By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Growing up in Hays, Jennifer Goetz has spent the past 23 years providing&nbsp; child care, primarily to the community’s youngest children.

"I started working as a case manager for High Plains Mental Health Center for a little over a year before getting pregnant with my first child," Goetz said. "When I was on maternity leave, I didn't want to go back to work. I wanted to be able to stay home with my children."

Since then, Goetz has cared for five to six full-time children at a time, typically up to school age, while forming close bonds with their families. She often attends special moments outside of&nbsp; child care, such as weddings and birthday parties.

"I've gone to several of their baseball games this summer because they're always asking, 'Are you going to come to my game tonight?'" she said. "They've invited me on some family vacations without the parents knowing."

Goetz emphasized the value of home child care as an extension of the family and said strong communication with parents is key. She said the joy of her work continues well beyond her regular work hours.

Goetz said the child care industry has evolved since she began, with stricter state regulations and challenges in taking time off. While she receives some grant support, she often covers the cost of food and supplies out of pocket.

"Sometimes I have a group that loves to color and paint. Other times I have groups that are into playing with dinosaurs, cars or really into superhero dress up," she said.

Goetz said her&nbsp; child care group are frequent visitors to a nearby park, giving the children plenty of time to develop their gross motor skills.

Goetz’s two daughters grew up helping with the child care and remain close to the children, making goodbyes emotional for the entire family when the kids finally head off to school.

"Watching them grow and develop, knowing that you have a big part in that is really rewarding," Goetz said.

Goetz said she plans to continue providing child care as long as she is able and as long as there is still a need. Her advice for those entering the field: “Expect the unexpected.”

"I like to say every day is kind of the same but very different. You're working with children, so you don't know what you're going to get day to day," she said.

Emily Ostmeyer, Goetz’s oldest daughter who recently married, nominated her as the July Child Care Champion and highlighted her mother’s dedication.

"I could not praise her more for the care that she provides and the way that she loves those kids like they're her own," Ostmeyer said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f64ddb1-ba92-40fa-a22f-94a557aaf629">Nominate a Child Care Champion here.</a>

Child Care Champion wants to care for kids as long as she can

As a valued contributing partner, Kansas Black Farmers Association will have events this weekend as part of the Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration with events centered on agriculture, health and community. 

 While Homecoming is organized and hosted by NHEC, the farmer's association is excited to be part of the weekend’s programming.

Saturday, July 26 – 5K Run/Walk and pancake breakfast A fun, family-friendly race followed by a free pancake breakfast sponsored by the association and Lehi Mills.

Check-in: 7:30 a.m. &nbsp;Race Start: 8 a.m. &nbsp;Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.

 Free online registration through July 25

 $25 on-site registration (waiver required)

 Donations support the farmer's association programs.

Learn more: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kbfa.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWmZXR1lyMUU4d3VEb0taTgEemkxhoCKzOWG6JdSuFMiOe4rpCw3L9EMXZxpk3msFKNrC63JcuR-jbUD2mwA_aem_o2-IQSLeOy6Ii5ytn5lchg&amp;h=AT3kS6qwt5JknlWUfYO4kN_LLOJoX38xyhHBSdHy22fBKFb5i50JZeDvh5A9jKxldcYVk3MyyvmpUa_bZx0zUWRk3VI1oE7D9gPEJUndJ2FUI-52miM8k0MRL1ttUofbtd7b9wjxGSYrIBqsuNlYcQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT1hOkzCfFmdJKX4cYAyZm163Ip4kSSI3FOBBUz4R1x-ZcaqJF4xEW1kgW7BJs2cu8cYIQlURBIoRFJUdLkpI6-pjnqUY6wjjkzFTK3vT-F9IFg0w352c4lvzEVAxSmVRiL6RWN1HwY9iuABK2ys6V4yPIGTFb8GflMkHH71b_rGbNgjSNggncApYAJYGfL_hgyKq7U96bk1cgXE1RxGTWs" target="_blank">www.kbfa.org</a>

Kansas Black Farmers Association set events during Nicodemus Homecoming this weekend

The Women Who Lead still has raffle tickets left for its 31 Days of Cash drawing in August.&nbsp;

Tickets will be on sale Saturday in downtown Hays during Bazaar on the Bricks from 7:30 a.m. to noon or until sell out.

