BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas House Democrats opened their “fight back” tour Thursday night in the capital city, drawing more than 220 people to sit through rain showers and talk about the importance of strengthening their party’s voice in upcoming elections.

“There’s a lot to lose, so we have a lot to fight for,” said Carla Gardner, of Lawrence, as she waited in line to get into the event. “It’s sad that in 2025 we feel we have to fight back. But a lot of, well, women, potentially, could lose, the LGBTQ+ community, health care, veterans — there are just so many groups, people of color, just all the marginalized groups, that stand to lose a lot more. We have to fight back.”

Linda Manley and Sarah Ruiz, both of Topeka, said they attended the rally because they feel the need to get involved more at the local level after watching national news.

Why did they come listen to Democrats in the rain?

“The chaos in the world and trying to find out what we can do,” Ruiz said.

“Loss of our Constitution, loss of our courts, checks and balances — I know it needs to start locally,” Manley added.

Their words were echoed by many of the House Democrats in attendance, as well as Gov. Laura Kelly, who spoke briefly at the event.

“This was exactly the right response to what happened in November of 2024, in this last legislative session,” she said. “We need to be out there now and forever, leading up to the August 2026 primary when, in addition to electing candidates, we also have to make sure that we defeat that amendment to elect our Supreme Court justices.”

Kelly referred to a proposed constitutional amendment that would put Kansas Supreme Court justices on the ballot, instead of the governor appointing one of three finalists selected by a nonpartisan review panel.

“I don’t know about you, but I have no interest in being like Wisconsin on this where there are millions and millions of dollars coming into that state to sway the one group that is supposed to be impartial and not motivated by political leanings,” the governor said.

Kelly encouraged everyone in attendance to “learn to speak Republican” and talk to people throughout the state.

“Talk about the issues that matter to people, and talk about electing a person, not a party,” she said.

Rep. Susan Ruiz, before the event started, emphasized that same message. The Shawnee Democrat said anyone paying attention to what happened in the Legislature during the recent session should be concerned.

A more collaborative relationship is needed in the Statehouse to push forward things Kansans care about, she said.

“I want to see more Democrats running and winning so that we can have a fighting chance,” she said, referring to the Republicans’ supermajority. “But it would be nice to see some moderate Republicans also win because we can band together. There’s a lot of things that we can do together that would be good for the majority of the people in the state, and not the Koch brothers of the world.”

Rep. Kirk Haskins, a Topeka Democrat, said before speaking at the event that the fight back tour, which will go to at least 11 more stops throughout the state, is important to get messaging out for the Democrats.

“There’s a lot of Kansans that have had their opinion not heard,” he said. “For example, 80% of Kansans want us to see some sort of expansion of Medicaid, but yet it doesn’t come up. We also feel like it’s time for the House Democrats to lead the opportunity for them to be heard, and so we’re traveling across with an agenda purpose to share what’s happening, but also to learn, not just from Democrats, but from all Kansans.”

Haskins said he’s been concerned about how business is being conducted at the Statehouse, and also what is happening at the federal level. Important items are buried in details, for instance.&nbsp;

“We saw this during the past session many times over,” he said. “Property tax relief started off as something they campaigned on, but then when it came out, they’re making sure that luxury jets get property tax relief.”

Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas GOP, said the House Democrats are not on a “fight back” tour.

“This is the out-of-touch tour,” he said by email. “Do the legislators not know that people are tired of larger government? Do they not understand that people like lower taxes, secure borders and parental rights?”

The gathering drew former elected officials like Joan Wagnon, who served in the House and as Topeka mayor, along with 13 current representatives and senators, Kansas Board of Education members, Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla and others.

After Kelly spoke, a panel made up of House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, of Lenexa, and Topeka Reps. Alexis Simmons, John Alcala, and Haskins answered questions from the audience.

Those questions focused primarily on what actions people could take to make a difference, as well as concerns about Medicaid cuts and mental health services.

The panel encouraged people to contact their legislators, to go to their offices and be heard.&nbsp;

“I’m on my soapbox. Settle in,” Simmons said, drawing laughs. “Y’all know how many races in the state of Kansas, in the state Legislature, are won or lost by only double digits? It’s crazy. There are so many. We just lost a state senator in Leavenworth — he lost by 31 votes.”

Simmons encouraged people to talk to everyone and tell them to vote all the way down the ballot.

“Do not vote only for president. Don’t vote only for Congress. Vote all the way down,” she said.

The next fight back tour events will be in Wichita on June 5 and Newton on June 6. Details are on the House Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshousedems" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748697749008.jpeg" alt="Linda Manley, left, and Sarah Ruiz attended the House Democrats “fight back” rally Thursday in Topeka. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Linda Manley, left, and Sarah Ruiz attended the House Democrats “fight back” rally Thursday in Topeka. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas House Democrats opened their “fight back” tour Thursday night in the capital city, drawing more than 220 people to sit through rain showers and talk about the importance of strengthening their party’s voice in upcoming elections.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔥🦬Topeka showed up!!! A fired-up crowd of hundreds gathered in Topeka last night to help us launch the Fight Back Tour! The Fight Back Tour heads next to Wichita and Newton on June 5 and 6. 🔥 RSVP for your spot at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fightbacktour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fightbacktour</a> in our bio <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kansas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kansas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/3jSTNkC36p">pic.twitter.com/3jSTNkC36p</a>&mdash; Kansas House Democrats (@KSHouseDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSHouseDems/status/1928555944931176957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“There’s a lot to lose, so we have a lot to fight for,” said Carla Gardner, of Lawrence, as she waited in line to get into the event. “It’s sad that in 2025 we feel we have to fight back. But a lot of, well, women, potentially, could lose, the LGBTQ+ community, health care, veterans — there are just so many groups, people of color, just all the marginalized groups, that stand to lose a lot more. We have to fight back.”Linda Manley and Sarah Ruiz, both of Topeka, said they attended the rally because they feel the need to get involved more at the local level after watching national news.Why did they come listen to Democrats in the rain?“The chaos in the world and trying to find out what we can do,” Ruiz said.“Loss of our Constitution, loss of our courts, checks and balances — I know it needs to start locally,” Manley added.Their words were echoed by many of the House Democrats in attendance, as well as Gov. Laura Kelly, who spoke briefly at the event.“This was exactly the right response to what happened in November of 2024, in this last legislative session,” she said. “We need to be out there now and forever, leading up to the August 2026 primary when, in addition to electing candidates, we also have to make sure that we defeat that amendment to elect our Supreme Court justices.”Kelly referred to a proposed constitutional amendment that would put Kansas Supreme Court justices on the ballot, instead of the governor appointing one of three finalists selected by a nonpartisan review panel.“I don’t know about you, but I have no interest in being like Wisconsin on this where there are millions and millions of dollars coming into that state to sway the one group that is supposed to be impartial and not motivated by political leanings,” the governor said.Kelly encouraged everyone in attendance to “learn to speak Republican” and talk to people throughout the state.“Talk about the issues that matter to people, and talk about electing a person, not a party,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748697709558.png" alt="Representatives (from left) John Alcala, Alexis Simmons, Kirk Haskins and Brandon Woodard took part in a panel in Topeka Thursday to kick off the House Democrats “fight back” tour. The panel was moderated by Jacquie Lightcap. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Representatives (from left) John Alcala, Alexis Simmons, Kirk Haskins and Brandon Woodard took part in a panel in Topeka Thursday to kick off the House Democrats “fight back” tour. The panel was moderated by Jacquie Lightcap. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rep. Susan Ruiz, before the event started, emphasized that same message. The Shawnee Democrat said anyone paying attention to what happened in the Legislature during the recent session should be concerned.A more collaborative relationship is needed in the Statehouse to push forward things Kansans care about, she said.“I want to see more Democrats running and winning so that we can have a fighting chance,” she said, referring to the Republicans’ supermajority. “But it would be nice to see some moderate Republicans also win because we can band together. There’s a lot of things that we can do together that would be good for the majority of the people in the state, and not the Koch brothers of the world.”Rep. Kirk Haskins, a Topeka Democrat, said before speaking at the event that the fight back tour, which will go to at least 11 more stops throughout the state, is important to get messaging out for the Democrats.“There’s a lot of Kansans that have had their opinion not heard,” he said. “For example, 80% of Kansans want us to see some sort of expansion of Medicaid, but yet it doesn’t come up. We also feel like it’s time for the House Democrats to lead the opportunity for them to be heard, and so we’re traveling across with an agenda purpose to share what’s happening, but also to learn, not just from Democrats, but from all Kansans.”Haskins said he’s been concerned about how business is being conducted at the Statehouse, and also what is happening at the federal level. Important items are buried in details, for instance.&nbsp;“We saw this during the past session many times over,” he said. “Property tax relief started off as something they campaigned on, but then when it came out, they’re making sure that luxury jets get property tax relief.”Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas GOP, said the House Democrats are not on a “fight back” tour.“This is the out-of-touch tour,” he said by email. “Do the legislators not know that people are tired of larger government? Do they not understand that people like lower taxes, secure borders and parental rights?”The gathering drew former elected officials like Joan Wagnon, who served in the House and as Topeka mayor, along with 13 current representatives and senators, Kansas Board of Education members, Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla and others.After Kelly spoke, a panel made up of House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, of Lenexa, and Topeka Reps. Alexis Simmons, John Alcala, and Haskins answered questions from the audience.Those questions focused primarily on what actions people could take to make a difference, as well as concerns about Medicaid cuts and mental health services.The panel encouraged people to contact their legislators, to go to their offices and be heard.&nbsp;“I’m on my soapbox. Settle in,” Simmons said, drawing laughs. “Y’all know how many races in the state of Kansas, in the state Legislature, are won or lost by only double digits? It’s crazy. There are so many. We just lost a state senator in Leavenworth — he lost by 31 votes.”Simmons encouraged people to talk to everyone and tell them to vote all the way down the ballot.“Do not vote only for president. Don’t vote only for Congress. Vote all the way down,” she said.The next fight back tour events will be in Wichita on June 5 and Newton on June 6. Details are on the House Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshousedems" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas House Democrats hit the road to ‘fight back’ against GOP supermajority

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republican Sen. Joni Ernst was met with shouts and groans when she said “we all are going to die” as she addressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-trump-tax-cuts-bill-1e2b12a91a3d12ceb0420ce7053de58e">potential changes to Medicaid eligibility</a>&nbsp;at a town hall in north-central Iowa on Friday.

She had been consistent in her message throughout the contentious forum at a high school in Parkersburg, Iowa, as she defended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-beautiful-bill-trump-tax-cuts-medicaid-00ce1ff8a7b7fea7a894d38398748c6b">tax and immigration package</a>&nbsp;that has passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate. Facing several constituents concerned about cuts to Medicaid, she defended the $700 billion in reduced spending, saying it would keep immigrants in the U.S. illegally and those who have access to insurance through their employers off the rolls.

Then someone in the crowd yelled that people will die without coverage.

“People are not ... well, we all are going to die,” Ernst said, drawing groans. “So, for heaven’s sakes. For heaven’s sakes, folks.”

“What you don’t want to do is listen to me when I say that we are going to focus on those that are most vulnerable,” Ernst went on. “Those that meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid we will protect.”

House Republicans last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-tax-cuts-trump-f2c60ae5c7c1313de69446f9ac7176e6">muscled through</a>&nbsp;the massive spending and tax cut&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-beautiful-bill-trump-tax-cuts-medicaid-00ce1ff8a7b7fea7a894d38398748c6b">package</a>, dubbed “the big, beautiful bill” at the urging of President Donald Trump, by a single vote. It now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-cuts-medicaid-congress-senate-trump-bill-2825f8fa0e96a00cf72a6de6a5a88a25">moves to the Senate</a>.

Ernst made clear Friday that any measure that emerges from the Senate will look different from the House version.

Republicans have defended the new work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and stepped up eligibility verification, saying the generated savings will sustain the program for vulnerable populations. Democrats warn that millions of Americans will lose coverage.

A preliminary estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by 8.6 million over the decade.

Video of Ernst’s comment started making the rounds among Democrat elected officials and candidates. Ernst is up for reelection in 2026.

“This morning, Joni Ernst said the quiet part out loud:" Republicans do not care “about whether their own constituents live or die as long as the richest few get richer,” said Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, in a statement.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republican Sen. Joni Ernst was met with shouts and groans when she said “we all are going to die” as she addressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-trump-tax-cuts-bill-1e2b12a91a3d12ceb0420ce7053de58e">potential changes to Medicaid eligibility</a>&nbsp;at a town hall in north-central Iowa on Friday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">During a town hall meeting, when discussing Medicaid benefits, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) responds to someone: &quot;Well, we all are going to die.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/HDj0w27vHJ">pic.twitter.com/HDj0w27vHJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1928477381359972502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>She had been consistent in her message throughout the contentious forum at a high school in Parkersburg, Iowa, as she defended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-beautiful-bill-trump-tax-cuts-medicaid-00ce1ff8a7b7fea7a894d38398748c6b">tax and immigration package</a>&nbsp;that has passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate. Facing several constituents concerned about cuts to Medicaid, she defended the $700 billion in reduced spending, saying it would keep immigrants in the U.S. illegally and those who have access to insurance through their employers off the rolls.Then someone in the crowd yelled that people will die without coverage.“People are not ... well, we all are going to die,” Ernst said, drawing groans. “So, for heaven’s sakes. For heaven’s sakes, folks.”“What you don’t want to do is listen to me when I say that we are going to focus on those that are most vulnerable,” Ernst went on. “Those that meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid we will protect.”House Republicans last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-tax-cuts-trump-f2c60ae5c7c1313de69446f9ac7176e6">muscled through</a>&nbsp;the massive spending and tax cut&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-beautiful-bill-trump-tax-cuts-medicaid-00ce1ff8a7b7fea7a894d38398748c6b">package</a>, dubbed “the big, beautiful bill” at the urging of President Donald Trump, by a single vote. It now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-cuts-medicaid-congress-senate-trump-bill-2825f8fa0e96a00cf72a6de6a5a88a25">moves to the Senate</a>.Ernst made clear Friday that any measure that emerges from the Senate will look different from the House version.Republicans have defended the new work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and stepped up eligibility verification, saying the generated savings will sustain the program for vulnerable populations. Democrats warn that millions of Americans will lose coverage.A preliminary estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by 8.6 million over the decade.Video of Ernst’s comment started making the rounds among Democrat elected officials and candidates. Ernst is up for reelection in 2026.“This morning, Joni Ernst said the quiet part out loud:" Republicans do not care “about whether their own constituents live or die as long as the richest few get richer,” said Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, in a statement.

🎥 ‘We're all  going to die’: U.S. Senator defends Medicaid cuts at town hall

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) has announced a 4-day long weekend event that will pay tribute to fallen U.S. Veterans.

Starting Thursday, June 5th - Sunday June 9th at the Kansas&nbsp;National Guard Armory in Concordia, KS (2115 Blosser Dr.), AVTT invites the public to join a weekend in visiting a tribute wall, participate in auctions, witness live demonstrations and listen to guest speakers and live music.

Before the event begins, the American Legion Riders, Patriots Riders and Sons of the Legion will escort a U.S. Veteran Tribute Wall from Salina to Concordia on the morning of June 5th. Once it arrives, it will be ready for public display at 4:00 pm that same day.

"With all the flags whipping in the wind, I just can't imagine what a beautiful sight that will be," said AVTT Senior Coordinator, Rita Goodwin.

Once the tribute wall is established, it will be open every morning at 7:00 am.

The Kansas Highway Patrol will speak during the event on Thursday. A K-9 demonstration will be on Friday, along with military band performances and patriotic music.

"The speakers will remind and encourage us that freedom is not free," said Goodwin.

Goodwin thanked all the sponsors, First Responders and people from all over the North Central Kansas region who supported in making this event happen.

"It's amazing to see the support and stories that we have heard from our Veterans," stated Goodwin.

Attendees will be assisted when trying to find names on the tribute wall. Transportation services from OCCK will also be provided throughout the weekend.

"May God bless America and you," said Goodwin. "Let's give thanks to our Veterans and First Responders today and everyday."

To learn more about the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanveteranstravelingtribute.com/">https://www.americanveteranstravelingtribute.com/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748649470733.jpeg" alt="american veterans traveling tribute logo from the AVTT website" />
 <figcaption>american veterans traveling tribute logo from the AVTT website</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostThe American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) has announced a 4-day long weekend event that will pay tribute to fallen U.S. Veterans.Starting Thursday, June 5th - Sunday June 9th at the Kansas&nbsp;National Guard Armory in Concordia, KS (2115 Blosser Dr.), AVTT invites the public to join a weekend in visiting a tribute wall, participate in auctions, witness live demonstrations and listen to guest speakers and live music.Before the event begins, the American Legion Riders, Patriots Riders and Sons of the Legion will escort a U.S. Veteran Tribute Wall from Salina to Concordia on the morning of June 5th. Once it arrives, it will be ready for public display at 4:00 pm that same day."With all the flags whipping in the wind, I just can't imagine what a beautiful sight that will be," said AVTT Senior Coordinator, Rita Goodwin.Once the tribute wall is established, it will be open every morning at 7:00 am.The Kansas Highway Patrol will speak during the event on Thursday. A K-9 demonstration will be on Friday, along with military band performances and patriotic music."The speakers will remind and encourage us that freedom is not free," said Goodwin.Goodwin thanked all the sponsors, First Responders and people from all over the North Central Kansas region who supported in making this event happen."It's amazing to see the support and stories that we have heard from our Veterans," stated Goodwin.Attendees will be assisted when trying to find names on the tribute wall. Transportation services from OCCK will also be provided throughout the weekend."May God bless America and you," said Goodwin. "Let's give thanks to our Veterans and First Responders today and everyday."To learn more about the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanveteranstravelingtribute.com/">https://www.americanveteranstravelingtribute.com/</a>

AVTT hosts 4-day long weekend event that pays tribute to fallen U.S. Veterans

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, so it’s good to get the guys back in here and going. This Phase 3 is – again, this is a voluntary camp (but) we’ve had great attendance throughout the Phase 2 and Phase 3 periods here. We have a couple people that are under the weather, so we were short a couple guys today but for the most part, it’s been very good. I’m not going to get into injuries and all of that bit, but I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen from the guys and the effort they’re giving. For the young guys, they’ve been working their tail off. We’ve been loading them up with stuff and they seem to be able to retain it, which is a positive. Anyways, with that, the time’s yours.”

Q: What exactly are you looking for from the young players when you’re out there? Are you pleased with what you’ve been seeing?

REID:&nbsp;“Some of it is the retention part of it and then you get a chance to see skill. Now normally, they’re kind of crawling before they walk and walk before they run when they’re in that phase so it might not be as fast as what you’re going to see once you get to camp and as you work your way through camp but still, they’re doing a nice job for the most part.”

Q: What were your impressions of what Rashee Rice has been able to do during camp?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Rashee Rice) actually one of the guys under the weather so we kept him at home. In Phase 2, he was great. He just wasn’t able to go this week, so we kept him out and away from the guys.”

Q: Do you throw as much as you can at the young guys as possible or do you build up?

REID:&nbsp;“We go. We go and expect them to get on top of it. Normally, what you’re doing – it’s a little bit like camp where you’re installing plays today and then we ask them to go execute those plays. We try not to back up and go over the plays (that) we installed yesterday. At the same time, if you’re not doing your stuff at home before you get to the install meetings and reviewing then you’re going to have a problem once you get out there. It looks like these guys are taking – and there’s a method to that madness so they have to go home and develop some study habits with that, and they seem to be doing a good job with it.”

Q: What are you hoping to see out of a guy like Skyy Moore before the pads come back on in camp?

REID:&nbsp;“Just getting back in the swing of things but he looks like he’s (Skyy Moore) doing a good job so – moving around pretty good. He’s been accurate with everything and (he’s a) sharp kid.”

Q: How has Josh Simmons come along with his injury and how is he retaining stuff?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Josh Simmons) one that didn’t work this week, but he’s been doing everything up to that point. He’s actually further ahead than I thought he was, and we might actually be able to get – originally, we weren’t going to have in the Phase 3 part at all, other than the individual stuff. We’ve kept him out of the team stuff with that, but he did all of Phase 2 and he’s done a good job of what we’ve seen. We’ve just got to get him in with the defense against him.”

Q: What have you seen differently from Xavier Worthy in camp this year?

REID:&nbsp;“We can move him (Xavier Worthy) around a little bit more. He’s a smart kid (so) that gives you a little bit of flexibility there to not just line him up in a spot. We started doing that towards the end of the year (and) we’ll keep moving with that part. Then, he knows all the stuff so he can play fast and not do quite as much thinking.”

Q: What have you seen from Isiah Pacheco?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Isiah Pacheco) looks good. Physically, he looks real good. He’s put on a couple pounds of good weight. He got himself down there a little bit last year and leaned up but man, yeah, I think he looks tremendous right now.”

Q: How have you seen Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones evolve as leaders for the young guys during voluntary camp?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ve had all the veteran guys – all the good leaders have been here. It’s good to have them there. When they’re there, it’s a certain energy that comes with it. Expectations from all the either new guys – free agent type or the college kids and they set a tempo with that.”

Q: How has Kingsley Suamataia been coming along after switching to guard? What makes him a better fit for the inside position?

REID:&nbsp;“We moved him (Kingsley Suamataia) there for that second Denver game, so I mentioned that was one of the positives – the only positive that came out of that game but I thought he did a nice job there so we’re moving him in there. Listen, (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags runs a million different looks, so this is the best thing for him, to get in there and have a bunch of things thrown at him and he’s doing a nice job so far.”

Q: Do you consider left guard an open competition?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Kingsley Suamataia) and (Mike) Caliendo are working there and doing that.”

Q: What’s your impression of Jaylon Moore at left tackle?

REID:&nbsp;“Strong – strong kid, he’s (Jaylon Moore) smart but you can tell he’s compact and strong – it looks like to me, without him going live. It’s hard to do the o-line and d-line because they get to a contact point and they kind of pull off and do their thing. He looks like he’s a strong kid. He’s definitely smart – sharp kid.”

Q: What’s your thoughts on the schedule?

REID:&nbsp;“It’s good. It’s quite a tour.”

Q: On the 2025 schedule compared to the 2024 schedule.

REID:&nbsp;“Look, you’re playing all the teams. It doesn’t matter where you’re playing them, you have to play these guys. They’re doing the same thing we’re doing, playing on the same days we are, so we have to get ourselves ready and go. You only have so many weeks you can play, and you want to make sure you take advantage of that, so I don’t get caught up in all that. Whenever and whatever goes, we go.”

Q: Do you think Josh Simmons will be ready for the start of training camp?

REID:&nbsp;“I think for sure for camp. We might be able to get something out of him (Josh Simmons) in the team periods in Phase 3 here so that’s a positive. We weren’t expecting to be able to do that, but he’s really done a good job with his rehab stuff and the doctor that did his surgery did a nice job.”

Q: Where does Justyn Ross fit in the wide receiver room?

REID:&nbsp;“As long as he (Justyn Ross) stays healthy, and he’s out there, that’s a plus. I mean, he competes – you can argue (that) he had one of the best camps last year. It’s just a matter of keeping him upright and trying to work him in that mix of guys. He’s a big receiver that has real good hands and has done a nice job for us.”

Q: What’s the importance of rotating guys this time of year to see what you have?

REID:&nbsp;“I probably should’ve mentioned that earlier that we’re moving guys all over the place. Whether it’s the young receivers, whether it’s the DBs – linebackers so we’re just kind of fitting pieces in there like we normally do during the preseason time. Then, the offensive line, like I said, we’re moving those guys all over too. That pays off for you I think once you get going here. Trying to find the best people for those positions (and) what they do the best.”

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Quotes

Q: Being in year nine now, how important is it for you and the veterans to set the tempo for the guys who are trying to learn the system?

MAHOMES: “It’s awesome to have the leadership that we have and to have guys like Trav (Travis Kelce) and Chris Jones who are still coming to OTAs and getting the work in. It kind of shows that the standard that we have here. We’ve kind of – we’ve been doing it all throughout the Spring as guys are working hard. You can tell they’re motivated to go out there and be even better this next year, so it starts here and I think guys understand that.”

Q: Since you’re turning 30 now, what is our view now compared to the beginning? How different does it feel?

MAHOMES: “First off, kids I feel like age you a little bit. Having three kids makes you grow up, but it’s been a fun run. We’ve had a lot of great players in this building, a lot of great people and so it makes it enjoyable to come to work every single day. I still have some guys with me that have been there the whole time and then adding new guys gives you a new juice and a new spirit to go out there and be even better. A lot of young guys now so just trying to relate to them as much as I can but at the same time, I’m still not 30 yet so I feel like I can for at least right now.”

Q: Do you feel a difference in your body now compared to when you were in your young 20s?

MAHOMES: “Not necessarily. I think more than anything I have a better understanding of my body, so I know what I need to get in, I know the extra amount of recovery stuff I need to do, how to feel my best on a day-to-day basis. I mean obviously I probably bounced back a little bit quicker when I was younger but at the same time, I have a better plan and a better standard that I hold myself to on a day-to-day basis so I can be ready for every single practice.”

Q: What’s your approach to mentoring young players?

MAHOMES: “I always want to meet the person first. So, it’s about getting to know the person and seeing what I can do to help them get better and help them push forward because it is hard. It starts with OTAs but going through training camp and going through a long NFL season is hard. You want the guys to know that you care about them, so you care about them as a person first. Then, you mentor them on the field by pushing them to be better every day.

Q: Generally, how long do you think it takes to get to know their personalities?

MAHOMES: “Once you get to St. Joe and you live in those dorms, you kind of – you start understanding each person more and more. It’s cool getting here at OTAs, being in the building, meeting the guys and kind of building that relationship on the field. Then when you get to training camp and the season, you really get to meet the person even more. That’s why – we always harp on it, but it is fun going to St. Joe and meeting all the new teammates and new free agents that you have.”

Q: What’s your biggest takeaway and focus when you lose a Super Bowl versus when you win one?

MAHOMES: “It’s hard. I feel like I focus every year because I know how special of a run that we’re on and how many years left I’ll have with all these great players and a great team, and every team is different and you don’t want to miss an opportunity. When you lose a Super Bowl, I think there’s sometimes in those workouts you might be a little tired, you have that extra, added motivation to finish even harder or finish even stronger. I think it’ll be good for us at the end of the day. I mean obviously looking back you want to win the game, but a lot of those guys hadn’t lost one. (They) hadn’t ended a season on a loss that are on this team now so I’m sure they’ll be motivated to go back out there and try to find a way to get to the Super Bowl and win it this year.”

MAHOMES: “If it’s the last ride you would never know. The way he’s (Travis Kelce) talking about football, the way he’s talking about working and trying to be even better this year than he was last year. He’s not – he doesn’t seem like a guy that it’s his last ride like he’s tired of the job. He’s in there, he’s working and I know his body feels good. I think it feels better than even last year before going into the last season. Just because I think he’s motivated to go out there and have an even better year than he had this last (year).”

Q: What’s it going to be like to play against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day?

MAHOMES: “It’s going to be special. I’ve wanted to play at the Cowboys stadium obviously just because I haven’t had the opportunity to actually play in the game. My first year we were there, I was at the game, but I didn’t get to play. I’m growing up watching those games, going to those games – it was a special experience for me and my family so I’m excited to get everybody there. Then to play on Thanksgiving, if you’re in Thanksgiving in Texas, you’re watching the Cowboys play and so it’ll be a special moment. I know those ticket prices went up a little bit for me but other than that, it’s going to be cool to play on Thanksgiving, have the primetime, have that 3 o’ clock kick and be able to go out there and play in front of hopefully a lot of my friends and family.”

Q: Have you been to a Cowboys Thanksgiving game?

MAHOMES: “I haven’t been to a Thanksgiving game, but I obviously went to a lot of games growing up. I played there when I was in college so it’ll be exciting and my son’s birthday is the day after so hopefully we can find a way to win and then get to celebrate my son’s birthday after that.”

Q: What’s the importance of having Travis Kelce at OTAs?

MAHOMES: “It’s extremely important just because whenever you have – I always say this – whenever you have the guy that already has the gold jacket on, if&nbsp; it’s him (Travis Kelce) or Chris Jones and they’re working hard and they’re showing what it takes to be great, it’s easier for me to talk to the young guys and say like when they’re tired that they need to keep working, they need to keep pushing. They don’t need to be here, and they’re still going to go out there and have success on the field. They take care of their bodies and work hard in the offseason. For them to still show up and set that standard, it sets the standard for everybody else that’s going on the practice field.”

Q: What’d you learn about Xavier Worthy the last few weeks of the 2024 season?

MAHOMES: “I think the biggest thing I learned is – I mean I knew this but with more opportunities – he’s (Xavier Worthy) not just fast, he can make plays. You saw that with some of the contested catches that he made kind of towards the end of the season. If you think back to the Bills game or even the last catch he had in the Super Bowl. I mean he’s someone that will go up and make a play on the football and so my job is to give him more opportunities, even when he’s running with someone and it’s one on one, throw the ball, let him go up there and make a play. I think adding Hollywood (Brown) being healthier and then having Rashee (Rice) back out there is going to give him more and more opportunities to stretch the field down the field.”

Q: How excited are you to have Josh Simmons?

MAHOMES: “He’s (Josh Simmons) built like a left tackle, I think that’s the biggest thing you see. Obviously, we’re building him up coming off the injury, but he looks great. He’s moving well, he’s doing all the right things and he’s working extremely hard. Whenever I go by the training room, he’s in the training room working to try to get back on the field as quickly as possible. More than that, I think we just – (General Manager Brett) Veach and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and all those guys, they brought in competition. They want the guys to go out there and be the best they can possibly be and I’m excited for us to get to training camp and get to go against our defensive line which will be a really good defensive line. It’ll be a great test for those guys to kind of prepare for the season.”

MAHOMES: “He looks like Rashee (Rice). I think having – obviously having the injury, it sucked. Happening so early in the season, he was back like right when the offseason started and so he was up here working hard – extremely hard and he was back home working extremely hard. I was throwing with him in Dallas a little bit and then getting him back out here, there’s no limitations. He’s out there playing, he’s making plays on the football field, he’s explosive, he looks fast. You saw the start of last season, I think he can be one of the best receivers in the league. Just to have him, to add with Xavier (Worthy) and Hollywood (Brown) and all these other guys that we have, it’s another position I think (General Manager Brett) Veach has done a great job of bringing in competition so that we can go out there and make a lot of plays happen.”

Q: On the wide receivers unit so far.

MAHOMES: “We’re fast. I think that’s probably the thing that stands out the most. You talk about Xavier (Worthy), Rashee (Rice), Hollywood (Brown), (Tyquan) Thornton, (Jalen) Royals coming in like we have guys that can roll. Our job is to test the defenses down the field, and we have to get back to doing that if we want to open up other guys underneath. I think (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid has challenged me this offseason to push the ball down the field, let guys have chances to make plays and then once we get that back to where we want to in our standard that we believe we should have, then we can come back to the underneath stuff.”

Q: What are your expectations for Skyy Moore this season?

MAHOMES: “His (Skyy Moore) job is to come in here and compete. Skyy is always one of the hardest working guys on the football field and whenever his number’s called, you see him go out there and he makes plays happen. Like I said, (General Manager Brett) Veach has brought in such great competition in that (wide receiver) room that you kind of go in with an open mind and you let guys go out there and compete and try to see who’s the best six, seven – five, six, seven, eight – whatever guys that is make the team. It’s all about competing and making each other better.”

Q: How much do you try to petition Head Coach Andy Reid to let you play flag football in the Olympics?

MAHOMES: “It’s awesome, honestly. Just to be able to showcase the NFL to the whole world through flag football, but I’ll probably leave that to the younger guys. I’ll be a little old by the time that thing comes around.”

Q: What does Isiah Pacheco going back to get his degree say about him?

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, so it’s good to get the guys back in here and going. This Phase 3 is – again, this is a voluntary camp (but) we’ve had great attendance throughout the Phase 2 and Phase 3 periods here. We have a couple people that are under the weather, so we were short a couple guys today but for the most part, it’s been very good. I’m not going to get into injuries and all of that bit, but I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen from the guys and the effort they’re giving. For the young guys, they’ve been working their tail off. We’ve been loading them up with stuff and they seem to be able to retain it, which is a positive. Anyways, with that, the time’s yours.”Q: What exactly are you looking for from the young players when you’re out there? Are you pleased with what you’ve been seeing?REID:&nbsp;“Some of it is the retention part of it and then you get a chance to see skill. Now normally, they’re kind of crawling before they walk and walk before they run when they’re in that phase so it might not be as fast as what you’re going to see once you get to camp and as you work your way through camp but still, they’re doing a nice job for the most part.”Q: What were your impressions of what Rashee Rice has been able to do during camp?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Rashee Rice) actually one of the guys under the weather so we kept him at home. In Phase 2, he was great. He just wasn’t able to go this week, so we kept him out and away from the guys.”Q: Do you throw as much as you can at the young guys as possible or do you build up?REID:&nbsp;“We go. We go and expect them to get on top of it. Normally, what you’re doing – it’s a little bit like camp where you’re installing plays today and then we ask them to go execute those plays. We try not to back up and go over the plays (that) we installed yesterday. At the same time, if you’re not doing your stuff at home before you get to the install meetings and reviewing then you’re going to have a problem once you get out there. It looks like these guys are taking – and there’s a method to that madness so they have to go home and develop some study habits with that, and they seem to be doing a good job with it.”Q: What are you hoping to see out of a guy like Skyy Moore before the pads come back on in camp?REID:&nbsp;“Just getting back in the swing of things but he looks like he’s (Skyy Moore) doing a good job so – moving around pretty good. He’s been accurate with everything and (he’s a) sharp kid.”Q: How has Josh Simmons come along with his injury and how is he retaining stuff?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Josh Simmons) one that didn’t work this week, but he’s been doing everything up to that point. He’s actually further ahead than I thought he was, and we might actually be able to get – originally, we weren’t going to have in the Phase 3 part at all, other than the individual stuff. We’ve kept him out of the team stuff with that, but he did all of Phase 2 and he’s done a good job of what we’ve seen. We’ve just got to get him in with the defense against him.”Q: What have you seen differently from Xavier Worthy in camp this year?REID:&nbsp;“We can move him (Xavier Worthy) around a little bit more. He’s a smart kid (so) that gives you a little bit of flexibility there to not just line him up in a spot. We started doing that towards the end of the year (and) we’ll keep moving with that part. Then, he knows all the stuff so he can play fast and not do quite as much thinking.”Q: What have you seen from Isiah Pacheco?REID:&nbsp;“He (Isiah Pacheco) looks good. Physically, he looks real good. He’s put on a couple pounds of good weight. He got himself down there a little bit last year and leaned up but man, yeah, I think he looks tremendous right now.”Q: How have you seen Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones evolve as leaders for the young guys during voluntary camp?REID:&nbsp;“We’ve had all the veteran guys – all the good leaders have been here. It’s good to have them there. When they’re there, it’s a certain energy that comes with it. Expectations from all the either new guys – free agent type or the college kids and they set a tempo with that.”Q: How has Kingsley Suamataia been coming along after switching to guard? What makes him a better fit for the inside position?REID:&nbsp;“We moved him (Kingsley Suamataia) there for that second Denver game, so I mentioned that was one of the positives – the only positive that came out of that game but I thought he did a nice job there so we’re moving him in there. Listen, (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags runs a million different looks, so this is the best thing for him, to get in there and have a bunch of things thrown at him and he’s doing a nice job so far.”Q: Do you consider left guard an open competition?REID:&nbsp;“He (Kingsley Suamataia) and (Mike) Caliendo are working there and doing that.”Q: What’s your impression of Jaylon Moore at left tackle?REID:&nbsp;“Strong – strong kid, he’s (Jaylon Moore) smart but you can tell he’s compact and strong – it looks like to me, without him going live. It’s hard to do the o-line and d-line because they get to a contact point and they kind of pull off and do their thing. He looks like he’s a strong kid. He’s definitely smart – sharp kid.”Q: What’s your thoughts on the schedule?REID:&nbsp;“It’s good. It’s quite a tour.”Q: On the 2025 schedule compared to the 2024 schedule.REID:&nbsp;“Look, you’re playing all the teams. It doesn’t matter where you’re playing them, you have to play these guys. They’re doing the same thing we’re doing, playing on the same days we are, so we have to get ourselves ready and go. You only have so many weeks you can play, and you want to make sure you take advantage of that, so I don’t get caught up in all that. Whenever and whatever goes, we go.”Q: Do you think Josh Simmons will be ready for the start of training camp?REID:&nbsp;“I think for sure for camp. We might be able to get something out of him (Josh Simmons) in the team periods in Phase 3 here so that’s a positive. We weren’t expecting to be able to do that, but he’s really done a good job with his rehab stuff and the doctor that did his surgery did a nice job.”Q: Where does Justyn Ross fit in the wide receiver room?REID:&nbsp;“As long as he (Justyn Ross) stays healthy, and he’s out there, that’s a plus. I mean, he competes – you can argue (that) he had one of the best camps last year. It’s just a matter of keeping him upright and trying to work him in that mix of guys. He’s a big receiver that has real good hands and has done a nice job for us.”Q: What’s the importance of rotating guys this time of year to see what you have?REID:&nbsp;“I probably should’ve mentioned that earlier that we’re moving guys all over the place. Whether it’s the young receivers, whether it’s the DBs – linebackers so we’re just kind of fitting pieces in there like we normally do during the preseason time. Then, the offensive line, like I said, we’re moving those guys all over too. That pays off for you I think once you get going here. Trying to find the best people for those positions (and) what they do the best.”Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes QuotesMay 29, 2025QB PATRICK MAHOMESQ: Being in year nine now, how important is it for you and the veterans to set the tempo for the guys who are trying to learn the system?MAHOMES: “It’s awesome to have the leadership that we have and to have guys like Trav (Travis Kelce) and Chris Jones who are still coming to OTAs and getting the work in. It kind of shows that the standard that we have here. We’ve kind of – we’ve been doing it all throughout the Spring as guys are working hard. You can tell they’re motivated to go out there and be even better this next year, so it starts here and I think guys understand that.”Q: Since you’re turning 30 now, what is our view now compared to the beginning? How different does it feel?MAHOMES: “First off, kids I feel like age you a little bit. Having three kids makes you grow up, but it’s been a fun run. We’ve had a lot of great players in this building, a lot of great people and so it makes it enjoyable to come to work every single day. I still have some guys with me that have been there the whole time and then adding new guys gives you a new juice and a new spirit to go out there and be even better. A lot of young guys now so just trying to relate to them as much as I can but at the same time, I’m still not 30 yet so I feel like I can for at least right now.”Q: Do you feel a difference in your body now compared to when you were in your young 20s?MAHOMES: “Not necessarily. I think more than anything I have a better understanding of my body, so I know what I need to get in, I know the extra amount of recovery stuff I need to do, how to feel my best on a day-to-day basis. I mean obviously I probably bounced back a little bit quicker when I was younger but at the same time, I have a better plan and a better standard that I hold myself to on a day-to-day basis so I can be ready for every single practice.”Q: What’s your approach to mentoring young players?MAHOMES: “I always want to meet the person first. So, it’s about getting to know the person and seeing what I can do to help them get better and help them push forward because it is hard. It starts with OTAs but going through training camp and going through a long NFL season is hard. You want the guys to know that you care about them, so you care about them as a person first. Then, you mentor them on the field by pushing them to be better every day.Q: Generally, how long do you think it takes to get to know their personalities?MAHOMES: “Once you get to St. Joe and you live in those dorms, you kind of – you start understanding each person more and more. It’s cool getting here at OTAs, being in the building, meeting the guys and kind of building that relationship on the field. Then when you get to training camp and the season, you really get to meet the person even more. That’s why – we always harp on it, but it is fun going to St. Joe and meeting all the new teammates and new free agents that you have.”Q: What’s your biggest takeaway and focus when you lose a Super Bowl versus when you win one?MAHOMES: “It’s hard. I feel like I focus every year because I know how special of a run that we’re on and how many years left I’ll have with all these great players and a great team, and every team is different and you don’t want to miss an opportunity. When you lose a Super Bowl, I think there’s sometimes in those workouts you might be a little tired, you have that extra, added motivation to finish even harder or finish even stronger. I think it’ll be good for us at the end of the day. I mean obviously looking back you want to win the game, but a lot of those guys hadn’t lost one. (They) hadn’t ended a season on a loss that are on this team now so I’m sure they’ll be motivated to go back out there and try to find a way to get to the Super Bowl and win it this year.”Q: On Travis Kelce.MAHOMES: “If it’s the last ride you would never know. The way he’s (Travis Kelce) talking about football, the way he’s talking about working and trying to be even better this year than he was last year. He’s not – he doesn’t seem like a guy that it’s his last ride like he’s tired of the job. He’s in there, he’s working and I know his body feels good. I think it feels better than even last year before going into the last season. Just because I think he’s motivated to go out there and have an even better year than he had this last (year).”Q: What’s it going to be like to play against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day?MAHOMES: “It’s going to be special. I’ve wanted to play at the Cowboys stadium obviously just because I haven’t had the opportunity to actually play in the game. My first year we were there, I was at the game, but I didn’t get to play. I’m growing up watching those games, going to those games – it was a special experience for me and my family so I’m excited to get everybody there. Then to play on Thanksgiving, if you’re in Thanksgiving in Texas, you’re watching the Cowboys play and so it’ll be a special moment. I know those ticket prices went up a little bit for me but other than that, it’s going to be cool to play on Thanksgiving, have the primetime, have that 3 o’ clock kick and be able to go out there and play in front of hopefully a lot of my friends and family.”Q: Have you been to a Cowboys Thanksgiving game?MAHOMES: “I haven’t been to a Thanksgiving game, but I obviously went to a lot of games growing up. I played there when I was in college so it’ll be exciting and my son’s birthday is the day after so hopefully we can find a way to win and then get to celebrate my son’s birthday after that.”Q: What’s the importance of having Travis Kelce at OTAs?MAHOMES: “It’s extremely important just because whenever you have – I always say this – whenever you have the guy that already has the gold jacket on, if&nbsp; it’s him (Travis Kelce) or Chris Jones and they’re working hard and they’re showing what it takes to be great, it’s easier for me to talk to the young guys and say like when they’re tired that they need to keep working, they need to keep pushing. They don’t need to be here, and they’re still going to go out there and have success on the field. They take care of their bodies and work hard in the offseason. For them to still show up and set that standard, it sets the standard for everybody else that’s going on the practice field.”Q: What’d you learn about Xavier Worthy the last few weeks of the 2024 season?MAHOMES: “I think the biggest thing I learned is – I mean I knew this but with more opportunities – he’s (Xavier Worthy) not just fast, he can make plays. You saw that with some of the contested catches that he made kind of towards the end of the season. If you think back to the Bills game or even the last catch he had in the Super Bowl. I mean he’s someone that will go up and make a play on the football and so my job is to give him more opportunities, even when he’s running with someone and it’s one on one, throw the ball, let him go up there and make a play. I think adding Hollywood (Brown) being healthier and then having Rashee (Rice) back out there is going to give him more and more opportunities to stretch the field down the field.”Q: How excited are you to have Josh Simmons?MAHOMES: “He’s (Josh Simmons) built like a left tackle, I think that’s the biggest thing you see. Obviously, we’re building him up coming off the injury, but he looks great. He’s moving well, he’s doing all the right things and he’s working extremely hard. Whenever I go by the training room, he’s in the training room working to try to get back on the field as quickly as possible. More than that, I think we just – (General Manager Brett) Veach and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and all those guys, they brought in competition. They want the guys to go out there and be the best they can possibly be and I’m excited for us to get to training camp and get to go against our defensive line which will be a really good defensive line. It’ll be a great test for those guys to kind of prepare for the season.”Q: How does Rashee Rice look?MAHOMES: “He looks like Rashee (Rice). I think having – obviously having the injury, it sucked. Happening so early in the season, he was back like right when the offseason started and so he was up here working hard – extremely hard and he was back home working extremely hard. I was throwing with him in Dallas a little bit and then getting him back out here, there’s no limitations. He’s out there playing, he’s making plays on the football field, he’s explosive, he looks fast. You saw the start of last season, I think he can be one of the best receivers in the league. Just to have him, to add with Xavier (Worthy) and Hollywood (Brown) and all these other guys that we have, it’s another position I think (General Manager Brett) Veach has done a great job of bringing in competition so that we can go out there and make a lot of plays happen.”Q: On the wide receivers unit so far.MAHOMES: “We’re fast. I think that’s probably the thing that stands out the most. You talk about Xavier (Worthy), Rashee (Rice), Hollywood (Brown), (Tyquan) Thornton, (Jalen) Royals coming in like we have guys that can roll. Our job is to test the defenses down the field, and we have to get back to doing that if we want to open up other guys underneath. I think (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid has challenged me this offseason to push the ball down the field, let guys have chances to make plays and then once we get that back to where we want to in our standard that we believe we should have, then we can come back to the underneath stuff.”Q: What are your expectations for Skyy Moore this season?MAHOMES: “His (Skyy Moore) job is to come in here and compete. Skyy is always one of the hardest working guys on the football field and whenever his number’s called, you see him go out there and he makes plays happen. Like I said, (General Manager Brett) Veach has brought in such great competition in that (wide receiver) room that you kind of go in with an open mind and you let guys go out there and compete and try to see who’s the best six, seven – five, six, seven, eight – whatever guys that is make the team. It’s all about competing and making each other better.”Q: How much do you try to petition Head Coach Andy Reid to let you play flag football in the Olympics?MAHOMES: “It’s awesome, honestly. Just to be able to showcase the NFL to the whole world through flag football, but I’ll probably leave that to the younger guys. I’ll be a little old by the time that thing comes around.”Q: What does Isiah Pacheco going back to get his degree say about him?

Chiefs Quotes: 5-30-25

Scot Pollard was standing in Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and trying not to cry.

The NBA champion and “Survivor” contestant was talking about meeting the family of Casey Angell, whose heart was now beating inside Pollard's chest. Angell's sister brought a stethoscope.

“She touched my chest. She listened and she started crying. She said, ‘Hey, Bubba,’ because that’s what she used to call him,” Pollard said. “And we all lost it. And I’m losing it right now.”

A first-round draft pick who took Kansas to the NCAA Sweet 16 four years in a row and won it all with the 2008 Boston Celtics, Pollard was virtually bedridden by 2024, unable to walk around the block or even conduct an interview without needing a rest because of a virus that had weakened his heart.

Since receiving the life-saving transplant last winter, he has dedicated himself to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heart-transplant-scot-pollard-discharged-3b2b1b8136f1617b9ad07ecfbc3a584b">raising awareness of organ donation</a>, a mission that earned him the honor of serving as the Grand Marshal for the Indy 500 Festival Parade on Saturday. Angell's family rode along on the float with him.

“Any time we get to see them and be around them is a great moment,” Pollard said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. “But also just to be able to share this experience of being grand marshal with them, and be part of their lives.”

At 6-foot-11 and a playing weight of 260 pounds, Pollard inherited his size from his father along with a genetic heart condition that doctors say was triggered by a virus that left him no other choice but a transplant. The problem would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-nba-survivor-heart-transplant-d8b34f86b1a6f027ef8210c3a6ab0268">finding a donor</a>&nbsp;organ big enough to pump blood throughout his NBA center-sized body.

Six hundred miles away, in East Texas, Angell was on life support with pneumonia brought on by a respiratory illness.

“We made the decision that we were letting go, and they came to us within about 30 minutes and asked about donation,” said Megan Tyra, who works as an administrator at the hospital where her brother died. “We saw the heart leave, going out the door, and all we were told was that it was headed to Tennessee.”

To protect everyone’s privacy, organ recipients can only learn about their donors – and vice versa – through a system that requires both sides to agree. Pollard was told that most people don't hear back, but he wrote a note anyway. Angell’s family responded.

(In addition to his heart, Casey Angell’s corneas and his kidneys were donated. The family was told the other recipients were two 17-year-olds and a 48- and a 49-year-old; they have not heard from any of the other recipients.)

