and funders of his political operations during last year’s election.“The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill,” Leavitt said, adding that Musk’s post “doesn’t change the president’s opinion.”<h2>Senate majority leader pushes back on Musk critique of GOP bill</h2>John Thune said billionaire Elon Musk’s critiques of the Republicans’ sweeping tax and spending package amounts to “a difference of opinion” and said the Senate would not change course.“So we have a difference of opinion. He’s entitled to that opinion. We’re going to proceed full speed ahead,” Thune told reporters.Thune said he has seen economic modeling that predicts “significant growth” in the U.S. economy if the proposals were enacted.He said Musk’s concerns were based on analysis from the Congressional Budget Office that he called “static scoring assessment.”He dismissed concerns that Musk’s critiques could tank the GOP’s signature legislation.“We have an agenda that everybody campaigned on, most notably the president,” Thune said.<h2>House speaker calls Elon Musk’s criticism of the Republican tax and immigration bill ‘very disappointing’</h2>“With all due respect,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-leaves-white-house-doge-savings-trump-666f0c3f890354fe836230826d9faa85">my friend Elon</a>&nbsp;is terribly wrong about the one big beautiful bill,” Mike Johnson said Tuesday.Johnson said he spoke with Musk on Monday for more than 20 minutes by telephone. He said he extolled the virtues of the bill and how it was achieving campaign promises while making permanent massive tax and spending cuts.“It’s a very important first start. Elon is missing it,” Johnson said.Johnson also noted how the bill quickly phases out tax credits for electric vehicle purchases.“That is going away because the government should not be subsidizing these things,” Johnson said. “I know that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-trump-tesla-starlink-spacex-twitter-x-robotaxi-selfdriving-austin-e5206c756299f47e81fb90fb4734661a">has an effect on his business</a>&nbsp;and I lament that.”He also said that’s he’s surprised by Musk’s criticism given their conversation.“I just deeply regret he’s made this mistake,” Johnson said.

Trump's beautiful bill faces pushback from Musk, some GOP Senators

WASHINGTON (AP) —His stare is intent. His coiffure has been swept to his right side. The lighting is dramatic with a mix of shadows that depart from the brighter photographs of his predecessors. An American flag pin gleams in his lapel.

On the Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1929634147183505703https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1929634147183505703">social media post announcing the portrait</a>, the White House used a flame emoji to describe the picture. The posting on X featured a video of a suited man hanging the framed picture on the wall to the soundtrack of an Austin Powers-like jazz riff as people walked by, giving the picture a look of stillness and permanence.

WASHINGTON (AP) —His stare is intent. His coiffure has been swept to his right side. The lighting is dramatic with a mix of shadows that depart from the brighter photographs of his predecessors. An American flag pin gleams in his lapel.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">NEW OFFICIAL PRESIDENTIAL PORTRAIT JUST DROPPED 🔥🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/mmDIGRRJNi">pic.twitter.com/mmDIGRRJNi</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1929634147183505703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On the Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1929634147183505703https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1929634147183505703">social media post announcing the portrait</a>, the White House used a flame emoji to describe the picture. The posting on X featured a video of a suited man hanging the framed picture on the wall to the soundtrack of an Austin Powers-like jazz riff as people walked by, giving the picture a look of stillness and permanence.

White House makes public Trump’s new official picture

The 2025 Ellis County Community Fair will unite health and support services under one roof in Hays.

The Ellis County Health Department will host this year’s fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., offering attendees a chance to discover local resources.

"Our greatest mission is bridging the gap between public services and people who need them," Ellis County Health Department director, Mellisa Miller, said.

The third-annual fair will feature booths from organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, Catholic Charities, Cottonwood Extension District, Hays Recreation Commission, High Plains Mental Health, United Way of Ellis County and USD 489.

The event is free to attend, but the health department will also provide $25 sports physicals for the upcoming school year with no appointment required.

Activities will include cornhole, balloon pop, prize wheels, face painting, ring toss and a bingo-style raffle with a $450 prize.

"Each vendor will have a stamp for the attendees' bingo card. And then when their bingo card is full, we'll draw a card and the winner will be notified," Miller said.

In addition to booths inside the mall, outdoor vendors and organizations will feature the Hays Public Library bookmobile, KansasWorks Mobile Center and Chick-fil-A.