The Women Who Lead booth will be across the street from Diamond R Jewelers, between Eighth and Ninth streets.

Tickets are $25 each. A maximum of 500 tickets will be sold.

A drawing will be conducted each day in August. 

Prizes will be $75 each day Aug. 1-15 $125 each day Aug. 16-28 $250 on Aug. 29 $500 on Aug. 30 $1,000 on Aug 31

All proceeds from the raffle will support scholarships for women in Ellis County pursuing post-secondary education.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/eb1eab34-3efe-439b-b038-a0dc1afb6465">This spring, Women Who Lead awarded eight $1,000 scholarships.</a> Help us continue to support women's education in 2026 with your generous donation and maybe win some cash in the process.

If any tickets remain, tickets can be purchased from Renee Moritz at the Bank of Hays, by calling Moritz at 785-650-1095 or emailing rmoritz@bankofhays.com.

You can also purchase tickets at the Eagle Radio Media Center, 2300 Hall St., Hays. Ask for Scarlett Deutscher or Cristina Janney. You may also contact Janney at crisksu@gmail.com or 785-301-2077.

Tickets on sale for Women Who Lead raffle Saturday at Bazaar on Bricks

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

WAKEENEY —&nbsp;The Hoxie Hotrodders are coming to show an outdoor movie at our location at the Trego SkyView Drive-In Theater in WaKeeney on Friday, July 25.

Mini car show, 1950s costume contest and a taste of a drive-in.&nbsp; This will be a small taste of what is to come. Join us with your own hot rod and dress the part.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gates open at 7 p.m. Movie starts at dusk. Concessions will be available.&nbsp;

Suggested donation is $5 per person.&nbsp;

&nbsp;We are still raising funds for our big projector and bathrooms.&nbsp;

Hoxie Hotrodders, 'Grease' Friday night fundraiser at Trego SkyView Drive-In Theater

The Kansas Office of Veterans Services Office in partnership with the Garden City American Legion Post 9 invites all Veterans, military, and family members to attend the Garden City, Kansas Veterans Claims and Resource Fair at American Legion Post 9, 405 S. Main St., Garden City, Kansas on August 15-16, 2025. Benefits experts will offer on-site one-on-one assistance for claims, benefits, PACT Act issues and all Veteran benefits. No appointments are needed.

Accredited Veteran Service Representatives will be available to assist Veterans, active military members near their separation date, family members, and the public with all types of VA claims and benefits. KOVS Director Bill Turner said “These professionals are experts on State and Federal benefits available to Veterans and surviving spouses. We urge Veterans not to miss this opportunity to apply for benefits you have earned through your service to this country.”

“We also encourage community and business leaders to visit and learn about those benefits as well, in order to best support Veterans in your community,” Turner stated.

Some benefits include VA health care, service-connected claims, readjustment counseling information, Veteran Employment Services, and much more.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring discharge paperwork (DD-214) or claim file number, marriage certificate, and available medical records to help simplify the application for benefits. 


What: GARDEN CITY, KANSAS VETERAN CLAIMS AND RESOURCE FAIR When: 9:00am-6:00pm August 15, 2025 / 8:00am-Noon August 16, 2025 Where: American Legion Post 9, 405 S. Main St., Garden City, KS

NOTE: Final claim taken at 1700 August 15 / 1100 August 16. If Claim is already developed/ready to rate, must notify KOVS at 785.296.3977 by August 12

For questions or comments please contact Michelle Sweeney, Director of Public Affairs, at 785.940.1221 or michelle.sweeney@ks.gov

Garden City, Kansas veteran claims, resource fair

Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners

Saturday, July 26, from 7:30 a.m. until noon, Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners will demonstrate the dividing and planting of irises at the Downtown Market at the Pavilion, 10th and Main, Hays. 

Rhizomes will be available for a suggested donation of $1.00 each. The proceeds will benefit Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners.

Iris planting demonstration, plant sale Saturday at Downtown Hays Market by Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, July 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $2,413&nbsp;Household of one $3,261&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of two $4,109&nbsp;Household of three $4,957&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of four $5,805&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of five $6,653&nbsp;Household of six $7,501&nbsp;Household of seven $8,349&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of eight

*Add&nbsp; $848&nbsp;for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be  kidney beans, dehydrated potatoes, instant milk, chicken breast, apple juice, crackers, chicken leg quarters, peanut butter, and cut beans.&nbsp;

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;

****Future Anticipated Commodities Dates for 2025****

Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a target="_blank" href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

Government surplus commodities to be distributed Tuesday in Hays

Kansas State Department of Education

TOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education announces the participation of all Kansas school districts and many private schools in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program.

