By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Thomas More Prep-Marian broke ground on its new Creative Learning Building on Thursday afternoon.

Dirt work is already underway on the site, which is on the north side of the current TMP building on Hall Street.

The new building, which will be 6,400 square feet, will allow the school to offer classes in welding, computer-aided drafting (CAD), fabrications, 3D printing, robotics, carpentry, construction and management, Chad Meitner, principal, said.

The wood shop will be relocated from the school's basement to the new building. The school also hopes to add new equipment, including a laser cutter, CNC machine, plasma cutter, large format printers and 3D printers. A greenhouse to facilitate ag education will also be a part of the new facility.

Meitner said the Creative Learning Building will allow some classes to be team-taught across disciplines.&nbsp;

He gave examples of graphic art, geometry in construction and various science classes, which could use the space and tools for labs or individual or group projects.

"Students on different career and college pathways will all be able to advance their learning and unlock their creativity with this new building and course offerings," Meitner said.

"TMP-Marian is excited to offer this expansion of opportunity while maintaining our traditional&nbsp;high standards and individual&nbsp;support and attention. I can't imagine a situation where a student would not thrive in TMP-Marian's expanded system."

Major sponsors for the project include Hess Services, the Dreiling Trust, Don Gottschalk and family, Klem Karlin of the class of '70, and Diehl Oil.

TMP-Marian breaks ground on Creative Learning Building

CORRECTION: The headline on this story was incorrect. The Holidy Home Tours are set for Dec. 14 and 15.

An open house for people to see the progress of the layout of the apartments of St. John’s Place will be from 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, Nov. 24.

Update: Victoria Holiday Home Tours set for Dec. 14-15; St. John's place open house this weekend

Enter to win Eagle Radio's Reindeer Radio

The 2024 Kansas Rural Preservation grant committee&nbsp;reviewed 24 grant requests totaling over $2.2 million. On August 9, 2024, the committee recommended and the Historic Sites Board of Review approved funding for 8 projects totalling $750,000.The historic Safeway Building located at 121 E 11th Street in Downtown Hays was awarded a grant for the historic preservation and the expansion of Gella's Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co. culinary classroom and event space. To comply with the grant requirements, we are publicly posting this notice to contractors to submit bids.

Property Owner: Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co., LLC

Property Address: 121 East 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays Kansas

Detailed building condition and scope of work detailed below.

1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Install new storefront windows and doors.

2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sheetrock and finish interior partition walls and repair perimeter plaster walls and paint walls. Trim and molding per specifications.

3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repair and refinish original hardwood floors. Install flooring in kitchen, bathrooms and storerooms.

Bids will be received by Adam Pray, 116 E 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 until 12:00 PM on November 30, 2024, for the work noted above according to plans approved by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office. This structure is determined eligible for listing as a contributing property in the Historic Chestnut Street District on the National Register of Historic Places. All work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s&nbsp;Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Sealed bids will be publicly opened at 12:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Platinum Group Office, 116 E 11th&nbsp;Street, Hays KS 67601. Two copies of the bid should be provided.

All inquiries about this Invitation to Bid and requests for copies of the full scope of work / plans may be directed to Adam Pray, phone (785) 650-4029. Bids will be received on a total bid price basis and will include a sum to cover the cost of all items of the contract, including insurance, materials, and performance bonds. Proposals received after the date and time indicated above for opening will be considered late, and therefore will not be considered for award.

The Bid will be awarded on the basis of cost and performance; to the Bidder who, in the Owner’s judgment, is the lowest, most qualified, responsible and responsive Bidder. Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to reject the Bid of any Bidder if the Owner believes it would not be in the best interest of the Owner to make an award to that Bidder. The successful Bidder must deliver to the Owner certificates of insurance, performance and materials payment bonds as security for faithful performance and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the contract. The successful firm will be required to comply with all applicable laws and statutory regulations. No Bidder will in any way, directly or indirectly, discriminate against any person because of age, race, color, handicap, sex, national origin or religious creed.

This project has been financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, a division of the United States Department of the Interior and administered by the Kansas Historical Society. The contents and opinions, however, do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the United States Department of the Interior or the Kansas Historical Society. Regulations of the US&nbsp;Department of the Interior strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination in departmental Federally Assisted Programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by a recipient of Federal assistance should write to: Director, Equal Opportunity Program, U. S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20240.

Historic Safeway Building/Gella’s Expansion

Building Description: The one-story red brick building at 121 E Eleventh was built ca. 1937 as home to the Safeway Grocery Store. The building is the easternmost structure in a string of one-and two-story buildings with a consistent setback on the north side of E. Eleventh Street, one block off Main Street. The building will be occupied as an expansion of Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co. in the one-story buildings at 111-119 East Eleventh Street. An alley runs along the north/rear façade and the storefront fronts Eleventh Street on the south with a public sidewalk along the south façade and brick street with parallel parking along E. Eleventh Street.

The storefront is currently boarded with the glass windows missing (wood is visible on the interior). An area above the storefront is also boarded corresponding to the large steel I-beam that spans the storefront opening, supported by one central column). An alternating band of concrete and glass black panels is located on the upper façade framed by buff brick. The recessed entry, extant at the east end, is framed by the brick wall on the west and an angled section of the boarded storefront on the east. A pair of single-light wood doors (one replaced with slab door) serve as the original entrance with a narrow sidelight on the west and a transom panel composed of two horizontal lights about each door. On the interior, no glass is present in the display windows but a short plastered bulkhead is extant. Temporary removal of the wood covering revealed damaged brick tile on the narrow bulkhead.

There are four openings on the rear façade – three windows and a single door. All are punched openings with hidden lintels and windows have header-course brick sills. The original windows were multi-light steel windows, two of which are in place. One window has formerly been removed and a ventilation fan installed in the window opening. From the interior, the rear door is a five-horizontal panel wood door, with a metal covering on the exterior that is visible on the rear façade.

The interior of the building is currently an open space with framed partition walls. The metal barrel trusses and interim wood framing is extant and exposed throughout the interior of the building. The perimeter walls have a plaster finish and remnants of wood baseboards are in place in isolated locations. At existing openings, plaster has a curved return. There is significant deterioration of plaster in some of the areas and peeling paint throughout. The front two-thirds of the space has a hardwood floor exposed. There are some areas of damaged or missing wood flooring but generally the floor appears to be in sound condition. The rear of the space has a concrete slab that is in fair to poor condition.

Project Description for KSHS Rural Preservation Grant: &nbsp;

Detailed floor plans and drawings available upon request for bidding purposes.

● Install new storefront system on the existing concrete curb with new black tile installed at the bulkhead. The configuration will be retained with a recessed entrance on the west end. The existing wood doors will be removed and a pair of two-light aluminum doors, with sidelight, will be installed to meet accessibility requirements. The storefront system will be aluminum with a factory silver aluminum finish with 2-1/2” mullions and clear, low e glass. Display windows will be full height in the original opening; the existing glass block band will be retained above the storefront. Aluminum sheet metal to match the storefront will be used as sheathing at center column and horizontal I-beam/lintel above storefront opening. The lintel band will be used for business signage.

● The new floor plan will have limited walls with bathrooms along the west wall and a kitchen at the rear, maintaining a large open dining room at the storefront. The existing front and rear door openings will be maintained with a vestibule at the front entrance and a corridor against the west wall at the rear. Men’s and women’s accessible restrooms will be partitions on the west wall and a storage room between the restroom and entry vestibule. The kitchen will span the north wall west of the west corridor with a bar/service area in the northeast corner of the open dining room. A mezzanine will be created over the rear kitchen and west restrooms to be used for mechanical equipment and supply storage.

● Plaster will be retained and repaired at perimeter walls, maintaining curved return at the storefront. Wall at the rear opening will be furred for kitchen equipment. Sheetrock may be used at large areas of deteriorated plaster and skim-coated to match adjacent plaster surfaces – this is primarily at areas of former water infiltration on the rear wall where plaster is severely damaged and missing. Plaster walls will have exposed conduit for outlets and switches (painted to match adjacent surface). New partition walls will primarily be sheetrocked on wood studs. Kitchen walls will have stainless/FRP paneled walls for ease of cleaning. Bathrooms will receive porcelain wall and floor tile. New 6” wood baseboards with simple squared profile with eased edge, will be installed at perimeter walls in the dining room. Kitchen will have a rubber/tile base and bathrooms will have tile base/transition at wall/floor tile.

● Any remaining tile or adhesive on the wood floor in the dining room will be removed and the original wood floor will be retained, repaired and refinished with satin finish. Damaged wood will be replaced with wood salvaged from bathrooms and store room on the west wall. Kitchen area will receive an epoxy finish on the concrete floor, as will the west storeroom.

Detailed floor plans available upon request by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:chris@tumbleweedks.com">chris@tumbleweedks.com</a>

● Repair work to be in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Viewable at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standards/rehabilitation.htm">http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standards/rehabilitation.htm</a>

● Certificates of insurance, performance and material payment bonds required as security for faithful performance and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the contract.

● Storage and handling of all materials must be in a manner which prevents additional loss, deterioration, and damage; storage area to be designated by project administrator.

● Construction schedule to be itemized with headings related to the breakdown in payment requests.

● All work subject to review by the Kansas State Historical Society throughout the duration of the project.

● Compliance with all applicable laws and statutory regulations required.

Community Calendar

Gambino's, 2102 Vine, Hays, will be donating 10% of all sales today between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. to the United Way of Ellis County.&nbsp;

No coupons or specifications are necessary.

United Way fundraiser this evening by Gambino's Pizza of Hays 

Submitted The Ellis County Environmental Services office is announcing that the dirt pile at the landfill will be closed today due to muddy conditions. This material will not be accepted in the transfer station.

Municipal Waste will remain open, and the gates will be closed at 4:45 p.m. No dumping will be allowed after that time.

Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Landfill at 785-628-9460.&nbsp;

Ellis County dirt pile closed today

"Surviving the Holidays" will be hosted at North Oak Community Church from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21.

The program is for those who have lost a loved one in death. It reassures people grieving the loss that they are not alone—that help is available.

This two-hour event can offer encouragement and practical advice for navigating the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. It gives insight into what to expect and the strength to go on.

For information or to attend, register by calling Rich Matzke at 785)-650-2946 or text&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="mailto:richardmatzke48@gmail.com">richardmatzke48@gmail.com</a>.

North Oak Community Church to host 'Surviving the Holidays'

Imagine Ellis County is a product of Strategic Doing with Heartland Community Foundation and facilitated by Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

Their mission is to create community growth through an engaged group of Ellis County residents who collaborate on strategic vision for the community and the region.

The vision is to create a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity, that empowers residents, attracts projects and ensures sustainable development for a thriving future.

The Downtown Stage project is open to the community and any resident who wants to learn more or help create a permanent stage structure at Hays Municipal Park.

This space could be utilized for large concerts, community arts, traveling artists and community events.

To find out more or to help out with this project, come to a meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, in the basement meeting space of Brief Space.

Meeting set to discuss downtown stage project

There will be a volunteer training for all Cold Weather Shelter interested volunteers from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the First Baptist Church Hays, 1111 Fort St.

If you are interested in volunteering you must attend a training. To sign up please go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ourecma.com/hayscoldshelter">Cold Weather Shelter | ECMA</a>

Cold weather Shelter training set for Nov. 19

The Optimist Club of Hays presents its annual live Christmas tree sale. Starts on Nov. 29, black Friday weekend 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Then, weekdays starting Monday, Dec. 2, from 3 to 8 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Until trees sold out, find us in the Walmart parking lot in Hays, 4301 Vine.

Since 1965 the Optimist Club of Hays has been supporting the Ellis County youth programs. 

Your purchase directly benefits these projects. 

Optimist Club of Hays' annual Christmas tree sale begins Nov. 29

Hays High (7-4) at Goddard-Eisenhower (9-2) Friday, Nov. 22 - 7 p.m. Goddard, Kan.&nbsp;

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1556611?w=640">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1655294">CLICK HERE TO&nbsp;WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians travel to Goddard Friday night to take on the Eisenhower Tigers with a trip to the 5A championship game on the line.&nbsp;

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.

🏈🎥 Hays travels to Goddard for semifinal matchup with Eisenhower

A Ellis County man who was accused of killing his wife in 2022 has been found competent to serve a prison sentence.

Jay Schumacher's attorney had requested an evaluation to determine if he was eligible to serve his sentence at Larned Correction Facility, in a secure mental health facility, instead of serving a standard prison sentence.

Jay Schumacher, 67, Hays, who was accused of beating his wife to death, pleaded no contest to three felony charges that are expected to put him behind bars for a decade or more.

Schumacher was first charged with killing his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2c3cf903-b65a-45fa-bb67-a90446c67e61">Karen Schumacher</a>,&nbsp;in 2022.

According to court documents,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31909cf2-4721-42e3-ab7e-5e2de4392888">Jay Schumacher&nbsp;</a>was initially charged with murder in the first degree — mistreatment of a dependent adult, aggravated battery, domestic battery and mistreatment of a dependent adult.

This week, after an evaluation by clinical staff at Larned, Schumacher was determined to qualify for routine disposition of his case.

According to Schumacher's plea agreement, he agreed to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated battery and mistreatment of a dependent adult.

The voluntary manslaughter plea is an Alford plea. Under an Alford plea, the defendant does not have to admit to the criminal act and can maintain innocence. It also allows the state to reach an agreement on the length of a prison sentence that may not have coincided with the actual charge.

Under the agreement, both parties agreed Schumacher would serve a minimum sentence of 114 months, or nine years and six months in prison for counts one and two,&nbsp; voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery.

A sentencing has been set for 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 6 in front of Judge Glenn Braun in Ellis County District Court.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/99621faa-b187-4fff-9b17-16eef8488c0c">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County man pleads guilty in wife's death</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3606211c-9893-40e3-b0bf-e1036909f17d">SEE RELATED STORY: Son of woman killed by her husband says plea agreement 'slap in face</a>'

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4ffcde8d-a64f-442c-981f-59d4cf10c1fe">SEE RELATED STORY: Judge finds Hays man competent to stand trial in wife's death</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31909cf2-4721-42e3-ab7e-5e2de4392888">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays man faces possible murder charges after wife dies</a>

Ellis County man accused of killing wife found competent; sentencing set for January

A man accused in the death of his infant son has been bound over for trial.&nbsp;

Abraham Duran Leon, 29, Hays, was bound over on first-degree murder charges on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in the death of his&nbsp;5-month-old son, Fernando Leon III, on April 2 in Hays.

Abraham Leon faces three alternative charges: first-degree murder in the commission of a felony possession of methamphetamine, first-degree murder in the commission of a felony aggravated endangerment of a child, and murder in the second-degree unintentional but reckless.

An autopsy found Abraham Leon's son had methamphetamine in his system, Prosecutor Aaron Cunningham said.

Emergency personnel were dispatched at 12:15 p.m. on April 2 to the Rodeway Inn in Hays, responding to a report that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/obituaries/fernando-leon">Fernando Leon III</a>, an infant, was not breathing.

Abraham Leon was present in the motel room and was arrested for interference with law enforcement before being released the same day.

Abraham Leon was later rearrested on the charges related to his son's death.

Abraham Leon was also bound over on charges of possession of opiate, opium, narcotic, or certain stimulant, use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.

He was additionally bound over in a third preliminary hearing for charges from 2023 of criminal damage to property and interference with a law enforcement officer.

Leon was out on bond in connection with the 2023 case when his son died.

Leon has filed motions with the court in an attempt to represent himself. Judge Glenn Braun has denied those motions. He continues to be represented by attorneys&nbsp;Cassy Zeigler and&nbsp;Christopher Rohr.

As of Friday morning, Leon was in custody at the Ellis County Jail.&nbsp;

Trail dates have yet to be set in any of these cases.

Hays man accused in death of infant son bound over for trial

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with former legislator, realtor, and Real Men Real Leaders executive director Reynaldo Mesa.

🎤Forward Ever: Reynaldo Mesa, Real Men Real Leaders

Prizes this week were courtesy of sponsor A&amp;A Coors.

Listen to KAYS, 94.3 FM, between 7 a.m. and midnight Mondays through Thursdays for the codeword of the day. Enter the codeword on the Hays Post, and you'll have a chance to win!

Contest runs through&nbsp;through Dec. 20.

Reindeer Radio week 2 winners announced

Throughout our history of serving patients in Western Kansas, we have welcomed many highly qualified medical providers from diverse cultures to treat our patients. At HaysMed, we look for the most qualified candidates and don’t discriminate. We are saddened by recent social media posts targeting our providers from diverse cultures.

There is a very real crisis facing rural hospitals nationwide. There are 193,000 open nursing positions annually in the U.S. There simply are not enough U.S. nursing students graduating to meet the demand.

We are grateful for our dedicated doctors and nurses who could practice in much larger metropolitan areas, but they chose HaysMed and are devoted to providing our high standard of care, and specialty care, to our patients in Hays and Western Kansas.

Given the rural health care crisis, every one of us at HaysMed knows what a treasure this health system is for our region. We are doing everything we can to be responsible financial stewards of this cherished community asset.

We are honored to work with people from diverse cultures. We ask members of our community to demonstrate kindness and respect for the medical professionals who share our vision to be the best tertiary care center in rural America. It is because of their education, experience, and dedication that we have earned the prestigious CMS 5-Star quality designation.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72d9adfa-8b21-4d60-bd8c-049da4c03137">SEE RELATED STORY: LETTER: HaysMed surgeon announces departure</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bd637fa7-6e54-4130-8c7d-16847120719c">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctor files lawsuit against HaysMed, seeks to continue practicing in western Kansas</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cdb92508-960d-4b7b-b2a8-dfe23541db1c">SEE RELATED STORY: Another HaysMed doctor out; HaysMed admin: No Comment</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff47d31e-0893-42cc-9d64-36235a52511f">SEE RELATED STORY: LETTER: Oncologist announces resignation from HaysMed</a>

HaysMed issues statement on diversity of staff

To my fellow residents of western Kansas,

I tendered my resignation from HaysMed on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. My last day in the clinic will be Feb. 17, 2025.

It has been a wonderful journey for my family and me since I began my practice at HMC in July 2015. Currently, I am one of only two remaining medical oncologists who physically reside west of Hays. For that reason, I struggled deeply with my decision to leave. It is never easy to make such a decision, especially when reflecting on all the patients I have had the privilege of helping over the past nine years. My greatest concern is how the people of Western Kansas will access medical oncology services in the future.

Ultimately, my decision to leave was guided by how I believe medical care can best be delivered to the people of rural Kansas. The simple truth is that the administration at HaysMed and I have differing views on the need for a new model of health care. In my opinion, the current regional hub health care model that HaysMed operates under is unlikely to remain viable in the long term. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that the departure of approximately 20 health care providers from the hospital in the past year also influenced my decision.

I do not know what the future holds for medical oncology in Western Kansas, especially as HMC has made it clear that it will enforce its restrictive employment covenants regardless of the impact. The national shortage of oncologists, particularly in rural America, only amplifies this challenge. However, I am confident that there will always be an increasing need for the services I provide across the United States.

I bear no ill will toward the administration at HaysMed. For the sake of the health of our community and rural Kansas as a whole, I sincerely hope they succeed in the extraordinarily difficult task of recruiting new physicians to our wonderful community.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all my patients and the people of Western Kansas who have supported my family and me. Thank you all.

LETTER: Oncologist announces resignation from HaysMed

&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

Fort Hays State University’s Math and Computer Science departments hosted the annual Math Relays on Nov. 13 in the Memorial Union.

Area high school students competed in six different tests of mathematical skills throughout the day. The tests, categorized by subject, include using number sense, trigonometry, algebraic manipulations, geometric measurement, applications of algebraic arithmetic, and calculations with a calculator.

Forty-eight Kansas high schools, ranging from 1A to 6A, brought 650 students to compete in the relays. Schools were grouped into divisions based on size (1A, 2-3A, and 4-6A). Each student completed tests individually or in teams of three, and all students took at least four of the six tests.

The top six individuals and teams at each grade level earned points towards their school scores. Medals were given to the top three finishes for each test, and the top three schools in each division received a plaque.

“FHSU Math Relays is a great event for our Hays High students to showcase skills they normally don’t get to showcase outside of the classroom,” said high school math teacher Dustin Dreher.&nbsp;“It gives the students a chance to compare their math skills to not only students from their school but from schools across the state.”

Results, including all individual, team, and school rankings for the FHSU 2024 Math Relays, can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0QpmBYlV-2BerPFa6z-2BiQmAOmixPPqqSPP3P2zll6DZPM-2BJYhpVX8YXPNIeurMmV5U7OrRWIoYIfIR4x1dzllusq4-3DioV8_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOxAAswf-2B90BYd9aXyvPCk6-2Fu6pX9nJHffOZEPMY35lgAwEVzdSLF79o2meVQV6NaYZTnW9WmeDLNB8UyYd7WzSW72KhT1q-2BGrEdwpVQZKOOdbDwk9hRBSBJa8jOso-2F7txz3WWfOlybbCQUATY3-2FHEYkNQBzg8-2BEPiaTi0IZbX5VfE6j9x-2Br-2FpL28-2FPl1UDspW-2FHIG76GrNjrg-2FKZJ-2FBghU874PacCTXnXvWUFc0sPg2Rtzy2EUInnU1Skocd5GW-2FQ">https://www.fhsu.edu/macs/Math-Relays/relayresults2024/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

650 Kansas high school students compete in FHSU’s 45th Math Relays

Tax Planning is More Than Making Estimated Payments

There is a popular misconception that tax planning for small and medium-sized businesses is simply figuring out how much tax will be owed and making estimated payments. But those are just tax projections.

True tax planning is looking at the life span of a business and asking where it is today in terms of growth and profitability, where it has been in the recent past and where it is going based on current projections.

What goals do the owners have? In the long term, do they want to position the business to sell, to expand into new markets, or transition to family members who will drive the business into the next generation?

“Tax planning” may, in fact, be a misnomer because tax planning is very much like strategic planning, but with a unique goal.

Tax planning specifically looks at how tax laws can be used as a tool to help business owners pay the least amount of dollars in taxes over the lifetime of a business, not just quarter by quarter.

Unlike larger corporations that may have entire departments dedicated to tax strategies, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often operate with limited resources and personnel. Thus, it is important to understand and implement effective tax planning with the help of trusted advisors to ensure the long-term financial health of your business.

Tax planning involves analyzing a business’s financial situation with the aim of maximizing tax efficiency while ensuring compliance with current laws and regulations. It encompasses a range of activities, including choosing the right business structure, optimizing deductions and strategically timing income and expenditures to best optimize tax brackets over multiple years.

Strategies for tax planning depend heavily on where a business is in its lifecycle. For example:

· A young startup company may be pre-revenue with a promising new product that is just beginning to take off. While its taxes are low now, the prospect of a steep climb in sales over the next two years could mean a heavy tax bill at a time when the company is still vulnerable. With tax planning, the company can plan now to utilize deductions and credits they may have been unaware of, as well as net operating loss carryforwards that could tame future tax bills.

For young companies and mature companies alike, the choice of business structure — whether a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or corporation — has profound tax implications. Each structure is taxed differently and comes with its own set of regulations. Effective tax planning involves evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks of each structure to determine which is most advantageous for the business’s situation. For instance, an LLC may provide liability protection while allowing profits to be passed through to owners without facing double taxation, unlike a C corporation.

One of the most significant benefits of tax planning is its role in enhancing financial stability. For SMBs, cash flow is the lifeblood of operations. By strategically planning taxes, businesses can improve cash flow management. For example, by timing income recognition and deductible expenses, businesses can minimize taxable income in a given year, thus reducing the immediate tax burden. This can free up cash for reinvestment in the business, pay down debts or handle unforeseen expenses.

It’s important to remember that tax planning is a long game.

The purpose is to ensure the financial health of the company well into the future. That may result in some decisions that business owners may be uncomfortable with in the short term; specifically realizing that minimizing tax this year does not always result in the lowest tax expense over time – it may be best to pay more this year in order to maximize a low tax bracket.

For many SMBs, growth is a primary objective. However, rapid expansion can lead to complex tax situations. Tax planning allows businesses to anticipate and prepare for these complexities. The lowest tax a CPA can get for you is not necessarily the best. There may be a reason to pay more taxes. You don’t want to leave money on the table by dropping into the 12% bracket when you know you will be in the 37% bracket next year. Evening out those bumps results in a smoother, more predictable financial picture for your company.

Challenges in Today’s Tax Planning Environment Certain challenges are impacting tax planning for SMB owners these days due to the uncertainty around what will happen to the federal estate tax exclusion at the end of 2025. Some business owners will be

significantly affected. Also, the current interest rate environment is unpredictable. High rates are slowly giving way to reductions, but whether those reductions will be continued is a guess right now.

Additionally, many business owners are vexed these days by delays in receiving K-1 forms that are necessary for filing taxes. It’s important to note that your tax planning advisor will ensure your taxes – including estimates for the current year – are paid on time so you can delay filing your returns until after the deadline, when you are more likely to have K-1 forms and other necessary documents.

Business owners must plan for what is known right now and be flexible enough to revisit their tax planning strategies on a regular basis to make adjustments as needed.

Adams Brown CPAs typically check in with business owners on a quarterly basis to discuss tax plans and to learn what is new in the company that may necessitate a change in the plan.

Adams Brown goes beyond just tax planning. We’re a holistic advisory firm, which means we’re here to help with the big picture – from managing your personal financial planning to providing managed IT services. Our team works together to make sure every aspect of your business life is covered.

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🥎TMP-Marian's Koenigsman signs with Iowa Western

Friday, November 22
 KKQY: Hoxie FB at
South Central, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Goddard Eisenhower, 6:30pm
 KAYS: Victoria FB at Dighton, 6:45pm

Saturday, November 23
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs.
Colorado, 1:00pm

Sunday, November 24
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs at Carolina Panthers, 11:00am

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team fell to Nebraska-Kearney Thursday in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 MIAA Volleyball Championship, losing 21-25, 17-25, 24-26 at the Civic Arena. The Tigers conclude the season with a record of 12-14, while the Lopers improve to 29-1 and move on to the semifinals to face off against either Washburn or Northwest Missouri State.

The Tigers stuck with the third-ranked team in the country all evening, totaling just six fewer kills, two fewer blocks and one more service ace.

Fort Hays State took control early, leading by as many as five at four separate junctures in the first set. Several early blocks and three kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/claire-olson/7947">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers build an 11-6 lead and maintain that edge until the score was 14-9. UNK then went on an 8-3 run to tie the score at 17 before taking the lead for good at 19-18. The Lopers carried the momentum into the second set, leading wire-to-wire to take the frame 25-17.

The Tigers battled back in the third set, keeping things close the entire way. Fort Hays State led for the majority of the frame and did not trail by more than one point until the final rally of the night. The teams traded one-point leads early in the set before FHSU methodically built a four-point lead. The Tigers led by four as late as 15-11 and later led by three at 19-16, but the Lopers stormed back to tie things up at 19. The teams traded points after the Lopers regained the lead at 23-22 before UNK sealed the deal with back-to-back kills.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ashlyn-reeves/7949">Ashlyn Reeves</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with nine kills and three blocks.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ella-goodwin/8179">Ella Goodwin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;contributed eight kills each, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/grace-schmedding/8180">Grace Schmedding</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/carsyn-cormaney/8175">Carsyn Cormaney</a>&nbsp;totaled six kills apiece.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/abrey-galt/7955">Abrey Galt</a>&nbsp;dished out 28 assist and added six digs, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/kirsten-evans/7943">Kirsten Evans</a>&nbsp;racking up a team-best 20 digs.

The Tigers posted an attack percentage of .202, their best swing rate against the Lopers in over eight years (.235 at UNK, 9/20/2016).

Fort Hays State was playing in the MIAA tournament for the first time since 2021 and for the fifth time since the Tigers joined the league in 2006.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Tigers hang with Lopers but fall in MIAA quarterfinals

Fort Hays State women's basketball looks t remain unbeaten when they host MSU Denver on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind: WBB vs. MSU Denver (Nov. 16,. 2024)

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

We're joined by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough, men's soccer coach Alex Nichols and football coach Chris Brown.

Tiger Talk airs Wednesday's at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (1400/93.5) live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (November 20, 2024)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team had two student-athletes earn All-MIAA honors for their performance during the 2024 season, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;picking up second-team recognition and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;receiving honorable mention status.

Rains earned all-conference honors for a second year in a row after picking up an honorable mention nod last year. The junior outside hitter finished the regular season with 340 kills, second-most in the MIAA. She ranked fourth in the league in kills per set (3.43) and was eighth in points per set (3.65). The Maize, Kan. native reached double figures in kills 19 times in 25 matches, including three matches with at least 20 kills and a season-high of 23 kills in a win over Truman State. Playing in all 99 sets for the Tigers this year, Rains also contributed 83 digs, 32 blocks and three service aces.

This is the first All-MIAA award for Stucky. The junior setter ranked fifth in the conference in both total assists and assists per set, distributing 832 assists over 96 sets for an average of 8.67 per set. She ranked third on the team with 50 blocks, ranked fourth with an average of 1.90 digs per set and was sixth on the team with 124 total points. The Wichita, Kan. native accumulated 79 kills, 18 service aces and 182 digs. She reached double figures in assists 24 times, including 17 matches with at least 30 kills, 11 matches with at least 40 assists and a season-high 53 assists in a win over Arkansas-Fort Smith. Stucky notched five double-doubles on the year, including one with a career-high 20 digs in a win over Southwest Baptist.

Rains, Stucky and the rest of the FHSU volleyball team will play in the postseason for the first time since 2021 on Thursday (Nov. 21) when they take on Nebraska-Kearney in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 MIAA Championship Tournament. First serve is set for 5 p.m. from St. Joseph, Mo.

2024 MIAA VOLLEYBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Addison Wimmer, Central Oklahoma, OH, Sr. CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Lily Kurz, Missouri Western, MB, Sr. CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alli Wiess, Nebraska Kearney, L, Gr. HITTER OF THE YEAR: Mia Berg, Nebraska Kearney, So. SETTER OF THE YEAR: Peyton Neff, Nebraska Kearney, Gr.* LIBERO OF THE YEAR: Alli Wiess, Nebraska Kearney, Gr. FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Rayishon Jackman, Emporia State, OH COACH OF THE YEAR: Rick Squiers, Nebraska Kearney*Indicates Unanimous Selection

ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Huck – Central Oklahoma OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Asha Regier – Nebraska Kearney OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jalyn Stevenson – Washburn OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Addison Wimmer – Central Oklahoma* OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Weronika Wrzesinska – Emporia State* RS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Russell – Missouri Western* MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mia Berg – Nebraska Kearney MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Abby Brunssen – Northwest Missouri* MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jenna Karp – Central Oklahoma S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lindsey Houran – Central Oklahoma S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nessa Johnson – Missouri Western S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Peyton Neff – Nebraska Kearney* L/DS&nbsp; &nbsp;Katie Le – Central Oklahoma L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Alli Wiess – Nebraska Kearney* *Indicates Unanimous Selection

ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maya Fergerson – Central Missouri OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Holly Heldt – Missouri Western OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rayishon Jackman – Emporia State OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Payton Kirchhoefer – Northwest Missouri OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emilee Lane – Nebraska Kearney OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alex Dvorak – Washburn MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elinor Engel – Central Missouri MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emma Salker – Missouri Western MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rachel Ziesman – Central Missouri S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Corinna McMullen – Washburn L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Kyah Luhring – Northwest Missouri L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Rottinghaus – Washburn L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Anna Weberg – Missouri Western

ALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION Arkansas Fort Smith – Morgan Creer, RS; Caelyn Gunn, OH; Nyia Anderson, OH; Kaelyn McDonald, MB Central Oklahoma – Mikaela Garvin, OH; Lari Migliorino, MB Emporia State – Camilla Ossola, OH/RS; Brailee Bogle, S Fort Hays State –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>, S Missouri Southern – Kyla Randall, L Missouri Western – Emily Loy, OH/RS Nebraska Kearney – Lauren Taubenheim, OH; Abby Rose, MB Newman – Oziomia Ajekwu, MB Northwest Missouri – Ella Caffery, S Pittsburg State – Josie McCroskey, L/DS Washburn – Austin Broadie, OH; Bella Limback, MB&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 FHSU's Rains, Stucky named to All-MIAA team

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

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