By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Gorham Community Development Association has announced a partnership with the city of Gorham to bring a splash pad to the community. 

Thanks to a generous grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce's Community Development Block Grant, that dream is becoming a reality.&nbsp;

The total cost of this project is $733,329. The Gorham Community Development Association is committed to supporting this effort, with a cash match of $190,666 to complete the grant. To date, the association has raised $164,913 toward the total project cost. The remaining amount to be raised is $25,750.

The association has already received grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and funds from Russell County. The remaining funding has been raised from local supporters and through various fundraisers.

This splash pad will not only serve the residents of Gorham but also invite families from surrounding communities to enjoy a fun, safe environment for all ages, the association said.

However, the association still needs your support. The association is seeking businesses and individuals interested in partnering to create a lasting, fun-filled experience for the entire region, it said.

"Your sponsorship will enhance the splash pad and contribute to the joy and well-being of families throughout Gorham and beyond for years to come," the association said.

"We would love the chance to discuss this further and explore how we can work together to enhance our community," a news release from the association said.

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gorhamcda@gmail.com">gorhamcda@gmail.com</a>. A sponsorship form is also attached at the end of this story. Sponsors' names will be proudly displayed on the splash pad sign as a token of appreciation.

Additionally, the association is selling a limited number of custom benches that can be personalized with names, logos or in memory of loved ones with pictures. These benches will be placed around the splash pad.

Looking ahead, the association will have several upcoming fundraisers, including the Gorham Street Dance on Aug. 2. All proceeds will benefit the splash pad project. 

"The splash pad will be complete within two years, making it a vibrant new gathering spot in our park for our community and neighboring areas—a place for children to play and for families to connect during the summer months," the association said via email.

Check out the association on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064917931428">Facebook</a> to keep up to date with all it has to offer.

Gorham association seeks sponsors for splash pad

&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

Ellis County wheat growers, don’t miss out on entering your best wheat into the Ellis County Fair – Open Class Market Wheat Show. 

Entries are fast and easy. Fill up a provided bag of your best wheat while unloading at any elevator in Ellis County, or at your bins at home and return the crop data card after harvest to either the elevator or Cottonwood Extension District Office, 601 Main Street, Hays. 

Cash and ribbons will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Your entries and ribbons can be picked up at the conclusion of the fair on Sunday, July 20 between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Schenk building or after the fair at the Cottonwood Extension Office.

If you have any questions call us at 785-628-9430, or email Theresa tam3@ksu.edu

Farmers can enter their wheat for prizes, cash at the Ellis County Fair

Still time to register for extra funds to feed children during summer

STOCKTON — Friday, November 28, Stockton Rodders, Inc. presents Olde Tyme Christmas in Stockton, Kansas.&nbsp; Events held during the day and evening. Event is on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1223752379483909/">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;

Save the date Nov. 28 for Olde Tyme Christmas with Stockton Rodders

PLAINVILLE — Corbyn Marquess will be hosting the first annual Fore the Kids Classic, Saturday, July 26. The tournament will be a 4-person scramble held at Rooks County Golf Course, Plainville. All tournament proceeds will be donated to Children's Mercy Hospital. 

Because of generous business and individual donations the tournament will have a guaranteed payout for first&nbsp;place in all flights of $600.

 Corbyn is very passionate&nbsp;about this project as she was diagnosed&nbsp;with thyroid cancer when she was 16 years old. Children's Mercy gave her excellent care and she would like to give back to an important cause.

In conjunction with the tournament she is raffling off a spot at the Oklahoma State Golf Camp that is held in June of 2026.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

'Fore the Kids Classic' in Plainville to benefit Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City

Free health and cancer screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 26 at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh Street in Hays.

The free screenings are hosted by the Kansas Masons, Hays Masonic Lodge #195, the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA), and The University of Kansas Cancer Center. 

This community outreach event is free and open to the public. Insurance is not required. All ages are welcome. No appointments are necessary.

