By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

You wouldn't think a cell phone and radio could weigh so much.

But for Hays Police Department Deputy Chief Brian Dawson, they carried the weight of being the No. 2 at the department. They carried the weight of responsibility of each call and sacrifice he made in his 25 years on the Hays Police Department.

On Friday, he took his last radio call. He handed in his phone, radio and badge for the final time, retiring from a lifetime of service to his community.

Dawson, 55, came later in life to law enforcement. He joined the police department as a 30-year-old rookie.&nbsp;

As a young man, he dreamed of joining the FBI. At that time, several tracks could lead to a career in the federal agency. He decided he would attempt to join the FBI through the accounting track, so he started as an accounting major at Fort Hays State University.

However, he soon discovered accounting was not for him.

At that time, FHSU did not have a criminal justice major, so he changed his major to broadcast communications with a minor in sociology with an emphasis in criminology.

After graduation, he had the opportunity to spend a summer as a counselor and ski instructor at a boy's summer camp, Camp Caribou in Bangor, Maine.

That gave him some experience working with youth, which would continue to be a theme throughout his career.

He worked in substance abuse prevention in Salina before returning to Hays, where he grew up, to work as a community consultant for the Ellis County Community Partnership, which was housed in the Smoky Hill Foundation.&nbsp;

He worked in drug and alcohol prevention, often working with youth.

He also worked with a state-funded tobacco cessation program and promoted the Red Ribbon Campaign and Great American Smokeout.

"A big part of my job was to get together with community leaders and get some funds and make sure there were alternative things for kids to do other than go have a pasture party or keg party," Dawson said. "And that we had good protective factors in the community."

Dawson, at 30, joined the Hays Police Department as a patrol officer.&nbsp;He described himself as a "late bloomer." When he started, he took a $3 an hour pay cut from his job working for the community partnership.

"That's where everyone starts," he said. ... "Nobody starts out as a detective. Nobody starts off as a captain. You have to start out as an officer and understand the laws and that protect and serve part, and then move up through the ranks through all of the different avenues."

Dawson was promoted after a little more than a year as a patrol officer to a school resource officer, a position he served in for nine and a half years.

Initially, he served all the schools in the school district. Then, a second school resource officer was hired.&nbsp;

Dawson said some officers prefer to work with older youth, but he also liked giving presentations to the elementary-age students.

"I just really liked being in the schools," he said. "I really liked being in the classroom, whether I was doing a presentation on the topic of search and seizure, or I got asked into a married life class. I got asked into the English class when they were reading 'Romeo and Juliet,' so I slipped in what is referred to as the Romeo and Juliet law, which is unlawful voluntary sexual relations."

Unlawful voluntary sexual relations is sex perpetrated by an&nbsp;offender who is 18 years old or younger with a victim who is 14 or 15 years old.

"I told them what their responsibilities were—that at age 10, they could be arrested. At age 14, they could be interviewed without an attorney or parent being present," he said.

He said he tried to help the students see the officer in the uniform is a person too.

"We are here to serve and help them," Dawson said. "They're my boss, and I'm here to help them be successful."

Dawson said he was disappointed when the school resource officer program was disbanded in Hays, but delighted in 2023 when it was resurrected.

He said being an SRO was the best of both worlds.

"I really liked the evening shift," Dawson said. "Otherwise, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon in the middle of July, your boots are melting into asphalt while doing an accident report. All that heavy gear is just not comfortable and not fun.

"I liked night shift. It's a little different clientele and different calls on night shift, even in Hays, compared to doing a stranger danger class with 5-year-olds. I got to bone back up on my DUI skills. I was super fortunate that I got to do all of that."

He became a member of the tactical team. He was first an operator and worked his way up to being a negotiator and assistant team leader.

"It's not like the movies," Dawson said. "You don't hit reset and have a different outfit and a different car next week and a different story. It's real life."

"You feel a sense of pride knowing you were on the team," he said.

Dawson said working on the tactical team involves officers in volatile situations in which people can get hurt or killed.

Being a negotiator takes a totally different mindset, he said. A negotiator is trying to buy time to help things settle down and reach a peaceful conclusion.

"It's extremely challenging and can be extremely frustrating," he said.

Dawson was promoted to patrol lieutenant in 2010 and to assistant chief in 2011.

He said he felt great satisfaction if he could help someone.

"In this job, you see people at their best and at their worst. As a human being, that's tough. You try to serve and do the best you can in those situations. Training helps."