For Hays USD 489, find the free and reduced price lunch <a href="https://usd489nutritionservices.com/">application here</a>.

Local school officials have adopted the following household income guidelines for determining eligibility for Child Nutrition Program benefits:

Application forms and an informational letter to households are available from the school district or private school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s business office in each school. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. An application for reduced price or free Child Nutrition Program benefits can’t be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions.

Households receiving food assistance or Temporary Assistance to Families (TAF) will be notified that their children will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits. Households receiving assistance under these programs should submit an application only if they aren’t notified of their eligibility by a specified date determined by the schools. If a household receiving food assistance, TAF or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) completes an application, the children’s names, the food assistance, TAF or FDPIR case number, as well as the signature of an adult household member, must be provided.

Participants in the special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) or receiving certain Medicaid benefits may be eligible for reduced price or free benefits. Households with WIC participants should complete an application as described above.&nbsp; Households approved for program benefits based on Medicaid will be notified.

Households with children who are enrolled in the Head Start Program or the Migrant Education Program or who are considered homeless or runaway by the school district’s homeless liaison should contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits.

Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a state child welfare agency or court are eligible for free meals regardless of income. The state must retain legal custody of a child. Households will be notified that the foster child(ren) will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits.

 Free eligibility is NOT extended to other students in households with foster children, but households with a foster child(ren) can submit an application and list all household members including the foster child(ren). A foster family application could result in different eligibility for family members, such as the foster child(ren) free and the other students could be reduced or free or not eligible for benefits.

Households not receiving Food Assistance, TAF or FDPIR apply for benefits by completing one application for all children in the household. The application must list names of everyone in the household; the amount of income each household member now receives; source of income; the last four digits of the Social Security number of the household member who signs the application or a statement that the household member does not possess one; and the signature of an adult household member certifying that the information provided is correct. The information is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility. The eligibility status may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials.

Under provisions of the reduced price and free benefit policy, the determining official will review applications and determine eligibility.&nbsp; Parents or guardians who are dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request either orally or in writing for a hearing on the decision.&nbsp; Contact the school district or private school for the name, address and phone number of the hearing official and information about the hearing procedures.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if household size changes, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the child(ren) in the household eligible for reduced price or free benefits if the household income falls at or below the levels shown above.

Each school’s office and/or the district's/organization’s main office has a copy of the policy for reduced price and free benefits, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

Reduced price, free school meals available for Kansas students

Ellis Police Department school supply drive underway

Hays area employers seeking to fill part-time positions or internships are invited to attend the Part-time Job Fair at Fort Hays State University on Thursday, August 28, from 2 to 4 p.m.

There is no cost to participate, but employers must register no later than August 21 by phone (785-628-4260) or email (careers@fhsu.edu). Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Businesses and organizations will have an opportunity to share information with students about part-time jobs or internships that are available.

The job fair will take place in the Fort Hays Ballroom of the Memorial Union. Registration includes a 6-foot table and two chairs. Participating employers are welcome to bring a table cover, visual displays, flyers, application forms, and/or promotional items.

Employers invited to participate in FHSU Part-Time Job Fair on Aug. 28

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about housing on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

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

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays on housing

I try hard to color within the lines, not to run with scissors and overall just to keep my mouth shut. But sometimes I find myself posing the questions that everyone else wonders but is afraid to ask. Questions like “How do they get Teflon to stick to the skillets when they make them?” Or “Were there really flies and mosquitoes on the ark, and if so, why?” and “Why do states feel the need to have state symbols like state bird, state tree, etc.?”

Any Kansan worth their Wheaties knows that the Kansas state flower is the sunflower, and the Kansas state bird is the Western Meadow Lark. Most Kansans know that the Kansas state tree is the Cottonwood and many probably know that the state animal is the American Buffalo (Bison.) But how many of you knew that we also have a state insect, a state reptile, and yes, even a state amphibian, plus two state fossils?