Lodge members and staff from the MCA, the outreach network of KU Cancer Center, are teaming up with health professionals from the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) to provide the following:

· prostate cancer screenings · skin cancer screenings · colorectal cancer take-home screening kits · tobacco cessation information

Area Masons work with staff from the MCA and the Kansas Masonic Foundation to coordinate many of the free screening events that often draw several hundred attendees of all ages. According to Brooke Groneman, MCA outreach director, more than 20,000 Kansas residents have attended the screenings since 2003.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer every day, and nearly 250 of those are diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer. The Centers for Disease Control reports that cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in Kansas, and the region has higher than average rates of skin cancer compared to other parts of the country. 

When it comes to the possibility of cancer, it is always better to catch a potential problem in the earliest stage possible. Anyone identified with a possible health concern at one of the free screenings is advised by the screening team to follow up with his/her local physician or provided with information on how to find a healthcare provider.

For more information on the free health and cancer screening event in Hays, call Chris Neeley at 785-259-2067.

The Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA), the outreach network of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, is a membership-based organization developed to improve cancer care across the region by providing access to the latest advancements close to home. The MCA links hospitals and healthcare partners across Kansas and western Missouri to lab discoveries made at KU Cancer Center. It also provides its members with access to clinical trials, professional education, patient navigation services, networking, and outreach opportunities.

Free health, cancer screenings in Hays on July 26

Due to the Fourth of July holiday on Friday, July 4, 2025 there will be changes to the refuse and recycling pick-up schedule. 

Both Thursday and Friday routes will be picked up on Thursday July 3. 

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays routes will not change.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclable will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Changes in Hays' refuse/recycling schedule this holiday week

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation will temporarily close both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-70 at Exit 157 near Hays on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29.

During daylight hours on both days, traffic will be diverted through the exit and entrance ramps and back onto I-70. The traffic diversion is scheduled to end by 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.

The closure is necessary for crews to set steel girder beams for construction of the new U.S. 183 bypass bridge over I-70, which is part of the project to improve the U.S. 183 bypass and I-70 interchange. Project work began in spring 2023 and is expected to be completed later this fall, conditions permitting.

For more information, contact KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer at 785-261-6132 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kevin.zimmer@ks.gov">kevin.zimmer@ks.gov</a>. &nbsp;

I-70 Exit 157 east, westbound lanes to close this weekend in Hays

A fundraiser breakfast will be held Saturday, June 28, 8-11 a.m., at the Hays First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th, for four-year-old Emersyn Rice and her family who are former Hays residents.

Emersyn was recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy and the Rices moved to be closer to her medical specialists.&nbsp;

The message below is from parents Jessie and Talon Rice.

"Our families would like to thank our hometown of Hays and the western Kansas communities for your ongoing love, prayers, and support as we continue to navigate Emersyn’s journey. 

"have experienced overwhelming kindness from the time Emersyn was born at 26 weeks gestation in 2021 and her recent cerebral palsy diagnosis. 

"We want to extend that heartfelt gratitude and thank Lisa Gagnon, one of Emersyn’s nurses from our time at Hays Medical Center, who so kindly is putting this benefit together for our family. 

"All outpouring of love and support will go towards Emersyn’s continued medical costs. 

"Emersyn is our miracle, one who continues to shine brightly and brings so much joy to the world. Keep shining, Emersyn! We are so proud of you!"

Brenton and Andrea Hoffman will be catering the meal as a donation to the family.&nbsp;

'Breakfast with Emersyn' fundraiser supports former Hays resident 

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The Wild West Festival Committee has announced details of the much-anticipated return of a carnival to the annual Fourth of July weekend celebration, with Garry Moore Amusements set to provide a variety of rides, games and food stalls.

The carnival will operate in conjunction with the festival from Thursday, July 3, through Saturday, July 5, offering entertainment for all ages.

Garry Moore Amusements will open each evening at 5 p.m., with operations continuing as long as crowd support allows.

Wristbands for unlimited rides will be honored nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. Per-ride tickets will also be available for purchase during all operational hours. The carnival is expected to feature about 10 rides, 10 game stands, and two food stands, ensuring a diverse array of attractions for all ages.

"We are incredibly excited and relieved to announce the return of a carnival to the Wild West Festival," said Julie Edgeman, committee president. "Securing a quality carnival has been a significant challenge in recent years, and we are immensely grateful to Garry Moore Amusements for stepping up to bring this exciting piece of events to the Fourth of July holiday weekend. It's an element that truly completes the festival experience for many families."

Advance wristbands for the carnival are available for $25, offering a discount from the $30 price at the carnival gate.

These advance wristbands can be purchased during Wild West Festival set-up days, today through Wednesday at the Fort Hays Tech | North Central Main Street building at 101 Main St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will also be available at the merchandise table inside the festival grounds during open festival hours.

It is important to note that access to the carnival does not require a Wild West Festival concert ticket, as Garry Moore Amusements operates as an independent entity, despite running concurrently with the festival.

Beyond the carnival, planning for the Wild West Festival's main stage concerts and activities is proceeding smoothly.

Advance festival tickets, granting access to all three nights of concerts, remain available for $35 at local Cerv's and Dillons locations, as well as online at <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/">wildwestfestival.com</a>.

Tickets purchased at the door will be $45 for single-night admission.

"Purchasing advance tickets for all three nights is by far the most economical way to experience the festival, even if attendees only plan to come for one night," Edgeman said. "The value of the three-night pass significantly outweighs the single-night door price, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to enjoy our incredible lineup of concerts."

For the latest updates, including concert schedules, weather statements, and any other announcements that could affect festival events, attendees are encouraged to monitor <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildwestfestival/">the official Wild West Festival Facebook page</a>.

Wild West Festival announces carnival details, festival updates

Congratulations to&nbsp;Tara Graham and&nbsp;Brad Leitner on being selected as finalists in the Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway.

Their names were selected at the LoKal Country Bar on Friday.&nbsp; 

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Garrett Bland – Relay for Life Golf Tournament – 6-13-2025 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Earl Brungardt – Relay for Life Golf Tournament – 6-13-2025

The Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway is courtesy of A &amp; A Coors and Miller, Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus, Commercial Sign Company, Hull Broadcasting and the Eagle Media Center of Hays.

Keep listening all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

The UTV will be given away at a Fort Hays Football Game on Saturday, Sept. 13.

LoKal finalists named for Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway

Ellis County Jail bookings: June 22-28, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: June 22-28, 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

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will take action on the final plat application for the Fairview Patch Addition during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.

The proposed 13-parcel residential development is north of Severin Road and 400th Ave.

The application has gone through the necessary planning, zoning and public hearing steps, and has received prior approvals from the Joint Planning Commission and the county for the preliminary plat.

Ten parcels will measure 3 acres each, one about 3.1 acres, and two larger parcels around 4.5 and 4.7 acres.

Highway 40 and Main Street intersection in Victoria

Brendan Mackay, Ellis County public works director, will ask the commission to approve $25,000 in funding to reconstruct the East Main St. approach to Old Highway 40 in Victoria.

At a previous meeting, the commission <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f411c2a9-c20a-4cf3-963d-d834ddb0f613">voted against approving financial assistance</a> for the approach reconstruction after the city of Victoria requested the county cover one-third of the total $124,685 cost.

The approach is deteriorating, resulting in large potholes.&nbsp;The funding will come from capital project savings and will not affect the general budget.

Mackay will request the commission to approve restructuring the Public Works Department that reallocates existing positions to improve efficiency, career development, workload distribution and long-term planning without adding new positions.

The restructuring aims to resolve staffing challenges and prepare the department for future operational needs.

The Ellis County Commission will receive an update on the 2025 Ellis County Fair from Justin Scheck, Ellis County Fair board president. The theme for the fair is "Another Day in Fairadise."

Mackay will also request that the commission approve the purchase of a $358,000 road grader to replace one that requires major repairs. The county will owe about $51,420 for the first year's payment.

The commission will be asked to approve a two-year cell phone contract with Verizon to replace the expired contract with Nex-Tech Wireless. The Ellis County IT department determined that Verizon offers a more cost-effective option.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07012025-681">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to decide on final housing plans

PHILLIPS COUNTY —On behalf of the the family of Deputy Brandon Gaede, all donations cash/check can be brought to Farmers State Bank or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0sbQcVe3a9AnZoUfaFNKrcQzcDzZFZNK6ahFwwYkYrDHaH5BYFwygFyPvzN22oELel&amp;id=100094540173986&amp;rdid=Z7qirq93cbxMijK9#">click here.</a>

If anyone wishes to give to the Venmo account online <a href="https://venmo.com/u/Karlye-Gaede?fbclid=IwY2xjawLOihVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjVER3UjU4Q2dTU0REM2lkAR7EwReGsRQSzxGQ-dXOVGa9Q90L2TUYSeLBIh9rYfVJizqsAW5yjnG7qpSDCg_aem_U6jWhIvrYnG8do-Z6CTeUQ">they can click here.</a>

"The sheriff's office is&nbsp; aware there are multiple fraudulent accounts coming up asking for donations for the family, which is an absolute sickening act."&nbsp; 

We have other jurisdictions assisting in trying to track them and shut them down. As far as any physical goods, food, flowers etc.... The Gaede family has requested that they be dropped off at the Phillips County Sheriff's Office and we will make sure they get everything.

   The community has been so supportive to the family, which is so heartwarming.

At around 9:28 p.m. Friday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received a report of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being detonated at 899 1st Street in Phillipsburg, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Branden Stitt.

&nbsp;Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede responded to the scene and contacted 27-year-old Colton Griffith, a resident of the address and the individual believed responsible for the fireworks.

During the encounter, the deputy developed probable cause to arrest Griffith. As the undersheriff attempted to place Griffith in handcuffs, a struggle broke out. Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire on the deputy.

Despite being struck by gunfire, the deputy returned fire and hit Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene.

EMS transported Undersheriff Brandon Gaede to a local hospital. Despite life-saving measures, medical personnel pronounced him dead at 10:24 p.m.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the lead agency in the investigation, is working to determine the full sequence of events that led to the shooting.

Detectives are reviewing evidence and statements from witnesses, medical staff, and others involved. The Sheriff’s Office will release additional information as it becomes available. The case findings will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Sheriff alerts public to fraudulent fundraisers to help family of fallen deputy

The City of Hays Fire and Police Departments are urging residents to follow safety guidelines carefully as they prepare to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks.

Proper adherence to safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of injuries, fires, and property damage during holiday festivities.

Residents in Hays are permitted to discharge fireworks on July 2, 3, and 4, from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Adhering to these designated dates and times helps ensure a safe, enjoyable holiday for the entire community.

Fireworks must only be used outdoors and should never be ignited or discharged from any vehicle, whether moving or stationary.

Additionally, fireworks should never be discharged on public streets or rights-of-way, and residents must observe strict distance regulations.

Fireworks are prohibited within 100 feet of hospitals, nursing homes, and fireworks sales locations, and within 50 feet of fuel pumps and gas stations.

"Safety should always be the top priority when handling fireworks," said City of Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans. "Following basic safety rules can help prevent accidents, injuries, and fires, allowing everyone in the community to enjoy the holiday safely."

Residents are reminded that bottle rockets, skyrockets mounted on sticks or wires, and untethered sky lanterns are illegal under Kansas state law.

Additionally, fireworks usage is prohibited in all city cemeteries, ensuring respect and preservation of these community spaces.

Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler highlighted additional essential safety recommendations, including having adult supervision at all times when fireworks are in use.

"Adults should closely supervise anyone younger than 12 using fireworks. Always use fireworks as intended—never attempt to alter or combine them," he said.

Alcohol consumption should never coincide with fireworks usage, and Scheibler recommends appointing a designated individual to handle all fireworks-related activities.

“Having essential safety equipment readily available, such as a garden hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher, is also crucial for quick response in case of fire,” Hagans said. "It is everyone's responsibility to practice safety and consideration during celebrations. We ask residents to promptly call 911 in case of any fire or injury related to fireworks, ensuring swift emergency response."

The Police Department also urges residents to be respectful neighbors by minimizing noise disturbance, particularly late in the evening, and thoroughly cleaning up fireworks debris to keep the community clean and safe.

"By following these simple yet critical guidelines, we can all contribute to a memorable and safe Fourth of July," Scheibler said.

For further details on fireworks safety and guidelines, residents can contact the City of Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330, the City of Hays Police Department at 785-628-1030, or visit the official city website, <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">HaysUSA.com</a>.

Hays responders remind residents to be aware of fireworks danger, regulations

BATON ROUGE, La. — Kelly Bradshaw of Hays was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Fort Hays State University.

Bradshaw is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Bradshaw elected to Phi Kappa Phi at Fort Hays State University

ATLANTA — Major League Baseball announced Monday the rosters for the 2025 All-Star Futures Game, scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta.

Among the 50 top prospects selected for the annual showcase are a pair of Kansas City Royals farmhands: catcher Carter Jensen and left-handed pitcher Frank Mozzicato.

Jensen, ranked No. 80 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list, is the No. 3 prospect in the Royals’ system. Mozzicato, the No. 12 prospect in the organization, is currently pitching for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Mozzicato has posted a 1-2 record with a 4.29 ERA in 14 starts this season. Over 63 innings, he has recorded 55 strikeouts, allowed 45 hits, and held opposing hitters to a .206 batting average.

⚾ Royals' Jensen, Mozzicato named to 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game

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

Monday, June 30 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:00pm

Tuesday, July 1 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:00pm

Wednesday, July 2 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:00pm

Thursday, July 3 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners, 8:30pm

Friday, July 4 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Arizona Diamondbacks, 8:00pm

Saturday, July 5 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Arizona Diamondbacks, 2:30pm

Sunday, July 6 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Arizona Diamondbacks, 2:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

HAYS
– Trent Baker hit a go-ahead grand slam in the fourth, Kaleb Duncan added a two-run
shot an inning later and the Hays Larks completed a two-game sweep of the
Collegiate (Colo.) Roughriders 8-3 Sunday evening at Larks Park.

Baker’s
bases-loaded line drive shot over the left field wall put the Larks (14-3-1,
11-3 RMBL) up 4-1 and was their second grand slam this week (Jackson Babcock at
Liberal, 6/26). Duncan’s homer extended the lead to 6-1.

After
the Roughriders (6-10, 3-3 RMBL) struck for two in the seventh to close the gap
to 7-3, the Larks answered with a run in the bottom of the seventh on Dylan
LaRue single then added another run in the eighth on a Baker sacrifice fly.

Duncan
finished with three of the Larks 11 hits and Baker drove in five runs.

Seven
Larks pitchers combined to strike out 13 while walking only three.

Lorenzo
Rios was the fourth pitcher of the night and picked up the win with an inning
of work.

⚾ Baker grand slam helps Larks finish off sweep of Roughriders

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer, Will Smith also went deep and the Los Angeles Dodgers got a dominant performance from Justin Wrobleski and the rest of their bullpen in a rain-delayed 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Wrobleski (4-2) pitched six innings of three-hit ball in place of opener Lou Trivino, Kirby Yates worked a perfect eighth and Jack Dreyer handled the ninth, helping Los Angeles win for the sixth time in seven games.

Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas also drove in runs for the Dodgers, who have won six consecutive series.

Kris Bubic (6-6) allowed Hernández's two-run shot in the second inning among his three hits and two walks in five innings. The left-hander struck out five but still took his fourth loss in his last five starts, despite maintaining a 2.25 ERA.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to score the only run for the Royals, who have lost seven of their last eight games.

Both of the teams paid homage to the Negro Leagues, whose museum is less than 10 miles from Kauffman Stadium. The Dodgers wore hats from their Brooklyn days out of respect for Jackie Robinson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs before breaking the color barrier, and the Royals wore the interlocking “KC” hats of the 1945 Monarchs.

The Dodgers were leading 2-1 in the fifth when Freddy Fermin led off with a bunt single for Kansas City. Drew Waters worked a 3-0 count before failing to get down a sacrifice bunt, striking out instead. Wrobleski proceeded to get Jonathan India to pop out and struck out Witt to end the threat.

The Royals went 6 for 12 with runners in scoring position in their 9-5 win Saturday. They were 1 for 5 on Sunday.

⚾ Dodgers' Hernández and Smith homer in win over Royals

The Hays Larks close out a two-game series against the&nbsp;Colorado Roughriders Sunday at Larks Park.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks host Colorado Roughriders

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22STEPHEN%20WHYNO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer</a>

D. Wayne Lukas, the Hall of Famer who became one of the most accomplished trainers in the history of horse racing and a face of the sport for decades, has died. He was 89.

His family said Sunday that Lukas died Saturday night at his Louisville, Kentucky, home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d-wayne-lukas-hosptialized-3696adc1800e69d3f7708374bd444d1c">Lukas had been hospitalized</a>&nbsp;with a severe MRSA blood infection that caused significant damage to his heart and digestive system and worsened pre-existing chronic conditions.

“Wayne devoted his life not only to horses but to the industry — developing generations of horsemen and horsewomen and growing the game by inviting unsuspecting fans into the winner’s circle,” his family said in a statement. “Whether he was boasting about a maiden 2-year-old as the next Kentucky Derby winner or offering quiet words of advice before a big race, Wayne brought heart, grace, and grit to every corner of the sport. His final days were spent at home in Kentucky, where he chose peace, family, and faith.”

Lukas won 15 Triple Crown races, including the Kentucky Derby four times. Only good friend Bob Baffert has more Triple Crown victories, and Lukas owns a record-tying 20 in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

“The whole secret of this game, I think, is being able to read the horse: Read what he needs, what he doesn’t need, what he can’t do, what he can do,” Lukas said in May before his 34th and final Preakness Stakes. “That’s the whole key. Everybody’s got the blacksmith, everybody’s got to the same bed available, the feed man. We all can hire a good jockey. We all can hire a pretty good exercise rider if we’ve got the means, so what the hell is the difference? The horse is the difference and what we do with him in reading him.”

Lukas was affectionately known around the barns and the racetrack as “Coach” because he coached high school basketball before his professional career with horses began. Even with months to go before his 90th birthday, he would get up on his pony in the early morning hours and go out to the track himself, rather than letting his assistants do the day-to-day work.

Born Darnell Wayne Lukas on Sept. 2, 1935, in Wisconsin as the second of three children, he rose to prominence in the sport with quarter horses in races that are effectively sprints. He moved into thoroughbreds in the late 1970s and won his first Preakness with Codex in 1980.

Lukas has 4,967 documented victories in thoroughbred racing, with his horses earning more than $310 million from more than 30,600 starts.

"Today we lost one of the great champions of Churchill Downs and one of the most significant figures in Thoroughbred racing over the last 50 years,” Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen said. “We will miss his humor, his wisdom and his unmatched capacity to thrill the fans with the performances of his horses on our sport’s biggest days.”

Achieving something of a career renaissance over the past decade, one he credits to finding the right owners willing to spend money on horses, Lukas won the Preakness last year with Seize the Grey. Asked what motivates him to keep doing his job well into his late 80s, he gave a pep talk fit for a locker room before a big game.

“If you have a passion, you eliminate all the excuses,” Lukas said. “That’s how it works. You get up early. You go without a meal. You drive. You go without sleep — as long as you got the passion. Don’t let that sofa pull you down. It’s a little easy when that alarm goes off to say, ‘Oh my God, I don’t know if I really want to do this today.’ Erase that. The most important decision you’ll ever make in your life is your attitude decision. Make it early, and make the right one.”

Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a winner of 15 Triple Crown races, dies at 89

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

Sunday, June 29 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12:30pm

HAYS – The Hays Larks raced out to an early lead then pulled away late for a 14-4 win over the Collegiate (Colo.) Roughriders in a battle of the first and second place teams in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League Saturday evening at Larks Park. The first place Larks improved to 13-3-1 overall and 10-3 RMBL while the Roughriders fell to 6-9 overall and 3-3 in league play.

The Larks used four hits, two walks and a hit batter to score four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Thomas Lyssy had an RBI single, Jackson Babcock a two-run double and CJ Reid an RBI single.

The Roughriders answered with four in the top of the second but the Larks would take back the lead for good when Lyssy drew a bases loaded walk in the fourth. 

The Larks would add three more runs in the sixth on a Trent Baker two-run homer and Brady Kreutzer RBI single which pushed the lead to 8-4.

They blew the game open with a five-run seventh. Kaleb Duncan started the scoring with an RBI single. Baker added an RBI double, Duncan scored on a wild pitch, Babcock and Kreutzer also had runs scoring singles.

Duncan closed out the scoring with an RBI single to left to end the game by run-rule in the eighth.

Baker and Taber Stokes both had three of the Larks 14 hits. Baker drove in three runs with Duncan, Lyssy, Babcock and Kreutzer all driving in two runs.

Brooks Jones (1-0) allowed only one hit in four shutout innings of relief with eight strikeouts and three walks and picked up the win.

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