Responding to deaths was one aspect of the job that caught him off guard as a new patrol officer.&nbsp;

"We've done a number of death notifications, and you never walk away from one of those feeling you knocked that out of the park," he said. "You would like to think they get easier, but they don't. To tell someone they lost their kid, those are challenging.

"Even if it is natural causes, we are the ones that go and check and make sure it's natural causes. We are the ones who have to put hands on the body and remove the body with assistance from the people from the mortuary.

"I hadn't seen a lot of death to that point. I had a kind of sheltered life. It's something you don't think about. I thought, 'Boy, I wish they would have mentioned something more about that in the academy and prepared me for that."

He said police officers see things no one else sees and do things that no one else does.

"There's stress. There's a lot of responsibility. At 5:30, it's not over. It's not over on the weekends. It's not over at night. It's not over on holidays,"&nbsp;Dawson said. "I'm looking forward to getting rid of this phone and this radio and carrying the responsibility.

"There's things that you can't share with your family or your spouse," he said. "There's things you don't want to share with your family. You miss some events with the family."

Despite the sacrifices, he said he has been truly blessed to have great co-workers and a great community to work in.

"You can't make up what you see and get to experience," Dawson said. "It can be challenging at times. But I'm so fortunate because it's such a great community."

Dawson's last day with the police department was Friday. He and his wife are planning to move to Florida, where they will be living closer to Dawson's brother. They plan to enjoy the outdoors and go on some cruises.

Lt. Tim Greenwood's promotion to deputy chief was announced Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/183cca50-ee32-45da-ac3d-12bd10551970">SEE RELATED STORY: New Deputy Chief of Police in Hays announced</a>

Hays deputy police chief retires after 25 years on the force

The Ellis Knights of Columbus will host a fish fry Friday, April 4 in the Ellis Knights of Columbus Hall from 5 to 7 p.m.

The menu will include baked and fried fish, scalloped potatoes, noodles, beans, coleslaw, tea and coffee.&nbsp;

Tickets: $15-Adults $8-Ages 6 to 12 Free-Ages 5 and younger

Ellis Knights of Columbus fish fry Friday

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

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

Community Calendar

NORTON — Work will resume this week on asphalt crack repair Kansas Department of Transportation projects in Rice and Rush counties that were paused last season due to weather concerns.

One KDOT project will be on U.S. 183 in Rush County, from the Pawnee/Rush county line to the south city limits of La Crosse. The length is 10 miles.

The work is expected to begin around April 3 starting in Rice County, to be completed around April 11. The Rush County project will follow that, with both projects done by early May, weather permitting.

During the work, traffic will be guided by a pilot car and flaggers, and motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop and expect up to a 15-minute delay.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.

For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1. For updates on construction projects in south central Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects">https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects</a>.

Crack repair resumes this month on U.S. Highway 183 in Rush County

Community Baby Shower in Hays Saturday celebrates new, expecting parents

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to announce the return of&nbsp;Cottonwood Connections&nbsp; for its highly anticipated 6th&nbsp;season, premiering Sunday, April 6, at 6 p.m.&nbsp; This season brings fresh, in-depth documentaries exploring the rich history and culture of Kansas and the Great Plains.

Kicking off the season is an episode on Buffalo Bill Cody, a legendary figure of the American West.&nbsp; Throughout the season, viewers will also experience engaging stories on:

Buffalo Bill Cody – April 6 The Kansas Renaissance&nbsp;– April 13&nbsp;&nbsp; Kansas and the Cold War: Part 1&nbsp;– April 20&nbsp;&nbsp; Kansas and the Cold War: Part 2&nbsp;– April 27 Orphan Train&nbsp;– May 4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Ficks and Their Fossil&nbsp;Museum – May 11 Cowtowns – May 18 Oil Boom&nbsp;– May 25&nbsp;&nbsp; Packing Iron – June 1 Car Culture – June 8 Trappers and Trade&nbsp;– June 15 Petroglyphs&nbsp;– June 22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

New episodes will air Sunday at 6 p.m., with rebroadcasts available on Fridays at 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 6 p.m., ensuring multiple opportunities for viewers to tune in.

“Cottonwood Connections continues to bring the fascinating stories of Kansas to life, and we are excited to share this season’s incredible lineup with our viewers,” said Audrey Parsons, programming director of Smoky Hills PBS. “From legendary figures to historical events that shaped the state, Season 6 offers something for everyone who loves history and storytelling.”