The first 50 attendees will get free hot dogs and popcorn.

"We just wanted to create an inviting environment with a carnival theme, so a little less like a resource fair and more like a celebration of the community and what it has to offer," Miller said.

You can find more information on the Ellis County Health Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">here&nbsp;</a>and follow it on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscokshealth/">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748888082139.jpeg" alt="2023 Ellis County Community Fair at Big Creek Crossing in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>2023 Ellis County Community Fair at Big Creek Crossing in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe 2025 Ellis County Community Fair will unite health and support services under one roof in Hays.The Ellis County Health Department will host this year’s fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., offering attendees a chance to discover local resources. "Our greatest mission is bridging the gap between public services and people who need them," Ellis County Health Department director, Mellisa Miller, said.The third-annual fair will feature booths from organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, Catholic Charities, Cottonwood Extension District, Hays Recreation Commission, High Plains Mental Health, United Way of Ellis County and USD 489.The event is free to attend, but the health department will also provide $25 sports physicals for the upcoming school year with no appointment required.Activities will include cornhole, balloon pop, prize wheels, face painting, ring toss and a bingo-style raffle with a $450 prize."Each vendor will have a stamp for the attendees' bingo card. And then when their bingo card is full, we'll draw a card and the winner will be notified," Miller said.In addition to booths inside the mall, outdoor vendors and organizations will feature the Hays Public Library bookmobile, KansasWorks Mobile Center and Chick-fil-A.The first 50 attendees will get free hot dogs and popcorn."We just wanted to create an inviting environment with a carnival theme, so a little less like a resource fair and more like a celebration of the community and what it has to offer," Miller said.You can find more information on the Ellis County Health Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">here&nbsp;</a>and follow it on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscokshealth/">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2025 Ellis County Community Fair set for Thursday in Hays

The Hays High girls soccer team had four players named to the All-Western Athletic Conference team. Senior Dani Willeford was named to the first team. Juniors Annie Humphrey, Kinslee Newell and Sienna Lummus were named second team.The Indians finished the season 9-9, losing to Goddard-Eisenhower in the regional finals.&nbsp;ALL CONFERENCE GIRLS SOCCER – 2025 FIRST TEAM Jarica Hutcheson So. Garden City Trinicia Garcia Jr. Garden City Jasleen Ortega Jr. Garden City Isabel Espino Sr. Garden City Karime Rueda Jr. Dodge City Kathia Ramirez Sr. Dodge City Yakeline Zetino Jr. Dodge City Ashley Alonso Jr. Dodge City Lily Guy Fr. Liberal Nicole Catalan Sr. Liberal Dani Willeford Sr. Hays

Player of the Year: Jarica Hutcheson, Garden City Coach of the Year: Jose Vital-Castro, Garden City

SECOND TEAM Cecilia Garcia Sr. Garden City Jocelyn Guerrero Fr. Garden City Kelly Morales Sr. Dodge City Annie Humphrey Jr. Hays Kinslee Newell Jr. Hays Sienna Lummus Jr. Hays Ashley Batista Fr. Liberal Liliana Santiago So. Liberal Ljill Reimer Sr. Great Bend Araceli Aguilera So. Great Bend Xali Arias Fr. Great Bend

Hays Post SportsThe Hays High girls soccer team had four players named to the All-Western Athletic Conference team. Senior Dani Willeford was named to the first team. Juniors Annie Humphrey, Kinslee Newell and Sienna Lummus were named second team.The Indians finished the season 9-9, losing to Goddard-Eisenhower in the regional finals.&nbsp;ALL CONFERENCE GIRLS SOCCER – 2025 FIRST TEAM Jarica Hutcheson So. Garden City Trinicia Garcia Jr. Garden City Jasleen Ortega Jr. Garden City Isabel Espino Sr. Garden City Karime Rueda Jr. Dodge City Kathia Ramirez Sr. Dodge City Yakeline Zetino Jr. Dodge City Ashley Alonso Jr. Dodge City Lily Guy Fr. Liberal Nicole Catalan Sr. Liberal Dani Willeford Sr. HaysPlayer of the Year: Jarica Hutcheson, Garden City Coach of the Year: Jose Vital-Castro, Garden CitySECOND TEAM Cecilia Garcia Sr. Garden City Jocelyn Guerrero Fr. Garden City Kelly Morales Sr. Dodge City Annie Humphrey Jr. Hays Kinslee Newell Jr. Hays Sienna Lummus Jr. Hays Ashley Batista Fr. Liberal Liliana Santiago So. Liberal Ljill Reimer Sr. Great Bend Araceli Aguilera So. Great Bend Xali Arias Fr. Great Bend

⚽ Four Indians named to All-WAC team

Keith R. Goetz, age 75, passed away peacefully on May
31, 2025, at Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. Born on November 1,
1949, in Quinter, Kansas, Keith was the son of Wilbert and Irene (Lipp) Goetz.
He graduated from Park High School in 1967 and later answered the call to serve
his country as a medic in the United States Army during the Vietnam War — a
role he was proud of for the rest of his life.

Keith was, through and through, a good ol’ Western Kansas
farm boy — the kind of man whose hands told a story of hard work, and whose
heart held fast to home, family, and tradition. A proud dairy farmer, Keith
found purpose and peace in the daily rhythm of milking cows and tending to the
land. It wasn’t just a job to him — it was a way of life, and he loved it
dearly.

He was a loyal member of the Grinnell VFW, and he often said
with a grin, “When I get to heaven, I can’t wait to play cards with Ray and
Wilbert.” He meant it. Keith loved playing cards — any card game, really — and
he was as sharp with a deck as he was with a Sudoku puzzle. His mind stayed
sharp, and his competitive spirit never dulled.

A true collector at heart, Keith amassed a legendary library
of VHS tapes and VCRs, favoring classic Westerns and comedies. He loved
unwinding with old favorites like Bonanza and Gunsmoke, and the
glow of a TV was often a backdrop to his evenings.

He was an avid sports fan — cheering on the Kansas City
Chiefs, K-State, and KU with loyal enthusiasm. Though he claimed not to care
for Nebraska sports, he talked about them often enough to raise a few eyebrows
and more than a few laughs.

Keith had a deep love for the land. He had a knack for
reading a field and was a regular at land auctions, often adding acres to his
holdings with the quiet confidence of a man who knew what he was doing. Fishing
was a passion he rarely had time for, but that didn’t stop him from practicing
his casts across the lawn with a nut tied to his line. He loved baseball in his
younger years and treasured horseback rides across the pastures when life
allowed.

Above all else, Keith will be remembered for his humble
spirit, his sense of humor, his love of the simple things, and his deep
devotion to his family, his faith, and his roots.

Keith is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Don
(Janice) Goetz, Cindy (Mark) Anderson, and Caroline Goetz; his nieces and
nephews, Kelly (Chris) Larson, Jacob Anderson, Jessica Goetz, Lyndsay (Luis)
Perez, and Andrew (Lee Ann) Goetz; as well as a host of extended family and
dear friends who will feel his absence deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Irene
Goetz.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main St., Quinter, with
a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. and a Rosary to follow at 7:30 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday,
June 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 202 Cottonwood St.,
Park. Keith will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Park. A small repast
will follow in the church basement to share food, memories, and stories of
Keith — just the way he would’ve wanted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
the Grainfield American Legion Post #301, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, or for
Mass Intentions. Contributions may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North
12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit <a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748903672023.jpeg" alt="Keith R. Goetz" />
 <figcaption>Keith R. Goetz</figcaption>
 </figure>Keith R. Goetz, age 75, passed away peacefully on May
31, 2025, at Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. Born on November 1,
1949, in Quinter, Kansas, Keith was the son of Wilbert and Irene (Lipp) Goetz.
He graduated from Park High School in 1967 and later answered the call to serve
his country as a medic in the United States Army during the Vietnam War — a
role he was proud of for the rest of his life.Keith was, through and through, a good ol’ Western Kansas
farm boy — the kind of man whose hands told a story of hard work, and whose
heart held fast to home, family, and tradition. A proud dairy farmer, Keith
found purpose and peace in the daily rhythm of milking cows and tending to the
land. It wasn’t just a job to him — it was a way of life, and he loved it
dearly.He was a loyal member of the Grinnell VFW, and he often said
with a grin, “When I get to heaven, I can’t wait to play cards with Ray and
Wilbert.” He meant it. Keith loved playing cards — any card game, really — and
he was as sharp with a deck as he was with a Sudoku puzzle. His mind stayed
sharp, and his competitive spirit never dulled.A true collector at heart, Keith amassed a legendary library
of VHS tapes and VCRs, favoring classic Westerns and comedies. He loved
unwinding with old favorites like Bonanza and Gunsmoke, and the
glow of a TV was often a backdrop to his evenings.He was an avid sports fan — cheering on the Kansas City
Chiefs, K-State, and KU with loyal enthusiasm. Though he claimed not to care
for Nebraska sports, he talked about them often enough to raise a few eyebrows
and more than a few laughs.Keith had a deep love for the land. He had a knack for
reading a field and was a regular at land auctions, often adding acres to his
holdings with the quiet confidence of a man who knew what he was doing. Fishing
was a passion he rarely had time for, but that didn’t stop him from practicing
his casts across the lawn with a nut tied to his line. He loved baseball in his
younger years and treasured horseback rides across the pastures when life
allowed.Above all else, Keith will be remembered for his humble
spirit, his sense of humor, his love of the simple things, and his deep
devotion to his family, his faith, and his roots.Keith is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Don
(Janice) Goetz, Cindy (Mark) Anderson, and Caroline Goetz; his nieces and
nephews, Kelly (Chris) Larson, Jacob Anderson, Jessica Goetz, Lyndsay (Luis)
Perez, and Andrew (Lee Ann) Goetz; as well as a host of extended family and
dear friends who will feel his absence deeply.He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Irene
Goetz.A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main St., Quinter, with
a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. and a Rosary to follow at 7:30 p.m.The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday,
June 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 202 Cottonwood St.,
Park. Keith will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Park. A small repast
will follow in the church basement to share food, memories, and stories of
Keith — just the way he would’ve wanted.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
the Grainfield American Legion Post #301, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, or for
Mass Intentions. Contributions may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North
12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.To share memories or leave condolences, please visit <a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>.

Keith R. Goetz

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau was getting in some golf practice on a famous green Monday at the South Lawn of the White House,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MargoMartin47/status/1929646794008379698">according to a video posted by a White House aide</a>.

DeChambeau, who golfed on Sunday with President Donald Trump at his club in Virginia, returned to the White House with the president Sunday and appeared to stick around Monday, when he used the putting green on the South Lawn.

The putting green was first installed in 1954 during President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration. It was removed in 1971, later restored in a different location by former President George H.W. Bush and moved to its current spot under President Bill Clinton.

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau was getting in some golf practice on a famous green Monday at the South Lawn of the White House,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MargoMartin47/status/1929646794008379698">according to a video posted by a White House aide</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">SPOTTED: <a href="https://twitter.com/brysondech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brysondech</a> throwing darts on the South Lawn of the White House 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/kh9UVV4W7C">pic.twitter.com/kh9UVV4W7C</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1929646794008379698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>DeChambeau, who golfed on Sunday with President Donald Trump at his club in Virginia, returned to the White House with the president Sunday and appeared to stick around Monday, when he used the putting green on the South Lawn.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">⛳️<a href="https://twitter.com/brysondech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brysondech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a>🏌️‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/hBjEKDyqJP">pic.twitter.com/hBjEKDyqJP</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1929670449132077562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The putting green was first installed in 1954 during President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration. It was removed in 1971, later restored in a different location by former President George H.W. Bush and moved to its current spot under President Bill Clinton.

🎥President Trump turning White House into mini golf course

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Four additional victims have been identified in the Boulder attack in which a man is accused of throwing Molotov cocktails into a group that had gathered to bring attention to Israeli hostages in Gaza, authorities said Monday, bringing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boulder-terror-attack-colorado-c90a20758b3ebee597c84eb296e44e91">number of injured to 12</a>.

The man planned the attack for more than a year and specifically targeted what he described as a “Zionist group,” authorities said in court papers charging him with a federal hate crime.

Witnesses said the suspect, identified by Boulder police as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, yelled “Free Palestine” and used a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices. The suspect’s first name also was spelled Mohammed in some court documents.

Federal and state prosecutors filed separate criminal cases against Soliman, charging him with a hate crime and attempted murder, respectively. He faces additional state charges related to the incendiary devices, and more charges are possible in federal court, where the Justice Department will seek a grand jury indictment that may include amended allegations.

An FBI affidavit says Soliman confessed to the attack after being taken into custody Sunday and told the police he was driven by a desire “to kill all Zionist people,” a reference to the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel.

“He said he had to do it, he should do it, and he would not forgive himself if he did not do it,” police wrote. “Mohamed described his hopes for everyone in the Zionist group to die.”

Federal court records don't list the name of an attorney who could speak on Soliman's behalf, and no one answered the door at a Colorado Springs townhouse where public records show he lived.

The burst of violence at the popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder unfolded against the backdrop of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">war between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;that continues to inflame global tensions and has contributed to a spike in antisemitic violence in the United States. The attack happened on the beginning of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shavuot-jewish-festival-boulder-colorado-attack-cb71561eeff518d89c3dcab6b6e2829b">Jewish holiday of Shavuot</a>&nbsp;and barely a week after a man who also yelled “Free Palestine” was charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-10307b3b1a2a337e76730736b12ebbcb">fatally shooting two Israeli embassy staffers</a>&nbsp;outside a Jewish museum in Washington.

The victims who were wounded range in age from 52 to 88, and the injuries spanned from serious to minor, officials said. All four of the latest victims had what police described as minor injuries.

Six of the injured were taken to hospitals, and four have since been released, said Miri Kornfeld, a Denver-based organizer connected to the group. She said the clothing of one of those who remains hospitalized caught on fire.

The attack occurred as people with a volunteer group called Run For Their Lives was concluding their weekly demonstration to raise visibility for the hostages in Gaza. Video from the scene shows a witness shouting, “He’s right there. He’s throwing Molotov cocktails,” as a police officer with his gun drawn advances on a bare-chested suspect who is holding containers in each hand.

Witness Alex Osante of San Diego said he was across the pedestrian mall when he heard the crash of a bottle breaking on the ground and a “boom” followed by people yelling and screaming.

In video of the scene captured by Osante, people could be seen pouring water on a woman lying on the ground who Osante said had caught on fire during the attack.

Soliman said he dressed up like gardener with an orange vest in order to get as close to the group as possible, even purchasing flowers from Home Depot, police wrote. He had gas in a backpack sprayer but told investigators he didn’t spray it on anyone but himself “because he had planned on dying.”

He told investigators he only threw two Molotov cocktails at the group “because he got scared and had never hurt anyone before,” police wrote.

After the initial attack, Osante said the suspect went behind some bushes and then reemerged and threw a Molotov cocktail but apparently accidentally caught himself on fire as he threw it. The man then took off his shirt and what appeared to be a bulletproof vest before the police arrived. The man dropped to the ground and was arrested without any apparent resistance in the video Osante filmed.

District Attorney Michael Dougherty said 16 unused Molotov cocktails were recovered by law enforcement. The devices were made up of glass wine carafe bottles or jars with clear liquid and red rags hanging out of the them, the FBI said.

Soliman told investigators he constructed homemade Molotov cocktails after doing research on YouTube and buying the ingredients.

“He stated that he had been planning the attack for a year and was waiting until after his daughter graduated to conduct the attack,” the affidavit says.

Authorities said they believe Soliman acted alone. He was also injured and taken to a hospital. Authorities did not elaborate on the nature of his injuries, but a booking photo showed him with a large bandage over one ear.

Soliman was living in the U.S. illegally after entering the country in August 2022 on a B2 visa that expired in February 2023, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a post on the social platform X. McLaughlin said Soliman filed for asylum in September 2022 and was granted a work authorization in March 2023 that had expired. DHS did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.

Soliman, who was born in Egypt, moved to Colorado Springs three years ago, where he lived with his wife and five kids, according to state court documents. He previously spent 17 years living in Kuwait.

Colorado Springs neighbors recognized suspect

Shameka Pruiett knew Soliman and his wife as kindly neighbors with three young kids and two teenagers, who’d play with Pruiett’s kids.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748821549436.png" alt="Run for their lives promo poster" />
 <figcaption>Run for their lives promo poster</figcaption>
 </figure>BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Four additional victims have been identified in the Boulder attack in which a man is accused of throwing Molotov cocktails into a group that had gathered to bring attention to Israeli hostages in Gaza, authorities said Monday, bringing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boulder-terror-attack-colorado-c90a20758b3ebee597c84eb296e44e91">number of injured to 12</a>.The man planned the attack for more than a year and specifically targeted what he described as a “Zionist group,” authorities said in court papers charging him with a federal hate crime.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748886568355.png" alt="Soliman photo Boulder Police" />
 <figcaption>Soliman photo Boulder Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Witnesses said the suspect, identified by Boulder police as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, yelled “Free Palestine” and used a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices. The suspect’s first name also was spelled Mohammed in some court documents.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Yesterday’s horrific attack in Boulder, Colorado, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED in the United States of America... My heart goes out to the victims of this terrible tragedy, and the Great People of Boulder, Colorado!&quot; –President Donald J. Trump <a href="https://t.co/fBVKWbTgQA">pic.twitter.com/fBVKWbTgQA</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1929580097192730898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Federal and state prosecutors filed separate criminal cases against Soliman, charging him with a hate crime and attempted murder, respectively. He faces additional state charges related to the incendiary devices, and more charges are possible in federal court, where the Justice Department will seek a grand jury indictment that may include amended allegations.An FBI affidavit says Soliman confessed to the attack after being taken into custody Sunday and told the police he was driven by a desire “to kill all Zionist people,” a reference to the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel.“He said he had to do it, he should do it, and he would not forgive himself if he did not do it,” police wrote. “Mohamed described his hopes for everyone in the Zionist group to die.”Federal court records don't list the name of an attorney who could speak on Soliman's behalf, and no one answered the door at a Colorado Springs townhouse where public records show he lived.The burst of violence at the popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder unfolded against the backdrop of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">war between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;that continues to inflame global tensions and has contributed to a spike in antisemitic violence in the United States. The attack happened on the beginning of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shavuot-jewish-festival-boulder-colorado-attack-cb71561eeff518d89c3dcab6b6e2829b">Jewish holiday of Shavuot</a>&nbsp;and barely a week after a man who also yelled “Free Palestine” was charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-10307b3b1a2a337e76730736b12ebbcb">fatally shooting two Israeli embassy staffers</a>&nbsp;outside a Jewish museum in Washington.<h2>Six victims hospitalized</h2>The victims who were wounded range in age from 52 to 88, and the injuries spanned from serious to minor, officials said. All four of the latest victims had what police described as minor injuries.Six of the injured were taken to hospitals, and four have since been released, said Miri Kornfeld, a Denver-based organizer connected to the group. She said the clothing of one of those who remains hospitalized caught on fire.The attack occurred as people with a volunteer group called Run For Their Lives was concluding their weekly demonstration to raise visibility for the hostages in Gaza. Video from the scene shows a witness shouting, “He’s right there. He’s throwing Molotov cocktails,” as a police officer with his gun drawn advances on a bare-chested suspect who is holding containers in each hand.Witness Alex Osante of San Diego said he was across the pedestrian mall when he heard the crash of a bottle breaking on the ground and a “boom” followed by people yelling and screaming.In video of the scene captured by Osante, people could be seen pouring water on a woman lying on the ground who Osante said had caught on fire during the attack.<h2>Molotov cocktails found</h2>Soliman said he dressed up like gardener with an orange vest in order to get as close to the group as possible, even purchasing flowers from Home Depot, police wrote. He had gas in a backpack sprayer but told investigators he didn’t spray it on anyone but himself “because he had planned on dying.”He told investigators he only threw two Molotov cocktails at the group “because he got scared and had never hurt anyone before,” police wrote.After the initial attack, Osante said the suspect went behind some bushes and then reemerged and threw a Molotov cocktail but apparently accidentally caught himself on fire as he threw it. The man then took off his shirt and what appeared to be a bulletproof vest before the police arrived. The man dropped to the ground and was arrested without any apparent resistance in the video Osante filmed.District Attorney Michael Dougherty said 16 unused Molotov cocktails were recovered by law enforcement. The devices were made up of glass wine carafe bottles or jars with clear liquid and red rags hanging out of the them, the FBI said.Soliman told investigators he constructed homemade Molotov cocktails after doing research on YouTube and buying the ingredients.“He stated that he had been planning the attack for a year and was waiting until after his daughter graduated to conduct the attack,” the affidavit says.<h2>Suspect hospitalized after attack</h2>Authorities said they believe Soliman acted alone. He was also injured and taken to a hospital. Authorities did not elaborate on the nature of his injuries, but a booking photo showed him with a large bandage over one ear.Soliman was living in the U.S. illegally after entering the country in August 2022 on a B2 visa that expired in February 2023, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a post on the social platform X. McLaughlin said Soliman filed for asylum in September 2022 and was granted a work authorization in March 2023 that had expired. DHS did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.Soliman, who was born in Egypt, moved to Colorado Springs three years ago, where he lived with his wife and five kids, according to state court documents. He previously spent 17 years living in Kuwait.<h2>Colorado Springs neighbors recognized suspect</h2>Shameka Pruiett knew Soliman and his wife as kindly neighbors with three young kids and two teenagers, who’d play with Pruiett’s kids.Another neighbor, Kierra Johnson, said she could often hear shouting at night from his apartment and once called police because of the screaming and yelling.On Sunday, Pruiett saw law enforcement vehicles waiting on the street throughout the day until the evening, when they spoke through a megaphone telling anyone in Soliman’s home to come out. Nobody came out and it did not appear anyone was inside, said Pruiett.An online resume under Soliman’s name said he was employed by a Denver-area health care company working in accounting and inventory control, with prior employers listed as companies in Egypt. Under education, the resume listed Al-Azhar University, a historic center for Islamic and Arabic learning located in Cairo.---------------------Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press journalists Brittany Peterson and David Zalubowski in Boulder, Colorado; Jesse Bedayn in Colorado Springs; Kimberlee Kruesi in Providence, Rhode Island; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Alanna Durkin Richer and Michael Biesecker in Washington and Jim Mustian in New York contributed to this report.-----------BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — A man accused of using a makeshift flamethrower and an incendiary device to attack a group in Boulder, Colorado, that had gathered to bring attention to Israeli hostages in Gaza, has been charged with a federal hate crime, according to court documents filed Monday.The suspect, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, told police he planned it for a year and specifically targeted what he described as the “Zionist group,” the FBI said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boulder-terror-attack-colorado-c90a20758b3ebee597c84eb296e44e91">Eight people were injured</a>&nbsp;in the attack, some with burns, as a group was concluding their weekly demonstration to raise visibility for the hostages who remain in Gaza. Witnesses reported the man yelled “Free Palestine” during the attack.An FBI affidavit says Soliman confessed to the attack after being taken into custody Sunday and told the police he would do it again.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Yesterday’s horrific attack in Boulder, Colorado, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED in the United States of America... My heart goes out to the victims of this terrible tragedy, and the Great People of Boulder, Colorado!&quot; –President Donald J. Trump <a href="https://t.co/fBVKWbTgQA">pic.twitter.com/fBVKWbTgQA</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1929580097192730898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The burst of violence at the popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall, a four-block area in downtown Boulder, unfolded against the backdrop of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">war between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;that continues to inflame global tensions and has contributed to a spike in antisemitic violence in the United States. The attack happened on the beginning of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shavuot-jewish-festival-boulder-colorado-attack-cb71561eeff518d89c3dcab6b6e2829b">Jewish holiday of Shavuot</a>, which is marked with the reading of the Torah and barely a week after a man who also yelled “Free Palestine” was charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-10307b3b1a2a337e76730736b12ebbcb">fatally shooting two Israeli embassy staffers</a>&nbsp;outside of a Jewish museum in Washington.<h2>Attack happened as group finished weekly demonstration</h2>The eight victims who were wounded range in age from 52 to 88 and the injuries spanned from serious to minor, officials said.The attack occurred as people with a volunteer group called Run For Their Lives was concluding their weekly demonstration to raise visibility for the hostages who remain in Gaza. Video from the scene shows a witness shouting, “He’s right there. He’s throwing Molotov cocktails,” as a police officer with his gun drawn advances on a bare-chested suspect who is holding containers in each hand.Alex Osante of San Diego said he was having lunch on a restaurant patio across the pedestrian mall when he heard the crash of a bottle breaking on the ground and a “boom” followed by people yelling and screaming.In video of the scene captured by Osante, people could be seen pouring water on a woman lying on the ground who Osante said had caught on fire during the attack. A man, who later identified himself as an Israeli visiting Boulder who decided to join the group that day, ran up to Osante on the video asking for some water to help.<h2>Suspect reemerged after initial attack before being arrested</h2>After the initial attack, Osante said the suspect went behind some bushes and then reemerged and threw a Molotov cocktail but apparently accidentally caught himself on fire as he threw it. The man then took off his shirt and what appeared to be a bulletproof vest before the police arrived. The man dropped to the ground and was arrested without any apparent resistance in the video Osante filmed.Law enforcement found more than a dozen unlit Molotov cocktails near where Soliman was arrested. The devices were made up of glass wine carafe bottles or jars with clear liquid and red rags hanging out of the them, the FBI said. Inside his car, law enforcement found papers with the words “Israel,” “Palestine,” and “USAID,” the affidavit says.Soliman told investigators he constructed homemade Molotov cocktails after doing research on YouTube and buying the ingredients.“He stated that he had been planning the attack for a year and was waiting until after his daughter graduated to conduct the attack,” the affidavit says.The group that was attacked has said it was trying to raise attention to the plight of the Israeli hostages in Gaza.<h2>Authorities say they believe the suspect acted alone</h2>Authorities said they believe Soliman acted alone. He was also injured and taken to a hospital. Authorities did not elaborate on the nature of his injuries, but a booking photo showed him with a large bandage over one ear.State and federal authorities planned to hold a news conference Monday afternoon.Soliman was living in the U.S. illegally after entering the country in August 2022 on a B2 visa that expired in February 2023, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TriciaOhio/status/1929502616238653851">post on X</a>. McLaughlin said Soliman filed for asylum in September 2022 and was granted a work authorization in March 2023 that had expired. DHS did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.Public records listed Soliman as living in a modest rented townhouse in Colorado Springs, where local media outlets reported federal law enforcement agents were on the scene Sunday.Shameka Pruiett knew Soliman and his family as kindly neighbors with five children, three young kids and two teenagers, who’d play with Pruiett’s kids in front of their building, share food and hellos. But she said when she saw Soliman on video in Boulder, shirtless and holding bottles with flames licking up the grass in front of him, it was hard to recognize him.“There had to be something deeply disturbing him, cause that is not the guy we see in the neighborhood,” Pruiett said.Another neighbor, Kierra Johnson, who lives in the apartment next to Soliman's, said she could often hear shouting at night from his apartment and once called police because of the screaming and yelling.On Sunday, Pruiett saw law enforcement vehicles waiting on the street throughout the day until the evening, when they spoke through a megaphone telling anyone in Soliman’s home to come out. Nobody came out and it did not appear anyone was inside, said Pruiett. The raid lasted several hours, she said.An online resume under Soliman’s name said he was employed by a Denver-area health care company working in accounting and inventory control, with prior employers listed as companies in Egypt. Under education, the resume listed Al-Azhar University, a historic center for Islamic and Arabic learning located in Cairo.FBI leaders immediately declared the attack an act of terrorism and the Justice Department denounced it as a “needless act of violence, which follows recent attacks against Jewish Americans.”“Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country,” said Mark Michalek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Denver field office, which encompasses Boulder.In New York, the police department said it upped its presence at religious sites throughout the city for Shavuot.<a href="https://apnews.com/today-in-history/october-7">Israel's war in Gaza</a>&nbsp;began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250 others. They are still holding 58 hostages, around a third believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 54,000 people in Hamas-run Gaza, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were civilians or combatants. The offensive has destroyed vast areas, displaced around 90% of the population and left people almost completely reliant on international aid.The violence comes four years after a shooting rampage at a grocery store in Boulder, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Denver, that killed 10 people. The gunman was sentenced to life in prison for murder after a jury rejected his attempt to avoid prison time by pleading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-grocery-store-shooting-verdict-insanity-defense-5165e084ef220a9d65432a2e748979c9">not guilty by reason of insanity</a>.___Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press journalists Brittany Peterson and David Zalubowski in Boulder, Colorado; Jesse Bedayn in Colorado Springs; Kimberlee Kruesi in Providence, Rhode Island; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Alanna Durkin Richer and Michael Biesecker in Washington and Jim Mustian in New York contributed to this report.