Sometime in the mid-1970s, Jeff Woods, a 7th grader attending Edgewood Elementary in Coffeyville, evidentially decided we as a state were incomplete without a state insect, and suggested we give the honeybee that distinction. Called “white man’s flies” by the Indians, honeybees are thought to have been brought from Europe by the pilgrims and soon inhabited the entire United States. I have to admit that if we felt the need to have a state insect, we could NOT have done better than the honeybee, because life as we know it might not exist without them. The state legislature has the final say in such important matters, and in 1976 the honeybee became the Kansas state insect.

In the mid-1980s to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Kansas’s statehood, Larry Miller’s 6th grade class in Caldwell decided we also needed a state reptile and nominated the Ornate Box Turtle for the job. The Ornate Box Turtle is a dry land turtle which probably makes it the most visibly abundant turtle in Kansas. It’s found from the prairies in the west to the forests in the east. I have absolutely no idea what a state reptile has to do with celebrating our 125th anniversary as a state, but on April 14, 1986, Governor John Carlin signed a bill designating the Ornate Box Turtle as the Kansas state reptile.

In the spring of 1993, Alice Potts' 2nd grade class at Wichita’s OK Elementary School was studying animals with backbones, which somehow triggered them as a class to begin a campaign to make the Barred Tiger Salamander our state amphibian. When Potts’ class contacted their legislators, they were told it was too late to get a bill into the current legislative session and the project would have to wait a year. 

In the meantime, their zeal proved infectious and by the following school year the entire school plus parents were involved. A trip to the statehouse by Potts and a handful of students got Senate Bill 494 written and passed in the Senate. However, the bill ran into a little trouble in the House; it seems some Representatives felt there were more important legislative matters (go figure!) 

Never fear, though, as Senator Mike Harris came&nbsp;to the rescue and attached the salamander bill to another to insure its passage (now what’s that called…oh yeah - Pork!) On April 13, 1994, Gov. Joan Finney signed the bill designating the Barred Tiger Salamander the Kansas state amphibian.

In 2014, Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill designating Tylosaurus, a giant marine predator, and Pteranodon, a giant, flying, cliff dweller, as co-state fossils. Amazingly, Kansas geological deposits have provided the most complete skeletal remains of both of these critters ever to be found.

In honor of the process that salvaged the salamander bill, maybe the Kansas Wildlife and Parks should capture one and name him or her Porky. Or maybe the process of attaching legislative bills to other bills should now be known as “salamandering.” 

Anyway, please excuse my cynicism and my disregard for pomp and ceremony. I guess if even one person is made to feel better about our state by having these symbols, then so-be-it. And maybe this will get more people Exploring Kansas Outdoors looking for Barred Tiger Salamanders and Pteranodon fossils!

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: We have a state what?

Riley Leiker, 10, of Hays, is accustomed to success. 

The Hays Strider athlete, who was the 2024 AAU National Champion in the shot put, is ranked the top thrower going into this year's Junior Olympic meet. Her toss of 29’ 4 ½” at the regional qualifier in Springfield, Missouri in June placed her at the top of AAU youth throwers for 2025.

Riley’s work ethic is testament to her farming family, where all the children are also athletes on the Striders team. Brothers Logan and Jacob run and throw for the Hays Striders and will be members of the Hays High teams this coming school year.

 Riley is also a 4-H member and has enjoyed success there as well. Her bucket calves have won reserve champion and champion over the past several years.

Riley’s shot put coach, Traci Vap, said “Riley's a really dedicated and driven person with an awesome attitude. She's super focused on her goals, and it shows. I've seen her make huge strides in understanding her technique and putting my coaching into action.”

Not only does she throw the shot, but she runs a very respectable 400 meter dash and 800 meter run, taking first place in every meet she competed in this year. In fact, her favorite event is the 400. “Riley is very, very competitive,” Strider coach Dave Haberman stated. “She trains without question and has really invested herself into our program. Her results reflect that.”

Her pre-meet day meal is her favorite food - steak, with a homemade breakfast burrito the morning of competition. In preparation for a meet, she combines a series of warm-ups and stretches, and “lots of water.” Her regiment leaves no room for junk food, even when traveling, she added, but her favorite post-meet meal is “ice cream!”

“When Riley first came to the Striders, she tried her hardest to keep up with the older athletes,” Haberman stated. “She would cut across the football field just to be able to run with the group.” Now, she is leading the pack for the girls and they are trying to keep up with her. She now sees herself as a mentor and role model for the younger girls on the team.

Riley’s favorite subject in school is math and she plans to become a doctor, but not before accomplishing her dream of being an Olympic runner and thrower. Her future may include the pentathlon and heptathlon but she has some reservations about hurdles. “We have a really good hurdle coach in Brooklyn Pfeifer and I am sure she would get Riley up to speed on the hurdles,” Haberman said. “I think Riley could accomplish anything she set her mind to.”

Vap, herself an All-American athlete at Pittsburg State University, added, “What really makes her stand out is how calm she stays under pressure during competitions—you don't often see that in someone her age. She's incredibly determined and always manages to pull off an impressive throw, even when things are tough. Her success totally comes from her pure grit and hard work, both when we're practicing and when she's on her own.”

Her goal in the upcoming AAU Junior Olympic meet in Houston, held July 28 through Aug. 2 is to make the podium in all three of her events - shot put, 400 meter dash, and 800 meter run. A big goal, but with her focus, competitiveness, and determination, she may just accomplish it.

 Riley is the daughter of Landon and Lynn Leiker of Hays.

Hays Strider ranked No. 1 in nation

Kansas Department of Transportation

NORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a resurfacing project on a portion of U.S. 24 in Thomas County the week of July 28.

Project work will involve milling and overlay on 8.5 miles of the highway starting at the east city limits of Colby and ending just east of the U.S. 83 intersection. 

Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the areas where crews are actively working and directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should plan for delays of 15 minutes or less during daylight hours.

Project work is expected to be completed in mid-September, conditions permitting.

Bettis Asphalt West Division, of Colby, is the primary contractor for the $1.9 million project. For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.

Resurfacing work to start on U.S. 24 in Thomas County on Monday

By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight Kansas

Just two years ago, Democrats were on the verge of achieving their long-awaited green energy revolution. Biden had reversed Trump’s fossil fuel initiatives and set an ambitious goal for all new vehicles sold by 2030 to be zero-emissions.

He signed the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflation_Reduction_Act">Inflation Reduction Act</a>&nbsp;(IRA), a landmark climate package that delivered historic investments for cutting emissions.

Electric vehicles (EV) led the way, an industry turbocharged by IRA’s generous tax credits for vehicle purchases, home chargers, battery manufacturing, and billions for new production facilities. Electric vehicle sales&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2024/trends-in-electric-cars">surged</a>&nbsp;in 2023, reaching 14 million globally with 1.4 million sold in the United States, a whopping 67 percent year-over-year increase. They accounted for 10 percent of U.S. light vehicle sales, with Tesla holding over half the EV market share.&nbsp;

Eager to capitalize, Governor Kelly brokered a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/powering-change-panasonic-and-de-soto/it-takes-money-to-make-money-1-on-1-with-kansas-gov-laura-kelly-on-panasonic-deal">deal</a>&nbsp;with Panasonic to build a massive $4 billion lithium-ion battery plant in De Soto, aimed at supplying Tesla’s new factories in Texas. A multi-billion dollar&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/powering-change-panasonic-and-de-soto/state-local-and-federal-governments-cut-panasonic-huge-deals-explaining-all-tax-incentives">tax incentive package</a>&nbsp;secured Panasonic’s investment, made possible by the bipartisan&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/apex/">APEX</a>&nbsp;Act passed by the state legislature.&nbsp;

Kelly described the deal as transformative, the largest economic development project in Kansas history, expected to create 4,000 jobs and thousands more through related businesses. 

Trump posed little threat. The intense backlash after the Capitol riots and mounting legal challenges cast serious doubt about his future.&nbsp;And despite lingering concerns about his age, Biden was expected to win reelection and help Democrats take back the House. 

The anticipated “red wave” never materialized in the midterms, signaling waning strength of the Republican brand. Yet, what felt inevitable crumbled.

Trump returned stronger, calling the shift to EVs a “transition to hell,” framing it effectively as a &nbsp;“government assassination” of auto jobs and unionized workers.&nbsp;Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk joined Trump, which eventually led to a major loss in the company’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://caredge.com/guides/electric-vehicle-market-share-and-sales">market share</a>&nbsp;and a sharp stock sell off.&nbsp;

 The enthusiasm for EVs seemed driven as much by political momentum as by consumer demand. When that momentum slowed, so did the market.&nbsp;Overall sales slumped in 2024, dropping to 8 percent of U.S. light vehicles sales. Buyers remained concentrated among the affluent and college educated, with limited penetration into the broader public. Biden’s zero-emissions goal appeared naïve and disconnected from middle-and working-class realities.

 Democrats were swept in November.&nbsp;Trump recently signed his Big Beautiful Bill, which terminates EV tax credits and phases out incentives for battery production.&nbsp;Just as Biden had undone Trump’s policies, Trump unraveled Biden’s. 

Because federal control routinely alternates between the parties, companies are constantly exposed to shifting regulations and the prospect of brand polarization – ask&nbsp; Disney, Bud Light, now Tesla.

Getting the politics wrong carries serious consequences.&nbsp;Now that circumstances have changed so dramatically, would Kelly still place such a large bet on EVs?&nbsp;Would Panasonic? After all, many clean energy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2025/04/04/a-stunning-number-of-electric-vehicle-battery-factories-are-being-canceled/82868200007/">projects</a>&nbsp;have been cancelled including battery plants in Georgia and Arizona.

EVs are excellent cars, the market will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/03/20/trump-ev-tesla-tax-credits/">grow</a>&nbsp;– just more slowly now. That slower pace has Kansans concerned about the direction this might take, and whether Tesla comes out ahead. Who’d have guessed, the volatile Elon Musk has a starring role in Kansas’s economic future –&nbsp; and Kelly’s legacy.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dr. Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Governor Kelly’s big bet on Elon Musk

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Ellis Co. Sheriff looking for escaped inmate

WICHITA -&nbsp;The Hays Larks will look to more to 2-0 in
pool play at the NBC World Series in Wichita Saturday when they take on Oklahoma
MVP.

Saturday’s game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. at Eck
Stadium.

You can watch every Larks game from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nbcws">NBC World Series</a> on Hays Post thanks
to our sponsors and the NBC.

Hays Larks baseball on Hays Post is brought to you by: Brungardt Hower First Care Clinic Gib’s Auto Supply Glassman Corporation Herrman Physical Therapy Midwest Energy Nex Tech Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hann and Mitch Keeley Shelter Insurance Agents Dustin Schumacher and Todd Keller The ARC of Central Plains Thrift Store M &amp; D Excavating Incorporated Phaze 2

⚾🎥 LIVE: Hays Larks take on Oklahoma MVP at NBC Word Series

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chances are, you’ve gotten a scam text about&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam">unpaid toll charges</a>&nbsp;or know someone who has. Now scammers are going even further and pretending to be the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from states all over the country. They insist that you pay for an “overdue traffic ticket” and threaten to suspend your driving privileges (among other things) if you don’t. Here’s how the scam works.

An unexpected text looks like it’s from your state’s DMV, claiming you have an overdue traffic ticket. It might include a link to pay and warn that, if you don’t pay immediately, they’ll report you to the “DMV violation database,” suspend your vehicle registration, license, and driving privileges, and charge you an additional 35% service fee. The text might even threaten to prosecute you and tank your credit score — but it’s all a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams">scam</a>&nbsp;to get your money and personal information.

To avoid a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages">text scam</a>&nbsp;like this:

Learn more about spotting and avoiding text scams at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages">ftc.gov/textscams</a>. And report them to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: That text about overdue traffic ticket probably a scam

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;

Sunday, July 27
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Steven Kwan hit a two-run home run, Tanner Bibee struck out eight in five innings, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-4 on Saturday night to earn a doubleheader split.

Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cleveland-guardians-kansas-city-royals-score-bc3d30f7d34788831c14afe7331d699f">won the first game 5-3</a>&nbsp;with a walk-off homer in the 10th inning. The Guardians have not swept the Royals in a doubleheader since April 24, 2008.

Kwan's 431-foot home run into the right field fountains of Kauffman Stadium gave the Guardians a 6-2 lead.

The Guardians drew four straight walks in the first with Carlos Santana drawing the RBI walk to give Cleveland a 1-0 lead. Johnathan Rodríguez extended the lead with a two-run double in the first. Daniel Schneemann hit a sacrifice fly RBI in the third.

Bobby Witt Jr. and Freddy Fermin each hit two-run home runs for Kansas City.

Bibee (7-9) allowed four runs on seven hits for his third straight win. After taking the loss in game one, Emmanuel Clase earned his 24th save of the season.

Kris Bubic (8-7) gave up four runs on three hits in 2 2/3 innings of work with four walks and one strikeout. Bubic got off to a slow start, throwing 42 pitches in the first inning. The four walks matched a season-high.

Jac Caglianone exited game one on Saturday with left groin tightness and was moved to the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.

Kwan's home run was the spark the Guardians needed to get the win. Since July 7, Cleveland has homered in 14 of 16 games.

Santana drew his 133rd career walk against the Royals, which tied Rickey Henderson for most career walks vs. Kansas City.

LHP Joey Cantillo (2-0, 3.91 ERA) will start the series finale for Cleveland. LHP Noah Cameron (4-4, 2.61) is slated to take the mound for Kansas City.

⚾ Kwan's homer lifts Guardians over Royals and doubleheader split

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan India hit a three-run home run in the 10th inning to send the Kansas City Royals past the Cleveland Guardians 5-3 on Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader.

Trailing 3-2, John Rave and Luke Maile walked to lead off the 10th off Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase (5-3).

Automatic runner Tyler Tolbert was picked off second base after Rave's walk. India's 413-foot drive to left center won it for the Royals. It was India’s fifth homer of the season.

Kyle Manzardo's bases-loaded RBI single in the top of the 10th gave the Guardians a 3-2 lead.

Steven Cruz (3-1) earned the win for Kansas City.

Maikel Garcia went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, triple and a walk. Salvador Perez had a two-hit game with a double. Garcia's two-run homer in the fourth inning gave the Royals a 2-0 lead. It was his ninth homer of the season.

Bo Naylor drove in both of the runs for the Guardians with a sac fly in the fifth and an RBI double in the seventh.

Kansas City's Michael Wacha pitched 5 1-3 innings of one-run ball, allowing three hits with five strikeouts and one walk.

Gavin Williams gave up two runs and five hits in six innings with three strikeouts and two walks for the Royals.

The series opener on Friday game was postponed because of weather, which set up a split doubleheader on Saturday.

Missed opportunities in the later innings cost the Guardians. With two on and one out in the seventh, Brayan Rocchio attempted to score from first on Naylor’s RBI double, but was thrown out at home. Cleveland had runners on first and second with one out in the ninth and had the bases loaded in the 10th, but only scored once. The Guardians went 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base.

Jac Caglianone (left hamstring tightness) left the game in the top of the third inning after grounding into a double play in the bottom of the second.

This was the first matchup for between the AL Central foes since April 13. For the Royals, it was the first divisional game since June 8.

RHP Tanner Bibee (6-9, 4.27 ERA) will start for Cleveland in the second game. LHP Kris Bubic (8-6, 2.38) will counter for Kansas City.

⚾ Royals rally past Guardians in 10 innings in first game of doubleheader

Saturday, July 26
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 5:30pm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The annual MIAA Football Media Day will take place on Monday on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan. The event will be FREE TO WATCH live on The <a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">MIAA Network</a>.

All 10 MIAA football head coaches and at least two student-athletes from each school will be in attendance along with media from throughout the conference footprint. MIAA Football Media Day is an invite-only event, not open to the general public.

Live coverage of press conferences begin on The MIAA Network at 9:30 a.m. with opening comments from MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy and then MIAA Football Supervisor of Officials Phil Laurie. The MIAA Network app is available on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku. The MIAA Network is also available via your computer or mobile device. The complete schedule of appearances and times for each school are listed below. No subscription is required to watch the press conferences with free viewing throughout the entire day.

Teams represented by head coaches and two student-athletes will participate in 15-minute press conferences throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

The Fort Hays State press conference is set for 12:15 p.m. as head coach Chris Brown and student-athletes John Johnson and Caleb Heavner will be in attendance.

2025 Football Media Day Schedule Opening 9:30 a.m. MIAA Commissioner Update – Mike Racy 9:45 a.m. MIAA Supervisor of Officials Update – Phil Laurie

Session I 10:00 a.m. Missouri Western 10:15 a.m. Northwest Missouri State 10:30 a.m. Central Oklahoma 10:45 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. Washburn 11:15 a.m. Emporia State Break

Session II 12:00 p.m. Nebraska-Kearney 12:15 p.m. Fort Hays State 12:30 p.m. Central Missouri 12:45 p.m. Break 1:00 p.m. Pittsburg State 1:15 p.m. Missouri Southern

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