Cottonwood Connections is a docu-series produced and directed by Ed Lowry, featuring Don Rowlison. It is presented by The Friends of Cottonwood Ranch, an organization that supports the work of the historic site, Cottonwood Ranch, and has the mission of encouraging historical education about the plains. 

For more information about Cottonwood Ranch, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cottonwoodranchks.com/">CottonwoodRanchKS.com</a>.

Don’t miss the premiere of Cottonwood Connections Sunday, April 6, at 6 p.m. on Smoky Hills PBS!&nbsp; 

For more information on broadcast times and additional coverage details, please visit our website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.smokyhillspbs.org</a>&nbsp;or download the free Smoky Hills PBS mobile app for Android and iPhone users.

Smoky Hills PBS premieres Season 6 of 'Cottonwood Connections'

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has created an ad hoc committee to focus on implementing recommendations from a national task force on lawyer well-being.

The nine-member Ad Hoc Committee for Well-Being in Law was created by Supreme Court Administrative Order&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/Kc9VXLOpu0gntP_BAIcd7mMgBl6U44edCBW-EznCqjA">2025-CM-030</a>&nbsp;signed today by Chief Justice Marla Luckert.

“Promoting well-being in the legal profession contributes to positive outcomes and public confidence in the law and the courts,” Luckert said. “It increases job satisfaction and productivity, reduces turnover, and builds a stronger system of justice for all Kansans.”

The ad hoc committee will continue work started by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/Kc9VXLOpu0gntP_BAIcd7uvKEKdD0RWPdwSyikPJ21I">Kansas Task Force for Lawyer Well-Being</a>. The task force was formed after the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being released in 2017 its report,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/Kc9VXLOpu0gntP_BAIcd7scSjKpOoDBzrsBOffN39Yc">The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change</a>.

The report highlighted surveys that found lawyers and law students were at increased risk for mental health and substance use disorders and many struggled with depression, anxiety, and stress. It then recommended strategies the legal community could use to improve lawyer well-being.

In Kansas, lawyers interested in advancing the national task force recommendations put together a task force with members representing the groups identified in the national report. One of those lawyers was then executive director of the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program, which has a mission that overlaps the national task force recommendations.

The Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program is a source of confidential help for lawyers with alcohol, drug abuse, or mental health issues.&nbsp;

The report defines well-being in law as a continuous process of improving the health of legal community members in all areas of life: emotional, occupational, intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual.

The report gives general and specific strategies for the process. They include encouraging members to seek help, offering educational programs on well-being, building relationships with well-being experts, and fostering respect throughout the profession.

The Ad Hoc Committee for Well-Being in Law will make recommendations to the court on implementing strategies from the national report. The committee will also address other related well-being issues affecting lawyers, law students, and legal professionals.

Meryl Carver-Allmond, general counsel to the chief justice, will serve as committee chair. The committee may form subcommittees that can include noncommittee members. The committee will be supported by the Office of Judicial Administration.

Goodland attorney appointed to ad hoc committee for well-being in law by KS Supreme Court

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the Ellis County Rural Water District #1C public water supply system located in Ellis County. 

The City of Hays is not affected by this advisory.&nbsp;

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;

• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking&nbsp;or food preparation or use bottled water.&nbsp;

• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.&nbsp;

• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.&nbsp;

• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.&nbsp;

• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The advisory took effect on&nbsp;April 2,&nbsp;2025&nbsp;and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;

KDHE&nbsp;officials issued the advisory because of&nbsp;of a&nbsp;waterline&nbsp;leak&nbsp;resulting in a loss of pressure in the&nbsp;distribution&nbsp;system.  Failure to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. &nbsp;

&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsdwis.kdhe.ks.gov%2FSDWIS%2FIBS_C_WS_POC_MAINTENANCE.html%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%23/1/01000195f68c72a9-73989d87-d59c-42fb-86a0-90aa36ed05cd-000000/9XEOgRmoQQj05HaZfcs479CT1-KjtfwA0kzaounobF0=399">785-628-2186</a>, or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000195f68c72a9-73989d87-d59c-42fb-86a0-90aa36ed05cd-000000/HXGapcTo_cBXsEioDT_Z8-Px55eXBpoCiq4vIQ1u5CY=399">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Ellis Co. RWD 1C

There will be a water outage for the majority of Ellis County Rural water district 1-C due to a leak that will be repaired on the main 6-inch line. 