“Casey was a nosy dude. He always wanted to be in the know,” Tyra said with a laugh. “And so when we got that first letter from Scot, … we were grateful that Scot wanted to know about Casey. Him and (his wife) Dawn have been so sweet and kind, (saying) ‘You’re part of our family now.’”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-nba-survivor-heart-donor-132717c3a1ccab4033cb35480e008935">They set up a meeting</a>&nbsp;in Texas this March. Tyra was there with her husband, Clint; Angell’s wife, Pam; and her son William, who is now 13. Pollard brought his family — and cameras to record the event for a TV documentary.

“To say the least, it was a tad bit overwhelming,” Tyra said in a telephone interview this week from Indianapolis. “We never did this for anything other than who Casey was, a helper, a guy who would help anyone do anything. So it’s a little bit surreal, a little bit overwhelming. But (Scot) and Dawn make it easy.”

Pollard, who turned 50 in February a few days after celebrating his one-year anniversary with the new heart, said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-heart-transplant-donor-1de85b7ca3321de6f3a813d41846502b">since receiving the transplant</a>&nbsp;he has suffered from survivor's guilt — the doubt that he was worthy of such a gift: “It’s a challenge, because I’ve got to live right. There’s a face, and I know what he looks like and I know who he was, and the family. And so there's that pressure.”

Angell’s family, he said, helped save him twice.

“There were a lot of days I was crying like, ‘I don’t know if I deserve this,’” Pollard said. “And then when they responded, and I got to know them, and I learned a lot more about Casey, it definitely helped. He has helped a whole lot with the healing. Not just emotionally, obviously.”

Pollard is hoping the documentary and the other media attention he brings as a former pro athlete will persuade people to consider organ donation. Last month, he spoke at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and received a standing ovation from a convention center full of doctors, including his own; that night, he attended a Celtics playoff game and got another big cheer when he received a shoutout on the scoreboard.

Pollard, who spent two of his 11 NBA seasons with the Indiana Pacers and settled near Indianapolis, was booked for a breakfast with the governor as part of the Indy 500 festivities this weekend along with some other meet-and-greets. He will watch the race — known as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing — on Sunday in a suite with Angell's family.

“We're excited about the fact that we’re honoring Casey, and who Casey was. So it’s all about Casey, and the sacrifice Casey made,” Tyra said. “We’re grateful that Scot wanted us to meet, and wants us to be a part of this and that he’s doing so much for organ donation. It’s amazing.

“You know, we never thought our little smalltown selves would be here for the Indy 500," she said. “But here we are.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748347868154.jpeg" alt="Former Boston Celtics center Scot Pollard, who underwent a heart transplant in 2024, watches the Celtics play the Orlando Magic during the first half in game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" />
 <figcaption>Former Boston Celtics center Scot Pollard, who underwent a heart transplant in 2024, watches the Celtics play the Orlando Magic during the first half in game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)</figcaption>
 </figure>JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports WriterScot Pollard was standing in Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and trying not to cry.The NBA champion and “Survivor” contestant was talking about meeting the family of Casey Angell, whose heart was now beating inside Pollard's chest. Angell's sister brought a stethoscope.“She touched my chest. She listened and she started crying. She said, ‘Hey, Bubba,’ because that’s what she used to call him,” Pollard said. “And we all lost it. And I’m losing it right now.”A first-round draft pick who took Kansas to the NCAA Sweet 16 four years in a row and won it all with the 2008 Boston Celtics, Pollard was virtually bedridden by 2024, unable to walk around the block or even conduct an interview without needing a rest because of a virus that had weakened his heart.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748347923641.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas center Scot Pollard slam dunks against Santa Clara during the first half of their second round NCAA West Regional game Sunday, March 17, 1996, in Tempe, Ariz. Behind Pollard are Santa Clara's Brendan Graves (42) and Marlon garnett (24). (AP Photo/Jeff Robbins, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas center Scot Pollard slam dunks against Santa Clara during the first half of their second round NCAA West Regional game Sunday, March 17, 1996, in Tempe, Ariz. Behind Pollard are Santa Clara's Brendan Graves (42) and Marlon garnett (24). (AP Photo/Jeff Robbins, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Since receiving the life-saving transplant last winter, he has dedicated himself to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heart-transplant-scot-pollard-discharged-3b2b1b8136f1617b9ad07ecfbc3a584b">raising awareness of organ donation</a>, a mission that earned him the honor of serving as the Grand Marshal for the Indy 500 Festival Parade on Saturday. Angell's family rode along on the float with him.“Any time we get to see them and be around them is a great moment,” Pollard said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. “But also just to be able to share this experience of being grand marshal with them, and be part of their lives.”At 6-foot-11 and a playing weight of 260 pounds, Pollard inherited his size from his father along with a genetic heart condition that doctors say was triggered by a virus that left him no other choice but a transplant. The problem would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-nba-survivor-heart-transplant-d8b34f86b1a6f027ef8210c3a6ab0268">finding a donor</a>&nbsp;organ big enough to pump blood throughout his NBA center-sized body.Six hundred miles away, in East Texas, Angell was on life support with pneumonia brought on by a respiratory illness.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748347976728.jpeg" alt="FILE - Boston Celtics center Scot Pollard smiles while facing reporters during a news conference held to introduce the newly signed player at the team's headquarters, in Boston, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Boston Celtics center Scot Pollard smiles while facing reporters during a news conference held to introduce the newly signed player at the team's headquarters, in Boston, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We made the decision that we were letting go, and they came to us within about 30 minutes and asked about donation,” said Megan Tyra, who works as an administrator at the hospital where her brother died. “We saw the heart leave, going out the door, and all we were told was that it was headed to Tennessee.”To protect everyone’s privacy, organ recipients can only learn about their donors – and vice versa – through a system that requires both sides to agree. Pollard was told that most people don't hear back, but he wrote a note anyway. Angell’s family responded.(In addition to his heart, Casey Angell’s corneas and his kidneys were donated. The family was told the other recipients were two 17-year-olds and a 48- and a 49-year-old; they have not heard from any of the other recipients.)“Casey was a nosy dude. He always wanted to be in the know,” Tyra said with a laugh. “And so when we got that first letter from Scot, … we were grateful that Scot wanted to know about Casey. Him and (his wife) Dawn have been so sweet and kind, (saying) ‘You’re part of our family now.’”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-nba-survivor-heart-donor-132717c3a1ccab4033cb35480e008935">They set up a meeting</a>&nbsp;in Texas this March. Tyra was there with her husband, Clint; Angell’s wife, Pam; and her son William, who is now 13. Pollard brought his family — and cameras to record the event for a TV documentary.“To say the least, it was a tad bit overwhelming,” Tyra said in a telephone interview this week from Indianapolis. “We never did this for anything other than who Casey was, a helper, a guy who would help anyone do anything. So it’s a little bit surreal, a little bit overwhelming. But (Scot) and Dawn make it easy.”Pollard, who turned 50 in February a few days after celebrating his one-year anniversary with the new heart, said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-heart-transplant-donor-1de85b7ca3321de6f3a813d41846502b">since receiving the transplant</a>&nbsp;he has suffered from survivor's guilt — the doubt that he was worthy of such a gift: “It’s a challenge, because I’ve got to live right. There’s a face, and I know what he looks like and I know who he was, and the family. And so there's that pressure.”Angell’s family, he said, helped save him twice.“There were a lot of days I was crying like, ‘I don’t know if I deserve this,’” Pollard said. “And then when they responded, and I got to know them, and I learned a lot more about Casey, it definitely helped. He has helped a whole lot with the healing. Not just emotionally, obviously.”Pollard is hoping the documentary and the other media attention he brings as a former pro athlete will persuade people to consider organ donation. Last month, he spoke at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and received a standing ovation from a convention center full of doctors, including his own; that night, he attended a Celtics playoff game and got another big cheer when he received a shoutout on the scoreboard.Pollard, who spent two of his 11 NBA seasons with the Indiana Pacers and settled near Indianapolis, was booked for a breakfast with the governor as part of the Indy 500 festivities this weekend along with some other meet-and-greets. He will watch the race — known as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing — on Sunday in a suite with Angell's family.“We're excited about the fact that we’re honoring Casey, and who Casey was. So it’s all about Casey, and the sacrifice Casey made,” Tyra said. “We’re grateful that Scot wanted us to meet, and wants us to be a part of this and that he’s doing so much for organ donation. It’s amazing.“You know, we never thought our little smalltown selves would be here for the Indy 500," she said. “But here we are.”

🏀 NBA champ, former KU bigman Scot Pollard shares Indy 500 parade float with heart donor's family

WEST MONROE, La. (AP) — Phil Robertson, who turned his small duck calling interest in the sportsman's paradise of northern Louisiana into a big business and conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/television-domestic-news-domestic-news-general-news-de4d0d70dd0a4bda8d0e29e2e9a97a59">cultural phenomenon</a>, died Sunday, according to his family. He was 79.

Robertson's family announced in December on their Unashamed With the Robertson Family podcast that the patriarch of the clan had Alzheimer’s disease. The statement on social media from Robertson's daughter-in-law didn't mention how he died.

“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialKorieRobertson/">Korie Robertson</a>&nbsp;wrote.

Phil Robertson skyrocketed to fame in the early 2010s when the A&amp;E network created a reality show, presented like a sitcom. It followed the adventures of Robertson, his three sons — including Willie, who runs the family's Duck Commander company, their wives and a host of other relatives and friends.

Phil Robertson and his boys were immediately recognizable by their long beards and their conservative, Christian and family-oriented beliefs.

That got Robertson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-television-arts-and-entertainment-d9d9ee438c724ffea6d1f786c687a2ea">into trouble, too.</a>&nbsp;He told a magazine reporter in 2013 that gay people are sinners and African Americans were happy under Jim Crow laws.

A&amp;E suspended him from Duck Dynasty but reversed course in a few weeks after a backlash that included Sarah Palin.

At the time, Robertson's family called his comments coarse, but said his beliefs were grounded in the Bible and he “is a Godly man.” They also said that “as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.”

