TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House Democrats are hitting the road this summer for their inaugural Fight Back Tour, a statewide initiative aimed at engaging directly with residents, addressing community concerns and sharing their legislative vision for the future.

The tour is set to kick off Thursday, May 29, in Topeka and will feature Democratic lawmakers traveling across Kansas to meet with constituents, highlight policy priorities and advocate for the rights and opportunities of working families.

“This tour is about showing up and fighting back against the extremism we’re seeing at all levels of government, but especially in Topeka,” said House Democratic Leader Brandon Woodard. “The Kansas House Democrats are committed to listening to Kansans who are not feeling heard right now and taking action.”

Throughout the summer, House Democrats will collaborate with local county parties, stakeholders and advocacy groups in each stop to facilitate conversations and build coalitions. The initiative aims to elevate voices from all corners of the state and ensure that lawmakers remain connected to the concerns of their communities.

Fight Back Tour Dates and Locations: May 29 – Topeka, KS June 5 – Wichita, KS June 6 – Newton, KS June 20 – Hutchinson, KS June 21 – Abilene, KS July 18 – Garden City, KS July 19 – Dodge City, KS July 24 – Pittsburg, KS August 15 – Hays, KS August 21 – Kansas City, KS August 28 – Leavenworth, KS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746330093886.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House Democrats are hitting the road this summer for their inaugural Fight Back Tour, a statewide initiative aimed at engaging directly with residents, addressing community concerns and sharing their legislative vision for the future.The tour is set to kick off Thursday, May 29, in Topeka and will feature Democratic lawmakers traveling across Kansas to meet with constituents, highlight policy priorities and advocate for the rights and opportunities of working families.“This tour is about showing up and fighting back against the extremism we’re seeing at all levels of government, but especially in Topeka,” said House Democratic Leader Brandon Woodard. “The Kansas House Democrats are committed to listening to Kansans who are not feeling heard right now and taking action.”Throughout the summer, House Democrats will collaborate with local county parties, stakeholders and advocacy groups in each stop to facilitate conversations and build coalitions. The initiative aims to elevate voices from all corners of the state and ensure that lawmakers remain connected to the concerns of their communities. Fight Back Tour Dates and Locations: May 29 – Topeka, KS June 5 – Wichita, KS June 6 – Newton, KS June 20 – Hutchinson, KS June 21 – Abilene, KS July 18 – Garden City, KS July 19 – Dodge City, KS July 24 – Pittsburg, KS August 15 – Hays, KS August 21 – Kansas City, KS August 28 – Leavenworth, KS

Kansas House Democrats to hold inaugural Fight Back Tour

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=24280&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-may-2-2025/4939" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://we.tl/t-FpMfwqQMTA" target="_blank">Media Download</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Friday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex after the Wildcats wrapped up spring practices last week. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=24280&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-may-2-2025/4939" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://we.tl/t-FpMfwqQMTA" target="_blank">Media Download</a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Friday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex after the Wildcats wrapped up spring practices last week. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…

K-State’s Klieman Recaps Spring Practices

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump created a religious liberty commission.

The president signed an executive order creating the panel during a White House Rose Garden ceremony to recognize the National Day of Prayer.

Its members include Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, former U.S. housing secretary Ben Carson and TV talk-show host Phil McGraw. The commission was Patrick’s idea, Trump said.

Patrick told Trump, “There has never been a president who has invoked the name of Jesus more than you.”

McGraw said Trump is a “man of deep faith … who wants this country to have a heart and have religion.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746132611775.png" alt="President Trump and Dr. Phil -Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Dr. Phil -Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump created a religious liberty commission.The president signed an executive order creating the panel during a White House Rose Garden ceremony to recognize the National Day of Prayer.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> officially establishes the Religious Liberty Commission to safeguard and promote America&#39;s founding principle of religious freedom <a href="https://t.co/UCqlqnl3PN">pic.twitter.com/UCqlqnl3PN</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917993660945227924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Its members include Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, former U.S. housing secretary Ben Carson and TV talk-show host Phil McGraw. The commission was Patrick’s idea, Trump said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Humbling to hear “Amazing Grace” being sung at the WH. Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> for putting faith at the forefront of your Administration. <a href="https://t.co/SoSHyfsHnv">pic.twitter.com/SoSHyfsHnv</a>&mdash; Scott Turner (@SecretaryTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryTurner/status/1918010029677961635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Texas Lt. Governor <a href="https://twitter.com/DanPatrick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanPatrick</a> delivers remarks at the White House National Day of Prayer event: &quot;You are restoring the hopes and the prayers of millions upon millions of believers... you have a heart for every American, and you&#39;re showing that today.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/tla4lFNrm1">pic.twitter.com/tla4lFNrm1</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917983560545271924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;As we bow our heads on this beautiful day, once again we have to trust our God because our God knows exactly where we&#39;re going... and may He continue to hear our prayers, to guide our steps, and build up our beloved nation to even greater heights.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/n7WqrjksH4">pic.twitter.com/n7WqrjksH4</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917986435816112406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Patrick told Trump, “There has never been a president who has invoked the name of Jesus more than you.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DrPhil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrPhil</a>: &quot;I&#39;ve sat with President Trump with no cameras around, nobody listening, nobody watching — and I&#39;m telling you, this is a man of deep faith, a man of deep conviction ... This man cares about every single person in America.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/XhkRRfZ1ll">pic.twitter.com/XhkRRfZ1ll</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1917982018459030012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>McGraw said Trump is a “man of deep faith … who wants this country to have a heart and have religion.”

🎥Who Trump appointed to his religious liberty commission 

Donna Sue Achterberg, 69, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, after a brief illness. 

Born on April 9, 1956, in Lincoln, Kansas, to Loyl and Melva Achterberg, Donna's life was marked by creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to her family, friends, and faith.After graduating high school, Donna pursued her passion for floral design at Kansas State University. 

She spent many years perfecting her craft in floral shops across Great Bend, Lindsborg, and Salina before concluding her career as a floral arranger and cashier at Dillons in Salina. Her artistry brightened countless lives and special occasions.

Donna also had a love for music and shared her voice with the Sweet Adelines and her church choir, bringing joy to those who listened. Her life was a reflection of her love for others, and she found great fulfillment in her church community and the bonds she nurtured with her loved ones.

She is survived by her brothers, Marvin Achterberg (Patricia) of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and Duane Achterberg (Linda) of Hays, Kansas; nieces Miranda Eskue (Josh) of Hays, and Darcy Achterberg; step-nephew Brian Sapp (Annette) of Federal Heights, Colorado; great-niece Jordyn Sonntag (Jerry) of Hays; great-nephew Isaac Eskue of Hays; and numerous cousins. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Loyl and Melva Achterberg, and her nephew Darren Achterberg.

A memorial service to celebrate Donna's life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina at 11:00 am, Thursday, May 8, 2025.Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina, or St. John Lutheran Church, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas 67401.Messages of condolence may be shared with the family online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.carlsonfh.net/">www.carlsonfh.net</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746196910711.png" alt="Donna Sue Achterberg" />
 <figcaption>Donna Sue Achterberg</figcaption>
 </figure>Donna Sue Achterberg, 69, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on April 9, 1956, in Lincoln, Kansas, to Loyl and Melva Achterberg, Donna's life was marked by creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to her family, friends, and faith.After graduating high school, Donna pursued her passion for floral design at Kansas State University. She spent many years perfecting her craft in floral shops across Great Bend, Lindsborg, and Salina before concluding her career as a floral arranger and cashier at Dillons in Salina. Her artistry brightened countless lives and special occasions.Donna also had a love for music and shared her voice with the Sweet Adelines and her church choir, bringing joy to those who listened. Her life was a reflection of her love for others, and she found great fulfillment in her church community and the bonds she nurtured with her loved ones.She is survived by her brothers, Marvin Achterberg (Patricia) of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and Duane Achterberg (Linda) of Hays, Kansas; nieces Miranda Eskue (Josh) of Hays, and Darcy Achterberg; step-nephew Brian Sapp (Annette) of Federal Heights, Colorado; great-niece Jordyn Sonntag (Jerry) of Hays; great-nephew Isaac Eskue of Hays; and numerous cousins. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Loyl and Melva Achterberg, and her nephew Darren Achterberg.A memorial service to celebrate Donna's life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina at 11:00 am, Thursday, May 8, 2025.Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina, or St. John Lutheran Church, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas 67401.Messages of condolence may be shared with the family online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.carlsonfh.net/">www.carlsonfh.net</a>

Donna Sue Achterberg

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is hearing arguments Wednesday over what would be the nation’s first publicly funded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-religious-catholic-charter-school-unconstitutional-oklahoma-e4ef414605094313331a39cc645ede8a">religious charter school</a>, in Oklahoma.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24-394">Click here to listen to</a>&nbsp;a replay of the oral arguments&nbsp;

The justices are taking up appeals filed by the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School and the state charter school board after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the school would entangle church and state in violation of the First Amendment.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation. Barrett previously taught law at Notre Dame and is close friends with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, a leading proponent of publicly funded religious charter schools. Even without Barrett, the court’s conservative majority could find that the taxpayer-funded school is in line with a string of high court decisions that have allowed public funds to flow to religious entities. Those rulings were based on a different part of the First Amendment that protects religious freedom.

Liberal justices have complained that those decisions have eaten away at the separation of church and state.

The case comes to the court amid efforts, mainly in conservative-led states, to insert religion into public schools. Those include a challenged Louisiana requirement that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-ten-commandments-displayed-classrooms-571a2447906f7bbd5a166d53db005a62">the Ten Commandments</a>&nbsp;be posted in classrooms and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-bible-schools-religion-ryan-walters-d15be2f74df2ffbbdfdc549569d06c4e">a mandate</a>&nbsp;from Oklahoma’s state schools superintendent that the Bible be placed in public school classrooms.

St. Isidore, a K-12 online school, had planned to start classes for its first 200 enrollees last fall, with part of its mission to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith.

Opponents warn a decision to allow the school to open would sap money from public schools and possibly upend the rules governing charter schools in almost every state.

The state board and the school are backed by an array of Republican-led states and religious and conservative groups, though the case has divided some of Oklahoma’s Republican leaders.

Gov. Kevin Stitt and Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters support using public funds for religious schools, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond has opposed the idea and sued to overturn the state board’s approval of St. Isidore.

A key issue in the case is whether the school is public or private. Charter schools are deemed public in Oklahoma and the other 45 states and the District of Columbia where they operate.

They are free and open to all, receive state funding, abide by antidiscrimination laws and submit to oversight of curriculum and testing. But they also are run by independent boards that are not part of local public school systems.

Just under 4 million American schoolchildren, about 8%, are enrolled in charter schools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746017396433.png" alt="Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation from the case. Barrett previously taught law at Notre Dame and is close friends with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, a leading proponent of publicly funded religious charter schools-Image Credit: Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States, Photographer: Fred Schilling" />
 <figcaption>Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation from the case. Barrett previously taught law at Notre Dame and is close friends with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, a leading proponent of publicly funded religious charter schools-Image Credit: Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States, Photographer: Fred Schilling</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is hearing arguments Wednesday over what would be the nation’s first publicly funded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-religious-catholic-charter-school-unconstitutional-oklahoma-e4ef414605094313331a39cc645ede8a">religious charter school</a>, in Oklahoma.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24-394">Click here to listen to</a>&nbsp;a replay of the oral arguments&nbsp;The justices are taking up appeals filed by the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School and the state charter school board after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the school would entangle church and state in violation of the First Amendment.Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself without explanation. Barrett previously taught law at Notre Dame and is close friends with Notre Dame law professor Nicole Garnett, a leading proponent of publicly funded religious charter schools. Even without Barrett, the court’s conservative majority could find that the taxpayer-funded school is in line with a string of high court decisions that have allowed public funds to flow to religious entities. Those rulings were based on a different part of the First Amendment that protects religious freedom.Liberal justices have complained that those decisions have eaten away at the separation of church and state.The case comes to the court amid efforts, mainly in conservative-led states, to insert religion into public schools. Those include a challenged Louisiana requirement that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-ten-commandments-displayed-classrooms-571a2447906f7bbd5a166d53db005a62">the Ten Commandments</a>&nbsp;be posted in classrooms and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-bible-schools-religion-ryan-walters-d15be2f74df2ffbbdfdc549569d06c4e">a mandate</a>&nbsp;from Oklahoma’s state schools superintendent that the Bible be placed in public school classrooms.St. Isidore, a K-12 online school, had planned to start classes for its first 200 enrollees last fall, with part of its mission to evangelize its students in the Catholic faith.Opponents warn a decision to allow the school to open would sap money from public schools and possibly upend the rules governing charter schools in almost every state.The state board and the school are backed by an array of Republican-led states and religious and conservative groups, though the case has divided some of Oklahoma’s Republican leaders.Gov. Kevin Stitt and Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters support using public funds for religious schools, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond has opposed the idea and sued to overturn the state board’s approval of St. Isidore.A key issue in the case is whether the school is public or private. Charter schools are deemed public in Oklahoma and the other 45 states and the District of Columbia where they operate.They are free and open to all, receive state funding, abide by antidiscrimination laws and submit to oversight of curriculum and testing. But they also are run by independent boards that are not part of local public school systems.Just under 4 million American schoolchildren, about 8%, are enrolled in charter schools.

🎧Supreme Court hears arguments over publicly funded Catholic charter school

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</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 — Assistant city manager Braxton Copley pleaded with Kansas House members to reject a proposal to end the state’s participation in a tax incentive program shown to be successful in promoting construction or rehabilitation of low-income housing.

Copley, representing the city of Topeka, stood at a microphone in February at the Capitol to address Rep. Sean Tarwater, chairman of the House commerce committee and the sole public proponent of a bill eliminating Kansas’ low-income housing tax credit, or LIHTC, on July 1. Copley wasn’t alone in opposition to the bill. Nearly 40 organizations and individuals offered testimony denouncing details and timing of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2119/" target="_blank">House Bill 2119</a>.

“Simply put, government cannot afford to construct and manage a sufficient amount of housing to meet the needs,” Copley said. “Developers are unable and unwilling to construct low-income housing because the low rents will not allow them to achieve a market rate of return. The LIHTC program leverages tax credits to induce private developers to construct affordable housing by providing them a market rate of return.”

In exchange for state and federal tax credits, the affordability of the incentivized housing units was assured for terms of 15 years or 30 years with covenants placed on the real estate.

Copley said undercutting the state’s approach to LIHTC would exacerbate homelessness in communities throughout Kansas.

Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell, listened as a string of community activists, investors and bankers expanded on Copley’s thesis.

“I must say there are 39 opponents and I’m the only proponent, evidently,” Tarwater said. “This is not fair. You guys are going to need more people.”

Fast forward two months, and Tarwater pushed across the finish line on the final day of the 2025 legislative session the contents of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2289/" target="_blank">House Bill 2289</a>, which included a modified version of the much-maligned HB 2119. Instead of deleting LIHTC in July, the program would survive, on a shorter financial leash, until 2028.

“This is not exactly what we wanted when we set down this road,” Tarwater said. “We took a page out of Ronald Reagan’s book, and we’re going to take what we can get today and fight for the rest tomorrow.”

Tarwater objected to the ultimate cost of a program adding each year to tax credits that had to be honored by the state. Over a 10-year period, for example, the compounding effect of $25 million annual allocations of LIHTC tax credits could result in a state obligation of $250 million. The figure wouldn’t represent a direct expenditure by the state of Kansas, but would reflect the amount of future tax revenue foregone by the state as investors redeemed credits against their state tax liability.

Last week, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed the bundled bill rather than veto the measure and push the issue to the 2026 Legislature.

The new Kansas law set a maximum on the amount of state housing tax credits issued this year at $25 million. In the final three years of LIHTC, only $8.8 million in annual credits would be available from the state for investors in affordable housing.

The law discontinued the state’s LIHTC match for investors receiving the 4% federal low-income housing credit, but retained the state match for developments qualifying for a 9% federal low-income housing credit.

Sen. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, led negotiations on LIHTC legislation for the Senate. He viewed the final bill as a compromise that resulted in a diminished incentive, but provided a window of opportunity to convince lawmakers it should continue.

“This came to us from the House as a complete elimination of the low-income housing tax program,” he said. “Recognizing that there’s also some value to this program, the Senate’s position was to go back in and reduce it by about 70%.”

The program is managed by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, a self-supporting, nonprofit public corporation tasked with helping Kansans gain access to safe, affordable housing.

Emily Sharp, of the state Housing Resource Corporation, said substantial reduction in annual tax credit awards and deletion of the 4% program would diminish the state’s ability to fill wide gaps in housing. There will be a bigger scramble for the remaining credits, she said.

The 2028 sunset to the LIHTC should be concerning to communities struggling to meet housing demand, she said.

She said a 2021 state housing survey was conducted in collaboration with the governor’s Office of Rural Prosperity. The first Kansas assessment of its kind in 30 years showed an acute shortage. It was estimated the state needed to add at least 3,800 units annually, but was falling far below that level.

The National Low-Income Housing Coalition estimated Kansas had a deficit of 50,000 affordable housing units.

“We need more houses,” Sharp said. “Nationwide we’re seeing a shortage of housing. Kansas is no exception.”

In 2022, the Legislature and governor responded with passage of the affordable housing tax credit act that put in place a d0llar-for-dollar match by the state to the federal low-income housing credit.

The objective was to expand the volume of tax credits available to investors. The credits could be sold to generate revenue for construction of housing. The lower debt assumed by developers meant tenants could be offered below-market rental rates.

The state’s rate of housing development through state or federal investment tripled after implementation of the Kansas reform law three years ago. In 2021, state and federal government resources were associated with construction of 1,028 homes in Kansas. In contrast, 6,500 Kansas homes were funded in 2023 and 2024.

Ryan Vincent, executive director of the state Housing Resources Corporation, said the elimination of the state’s tax credit for housing — currently scheduled for 2028 — would mean that Kansas lagged further behind other states dangling lucrative incentives to attract housing investment.

“Eliminating the KAHTC would send a negative message to current and potential investors, signaling that housing development is a risky prospect in our state,” Vincent said. “Potential partners will avoid investing in an uncertain environment.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746009953371.jpeg" alt="Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell, convinced the 2025 Legislature to reduce by two-thirds the amount of state income tax credits available to incentivize construction or rehabilitation of low-income housing statewide. Since 2022, Kansas has used the tax credit to make faster progress on addressing the state's housing shortage and advocates of the credit opposed the cutback touted by Tarwater. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell, convinced the 2025 Legislature to reduce by two-thirds the amount of state income tax credits available to incentivize construction or rehabilitation of low-income housing statewide. Since 2022, Kansas has used the tax credit to make faster progress on addressing the state's housing shortage and advocates of the credit opposed the cutback touted by Tarwater. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</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 — Assistant city manager Braxton Copley pleaded with Kansas House members to reject a proposal to end the state’s participation in a tax incentive program shown to be successful in promoting construction or rehabilitation of low-income housing.Copley, representing the city of Topeka, stood at a microphone in February at the Capitol to address Rep. Sean Tarwater, chairman of the House commerce committee and the sole public proponent of a bill eliminating Kansas’ low-income housing tax credit, or LIHTC, on July 1. Copley wasn’t alone in opposition to the bill. Nearly 40 organizations and individuals offered testimony denouncing details and timing of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2119/" target="_blank">House Bill 2119</a>.“Simply put, government cannot afford to construct and manage a sufficient amount of housing to meet the needs,” Copley said. “Developers are unable and unwilling to construct low-income housing because the low rents will not allow them to achieve a market rate of return. The LIHTC program leverages tax credits to induce private developers to construct affordable housing by providing them a market rate of return.”In exchange for state and federal tax credits, the affordability of the incentivized housing units was assured for terms of 15 years or 30 years with covenants placed on the real estate.Copley said undercutting the state’s approach to LIHTC would exacerbate homelessness in communities throughout Kansas.Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell, listened as a string of community activists, investors and bankers expanded on Copley’s thesis.“I must say there are 39 opponents and I’m the only proponent, evidently,” Tarwater said. “This is not fair. You guys are going to need more people.”Fast forward two months, and Tarwater pushed across the finish line on the final day of the 2025 legislative session the contents of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2289/" target="_blank">House Bill 2289</a>, which included a modified version of the much-maligned HB 2119. Instead of deleting LIHTC in July, the program would survive, on a shorter financial leash, until 2028.“This is not exactly what we wanted when we set down this road,” Tarwater said. “We took a page out of Ronald Reagan’s book, and we’re going to take what we can get today and fight for the rest tomorrow.”Tarwater objected to the ultimate cost of a program adding each year to tax credits that had to be honored by the state. Over a 10-year period, for example, the compounding effect of $25 million annual allocations of LIHTC tax credits could result in a state obligation of $250 million. The figure wouldn’t represent a direct expenditure by the state of Kansas, but would reflect the amount of future tax revenue foregone by the state as investors redeemed credits against their state tax liability.Last week, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed the bundled bill rather than veto the measure and push the issue to the 2026 Legislature.<h2>Financial haircut</h2>The new Kansas law set a maximum on the amount of state housing tax credits issued this year at $25 million. In the final three years of LIHTC, only $8.8 million in annual credits would be available from the state for investors in affordable housing.The law discontinued the state’s LIHTC match for investors receiving the 4% federal low-income housing credit, but retained the state match for developments qualifying for a 9% federal low-income housing credit.Sen. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, led negotiations on LIHTC legislation for the Senate. He viewed the final bill as a compromise that resulted in a diminished incentive, but provided a window of opportunity to convince lawmakers it should continue.“This came to us from the House as a complete elimination of the low-income housing tax program,” he said. “Recognizing that there’s also some value to this program, the Senate’s position was to go back in and reduce it by about 70%.”The program is managed by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, a self-supporting, nonprofit public corporation tasked with helping Kansans gain access to safe, affordable housing.Emily Sharp, of the state Housing Resource Corporation, said substantial reduction in annual tax credit awards and deletion of the 4% program would diminish the state’s ability to fill wide gaps in housing. There will be a bigger scramble for the remaining credits, she said.The 2028 sunset to the LIHTC should be concerning to communities struggling to meet housing demand, she said.She said a 2021 state housing survey was conducted in collaboration with the governor’s Office of Rural Prosperity. The first Kansas assessment of its kind in 30 years showed an acute shortage. It was estimated the state needed to add at least 3,800 units annually, but was falling far below that level.The National Low-Income Housing Coalition estimated Kansas had a deficit of 50,000 affordable housing units.“We need more houses,” Sharp said. “Nationwide we’re seeing a shortage of housing. Kansas is no exception.”<h2>Evolution of thought</h2>In 2022, the Legislature and governor responded with passage of the affordable housing tax credit act that put in place a d0llar-for-dollar match by the state to the federal low-income housing credit.The objective was to expand the volume of tax credits available to investors. The credits could be sold to generate revenue for construction of housing. The lower debt assumed by developers meant tenants could be offered below-market rental rates.The state’s rate of housing development through state or federal investment tripled after implementation of the Kansas reform law three years ago. In 2021, state and federal government resources were associated with construction of 1,028 homes in Kansas. In contrast, 6,500 Kansas homes were funded in 2023 and 2024.Ryan Vincent, executive director of the state Housing Resources Corporation, said the elimination of the state’s tax credit for housing — currently scheduled for 2028 — would mean that Kansas lagged further behind other states dangling lucrative incentives to attract housing investment.“Eliminating the KAHTC would send a negative message to current and potential investors, signaling that housing development is a risky prospect in our state,” Vincent said. “Potential partners will avoid investing in an uncertain environment.”

Kansas Legislature steps back from terminating popular affordable housing tax credit program

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Five years ago, Lee Norman was trying to dissuade Kansans from ingesting chemical cleaners to prevent COVID-19, preparing for the end of a statewide stay-at-home order and deciding whether to send tests for everyone in long-term care facilities and prisons.

Norman, then secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, jokes that reflecting on those years is like taking “a walk down bad memory lane.”

“We were meeting 24/7, 365,” Norman said on the Kansas Reflector podcast. “And trying to figure out — without having enough resources, without having (a) vaccine, without having any medications and without having any testing — what the heck we were going to do with this lethal virus that has now landed in the United States.”

Within two years of the first cases in Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/19/lee-norman-steps-down-as-kansas-health-secretary-months-after-internal-dispute/">Norman stepped down from his cabinet post</a>&nbsp;at the request of Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration.

The first case was recorded March 7, 2020, and about a week later, Kelly declared a state of emergency.

Less than a week after that, she ordered K-12 schools closed.

By the end of the month, national case counts inched toward 100,000, deaths reached 1,000, President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion stimulus bill and Kelly issued a stay-at-home order for the entire state.

The first four weeks went “swimmingly well,” even amid uncertainty and shock, Norman said.

But, he said, things quickly became contentious as executive action from the governor, public health recommendations and attempts at understanding a brand new virus unfolded.

“You know, four weeks was pretty unusual to have that kind of engagement,” he said. “And after that, it became distinctly unfun.”

He admitted public health was slow to address the social and psychological impacts of the pandemic. But by the point he and other public health officials realized that, he said, resistance to following public health guidance had already begun to take shape.

The politicization that crept into Norman’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic still exists in public health today. The 2025 Kansas Legislature passed bills in April that hinder the governor’s authority to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/10/kansas-legislature-votes-to-remove-county-health-officials-power-to-ban-public-gatherings/">limit public gatherings</a>&nbsp;and pare back vaccination requirements for children.

Norman, who now works in the private sector, said investing in public health infrastructure is key for preparing for future health crises.

As Kansans faced last year a spike in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/31/tuberculosis-toll-in-kansas-city-kansas-area-rises-to-nearly-70-active-cases/">tuberculosis cases</a>&nbsp;and more recently a growing&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/02/vaccination-rates-down-in-most-kansas-counties-where-measles-cases-occurring/">measles outbreak</a>, Norman emphasized the importance of vaccinations and adhering to public health guidance.

The governor signed into law in April modifications to vaccine requirements for children that make it easier for parents to claim religious exemptions as justification for their unvaccinated children. The governor vetoed another piece of legislation that created a pathway for people to sue state and county health officials for their decisions about quarantines and other public health guidance. The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto, making the change law.

Masks and limiting large gatherings work, Norman said. They have for centuries, he added.

“Half of everybody, kind of wants to undo the benefits of public health, and mock it even, which is particularly hurtful,” Norman said. “I think that the Legislature needs to, one, respect personal autonomy and responsibility, and then secondly, if people are want to have more autonomy, I think they have to listen to very, very good guidance.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610057767019.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman during a press conference with Gov.&nbsp; Kelly -image from governor's weekly media briefing in 2020" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman during a press conference with Gov.&nbsp; Kelly -image from governor's weekly media briefing in 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Five years ago, Lee Norman was trying to dissuade Kansans from ingesting chemical cleaners to prevent COVID-19, preparing for the end of a statewide stay-at-home order and deciding whether to send tests for everyone in long-term care facilities and prisons.Norman, then secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, jokes that reflecting on those years is like taking “a walk down bad memory lane.”“We were meeting 24/7, 365,” Norman said on the Kansas Reflector podcast. “And trying to figure out — without having enough resources, without having (a) vaccine, without having any medications and without having any testing — what the heck we were going to do with this lethal virus that has now landed in the United States.”Within two years of the first cases in Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/19/lee-norman-steps-down-as-kansas-health-secretary-months-after-internal-dispute/">Norman stepped down from his cabinet post</a>&nbsp;at the request of Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration.The first case was recorded March 7, 2020, and about a week later, Kelly declared a state of emergency.Less than a week after that, she ordered K-12 schools closed.By the end of the month, national case counts inched toward 100,000, deaths reached 1,000, President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion stimulus bill and Kelly issued a stay-at-home order for the entire state.The first four weeks went “swimmingly well,” even amid uncertainty and shock, Norman said.But, he said, things quickly became contentious as executive action from the governor, public health recommendations and attempts at understanding a brand new virus unfolded.“You know, four weeks was pretty unusual to have that kind of engagement,” he said. “And after that, it became distinctly unfun.”He admitted public health was slow to address the social and psychological impacts of the pandemic. But by the point he and other public health officials realized that, he said, resistance to following public health guidance had already begun to take shape.The politicization that crept into Norman’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic still exists in public health today. The 2025 Kansas Legislature passed bills in April that hinder the governor’s authority to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/10/kansas-legislature-votes-to-remove-county-health-officials-power-to-ban-public-gatherings/">limit public gatherings</a>&nbsp;and pare back vaccination requirements for children.Norman, who now works in the private sector, said investing in public health infrastructure is key for preparing for future health crises.As Kansans faced last year a spike in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/31/tuberculosis-toll-in-kansas-city-kansas-area-rises-to-nearly-70-active-cases/">tuberculosis cases</a>&nbsp;and more recently a growing&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/02/vaccination-rates-down-in-most-kansas-counties-where-measles-cases-occurring/">measles outbreak</a>, Norman emphasized the importance of vaccinations and adhering to public health guidance.The governor signed into law in April modifications to vaccine requirements for children that make it easier for parents to claim religious exemptions as justification for their unvaccinated children. The governor vetoed another piece of legislation that created a pathway for people to sue state and county health officials for their decisions about quarantines and other public health guidance. The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto, making the change law.Masks and limiting large gatherings work, Norman said. They have for centuries, he added.“Half of everybody, kind of wants to undo the benefits of public health, and mock it even, which is particularly hurtful,” Norman said. “I think that the Legislature needs to, one, respect personal autonomy and responsibility, and then secondly, if people are want to have more autonomy, I think they have to listen to very, very good guidance.”

Kansas’ former top public health official reflects on five years since COVID-19

Chiefs Director of Player Personnel/College Scouting Ryne Nutt Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“The first thing I want to do is kind of recognize some of our area guys and our directors who don’t get a lot of pub. I just feel like this is the chance to kind of give them some recognition, so I’d like to do that. They bust their butts all year long – eight months a year. The travel, the meetings, the calls – they do so much, they’re the unsung heroes of our organization I feel, especially in this process. We have two directors, (Co-Director of College Scouting) Pat Sperduto and (Co-Director of College Scouting) David Hinson, our two college directors, (Senior College Scouting Executive) Terry Delp does the Midwest, Dru Grigson (who) we just hired, his role will be determined later on here. (Southwest Regional Scout) Jason Lamb does the southwest, (National Scout) Jon Howard does the west national, (Western Regional Scout) Greg Castillo does the west regional and then you have (Northeast Area Scout) Cassidy Kaminski doing the northeast and (Mid-Atlantic Area Scout) Will Christopherson does the Mid-Atlantic, so that’s our staff there. Madison Aponte is our&nbsp;Player Personnel Coordinator&nbsp;who helps kind of as a liaison between myself and them and she does a phenomenal job as well. That’s the crew, they do a heck of a job (and) I want to give them their due. With that said, you guys can shoot. Give me the questions you’d like.”

Q: How does Josh Simmons rank as an offensive tackle prospect before the injury?

NUTT:&nbsp;“Josh (Simmons) is – you could make your case for the best, but he’s definitely in the top three in this draft class in terms of what he provides. The only difference maybe between him and some other guys is he started two years and some of these other guys, like the LSU kid (Patriots LT Will Campbell) I think started more and you could say experience and stuff like that, but Josh is physically – he is elite. I mean, he is big, he’s strong, his feet jump off the tape. When you put this tape on, his set is as pretty as it looks now in terms of offensive line pass setting. He got better every year, his first year at Ohio State he flipped to the left side from the right side the year prior and I think it just took him a little time to adjust to just everything, like a new playbook, a new surrounding (and) a new position essentially. It’s not as easy as people think going from the right side to the left side, there is a big difference and sometimes it just takes people a little longer and I think that was the case with Josh. This last year, you can watch those six games, and it’s not unfair to say he was the best tackle up to that point. It stinks he got injured because I do think – I mean, I guess it’s good for us because we got him and that’s the only way we would’ve gotten him because that kid, he was a top-20 pick. It stinks for the kid, it hurt him on his wall and the money but things happen for a reason and it’s kind of not where you start, it’s where you finish and I think just the set up here that we have with (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and (Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Heck is going to be great for this kid. In terms of years past, I would say Josh, when he was healthy at this year, this tape, would be one of the better ones in the last few years. He kind of reminds me of (Vikings LT) Christian Darrisaw who’s done really well for the Vikings. He’s got a little bit of (Chargers LT Rashawn) Slater in him who plays for the Chargers. The kid’s arms are longer than I think people think, the (NFL) Combine measured him at 33 (inches) but his Pro Day – or 34 and an eighth, and I think that’s closer to what we kind of had, I think we had around 34 when we brought him in. The kid is super talented and super willing to work, and we’re excited to have him where we got him.”

Q: What’s the strategy knowing that Brashard Smith’s on the board and trying to determine when you should make the pick?

NUTT:&nbsp;“We knew before the draft (that) this was a very deep running back class. There were guys that fell into the fourth round that we thought would be gone in the beginning of (round) three and possibly maybe even (round) two, so we kind of knew it was deep. We knew Brashard (Smith) was somebody we liked, kind of in the mid-rounds but with it being so deep, there was maybe a chance to get him. What happened was, in the fifth (round), there was a player in Jeff Bassa who was there, who was clearly the best player on our board. That would’ve been the time to take a running back but when you have another player that is higher on the board, (General Manager) Brett (Veach) likes to go by, ‘Listen, we’ve worked on this board for eight months, let’s let this thing speak to us.’ So, we took the player we had slightly higher in Jeff Bassa and then it allowed Brett to refocus and say, ‘Okay, I’m going to take a running back now. I know who I want.’ We get to the seventh round and Brett felt like giving up another seventh-round pick to move up was well worth it – I think everybody did – to get the kid that we liked in the mid-rounds. That was kind of the thinking there.”

Q: On the process of drafting Jalen Royals.

NUTT:&nbsp;“First off, his (Jalen Royals) game is very similar to Rashee’s (Rice). Where you watch a kid who lines up primarily on the left side, that’s how some offenses in college work, they want to go fast, so they’ll have the receiver line up on the same side every time to do that. So, you’re wondering, ‘Alright, he’s always playing on the left side, is he going to be able to move around?’ and he does, he plays outside but he primarily plays inside in the slot. When I say he’s like Rashee in terms – he’s got big hands, strong hands and he’s very good after the catch. You saw him downfield too on some of those clips, I’m sure you saw him and the kid had what, 15 plus touchdowns in 2023? He was on pace in 2024 to kind of smash the 2023 production before he got injured so we thought – RAC (Run After Catch) is a big part of our offense, that’s something we look for in receivers, we look for speed, the kid had that, 4.40 (40-yard dash), we look for strength, he has that, he’s got RAC and then we look for route running and that’s probably an area where Rashee had to kind of develop a little bit, so we kind of thought they were similar in that respect. He came on the scene, we watched his tape before the Senior Bowl, (General Manager) Brett (Veach) will kind of pick guys that you pick and choose and we’re like, ‘Hey, this guy’s kind of interesting.’ Then, he goes to the Senior Bowl, and we thought he did well, so he got even more on the radar. Then, he goes to the Combine and runs a 4.40, you know what I mean, and he jumps a 36 (inch broad jump) and we’re like, ‘Oh, this kid’s explosive.’ Then, you get the kind of coaches involved and we Zoom him, and we talk and we’re like, ‘Yeah, we could use this kid.’ With Rashee coming back from injury and trying to get right, the hopes are this kid can step in and try to get some playing time and help us out.”

Q: What role does Omarr Norman-Lott fit for you guys?

NUTT:&nbsp;“He’s (Omarr Norman-Lott) got some similarities to Turk (Panthers DT Tershawn Wharton). He’s bigger, he’s not as fast but their play style’s very similar. This kid was like 99th-percentile in terms of rush win-rate. He was one of the top defensive tackles in winning one-on-one pass rush and that’s what we first off need and that’s what we saw could add value. These guys, these interior linemen that are athletic, this kid jumped 31 and a half (inches), 9’5” (feet), he has big hands, those guys go quick, we knew they go quick. We thought – and an interior guy that can rush as well goes even quicker so (General Manager) Brett (Veach) was pretty – before the draft, before that round, Brett was pretty adamant about, ‘Okay, he’s one of these guys we have to consider,’ and we put up a list of four or five guys and he was one of them and he ended up being one of the top guys left and that was a position of need as well. We feel like he can come in and help rush the passer. I feel like he didn’t start a ton in his career there at Tennessee, but it’s really what you do with snaps, and they rotate a lot. So, really it’s just what he does in those 20 to 25 snaps a game and the kid was high-motor, he was highly productive and highly disruptive and those are the things we look for and I think we’ll be able to – (Defensive Line) Coach (Joe) Cullen’s the best defensive line coach in the NFL, I believe and he’ll be able to get that out of him and I think more. Even against the run, the kid I thought was solid and stout enough so that might be an area, just because he's 305 pounds, that can be a little better, but we’re excited to get this kid and work with him because we think there’s a ton of potential.”

Q: What is the unique trait or characteristic of each of the draft picks that separated them from their competition?

Chiefs Director of Player Personnel/College Scouting Ryne Nutt QuotesApril 28, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“The first thing I want to do is kind of recognize some of our area guys and our directors who don’t get a lot of pub. I just feel like this is the chance to kind of give them some recognition, so I’d like to do that. They bust their butts all year long – eight months a year. The travel, the meetings, the calls – they do so much, they’re the unsung heroes of our organization I feel, especially in this process. We have two directors, (Co-Director of College Scouting) Pat Sperduto and (Co-Director of College Scouting) David Hinson, our two college directors, (Senior College Scouting Executive) Terry Delp does the Midwest, Dru Grigson (who) we just hired, his role will be determined later on here. (Southwest Regional Scout) Jason Lamb does the southwest, (National Scout) Jon Howard does the west national, (Western Regional Scout) Greg Castillo does the west regional and then you have (Northeast Area Scout) Cassidy Kaminski doing the northeast and (Mid-Atlantic Area Scout) Will Christopherson does the Mid-Atlantic, so that’s our staff there. Madison Aponte is our&nbsp;Player Personnel Coordinator&nbsp;who helps kind of as a liaison between myself and them and she does a phenomenal job as well. That’s the crew, they do a heck of a job (and) I want to give them their due. With that said, you guys can shoot. Give me the questions you’d like.”Q: How does Josh Simmons rank as an offensive tackle prospect before the injury?NUTT:&nbsp;“Josh (Simmons) is – you could make your case for the best, but he’s definitely in the top three in this draft class in terms of what he provides. The only difference maybe between him and some other guys is he started two years and some of these other guys, like the LSU kid (Patriots LT Will Campbell) I think started more and you could say experience and stuff like that, but Josh is physically – he is elite. I mean, he is big, he’s strong, his feet jump off the tape. When you put this tape on, his set is as pretty as it looks now in terms of offensive line pass setting. He got better every year, his first year at Ohio State he flipped to the left side from the right side the year prior and I think it just took him a little time to adjust to just everything, like a new playbook, a new surrounding (and) a new position essentially. It’s not as easy as people think going from the right side to the left side, there is a big difference and sometimes it just takes people a little longer and I think that was the case with Josh. This last year, you can watch those six games, and it’s not unfair to say he was the best tackle up to that point. It stinks he got injured because I do think – I mean, I guess it’s good for us because we got him and that’s the only way we would’ve gotten him because that kid, he was a top-20 pick. It stinks for the kid, it hurt him on his wall and the money but things happen for a reason and it’s kind of not where you start, it’s where you finish and I think just the set up here that we have with (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and (Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Heck is going to be great for this kid. In terms of years past, I would say Josh, when he was healthy at this year, this tape, would be one of the better ones in the last few years. He kind of reminds me of (Vikings LT) Christian Darrisaw who’s done really well for the Vikings. He’s got a little bit of (Chargers LT Rashawn) Slater in him who plays for the Chargers. The kid’s arms are longer than I think people think, the (NFL) Combine measured him at 33 (inches) but his Pro Day – or 34 and an eighth, and I think that’s closer to what we kind of had, I think we had around 34 when we brought him in. The kid is super talented and super willing to work, and we’re excited to have him where we got him.”Q: What’s the strategy knowing that Brashard Smith’s on the board and trying to determine when you should make the pick?NUTT:&nbsp;“We knew before the draft (that) this was a very deep running back class. There were guys that fell into the fourth round that we thought would be gone in the beginning of (round) three and possibly maybe even (round) two, so we kind of knew it was deep. We knew Brashard (Smith) was somebody we liked, kind of in the mid-rounds but with it being so deep, there was maybe a chance to get him. What happened was, in the fifth (round), there was a player in Jeff Bassa who was there, who was clearly the best player on our board. That would’ve been the time to take a running back but when you have another player that is higher on the board, (General Manager) Brett (Veach) likes to go by, ‘Listen, we’ve worked on this board for eight months, let’s let this thing speak to us.’ So, we took the player we had slightly higher in Jeff Bassa and then it allowed Brett to refocus and say, ‘Okay, I’m going to take a running back now. I know who I want.’ We get to the seventh round and Brett felt like giving up another seventh-round pick to move up was well worth it – I think everybody did – to get the kid that we liked in the mid-rounds. That was kind of the thinking there.”Q: On the process of drafting Jalen Royals.NUTT:&nbsp;“First off, his (Jalen Royals) game is very similar to Rashee’s (Rice). Where you watch a kid who lines up primarily on the left side, that’s how some offenses in college work, they want to go fast, so they’ll have the receiver line up on the same side every time to do that. So, you’re wondering, ‘Alright, he’s always playing on the left side, is he going to be able to move around?’ and he does, he plays outside but he primarily plays inside in the slot. When I say he’s like Rashee in terms – he’s got big hands, strong hands and he’s very good after the catch. You saw him downfield too on some of those clips, I’m sure you saw him and the kid had what, 15 plus touchdowns in 2023? He was on pace in 2024 to kind of smash the 2023 production before he got injured so we thought – RAC (Run After Catch) is a big part of our offense, that’s something we look for in receivers, we look for speed, the kid had that, 4.40 (40-yard dash), we look for strength, he has that, he’s got RAC and then we look for route running and that’s probably an area where Rashee had to kind of develop a little bit, so we kind of thought they were similar in that respect. He came on the scene, we watched his tape before the Senior Bowl, (General Manager) Brett (Veach) will kind of pick guys that you pick and choose and we’re like, ‘Hey, this guy’s kind of interesting.’ Then, he goes to the Senior Bowl, and we thought he did well, so he got even more on the radar. Then, he goes to the Combine and runs a 4.40, you know what I mean, and he jumps a 36 (inch broad jump) and we’re like, ‘Oh, this kid’s explosive.’ Then, you get the kind of coaches involved and we Zoom him, and we talk and we’re like, ‘Yeah, we could use this kid.’ With Rashee coming back from injury and trying to get right, the hopes are this kid can step in and try to get some playing time and help us out.”Q: What role does Omarr Norman-Lott fit for you guys?NUTT:&nbsp;“He’s (Omarr Norman-Lott) got some similarities to Turk (Panthers DT Tershawn Wharton). He’s bigger, he’s not as fast but their play style’s very similar. This kid was like 99th-percentile in terms of rush win-rate. He was one of the top defensive tackles in winning one-on-one pass rush and that’s what we first off need and that’s what we saw could add value. These guys, these interior linemen that are athletic, this kid jumped 31 and a half (inches), 9’5” (feet), he has big hands, those guys go quick, we knew they go quick. We thought – and an interior guy that can rush as well goes even quicker so (General Manager) Brett (Veach) was pretty – before the draft, before that round, Brett was pretty adamant about, ‘Okay, he’s one of these guys we have to consider,’ and we put up a list of four or five guys and he was one of them and he ended up being one of the top guys left and that was a position of need as well. We feel like he can come in and help rush the passer. I feel like he didn’t start a ton in his career there at Tennessee, but it’s really what you do with snaps, and they rotate a lot. So, really it’s just what he does in those 20 to 25 snaps a game and the kid was high-motor, he was highly productive and highly disruptive and those are the things we look for and I think we’ll be able to – (Defensive Line) Coach (Joe) Cullen’s the best defensive line coach in the NFL, I believe and he’ll be able to get that out of him and I think more. Even against the run, the kid I thought was solid and stout enough so that might be an area, just because he's 305 pounds, that can be a little better, but we’re excited to get this kid and work with him because we think there’s a ton of potential.”Q: What is the unique trait or characteristic of each of the draft picks that separated them from their competition?

Chiefs Quotes: 4-28-25

Salina Arts &amp; Humanities announced this week the details for the 49th <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">Smoky Hill River Festival</a>, happening June 12–15 in Oakdale Park.

The energetic and epic arts party returns in less than 50 days, featuring new food offerings, new activities for kids, new roving and mainstage entertainers, new art installations, and new artists selling their work in the Fine Arts and Craft Show.

Festival Medallion Quest kicks off May 21

The Festival Medallion Quest begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at the front steps of the Smoky Hill Museum. Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Commissioners will reveal the first clue for a $3,000 prize package.

Twice daily clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until the Medallion is found.

Thursday night: Food, art, and a jam-packed night of music

Festival gates open at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 12, with 35 food booths, an Art Patron Party, and the legendary Festival Jam produced by S.M. Hanson Music.

The Festival Jam starts at 5:45 p.m. and rocks on for four hours with 17 bands taking the stage.

"For the last fourteen months, our staff has worked closely with committees, artists, City of Salina staff, and partner organizations to shape the 2025 Festival," says Anna Pauscher Morawitz, Operations &amp; Development Manager. "The Smoky Hill River Festival is more than an epic celebration of the arts; it’s a place where friendships are made, creativity thrives, and our community grows stronger through connection and shared creative expression. We look forward to seeing everyone in the park!"

The Festival’s entertainment lineup features some of the best talent from the region, nation, and beyond — offering a wide range of musical styles, from the familiar to the wildly unconventional.

"We have a mix of familiar faces and brand-new acts this year. The music will have something for everyone, from those who enjoy sitting and listening to those who love dancing along with the performers," says Sarah Keck, Entertainment Coordinator.

Full artist lineup available at <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">www.riverfestival.com</a>.

Visual artists from 21 states will sell, demonstrate, and install their work across the Festival grounds. It’s a once-a-year opportunity to purchase original artwork directly from over 125 visual artists — with 52 artists making their River Festival debut this year across the Fine Arts and Craft Show and Art Demonstration areas.

"This season always feels like the perfect storm: chaos, excitement, hard work, and, most importantly, abundant creativity," says Chrystal Hammerschmidt, Visual Arts Coordinator. "There is an undeniable energy that surrounds the work everyone is putting in and what comes to fruition in Oakdale Park."

Art Patron Program – support creativity, get special access

The Festival’s Art Patron Program offers art lovers and collectors special perks, including:

Artists seek out shows with strong community support and art patronage, and Salina delivers. Become an Art Patron by May 22 at <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/patron/">https://www.riverfestival.com/patron/</a> or by calling 785-309-5770.

Festival-goers will encounter more than 20 outdoor, site-specific Art Installations around Oakdale Park, including:

Festival Print – Nick Perry’s bold new vision

The commissioned Festival Print is created by Nick Perry of Red Legger Studio (Lawrence, KS). His foundation in drawing and printmaking leads to a semi-psychedelic, illustrative style of pop surrealism.

Donate $100 or more and pick up your exclusive print at the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office before June 10.

Festival T-shirt – fresh, energetic design

This year’s t-shirt features original artwork by Paul Punzo of Lawrence, KS. His design combines rich red brushstrokes with stencil and relief cut printmaking to form a vivid Festival landscape inside the shape of a guitar.

Artyopolis – Fun for kids and kids at heart

The Artyopolis area is a festival in itself! It features:

First Treasures returns Saturday, June 14! At this special tent, kids ages 4–13 can shop from hundreds of items priced from $1 to $5, provided by exhibiting artists.

“Kids will get to experience hands-on activities in Creation Crossing while having their own entertainment at Arty’s Stage, with performers like Duke Otherwise and Count Everyone. I also love supporting young collectors with purchasing their art in First Treasures on the Saturday of Festival,” said Allie Fischer, Artyopolis Coordinator. 


Festival food – nostalgic and new favorites

Taste buds, get ready! This year’s new food vendors bring incredible new options:

"I’m excited about the Korean corn dogs, birria tacos, and ice cream nachos! There’s truly something for everyone," says Maira Mota, Food Coordinator.

See the full food vendor list at <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">www.riverfestival.com</a>.

The Festival depends on approximately 2,000 volunteers each year! Help with:

Sign up online at <a href="https://salinaareaunitedway.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=87807">https://salinaareaunitedway.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=87807</a>.

On Saturday morning, June 14, the Salina Regional Health Center hosts the 44th Smoky Hill River Run including:

Register now at <a href="https://srhc.com/riverrun/">https://srhc.com/riverrun/</a>.

Sunday at the Festival – Chill out and hunt for "seeds"

 The “seeds” are handmade by Margaret Craig, a Festival Installation artist, and will be released into the wild on Sunday, throughout the day, but you will be able to see them in full bloom near the demonstration area Friday and Saturday at the “Setting Seed” installation near the art demonstration area. 

Find participating retailers for advance wristbands starting May 1 at <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers</a>.

For more details, volunteer info, entertainment schedules, and more, visit <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">www.riverfestival.com</a> or call 785-309-5770.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682709122168.png" alt="Smoky Hill River Festival logo.png" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill River Festival logo.png</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSalina Arts &amp; Humanities announced this week the details for the 49th <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">Smoky Hill River Festival</a>, happening June 12–15 in Oakdale Park.The energetic and epic arts party returns in less than 50 days, featuring new food offerings, new activities for kids, new roving and mainstage entertainers, new art installations, and new artists selling their work in the Fine Arts and Craft Show.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684127462947.png" alt="Medallion Quest logo.png" />
 <figcaption>Medallion Quest logo.png</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Festival Medallion Quest kicks off May 21</h2>The Festival Medallion Quest begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at the front steps of the Smoky Hill Museum. Salina Arts &amp; Humanities Commissioners will reveal the first clue for a $3,000 prize package.Twice daily clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until the Medallion is found.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718331158036.jpeg" alt="Visual Lies performs on Eric Stein Stage during the 2024 SM Hanson Festival Jam at the Smoky Hill River Festival on Thursday, June 13, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Visual Lies performs on Eric Stein Stage during the 2024 SM Hanson Festival Jam at the Smoky Hill River Festival on Thursday, June 13, at Oakdale Park in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Thursday night: Food, art, and a jam-packed night of music</h2>Festival gates open at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 12, with 35 food booths, an Art Patron Party, and the legendary Festival Jam produced by S.M. Hanson Music.The Festival Jam starts at 5:45 p.m. and rocks on for four hours with 17 bands taking the stage.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686328053276.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Full festival experience Friday–Sunday</h2>From Friday through Sunday, enjoy:<ul>
 <li>Three stages of live entertainment
</li><li>Fine Arts and Craft Show
</li><li>Artyopolis for kids
</li><li>An incredible array of food vendors
</li>
 </ul>"For the last fourteen months, our staff has worked closely with committees, artists, City of Salina staff, and partner organizations to shape the 2025 Festival," says Anna Pauscher Morawitz, Operations &amp; Development Manager. "The Smoky Hill River Festival is more than an epic celebration of the arts; it’s a place where friendships are made, creativity thrives, and our community grows stronger through connection and shared creative expression. We look forward to seeing everyone in the park!"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686327760565.jpeg" alt="SHRF 2023" />
 <figcaption>SHRF 2023</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Discover new music for all ages</h2>The Festival’s entertainment lineup features some of the best talent from the region, nation, and beyond — offering a wide range of musical styles, from the familiar to the wildly unconventional.Headliners include:<ul>
 <li>The Freedom Affair (Friday)
</li><li>My Son the Hurricane (Saturday)
</li><li>Carswell &amp; Hope (Sunday)
</li>
 </ul>New acts this year include:<ul>
 <li>The Animeros
</li><li>Jon Muq
</li><li>The Matchsellers
</li><li>Me Like Bees
</li><li>The Swallowtails
</li><li>Willy Vela Y Sus Aquilillos
</li>
 </ul>"We have a mix of familiar faces and brand-new acts this year. The music will have something for everyone, from those who enjoy sitting and listening to those who love dancing along with the performers," says Sarah Keck, Entertainment Coordinator.Full artist lineup available at <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">www.riverfestival.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651523600514.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Visual surprises at every turn</h2>Visual artists from 21 states will sell, demonstrate, and install their work across the Festival grounds. It’s a once-a-year opportunity to purchase original artwork directly from over 125 visual artists — with 52 artists making their River Festival debut this year across the Fine Arts and Craft Show and Art Demonstration areas."This season always feels like the perfect storm: chaos, excitement, hard work, and, most importantly, abundant creativity," says Chrystal Hammerschmidt, Visual Arts Coordinator. "There is an undeniable energy that surrounds the work everyone is putting in and what comes to fruition in Oakdale Park."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745588875179.jpeg" alt="Staff L to R: Brad Anderson, Executive Director; Anna Pauscher Morawitz, Operations and Development Manager; Maira Mota, Accounting and Food Coordinator; Amanda Morris, Office Admin and Food Assistant; Crystal Hammerschmidt, Visual Arts Coordinator; Allie Fischer, Artyopolis Coordinator; Sarah Keck, Entertainment Coordinator" />
 <figcaption>Staff L to R: Brad Anderson, Executive Director; Anna Pauscher Morawitz, Operations and Development Manager; Maira Mota, Accounting and Food Coordinator; Amanda Morris, Office Admin and Food Assistant; Crystal Hammerschmidt, Visual Arts Coordinator; Allie Fischer, Artyopolis Coordinator; Sarah Keck, Entertainment Coordinator</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Art Patron Program – support creativity, get special access</h2>The Festival’s Art Patron Program offers art lovers and collectors special perks, including:<ul>
 <li>Admission to the Thursday night Premiere Party
</li><li>Friday morning shopping preview hour before the Fine Arts Show opens to the public
</li><li>And more!
</li>
 </ul>Artists seek out shows with strong community support and art patronage, and Salina delivers. Become an Art Patron by May 22 at <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/patron/">https://www.riverfestival.com/patron/</a> or by calling 785-309-5770.<h2>Immersive outdoor art installations</h2>Festival-goers will encounter more than 20 outdoor, site-specific Art Installations around Oakdale Park, including:<ul>
 <li>"Salina Downtown Inc. Trash Corral Collaboration" by Mindy Allen
</li><li>"Tool trailer mural" by Scribe
</li><li>"Crazy Cool Crochet" by Tamara Kingery-Gonzales
</li><li>"Who Let the Dogs Out" by Juniper “TJ” Tangpuz
</li><li>"Twisted Tornado" by Margaret Craig </li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745589651495.png" alt="The commissioned Festival Print is by Lawrence, KS, artist Nick Perry of Red Legger Studio." />
 <figcaption>The commissioned Festival Print is by Lawrence, KS, artist Nick Perry of Red Legger Studio.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Festival Print – Nick Perry’s bold new vision</h2>The commissioned Festival Print is created by Nick Perry of Red Legger Studio (Lawrence, KS). His foundation in drawing and printmaking leads to a semi-psychedelic, illustrative style of pop surrealism.Donate $100 or more and pick up your exclusive print at the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities office before June 10.<h2>Festival T-shirt – fresh, energetic design</h2>This year’s t-shirt features original artwork by Paul Punzo of Lawrence, KS. His design combines rich red brushstrokes with stencil and relief cut printmaking to form a vivid Festival landscape inside the shape of a guitar.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681244820264.png" alt="Smoky Hill River Festival Artyopolis" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill River Festival Artyopolis</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Artyopolis – Fun for kids and kids at heart</h2>The Artyopolis area is a festival in itself! It features:<ul>
 <li>Creation Crossing make-and-take crafts
</li><li>Button Boulevard
</li><li>Game Street (artistically improved!)
</li><li>Lego Lane
</li><li>Paintchoo Plaza
</li><li>Arty’s Stage with fun performers
</li>
 </ul>Hours:<ul>
 <li>Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
</li><li>Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
</li>
 </ul>First Treasures returns Saturday, June 14! At this special tent, kids ages 4–13 can shop from hundreds of items priced from $1 to $5, provided by exhibiting artists.“Kids will get to experience hands-on activities in Creation Crossing while having their own entertainment at Arty’s Stage, with performers like Duke Otherwise and Count Everyone. I also love supporting young collectors with purchasing their art in First Treasures on the Saturday of Festival,” said Allie Fischer, Artyopolis Coordinator. 
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654983059449.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Festival food – nostalgic and new favorites</h2>Taste buds, get ready! This year’s new food vendors bring incredible new options:<ul>
 <li>Korean corn dogs
</li><li>Teriyaki steak and chicken on-a-stick
</li><li>Carne adovada street tacos
</li><li>Roasted spicy peanuts
</li><li>Fried Oreos
</li><li>Cotton Candy Bomb drinks
</li><li>Sour Gummy Surprise drinks
</li>
 </ul>"I’m excited about the Korean corn dogs, birria tacos, and ice cream nachos! There’s truly something for everyone," says Maira Mota, Food Coordinator.See the full food vendor list at <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">www.riverfestival.com</a>.<h2>Make a difference – Volunteer!</h2>The Festival depends on approximately 2,000 volunteers each year! Help with:<ul>
 <li>Artyopolis
</li><li>Artist hospitality
</li><li>Technical areas
</li><li>Gates and more
</li>
 </ul>Sign up online at <a href="https://salinaareaunitedway.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=87807">https://salinaareaunitedway.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=87807</a>.<h2>Smoky Hill River Run</h2>On Saturday morning, June 14, the Salina Regional Health Center hosts the 44th Smoky Hill River Run including:<ul>
 <li>Two-mile walk
</li><li>Children's races
</li><li>Two-mile and five-mile electronically timed races
</li>
 </ul>Register now at <a href="https://srhc.com/riverrun/">https://srhc.com/riverrun/</a>.<h2>Sunday at the Festival – Chill out and hunt for "seeds"</h2>Sunday, June 15 brings:<ul>
 <li>Great music
</li><li>A relaxed atmosphere
</li><li>A scavenger hunt for plastic flower seeds handmade by artist Margaret Craig
</li>
 </ul> The “seeds” are handmade by Margaret Craig, a Festival Installation artist, and will be released into the wild on Sunday, throughout the day, but you will be able to see them in full bloom near the demonstration area Friday and Saturday at the “Setting Seed” installation near the art demonstration area. <h2>Admission info</h2>🎟️ Weekend wristband:<ul>
 <li>$15 advance (starting May 1)
</li><li>$20 at the gate
</li>
 </ul>🎟️ Daily wristband:<ul>
 <li>$10 (only at the gate)
</li><li>Children 11 and under: FREE!
</li>
 </ul>Find participating retailers for advance wristbands starting May 1 at <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/">www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers</a>.<h2>Festival hours:</h2><ul>
 <li>Thursday, June 12: 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
</li><li>Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
</li><li>Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
</li>
 </ul>For more details, volunteer info, entertainment schedules, and more, visit <a href="https://www.riverfestival.com/">www.riverfestival.com</a> or call 785-309-5770.

Salina Arts and Humanities announces Smoky Hill River Festival details

Pamela Sue Potter, who was born on May 3rd, 1968 in Phoenix, Arizona, ended her battle with cancer on April, 21st, 2025, at the age of 56. She passed peacefully in her home as she listened to one of her daughters softly play a collection of hymns.

Pamela is survived by her husband, Eric; her six children; Nathan, Rachel, Caitlin, Kersten, Caleb, and Annika; her four sisters; Sandy, Linda, Patricia, and Barbara; and countless relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Maxine.

Pamela deeply loved her family and made sure every person knew that every day. She devoted her life to caring and supporting not only her family, but everyone that she met. She was an inspiration to the thousands of students she saw in her teaching career, blessing each with her smile and patience. Pamela was a strong shoulder to cry on, a kind friend, a caring confidant, and gave the warmest of hugs. Her faith in Jesus Christ sustained her through the hardest of trials, and even till death, she Endured to the End.

Her family will miss her, but look forward to the day when all can be reunited with her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am CST on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 at the LDS chapel located at 845 South Ohio Street, Salina, KS 67401. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Pamela’s life.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744643425655.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Pamela Sue Potter, who was born on May 3rd, 1968 in Phoenix, Arizona, ended her battle with cancer on April, 21st, 2025, at the age of 56. She passed peacefully in her home as she listened to one of her daughters softly play a collection of hymns.Pamela is survived by her husband, Eric; her six children; Nathan, Rachel, Caitlin, Kersten, Caleb, and Annika; her four sisters; Sandy, Linda, Patricia, and Barbara; and countless relatives and friends.She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Maxine.Pamela deeply loved her family and made sure every person knew that every day. She devoted her life to caring and supporting not only her family, but everyone that she met. She was an inspiration to the thousands of students she saw in her teaching career, blessing each with her smile and patience. Pamela was a strong shoulder to cry on, a kind friend, a caring confidant, and gave the warmest of hugs. Her faith in Jesus Christ sustained her through the hardest of trials, and even till death, she Endured to the End.Her family will miss her, but look forward to the day when all can be reunited with her.A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am CST on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 at the LDS chapel located at 845 South Ohio Street, Salina, KS 67401. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Pamela’s life.

Pamela Sue Potter

Rita Marie (Morrow) Wiegert,&nbsp;Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend, passed away on April 12, 2025. She was born on July 31, 1959.&nbsp;

Rita Marie Wiegert was a beacon of love and light, touching every life she encountered with her warmth, humor, and unwavering kindness. From a young age, Rita was a dedicated and hard worker, always willing to lend a hand or a listening ear. She had a rare and beautiful gift for making people feel truly seen and deeply loved.

Rita was the devoted wife of Bryan Wiegert and the proud and loving mother of Kimberly and Ricky. Her role as a mom was one she cherished, and she extended that love beyond her own family. Many were welcomed into her home and heart as extra sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews — a testament to her generous spirit.

Whether near or far, she never missed a moment to support and celebrate her grandchildren, Mathew, 26, Tyler, 25, Mackenzie, 22, Christopher, 19, and Gabriel, 12. Being a grandmother was one of Rita’s greatest joys.Her family always came first, and she never hesitated to support those she loved.

Rita is now reunited in heaven with her daughter Kim and many other loved ones who went before her. Though she will be missed beyond measure, we can take comfort in knowing she is free from pain and surrounded by eternal love.

Although she suffered with asthma all her life, she tried many different jobs, but couldn’t keep them very long. But each time after she recovered, she would try again. This showed her never-ending strength and commitment.

Though Rita faced many hardships and tragedies in life, she met each with strength, grace, and her signature sense of humor. She trusted in her faith, believed in finding the silver lining and carried herself with a humble pride through every chapter of her journey. Her laugh was truly infectious, a sound that could lift any room and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Rita’s legacy is one of boundless love, laughter, and compassion. She left this world a better place simply by being in it. Her presence will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have met her.

In her honor, we encourage everyone to take some time to share a favorite memory, shed a tear for the incredible woman she was, and then go to Dairy Queen and enjoy a sweet treat, just as she would have wanted.

A celebration of life will be held at the Friendship Center in Indian Village at 4 pm to 9 pm on May 2, 2025. Friends and family are all invited.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745504066250.jpeg" alt="Rita Marie (Morrow) Wiegert" />
 <figcaption>Rita Marie (Morrow) Wiegert</figcaption>
 </figure>Rita Marie (Morrow) Wiegert,&nbsp;Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend, passed away on April 12, 2025. She was born on July 31, 1959.&nbsp;Rita Marie Wiegert was a beacon of love and light, touching every life she encountered with her warmth, humor, and unwavering kindness. From a young age, Rita was a dedicated and hard worker, always willing to lend a hand or a listening ear. She had a rare and beautiful gift for making people feel truly seen and deeply loved.Rita was the devoted wife of Bryan Wiegert and the proud and loving mother of Kimberly and Ricky. Her role as a mom was one she cherished, and she extended that love beyond her own family. Many were welcomed into her home and heart as extra sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews — a testament to her generous spirit.Whether near or far, she never missed a moment to support and celebrate her grandchildren, Mathew, 26, Tyler, 25, Mackenzie, 22, Christopher, 19, and Gabriel, 12. Being a grandmother was one of Rita’s greatest joys.Her family always came first, and she never hesitated to support those she loved.Rita is now reunited in heaven with her daughter Kim and many other loved ones who went before her. Though she will be missed beyond measure, we can take comfort in knowing she is free from pain and surrounded by eternal love.Although she suffered with asthma all her life, she tried many different jobs, but couldn’t keep them very long. But each time after she recovered, she would try again. This showed her never-ending strength and commitment.Though Rita faced many hardships and tragedies in life, she met each with strength, grace, and her signature sense of humor. She trusted in her faith, believed in finding the silver lining and carried herself with a humble pride through every chapter of her journey. Her laugh was truly infectious, a sound that could lift any room and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.Rita’s legacy is one of boundless love, laughter, and compassion. She left this world a better place simply by being in it. Her presence will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have met her.In her honor, we encourage everyone to take some time to share a favorite memory, shed a tear for the incredible woman she was, and then go to Dairy Queen and enjoy a sweet treat, just as she would have wanted.A celebration of life will be held at the Friendship Center in Indian Village at 4 pm to 9 pm on May 2, 2025. Friends and family are all invited.Rita we will love you always.Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.

Rita Marie (Morrow) Wiegert

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court's</a>&nbsp;conservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-lgbtq-books-public-schools-c20d6e4fa084560c56ec2b2bb621c988">storybooks with LGBTQ characters</a>.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24-297">Click here to listen</a> to the complete oral argument

The court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material.

The case is the latest dispute involving religion to come before the court. The justices have repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-catholic-charities-wisconsin-supreme-court-50bd53ad748a147f9e28132512cf7b74">endorsed claims of religious discrimination</a>&nbsp;in recent years.

“I'm surprised this is the hill to die on in terms of not respecting religious liberty,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said, citing the county's diverse population and Maryland's history as a haven for Catholics.

The county school board introduced the storybooks as part of an effort to better reflect the district's diversity.

Parents sued after the school system stopped allowing them to pull their kids from lessons that included the books. The parents argue that public schools cannot force kids to participate in instruction that violates their faith, and they pointed to the opt-out provisions in sex education classes.

The schools said allowing children to opt out of the lessons had become disruptive. Lower courts backed the schools, prompting the parents' appeal to the Supreme Court.

Five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system's lawyers wrote.

In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. In “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married. His partner is a man.

“Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid.

Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents' group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren.

The writers' group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year.

A decision in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/24-297.html">Mahmoud v. Taylor</a>&nbsp;is expected by early summer.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is hearing arguments Tuesday over the religious rights of parents in Maryland to remove their children from elementary school classes using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-lgbtq-books-public-schools-c20d6e4fa084560c56ec2b2bb621c988">storybooks with LGBTQ characters</a>.

The case is the latest dispute involving religion to come before the conservative-led court. The justices have repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-catholic-charities-wisconsin-supreme-court-50bd53ad748a147f9e28132512cf7b74">endorsed claims of religious discrimination</a>&nbsp;in recent years.

The Montgomery County public schools, in suburban Washington, D.C., introduced the storybooks as part of an effort to better reflect the district's diverse population.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745333128428.png" alt="FILE A pride flag is seen in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, Oct. 8, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)" />
 <figcaption>FILE A pride flag is seen in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, Oct. 8, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court's</a>&nbsp;conservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-lgbtq-books-public-schools-c20d6e4fa084560c56ec2b2bb621c988">storybooks with LGBTQ characters</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Alan Schoenfeld: &quot;Pride Puppy was the book that was used for the pre-kindergarten curriculum. That&#39;s no longer in the curriculum.&quot; Justice Gorsuch: &quot;That&#39;s the one where they&#39;re supposed to look for the leather and things - bondage - - things like that. Schoenfeld: &quot;It&#39;s not… <a href="https://t.co/gQa86JaF0y">pic.twitter.com/gQa86JaF0y</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1914755396885209158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24-297">Click here to listen</a> to the complete oral argumentThe court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material.The case is the latest dispute involving religion to come before the court. The justices have repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-catholic-charities-wisconsin-supreme-court-50bd53ad748a147f9e28132512cf7b74">endorsed claims of religious discrimination</a>&nbsp;in recent years.“I'm surprised this is the hill to die on in terms of not respecting religious liberty,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said, citing the county's diverse population and Maryland's history as a haven for Catholics.The county school board introduced the storybooks as part of an effort to better reflect the district's diversity.Parents sued after the school system stopped allowing them to pull their kids from lessons that included the books. The parents argue that public schools cannot force kids to participate in instruction that violates their faith, and they pointed to the opt-out provisions in sex education classes.The schools said allowing children to opt out of the lessons had become disruptive. Lower courts backed the schools, prompting the parents' appeal to the Supreme Court.Five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system's lawyers wrote.In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. In “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married. His partner is a man.“Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid.Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents' group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren.The writers' group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year.A decision in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/24-297.html">Mahmoud v. Taylor</a>&nbsp;is expected by early summer.-------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is hearing arguments Tuesday over the religious rights of parents in Maryland to remove their children from elementary school classes using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-lgbtq-books-public-schools-c20d6e4fa084560c56ec2b2bb621c988">storybooks with LGBTQ characters</a>.The case is the latest dispute involving religion to come before the conservative-led court. The justices have repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-catholic-charities-wisconsin-supreme-court-50bd53ad748a147f9e28132512cf7b74">endorsed claims of religious discrimination</a>&nbsp;in recent years.The Montgomery County public schools, in suburban Washington, D.C., introduced the storybooks as part of an effort to better reflect the district's diverse population.Parents sued after the school system stopped allowing them to pull their kids from lessons that included the books. The parents argue that public schools cannot force kids to participate in instruction that violates their faith, and they pointed to the opt-out provisions in sex education classes.The schools said allowing children to opt out of the lessons had become disruptive. Lower courts backed the schools, prompting the parents' appeal to the Supreme Court.Five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system's lawyers wrote.In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. In “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married. His partner is a man.“Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid.Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents' group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren.The writers' group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year.A decision in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/24-297.html">Mahmoud v. Taylor</a>&nbsp;is expected by early summer.

🎧Court signals support for parents who object to LGBTQ books in schools

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Welcome back, first of all everybody. It’s good to get things started. We’re jumping into this Phase I, which we’re doing virtually here. It’s a nonmandatory camp – voluntary in other words and the guys can pick and choose when they show up or not show up in other words. We’re not really going to get into who’s here and who’s not here and all that, that’s not how this one works. We’re sure grateful for some of the new additions that we’ve had to the roster with Kristian Fulton, Elijah Mitchell, Jaylon Moore, Gardner Minshew, Jerry Tillery – these are some of the newer guys and then we’ve resigned a bunch of guys so that’s been a plus. We’ve also lost a few guys, which we know – I know (General Manager) Brett (Veach) covered that with you with a couple questions about (Bears G Joe) Thuney and so on – (Saints S) Justin Reid and (Ravens WR DeAndre) Hopkins and all that so – (Texans WR) Justin Watson and (free agent QB Carson) Wentz and (Panthers DT Tershawn) Wharton so those are all good football players. In this day and age, it’s tough to keep everybody in a roster whole like that, but we should feel like we filled in the blanks with some good football players and that’s (the) same with the draft coming up this week. We look forward to getting that – getting into that. We have eight picks there, two second-round picks, a first day pick and so on as we go through there so it should be a good positive outcome once Brett gets done with that. I know his guys have worked their tail off getting ready for the draft and along with the coaches, which they have included but again, the coaches were a small part of the whole. My hat goes off to Brett and his staff for the job that they’ve done and all the prep time that they’ve put in and travel time. Other than that, I don’t have much to add, but I’ll open it up to questions here. Fire away.”

Q: What told you and the team that Jaylon Moore can be a starting left tackle?

REID:&nbsp;“We felt Jaylon (Moore) – well first of all, he was backing up a pretty good player (49ers LT Trent Williams) in San Francisco – arguably the best to ever play the game so I mean – and then when he got his opportunity, he took full advantage of it. We also remember him because he played next to (Mike) Caliendo for three years at Western Michigan there. I think we lead the league in players from Western Michigan now that we’ve added him but listen, he was a good football player there (and) when he had opportunities in San Francisco he was a good player there. We thought that he would be a nice addition to our offensive line as we continue to work that.”

Q: How are Rashee Rice and Jared Wiley doing in their rehab?

REID:&nbsp;“I can’t necessarily give you the – they’re (Rashee Rice and Jared Wiley) doing well. That’s taking place right now, but I can’t tell you when they’ll be back exactly here. Both of (them) are busting their tail – they’re running, which is good, and we’ll just see how it goes going forward here. We don’t have them here on the field right now with us, so we have to see the football part of it as we go.”

Q: On Kingsley Suamataia playing guard.

REID:&nbsp;“When we brought him (Kingsley Suamataia) in, we knew he had that flexibility. We just felt that way athletically and he is a very good athlete. He can run and he can pass block – do all the things that he needs to do. I thought he felt more comfortable in there. As a young guy, sometimes you see guys that start in there and then they work their way back outside. So, we stuck him in there and he did a nice job against Denver, that was one of the bright spots in a game that didn’t have many so that was a – I thought he did a good job – and that’s where we’ll put him. He’ll start in there with Mike Caliendo, so they’ll compete for that spot.”

Q:&nbsp;What’s your mentality coming out of this last Super Bowl and does anything change in your mind as you’re preparing for the next go-round?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m excited to get going again. It’s been fun to go back in and dig in on the season and either come up with new things and/or correct the things that we still like and are bringing back. I think it’s a great time for the players. It’s slowed down to where they get to see all the videos, the cutups of work that the coaches have put in to do these evaluations and to teach and to learn from the player’s standpoint. It’s also good communication so they can share ideas, players and coaches – they can ask questions and feel free about that and there’s no rush to do so. At the same time, they get their lifting in and running in that they need to build that base to get them through the season.”

Q:&nbsp;Is that different than it would be a year ago?

REID:&nbsp;“I’d tell you it’s similar, yeah.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you recall from Andy Lock’s playing days and what were your thoughts about him over the years?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, it’s a sad deal but what a great guy. He’s (former Mizzou football player Andy Lock) left a nice legacy for us all here too that we can cherish if we decide to go out to dinner. You know, the true flavor of offensive linemen. He has these beautiful restaurants in town here that are great, but what a great guy, great human being. I had a chance to go out to a tribute to him in Lee’s Summit there with a bunch of the ex-players from Missouri and Jay Green, with being his roommate for all those years and best friends with him, went to the culinary school there and hotel management school at the University of Missouri which is a tough school to get into. Both of them (Andy Lock and Jay Green) had graduated from there and have had real productive and positive jobs and put themselves in great financial positions. My heart goes out to the family for sure and Drew (Lock) who we all know as a player in the National Football League, I know he had a great relationship with his dad too, so my heart goes out to him.”

Q:&nbsp;On still doing meetings virtually.

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, Matt (Derrick). I think it’s one of the positives that came out of that probably for a lot of professions. I mean, here we’re doing this right now virtually and that didn’t happen before either. You can use it as a teaching tool and that’s something that the players have perfected, we’ve perfected and feel comfortable doing, but no I wouldn’t have seen that before the whole COVID year showed up.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there a benefit to having a backup like Gardner Minshew in that quarterback room considering all the experience he has and that he’s younger than Patrick Mahomes?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he (Gardner Minshew) sure has. He’s a good football player. I think it’ll be a good relationship between the two of them (Gardner Minshew and Patrick Mahomes). They both know of each other and respect each other. I think they look forward to working together. They can speak more on that when you have a chance to talk to them. Gardner’s a humble kid with a great personality, loves to play the game and all of those are the same things that Pat (Patrick Mahomes) has too so it should be a good working relationship there.”

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Welcome back, first of all everybody. It’s good to get things started. We’re jumping into this Phase I, which we’re doing virtually here. It’s a nonmandatory camp – voluntary in other words and the guys can pick and choose when they show up or not show up in other words. We’re not really going to get into who’s here and who’s not here and all that, that’s not how this one works. We’re sure grateful for some of the new additions that we’ve had to the roster with Kristian Fulton, Elijah Mitchell, Jaylon Moore, Gardner Minshew, Jerry Tillery – these are some of the newer guys and then we’ve resigned a bunch of guys so that’s been a plus. We’ve also lost a few guys, which we know – I know (General Manager) Brett (Veach) covered that with you with a couple questions about (Bears G Joe) Thuney and so on – (Saints S) Justin Reid and (Ravens WR DeAndre) Hopkins and all that so – (Texans WR) Justin Watson and (free agent QB Carson) Wentz and (Panthers DT Tershawn) Wharton so those are all good football players. In this day and age, it’s tough to keep everybody in a roster whole like that, but we should feel like we filled in the blanks with some good football players and that’s (the) same with the draft coming up this week. We look forward to getting that – getting into that. We have eight picks there, two second-round picks, a first day pick and so on as we go through there so it should be a good positive outcome once Brett gets done with that. I know his guys have worked their tail off getting ready for the draft and along with the coaches, which they have included but again, the coaches were a small part of the whole. My hat goes off to Brett and his staff for the job that they’ve done and all the prep time that they’ve put in and travel time. Other than that, I don’t have much to add, but I’ll open it up to questions here. Fire away.”Q: What told you and the team that Jaylon Moore can be a starting left tackle?REID:&nbsp;“We felt Jaylon (Moore) – well first of all, he was backing up a pretty good player (49ers LT Trent Williams) in San Francisco – arguably the best to ever play the game so I mean – and then when he got his opportunity, he took full advantage of it. We also remember him because he played next to (Mike) Caliendo for three years at Western Michigan there. I think we lead the league in players from Western Michigan now that we’ve added him but listen, he was a good football player there (and) when he had opportunities in San Francisco he was a good player there. We thought that he would be a nice addition to our offensive line as we continue to work that.”Q: How are Rashee Rice and Jared Wiley doing in their rehab?REID:&nbsp;“I can’t necessarily give you the – they’re (Rashee Rice and Jared Wiley) doing well. That’s taking place right now, but I can’t tell you when they’ll be back exactly here. Both of (them) are busting their tail – they’re running, which is good, and we’ll just see how it goes going forward here. We don’t have them here on the field right now with us, so we have to see the football part of it as we go.”Q: On Kingsley Suamataia playing guard.REID:&nbsp;“When we brought him (Kingsley Suamataia) in, we knew he had that flexibility. We just felt that way athletically and he is a very good athlete. He can run and he can pass block – do all the things that he needs to do. I thought he felt more comfortable in there. As a young guy, sometimes you see guys that start in there and then they work their way back outside. So, we stuck him in there and he did a nice job against Denver, that was one of the bright spots in a game that didn’t have many so that was a – I thought he did a good job – and that’s where we’ll put him. He’ll start in there with Mike Caliendo, so they’ll compete for that spot.”Q:&nbsp;What’s your mentality coming out of this last Super Bowl and does anything change in your mind as you’re preparing for the next go-round?REID:&nbsp;“I’m excited to get going again. It’s been fun to go back in and dig in on the season and either come up with new things and/or correct the things that we still like and are bringing back. I think it’s a great time for the players. It’s slowed down to where they get to see all the videos, the cutups of work that the coaches have put in to do these evaluations and to teach and to learn from the player’s standpoint. It’s also good communication so they can share ideas, players and coaches – they can ask questions and feel free about that and there’s no rush to do so. At the same time, they get their lifting in and running in that they need to build that base to get them through the season.”Q:&nbsp;Is that different than it would be a year ago?REID:&nbsp;“I’d tell you it’s similar, yeah.”Q:&nbsp;What do you recall from Andy Lock’s playing days and what were your thoughts about him over the years?REID:&nbsp;“Well, it’s a sad deal but what a great guy. He’s (former Mizzou football player Andy Lock) left a nice legacy for us all here too that we can cherish if we decide to go out to dinner. You know, the true flavor of offensive linemen. He has these beautiful restaurants in town here that are great, but what a great guy, great human being. I had a chance to go out to a tribute to him in Lee’s Summit there with a bunch of the ex-players from Missouri and Jay Green, with being his roommate for all those years and best friends with him, went to the culinary school there and hotel management school at the University of Missouri which is a tough school to get into. Both of them (Andy Lock and Jay Green) had graduated from there and have had real productive and positive jobs and put themselves in great financial positions. My heart goes out to the family for sure and Drew (Lock) who we all know as a player in the National Football League, I know he had a great relationship with his dad too, so my heart goes out to him.”Q:&nbsp;On still doing meetings virtually.REID:&nbsp;“Listen, Matt (Derrick). I think it’s one of the positives that came out of that probably for a lot of professions. I mean, here we’re doing this right now virtually and that didn’t happen before either. You can use it as a teaching tool and that’s something that the players have perfected, we’ve perfected and feel comfortable doing, but no I wouldn’t have seen that before the whole COVID year showed up.”Q:&nbsp;Is there a benefit to having a backup like Gardner Minshew in that quarterback room considering all the experience he has and that he’s younger than Patrick Mahomes?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he (Gardner Minshew) sure has. He’s a good football player. I think it’ll be a good relationship between the two of them (Gardner Minshew and Patrick Mahomes). They both know of each other and respect each other. I think they look forward to working together. They can speak more on that when you have a chance to talk to them. Gardner’s a humble kid with a great personality, loves to play the game and all of those are the same things that Pat (Patrick Mahomes) has too so it should be a good working relationship there.”Q: Ahead of Phase I, what kind of guidance do you give Patrick Mahomes? Is there a script that you provide for him and the workouts that he runs?REID: “You know what Sam (McDowell), we don’t do that. First of all, it’s not legal to do that by the NFL rules. Really, to be honest with you, Pat (Patrick Mahomes) doesn’t need that. Especially right now with the experience he has and the experience that the receivers have, that have joined. Last year, when we had some new faces or some young guys in there, it was a little different, he had to really prep for that. This year, he can kind of go out and work on the things that he knows the guys need worked on and the routes and that. I think it’s even a better situation this year than it was last (year).”Q: What do you think signing Kristian Fulton can do for the team and Trent McDuffie?REID: “It should give you a little bit of flexibility, but we’ve got some good corners on the roster, but I think his addition gives you more flexibility, I think is the best thing, you kind of tagged that right there. Trent (McDuffie) is such a good inside player that – and (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags likes using him in there and has a nice package in there with him when he’s used him in there. I think you hit it right on the head, I think it just gives you more flexibility to do that.”Q: What have you learned about yourself and coaching staff about doing Phase I virtually?REID: “I don’t know about that Todd (Leabo). We try to – myself included – try to be teachers, be the best teachers we possibly can. It tests you a little bit when you’re doing it virtually. You’re not seeing necessarily the reaction of the player there as you have the big screen on and you’re going through the plays. You’re not playing off the crowd I guess you’d say, you’re playing off of – and keeping these guys occupied by the ability that you have to teach and to help them become even better than they already are. I mean they’re one out of the 32 guys in the whole world that are doing what they do. This gives them an enhancement to be even greater than they already are.”Q: Do you feel comfortable with what you have on the roster? Is what you need lining up with the draft board? What’s your comfort level with the way things look a couple days out from the draft?REID: “When you’re sitting here like we have the last couple of years, and fortunate to be sitting in that position because of the wins that have taken place, you really – you have to discipline yourself to take the best player. With that, you have to evaluate every position and you have to put all this time in. (General Manager) Brett (Veach) has done a great job with that, I think he’s very comfortable with it right now if we had to do it today. He and his guys have been working overtime and making sure they have all the bases covered and we’ll come out of it with a good football player.”Q: Do you have any favorite memories from draft weekend? How does it feel to call these players and know that you’re making their dreams come true?