The water outage is planned between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 2.

Water outage planned for Ellis County rural water district 1-C Wednesday

BUNKER HILL – "The Kansas Legislature," a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature State Representative Riu Xu (Dist. #25 – Westwood) and State Representative Ken Rahjes (Dist. #110 – Agra) on Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m.

"The Kansas Legislature"&nbsp;is a program that takes place during the legislative session and gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788 with their legislative questions or email them to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:theksleg@shptv.org">theksleg@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;

Becky Kiser, news reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2025 season of "The Kansas Legislature."&nbsp; She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.

Streaming access is also available for each episode on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>.&nbsp; To find a list of legislators that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2025 season schedule.&nbsp;

The 2025 Kansas Legislature is made possible by a partnership with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

Rep. Ken Rahjes featured this week on 'The Kansas Legislature'

Free grant writing workshops offered by Heartland Community Foundation

A former Thomas More Prep-Marian employee has been arrested on a requested  charge of theft from the school.

Joseph Arnold Roth, 31, of Hays, was arrested on Feb. 25 for allegedly transferring $19,153 from a TMP account into his personal account on or about Feb. 5, according to court records.

The crime is listed in court records as a level 9 nonperson felony.

Roth entered a not guilty plea on March 10.

Roth is set for a first appearance in Ellis County District court in front of Judge Richard Flax at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 8.

The Hays Post contacted TMP Principal Chad Meitner, and he said the school had no comment on the case at this time.

Former TMP employee arrested for alleged theft of funds from school

The Starbucks at 3216 Vine St. is undergoing floor renovations and has temporarily closed its lobby.

The drive-through will remain open during the process.

Hays Starbucks lobby on Vine St. closed for remodeling

FHSU crime log: March 28-April 3, 2025

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

The Community Baby Shower will held on Saturday, April 5 at St. Nicholas Church, 2901 E. 13th, Hays, as part of the Week of the Young Child.

News reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, Cottonwood Extension Family &amp; Community Wellness Agent and Susan Bowles, Kid-Link&nbsp;speech pathologist on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast about the event for expectant and new parents.&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Community Baby Shower for new parents Saturday in Hays

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County real estate valuations increased in 2025, according to a report given by the Ellis County Appraiser to the Ellis County Commission on Tuesday.

Ellis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp said the county's median property valuation increased by 3% overall in 2025. Agricultural use decreased by 4.4%, residential values increased by 3%, and commercial and industrial values increased by 2.7%.

The overall median value from 2024 was up 4.7%. Rupp said the market is slowing down in 2025.

Hays increased by 3%, Ellis increased by 6%, Victoria by 6%, Schoenchen by 6% and Catharine by 9.4%.

The total final value in Ellis County for 2025 is $3,780,355,500. It was $3,644,458,000 in 2024.&nbsp;

Rupp said the percentage of exempt properties, which include churches, schools and hospitals, changed from 16.7% to 17.21% between 2024 and 2025.

Each year, a commission meeting is scheduled for a tour led by Public Works staff, during which commissioners visit various road and bridge sites throughout Ellis County.

These include projects that have been completed, are underway, are listed in the capital improvement plan, or have been newly identified by staff and the commission for review.

Commissioners spoke with Public Works Director Brendan Mackay about plans for the April 30 tour and discussed additional sites that could be included.

Locations mentioned included the 10th Street bridge in Ellis, the Catharine Road project, Vineyard Road and 270th Street, Reservation Road, and the Leiker Addition on 280th Street.

The commissioners approved the supply of labor and equipment to support the city of Ellis' 2025 chip seal project. The city lacks the resources to complete the work independently.

The city of Ellis will be responsible for material costs, while the county will provide labor, equipment and some materials for work on Washington Street.

The commission heard from Katelyn Schmidt, a Roosevelt Elementary fifth-grade teacher, about the school's role in the&nbsp;<a href="https://yacenter.org/young-ameritowne/">AmeriTowne program</a>.

Schmidt discussed the project-based learning program, which concludes with a field trip where students participate in hands-on, real-world experiences.

She hopes to encourage other schools to adopt the program and attract more community volunteers.

• Approved the purchase and installation of a public safety radio booster in the Administrative Center's basement. Due to the concrete structure, radio signals are inaccessible, creating a significant communication issue for public safety personnel.