Robertson was born in north Louisiana and spent his life in the woods and lakes that make up the region called Sportsman's Paradise.

Robertson played football at Louisiana Tech and taught school. He also loved to hunt and created a duck call in the early 1970s that he said replicated the exact sound of a duck.

The calls were the centerpiece of the Duck Commander business Robertson would grow into a multimillion-dollar enterprise before A&amp;E came calling.

The family just didn't sell outdoor and hunting gear, but a lifestyle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748225264063.png" alt="File photo Robertson from a campaign rally in 2020 image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Robertson from a campaign rally in 2020 image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST MONROE, La. (AP) — Phil Robertson, who turned his small duck calling interest in the sportsman's paradise of northern Louisiana into a big business and conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/television-domestic-news-domestic-news-general-news-de4d0d70dd0a4bda8d0e29e2e9a97a59">cultural phenomenon</a>, died Sunday, according to his family. He was 79.Robertson's family announced in December on their Unashamed With the Robertson Family podcast that the patriarch of the clan had Alzheimer’s disease. The statement on social media from Robertson's daughter-in-law didn't mention how he died.“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialKorieRobertson/">Korie Robertson</a>&nbsp;wrote.Phil Robertson skyrocketed to fame in the early 2010s when the A&amp;E network created a reality show, presented like a sitcom. It followed the adventures of Robertson, his three sons — including Willie, who runs the family's Duck Commander company, their wives and a host of other relatives and friends.Phil Robertson and his boys were immediately recognizable by their long beards and their conservative, Christian and family-oriented beliefs.That got Robertson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-television-arts-and-entertainment-d9d9ee438c724ffea6d1f786c687a2ea">into trouble, too.</a>&nbsp;He told a magazine reporter in 2013 that gay people are sinners and African Americans were happy under Jim Crow laws.A&amp;E suspended him from Duck Dynasty but reversed course in a few weeks after a backlash that included Sarah Palin.At the time, Robertson's family called his comments coarse, but said his beliefs were grounded in the Bible and he “is a Godly man.” They also said that “as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.”Robertson was born in north Louisiana and spent his life in the woods and lakes that make up the region called Sportsman's Paradise.Robertson played football at Louisiana Tech and taught school. He also loved to hunt and created a duck call in the early 1970s that he said replicated the exact sound of a duck.The calls were the centerpiece of the Duck Commander business Robertson would grow into a multimillion-dollar enterprise before A&amp;E came calling.The family just didn't sell outdoor and hunting gear, but a lifestyle.

Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson dies at 79

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to take place in southeast Kansas and parts of North Central Kansas.

The National Weather Service has issued a forecast calling for multiple rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain from Friday, May 23rd through Sunday night, May 25th. Thunderstorms are anticipated to occur periodically throughout Russell, Hutchinson and Salina till 3:00 pm and a second round after 7:00 pm on Friday. Very low chance of thunderstorms to occur for Saturday.

Areas such as Chanute and Coffeyville are on a "flood watch" from Friday till Sunday night. Salina is in the "low rainfall" amount range for this weekend.&nbsp;Although confidence is highest for flooding in southeast Kansas, Saline County residents should still remain alert. The risk of severe storms today and again Sunday night makes early preparation critical.

The National Weather Service recommends people to closely monitor weather alerts and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Rainfall totals over the next 72 hours could lead to hazardous travel and localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas and intersections with poor drainage.&nbsp;

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

Eagle radio/media stations&nbsp;99.9FM KSKG&nbsp;and&nbsp;910AM/107.5FM KINA&nbsp;will be giving live updates if necessary.

To check forecasts frequently, go to <a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.&nbsp;

By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostMultiple rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to take place in southeast Kansas and parts of North Central Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748016233911.png" alt="thunderstorms for Friday, May 23rd - Sunday night, May 25th 2025; courtesy of the National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>thunderstorms for Friday, May 23rd - Sunday night, May 25th 2025; courtesy of the National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service has issued a forecast calling for multiple rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain from Friday, May 23rd through Sunday night, May 25th. Thunderstorms are anticipated to occur periodically throughout Russell, Hutchinson and Salina till 3:00 pm and a second round after 7:00 pm on Friday. Very low chance of thunderstorms to occur for Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748016369005.png" alt="Southeast Kansas expected to receive heavy rainfall from Friday, May 23rd - Sunday night, May 25th; courtesy of the National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>Southeast Kansas expected to receive heavy rainfall from Friday, May 23rd - Sunday night, May 25th; courtesy of the National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Areas such as Chanute and Coffeyville are on a "flood watch" from Friday till Sunday night. Salina is in the "low rainfall" amount range for this weekend.&nbsp;Although confidence is highest for flooding in southeast Kansas, Saline County residents should still remain alert. The risk of severe storms today and again Sunday night makes early preparation critical.The National Weather Service recommends people to closely monitor weather alerts and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Rainfall totals over the next 72 hours could lead to hazardous travel and localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas and intersections with poor drainage.&nbsp;Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.Eagle radio/media stations&nbsp;99.9FM KSKG&nbsp;and&nbsp;910AM/107.5FM KINA&nbsp;will be giving live updates if necessary.To check forecasts frequently, go to <a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.&nbsp;

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected for southeast Kansas and parts of North Central Kansas

Margie “Yvonne” Davis (Roettger), a cherished soul who touched the lives of many, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, surrounded by her devoted family. Born on May 23, 1961, in Long Beach, California, Yvonne was the oldest of 5 and the beloved daughter of Eugene Roettger and Margie Wright.

Margie "Yvonne" Davis, a beloved wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend, graced the world with her gentle spirit and unwavering love for others. Her life was a testament to resilience, faith, and the quiet strength that comes from selfless service. Known for her infectious laughter and kind heart, Yvonne touched the lives of everyone she met, turning moments into memories that will be cherished forever.

Her gentle demeanor was mirrored in her many acts of kindness and compassion, making her a beacon of hope to those who found themselves in need. Yvonne often carried with her an innate ability to uplift even the weariest of spirits, offering a listening ear and a comforting embrace to anyone who crossed her path. She believed deeply in the power of love and service, values that guided her every step and inspired all who were fortunate to know her. Her dedication to her Catholic faith was clearly reflected in every aspect of her life, serving as an inspiration to those who had the privilege of knowing her. She adhered to the teachings of Jesus: "Love one another as I have loved you," demonstrating this principle through her actions.

Yvonne’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She shared a deep love and enduring bond with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, creating cherished memories and traditions that will linger in the hearts of her loved ones. Her legacy of love, generosity, and kindness will continue to inspire future generations. She found joy in the simplest of life's pleasures like gardening, baking, and creating handmade gifts that carried her love for those around her. She was a pillar of strength and wisdom to all those who met her.&nbsp; She extended her love and warmth to countless others who affectionately called her “Nana”.

She is survived by her husband, Willard “Lee” Davis, and her eight children: Kris Elston of Salina, Jennifer Lovett of Salina, Kyle (Sonja) Davis of Salina, Jalisha (Steven) Croft of North Dakota, Lee-bo (Sarah) Davis of Salina, Ashley (Kylee) Davis of Junction City, Bryan Davis of Junction City, Morgan (Jacob) Wrench of Lindsborg; sisters, Yvette (Jim) Martin of McPherson, Theresa Roettger of Hitchcock TX, Grace (Donald) Rose of San Leon TX and her lifelong friend Yvonne Liby of Salina; 31 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Roettger and Margie Wright; stepmother, Sarah Roettger; brother, Jimmy Roettger; mother-in-law, Mavis Davis; and brother-in-law’s, Bruce Neill, Kent Neill, Daniel “Loyd” Davis and Gregory Davis.

A celebration of Yvonne’s remarkable life will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary from 4-8 PM, where family will gather to honor her memory, share stories, and find solace in the company of those who loved her from 6-8 with a Rosary at 6:45. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, May 29, 2025, at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Church at 11 AM and private family burial will be at All Saints Cemetery, Salina, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Live On Nebraska, Catholic Charities, or St. Mary Queen of the Universe Church, care of Ryan Mortuary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747941709858.jpeg" alt="Davis, Margie" />
 <figcaption>Davis, Margie</figcaption>
 </figure>Margie “Yvonne” Davis (Roettger), a cherished soul who touched the lives of many, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, surrounded by her devoted family. Born on May 23, 1961, in Long Beach, California, Yvonne was the oldest of 5 and the beloved daughter of Eugene Roettger and Margie Wright.Margie "Yvonne" Davis, a beloved wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend, graced the world with her gentle spirit and unwavering love for others. Her life was a testament to resilience, faith, and the quiet strength that comes from selfless service. Known for her infectious laughter and kind heart, Yvonne touched the lives of everyone she met, turning moments into memories that will be cherished forever.Her gentle demeanor was mirrored in her many acts of kindness and compassion, making her a beacon of hope to those who found themselves in need. Yvonne often carried with her an innate ability to uplift even the weariest of spirits, offering a listening ear and a comforting embrace to anyone who crossed her path. She believed deeply in the power of love and service, values that guided her every step and inspired all who were fortunate to know her. Her dedication to her Catholic faith was clearly reflected in every aspect of her life, serving as an inspiration to those who had the privilege of knowing her. She adhered to the teachings of Jesus: "Love one another as I have loved you," demonstrating this principle through her actions.Yvonne’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She shared a deep love and enduring bond with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, creating cherished memories and traditions that will linger in the hearts of her loved ones. Her legacy of love, generosity, and kindness will continue to inspire future generations. She found joy in the simplest of life's pleasures like gardening, baking, and creating handmade gifts that carried her love for those around her. She was a pillar of strength and wisdom to all those who met her.&nbsp; She extended her love and warmth to countless others who affectionately called her “Nana”.She is survived by her husband, Willard “Lee” Davis, and her eight children: Kris Elston of Salina, Jennifer Lovett of Salina, Kyle (Sonja) Davis of Salina, Jalisha (Steven) Croft of North Dakota, Lee-bo (Sarah) Davis of Salina, Ashley (Kylee) Davis of Junction City, Bryan Davis of Junction City, Morgan (Jacob) Wrench of Lindsborg; sisters, Yvette (Jim) Martin of McPherson, Theresa Roettger of Hitchcock TX, Grace (Donald) Rose of San Leon TX and her lifelong friend Yvonne Liby of Salina; 31 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Roettger and Margie Wright; stepmother, Sarah Roettger; brother, Jimmy Roettger; mother-in-law, Mavis Davis; and brother-in-law’s, Bruce Neill, Kent Neill, Daniel “Loyd” Davis and Gregory Davis.A celebration of Yvonne’s remarkable life will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary from 4-8 PM, where family will gather to honor her memory, share stories, and find solace in the company of those who loved her from 6-8 with a Rosary at 6:45. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, May 29, 2025, at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Church at 11 AM and private family burial will be at All Saints Cemetery, Salina, at a later date.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Live On Nebraska, Catholic Charities, or St. Mary Queen of the Universe Church, care of Ryan Mortuary.

Margie “Yvonne” Davis 

A great opportunity for people to learn and get their questions answered for medicare, will be offered at the campus of K-State Salina.

On Thursday, June 5th from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm, people who attend the class will receive helpful resources, listen in on a 1 hour presentation about medicare and will get a chance to ask any questions for a Q&amp;A session at the end.

Melissa Schrag will be offering the presentation and resources on June 5th. Schrag is with the K-State Salina's Research and Extension program. She has led the medical counseling program in Sedgwick County and has a background in&nbsp;Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK). Schrag has also been apart of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

The class will be held inside the college center conference room 103 at the K-State Salina Campus on 2310 Centennial Rd.

The class is free, but registration is required.&nbsp;To register call, 785-309-5850 or email meliss89@ksu.edu

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747928341765.png" alt="Medicare options class; courtesy of Central Kansas District K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Medicare options class; courtesy of Central Kansas District K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostA great opportunity for people to learn and get their questions answered for medicare, will be offered at the campus of K-State Salina.On Thursday, June 5th from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm, people who attend the class will receive helpful resources, listen in on a 1 hour presentation about medicare and will get a chance to ask any questions for a Q&amp;A session at the end.Melissa Schrag will be offering the presentation and resources on June 5th. Schrag is with the K-State Salina's Research and Extension program. She has led the medical counseling program in Sedgwick County and has a background in&nbsp;Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK). Schrag has also been apart of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).The class will be held inside the college center conference room 103 at the K-State Salina Campus on 2310 Centennial Rd.The class is free, but registration is required.&nbsp;To register call, 785-309-5850 or email meliss89@ksu.edu

Registration is open to attend a free and helpful Medicare resource class at K-State Salina

TOPEKA — The city of Leavenworth and CoreCivic will take their fight to court June 25 to determine whether the company can reopen its prison facility as an ICE detention center without going through a permitting process.&nbsp;

Attorneys for Leavenworth filed suit in March in U.S. District Court against the Nashville-based company, which ran the Leavenworth Detention Center before it was closed in 2021. The June 25 hearing is a scheduling hearing.

CoreCivic announced its intent to reopen its prison facility as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, which would be named the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corecivic.com/facilities/midwest-regional-reception-center" target="_blank">Midwest Regional Reception Center</a>.&nbsp;

In its initial filing, city attorneys said CoreCivic must apply for and receive a supplemental use permit to reopen and operate the prison.&nbsp;

“Our facility – which has been in Leavenworth since 1992 – is and always has been properly zoned,” said CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin in an email. “Leavenworth’s city code designates our site as an existing special use and lawful conforming use.”

The city recently passed a resolution that indicated CoreCivic needed permission to open its facility, Gustin said.&nbsp;

“There’s nothing in Leavenworth’s code that allows for such a resolution to rescind zoning,” he said.&nbsp;

City officials do not agree. In a 211-page filing with attachments, their attorneys said that, while the lawsuit is about the need for proper permitting, there were other problems too.&nbsp;

From 1992 to 2021, when CoreCivic operated the detention center, the company “became embroiled in multiple widely publicized scandals resulting from its gross mismanagement of the Facility and the ensuing rampant abuse, violence, and violations of the constitutional rights of its detainees and staff,” the filing said.&nbsp;

“CoreCivic’s mismanagement directly and indirectly impacted the City in countless ways, including for example, by imposing unexpected maintenance costs on its taxpayers, unreasonably increasing the burden on the City’s police and law enforcement agencies to address violent crime, and even impeding the City’s investigation of sexual assaults and other violent crimes against detainees and staff,” the filing said.&nbsp;

The city’s lawsuit contends that CoreCivic was already operating the prison when the city enacted its development rules that require a permit, so the business was grandfathered in under the new rules. But by ceasing operations for three years, the filing said, CoreCivic must now apply for the special use permit.&nbsp;

In fact, CoreCivic applied for a special use permit in February 2025 but about three weeks later withdrew that application, the city’s filing said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574019674964.png" alt="-CoreCivic plans to reopen its Leavenworth facility, closed since 2021, as an ICE detention facility. File photo" />
 <figcaption>-CoreCivic plans to reopen its Leavenworth facility, closed since 2021, as an ICE detention facility. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The city of Leavenworth and CoreCivic will take their fight to court June 25 to determine whether the company can reopen its prison facility as an ICE detention center without going through a permitting process.&nbsp;Attorneys for Leavenworth filed suit in March in U.S. District Court against the Nashville-based company, which ran the Leavenworth Detention Center before it was closed in 2021. The June 25 hearing is a scheduling hearing.CoreCivic announced its intent to reopen its prison facility as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, which would be named the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corecivic.com/facilities/midwest-regional-reception-center" target="_blank">Midwest Regional Reception Center</a>.&nbsp;In its initial filing, city attorneys said CoreCivic must apply for and receive a supplemental use permit to reopen and operate the prison.&nbsp;“Our facility – which has been in Leavenworth since 1992 – is and always has been properly zoned,” said CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin in an email. “Leavenworth’s city code designates our site as an existing special use and lawful conforming use.”<h2>Proper permits?</h2>The city recently passed a resolution that indicated CoreCivic needed permission to open its facility, Gustin said.&nbsp;“There’s nothing in Leavenworth’s code that allows for such a resolution to rescind zoning,” he said.&nbsp;City officials do not agree. In a 211-page filing with attachments, their attorneys said that, while the lawsuit is about the need for proper permitting, there were other problems too.&nbsp;From 1992 to 2021, when CoreCivic operated the detention center, the company “became embroiled in multiple widely publicized scandals resulting from its gross mismanagement of the Facility and the ensuing rampant abuse, violence, and violations of the constitutional rights of its detainees and staff,” the filing said.&nbsp;“CoreCivic’s mismanagement directly and indirectly impacted the City in countless ways, including for example, by imposing unexpected maintenance costs on its taxpayers, unreasonably increasing the burden on the City’s police and law enforcement agencies to address violent crime, and even impeding the City’s investigation of sexual assaults and other violent crimes against detainees and staff,” the filing said.&nbsp;The city’s lawsuit contends that CoreCivic was already operating the prison when the city enacted its development rules that require a permit, so the business was grandfathered in under the new rules. But by ceasing operations for three years, the filing said, CoreCivic must now apply for the special use permit.&nbsp;In fact, CoreCivic applied for a special use permit in February 2025 but about three weeks later withdrew that application, the city’s filing said.&nbsp;<h2>Back and forth</h2>Community activists are speaking about against the idea of CoreCivic operating a prison in Leavenworth.Former CoreCivic employees regularly speak at city and county meetings about their negative experiences working in the closed detention center, and state organizations including the Kansas ACLU have helped organize press conferences and rallies. Objections include how CoreCivic operates, whether people held at the facility will be released into the community, and general opposition to immigrant detention centers.Gustin said the company, as of April 30, had received applications from more than 1,100 people who want to work at the site.&nbsp;“Despite what politically extreme outsider groups are saying, potential new employees and local business partners are excited to be part of what we’re creating in Leavenworth,” said Misty Mackey, warden of the new facility, in a press release. “We’re looking forward to operating a safe, transparent, accountable facility that will be a positive for this community dedicated to public service.”Gustin said there has been inaccurate reporting about employees working on a job at the prison to replace the facility’s roof. CoreCivic issued cease-and-desist letters to those who accused the roofing company, Bass Roofing and Restoration, Fort Worth, of hiring workers without the proper permits.&nbsp;“Any claims that our company has a contractor working for us at our Leavenworth facility that has undocumented or unauthorized workers doing the work are completely false,” he said. “We have been furnished documentation of the legal status of all workers on the roofing project at our facility from the primary contractor and subcontractor.”The company has said that it will use local contractors at the facility, and Gustin said CoreCivic did reach out to local vendors.“Experience in roofing our facilities and experience working on our federally contracted facilities is a factor we evaluate in reviewing bids,” he said. “It’s important to note that the roofing contractor who was selected for this project has handled similar work at another of our federal facilities, which required special clearances for workers.”<h2>Collaborative goals</h2>Although aware of community disagreement about the facility, Gustin said CoreCivic wants to work with Leavenworth city and county officials.&nbsp;“In addition to the impact fees we’ve agreed to pay – and the property tax we already pay – we’ve worked to both listen to and be transparent with the community,” he said.CoreCivic has offered the following impact fees:<ul>
 <li>One-time impact fee of $1,000,000 to the city of Leavenworth</li><li>Annual impact fee of $250,000 to the city of Leavenworth</li><li>Additional $150,000 annually to the police department</li>
 </ul>Gustin said no one detained at the facility will be released directly into the Leavenworth community, which is one opposition point.&nbsp;“Our facility will operate with strong oversight and accountability from our government partners, including regular audits and onsite monitors,” he said.