• Approved the 2026 budget schedule for 2025. The next step in the budget process is for the commission to prepare to give budget directions to department heads, elected officials and outside agencies at the April 15 commission meeting.

• Received an update on the Local Workforce Development Areas One and Two merger. The merger aims to expand effective practices and improve services for job seekers and employers.

• Approved the motion to officially vacate the county's right-of-way for a portion of St. Jacobs Street in Catharine.

Ellis County real estate assessed values up overall in 2025

A former Ellis County Attorney issued a public apology for his office's budget overrun by more than $72,000 in the final year of his term.

Former Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson told the Ellis County Commission Tuesday that budget overage stemmed from multiple factors, including hiring Joshua Becker as a fifth attorney.

Anderson said he expected attorney James Rutherford to leave by October, but Rutherford stayed through January.&nbsp;Both attorneys remained on staff, which caused overlapping budget costs.

Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said the 2024 fiscal budget was $1,066,725, with Anderson exceeding it by $72,400.

"If I can go back in time, my preference would have been to come to the commission and ask for that budget authority," Anderson said. "I would have never deliberately or purposely spent money we didn't have. That is my apology."

Anderson said he is handling about a dozen cases at no cost as a special prosecutor as an act of restitution.

County commissioners responded to Anderson with appreciation and understanding, commending his efforts to maintain staffing in the attorney’s office during his transition out of the role.

"It takes a real person to come and apologize," Commissioner Neal Younger said.

Anderson did not run for re-election for county attorney.&nbsp;

Aaron Cunningham ran unopposed for the position in 2024 and assumed the office in January.

Former Ellis County Attorney goes $72K over budget

I attended your so-called “Town Hall” in Oakley on March 1, and I had every reason to believe it would be a genuine meeting—a discussion with Kansans, with open questions and follow-ups. Instead, your insistence on pre-written, selectively chosen questions made it clear that you were steering the conversation to avoid real accountability.

Your misquotation of President Eisenhower was particularly insulting. Not only was it fabricated, but it also served as an attempt to silence us under the guise of his authority. Your dismissive suggestion that this event was only for “Oakley folk” was yet another slap in the face. My wife’s family—11 kids—were raised at 512 Freeman in Oakley. 

I was raised in Hays, regularly practice law in Logan County, and have lifelong ties to the region. I sat with my wife, her brother, and a cousin, all from the area at the event. The crowd was full of Western Kansans, as well as others who cared enough to drive from across the state and stay overnight in local motels.

Your treatment of your own constituents was nothing short of rude and condescending. Your refusal to answer real questions, particularly about your unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump, made it clear that this was never intended to be a true town hall. It was a staged media opportunity for you. When it backfired, and Mr. Dunn gently called you out for supporting the unnecessary firing of thousands of veterans, you cut and ran.

Now, to the purpose of this letter: I demand an apology for the slander and libel you committed after the event. You falsely accused us of being “paid troublemakers” and “not real Kansans.” You ratified Trump’s smear of us, slandering me, my wife, our family, and every other person in that room—about 150 Kansans who showed up in good faith.

While Trump may be immune from accountability for his wrongful actions, you are not. I expect you to issue an apology with at least as much visibility as your original defamatory statements.

Since March 1, I have been looking for an opportunity to deliver this letter in person, but you have been avoiding public appearances. Your phones are set to screen out real Kansans, and you lack a&nbsp;residence in the state where this letter could be delivered. You fled Oakley that morning at 9:37 a.m., and you’ve been dodging accountability ever since.

I will keep trying to reach you. In the meantime, I have pledged to raise at least $100,000 in modest donations from real Kansans to support a candidate who actually represents us and will replace you in the U.S. Senate.

Sincerely, John T. Bird Attorney at Law Hays

LETTER: Sen. Marshall's conduct at Oakley, post-event slander

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

Friday, April 4
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 6:00pm

Saturday, April 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 2:30pm

Sunday, April 6
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

We're joined by Fort Hays State track and field coach Jason McCullough, baseball coach Justin Wichert and softball coach Adrian Pilkington.

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (April 2, 2025)

HAYS, Kan. – Due to weather forecasted for the Hays area on Friday and Saturday, Fort Hays State Softball is pushing its MIAA doubleheaders with Northeastern State and Rogers State to Sunday and Monday. Original start times against both opponents remain the same as FHSU will face NSU on Sunday at 1 p.m. and then RSU on Monday at 12 p.m.

The Tigers enter the week at 21-9 overall and 6-4 in the MIAA. Northeastern State enters the weekend 12-16 overall and 5-11 in the MIAA, while Rogers State enters the weekend 27-10 overall and 9-7 in the MIAA. Rogers State will play at Nebraska-Kearney on Sunday before traveling down to Hays.

With the schedule adjustment, the games on Monday will be available on radio (94.3 FM, 1400 AM KAYS). All games will still be streamed on The MIAA Network and live stats will be available for all contests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 FHSU pushes conference home doubleheaders to Sunday and Monday

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Women's Tennis fell to No. 11 ranked Washburn in MIAA play on Wednesday by a score of 7-0. The Ichabods moved to 11-1 overall on the season and 2-0 in the MIAA, while the Tigers went to 11-4 overall and 1-2 in the MIAA.

Washburn won all of the matches contested for the day. However, reigning MIAA Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/8115">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;forced a tiebreaker against Leo Floeth at the No. 2 singles position. Alfonso was on the short end of the tiebreaker 10-4. The Ichabods won all over singles matches in straight sets.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/shreethika-vangala/8122">Shreethika Vangala</a>&nbsp;did take four points off of No. 36 nationally ranked Renske Ubachs at the No. 1 singles position, falling 6-2, 6-2.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/suzana-faucz/8130">Suzana Faucz</a>&nbsp;(No. 3) generated the most points among the players falling in straight sets in a 6-4, 6-2 loss.

In doubles play, Washburn has two nationally ranked pairs. The Ichabod No. 1 team of Ubachs and Daniella Tijaro &nbsp;are ranked No. 2 in the nation, while the No. 2 team of Floeth and Peyton Koper are ranked No. 19 in the nation. Alfonso and Faucz fell 6-3 in the No. 2 match, while Vangala and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/janae-montoya/8123">Janae Montoya</a>&nbsp;fell 6-1 in the No. 1 match.

The Tigers look to brush off the setback when they host Emporia State in another conference match on Monday at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 Tigers fall to No. 11 Washburn

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brice Turang dropped a perfect bunt to score Oliver Dunn in the 11th inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday.

Pinch-runner Dunn advanced from second base on Garett Mitchell’s groundout off Sam Long (0-2). Joey Ortiz walked. Turang, who was 0 for 5 for the game, laid down a bunt in front of the plate and raced to first as Dunn scored.

Jared Koenig (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless 11th.

Jackson Chourio doubled off Royals reliever Carlos Estévez in the bottom of the 10th and drove in Turang to tie the game at 2.

Chourio crushed a 85-mph changeup from starter Cole Ragan in the first inning for his first home run of the season. Cavan Biggio tied the game with an RBI single in the second off Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta. After that, it was a pitcher’s duel.

Peralta allowed just two hits, struck out eight and tied his career high with eight innings.

Ragan allowed one run over five innings, struck out 10 and walked two. It was his sixth career start with 10 strikeouts.

With Royals pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert on second in the 10th, Michael Massey lined a hit off the glove of first baseman Jake Bauers that scored Tolbert. Kansas City’s 2-1 lead was brief.

The Brewers were 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position. The Royals were 2 for 8.

Royals: After a day off Thursday, RHP Seth Lugo (0-0, 5.40 ERA) takes on the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

⚾ Turang's bunt drives in winning run in the 11th, Brewers beat the Royals 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Women's Tennis claimed the MIAA Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week honor for the second-straight week on Wednesday. Irina Alfonso&nbsp;is this week's honoree after teammate Suzana Faucz&nbsp;received the honor last week. Alfonso had a huge week for the Tigers, knocking off a nationally ranked player in MIAA action and then provided the clinching point in FHSU's 4-3 win over Missouri Western for the team's first MIAA win since 2018.

Alfonso&nbsp;went 6-0 for the week in singles and doubles combined. In the win over Missouri Western, she outlasted Johanna Priedite in a match that took nearly three hours to complete. With the score knotted at 3-3 between the teams, Alfonso forced a third set and won the match by scores of 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, ending a 47-match losing string for the Tigers in conference play.

Just a day before, despite FHSU losing to Northwest Missouri 5-2, Alfonso won both her singles and doubles matches against the Bearcats, upsetting No. 57 nationally ranked Alva Norberg in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. In the Tigers 5-1 non-conference win over William Jewell, Alfonso blanked her opponent 6-0, 6-0 to cap off a perfect week, helping the Fort Hays move to 11-3 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements