By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The 2025 Ellis County Community Fair will unite health and support services under one roof in Hays.

The Ellis County Health Department will host this year’s fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., offering attendees a chance to discover local resources.

"Our greatest mission is bridging the gap between public services and people who need them," Ellis County Health Department director, Mellisa Miller, said.

The third-annual fair will feature booths from organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, Catholic Charities, Cottonwood Extension District, Hays Recreation Commission, High Plains Mental Health, United Way of Ellis County and USD 489.

The event is free to attend, but the health department will also provide $25 sports physicals for the upcoming school year with no appointment required.

Activities will include cornhole, balloon pop, prize wheels, face painting, ring toss and a bingo-style raffle with a $450 prize.

"Each vendor will have a stamp for the attendees' bingo card. And then when their bingo card is full, we'll draw a card and the winner will be notified," Miller said.

In addition to booths inside the mall, outdoor vendors and organizations will feature the Hays Public Library bookmobile, KansasWorks Mobile Center and Chick-fil-A.

The first 50 attendees will get free hot dogs and popcorn.

"We just wanted to create an inviting environment with a carnival theme, so a little less like a resource fair and more like a celebration of the community and what it has to offer," Miller said.

You can find more information on the Ellis County Health Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">here&nbsp;</a>and follow it on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscokshealth/">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2025 Ellis County Community Fair set for Thursday in Hays

&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

Beginning Wednesday, the south side of 33rd Street between Willow Street and Vine Street will be closed to through traffic for road replacement. Westbound traffic in this area is allowed only.

It is anticipated that this shutdown will be until September 2025 or until further notice.

There will be no street parking permitted adjacent to the project during construction. The map provided shows the section of 33rd St. that will be under construction.

Motorists should use caution and allow more time for travel.

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. For questions, please contact the Project Contractor, Vogts-Parga Construction LLC, at 316-320-6650 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

South side of 33rd to close between Willow and Vine in Hays

The <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">Heartland Community Foundation</a> is kicking off a summer adventure like no other! Introducing the Heartland No Bummer Summer — a creative challenge dreamed up by members of the Trego County Youth Action Council to help kids and teens get out, explore, and have fun this summer — without spending a fortune or staying glued to their phones.

From June 1 through July 31, teens and kids of all ages, living in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties are invited to complete fun, quirky and community-centered challenges — all designed to make the most of summer. From ice cream taste tests and sidewalk chalk art to choreographed dance videos and backyard obstacle courses, these activities are anything but boring. Maybe you can even get a local elected official to join in on a TikTok dance!

Participants simply complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with their name and hometown to 785-639-2003. Each completed challenge earns one entry into the end-of-summer prize drawings, with winners announced in August! Participants can complete as many challenges as they like — more entries mean more chances to win.

Core Challenges: 21 fun and free ideas you can do anywhere

Bonus Challenges: 23 location-based activities that showcase projects supported by past Heartland grant dollars -- from murals and splash pads to trails and campsites and more. Summer in our Heartland communities is made sweeter, thanks in part to Heartland grant dollars! Get out and explore the Heartland-area communities.

Special thanks to Nex-Tech Wireless, proud sponsor of the 2025 Heartland No Bummer Summer for prizes and for facilitating the dedicated phone number for this challenge! Flyers with full challenge lists are available on the Heartland Community Foundation’s Facebook page, online at <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, or stop by a local HCF office.

“This is such a fun way to celebrate all the great things our communities already have,” said Sarah Meitner, Executive Director of Heartland Community Foundation. “We’re proud to support local youth leadership and community engagement in such a creative way.”


Let’s make it a No Bummer Summer in the Heartland — and don’t forget take photos along the way and text them to 785-639-2003 for a chance to WIN!


Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge Rules:

Open to children and teens who live in Ellis, Rooks, or Trego counties.

The Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge runs from June 1 to July 31, 2025.

Complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with your NAME and HOMETOWN to 785-639-2003.

Each completed challenge = 1 entry in the end-of-summer prize drawing.

You can complete as many challenges, in any order, as you want — more challenges = more chances to win!

Entries are counted per child, not per family/group. Each participant submits their own photos to earn entries.

By submitting a photo, you give permission for it to be shared on our social media or in promotional materials.

Winners will be announced in August and contacted by text.

Keep it safe, respectful, and fun — be creative! 

Heartland launches “No Bummer Summer” challenge for teens and kids across Ellis, Rooks, Trego counties

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin work on a bridge repair project along K-27 in Sherman County the week of June 2.

The bridge spans the Kyle Railroad and is located 0.84 mile north of the I-70 junction in Goodland. Project work will include a concrete overlay, deck patching and replacement of the bridge rails and approach slabs.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by a temporary traffic signal. An 18-foot width restriction will also be in effect. Motorists should anticipate delays of up to 15 minutes during the project. Work is expected to be completed in October, conditions permitting.

Bridges Inc., of Newton, is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $1.2 million. For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.

Bridge repair project to begin on K-27 near Goodland

For an up-to-the-minute calendar of events, check the CVB website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

June 2025 community events in Hays 

The items are arriving fast and furious for the Eagle Online Auction at Hays Post.

Because of this, the auction has started early, and is going on right NOW!&nbsp; If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;

The first segment of the auction will run through June 8.

Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

Bid now on an expansive collection ranging from home essentials to tantalizing restaurant gift cards, and valuable services from esteemed local companies and save.

Whether you're seeking something specific or just browsing for unexpected finds, our vast selection promises both variety and value.

The Eagle Radio online auction — where saving money is just a click away!

Eagle Radio Auction LIVE, BID NOW!

Check out more on Thirsty's, including their full menu. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/92011370-84fa-4d9a-a241-59c943c40fc1">CLICK HERE!</a>

It's 5 p.m., and you can't decide where in Hays to eat. The family needs a fun activity for the weekend or you need a new stylist or someone to look at your brakes.

The Hays Post is launching an exciting new product to help you find businesses in your community.

The Hays Place tab, which can be found as a dropdown menu on the Hays Post, is a new video directory of places to shop, play and find services in Hays and the surrounding area.

See videos on featured businesses, find links to websites and Facebook pages for your favorite Hays haunts, and find hours and other key information to connect with businesses.

Hays businesses that wish to purchase a listing on the directory can contact Jordan Schaeffer at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;sca_esv=aebc663c531febdd&amp;rls=en&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zrmZbrAzvKjxVChGRNtowTajxHLQA:1741210424019&amp;q=eagle+media+hays+phone+number&amp;spell=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj587Wm8vOLAxX6HDQIHU-zKIkQBSgAegQICxAB&amp;biw=1750&amp;bih=918&amp;dpr=1#">785-301-2211</a>&nbsp;or your local Eagle marketing representative.

School supplies drive underway; free BackPACK the Pool on June 12

The Fourth-Annual Child Care Provider Appreciation sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless is quickly approaching on June 17 at 6 p.m. at Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering.

As child care professionals are the backbone of a thriving workforce, this annual event focuses on elevating local child care professionals and acknowledging their dedication and service to families and our youth. During the event, providers are treated to a delicious meal and dessert and receive a swag bag full of goodies contributed by sponsors. At the conclusion of the event, prizes are awarded to many of the attendees.

The Chamber in Hays is seeking sponsorships to support this event and area providers.

Sponsorships range from $100 to $500 with opportunities for businesses to connect with child care professionals during the event for an investment of $250 or more. The sponsorship deadline is Monday, June 2.

Other ways businesses can show their support is by providing giveaways to be shared with providers the night of the event.

“The first 100 attendees will receive a swag bag full of goodies from our generous sponsors,” said Sarah Wasinger, President/CEO of the Chamber in Hays.

“They will also receive first aid kits, crisis bags, and emergency procedure flip charts that will help them respond quickly in the event of a variety of crisis situations. The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County has been working diligently to procure these items in time for the event. However, we would not be able to provide these items without the generosity of Child Care Aware of Kansas for their support through grant funding,” Wasinger said.

All child care professionals in Ellis County are invited to attend this free event, where they will be treated to a meal with dessert and plenty of opportunities to connect with other local providers. Providers can register online or by calling

For additional information, contact the Chamber in Hays at 785- 628-8201 or visit <a href="http://hayschamber.com">hayschamber.com</a>.

Chamber in Hays invites child care providers to appreciation event

Eagle Online Auction LIVE NOW!

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

ELLLIS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has now canceled the Kansas Blue Alert that was issued after law enforcement were searching for a suspect believed to have shot a Lee’s Summit police officer Sunday night, according to a media release from the KBI.

The alert was canceled Tuesday morning, June 3, after Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27, was located and apprehended in Ellis, Kansas.

In the early morning hours, law enforcement received information indicating that Tolbert might be inside a hotel at 204 N. Washington St. in Ellis. Officers from the Hays Police Department, deputies from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and KBI agents arrived at the hotel and safely took Tolbert into custody at around 4:50 a.m.

Tolbert was arrested on a Missouri warrant for assault first-degree or attempted serious physical injury, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest or detention by fleeing, and second-degree domestic assault.

He was booked into the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office Jail.

Suspect who shot KC area officer multiple times captured in Ellis Co.

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Freightliner semi driven by Adedapo A.&nbsp;Adewuyi, 47, Dacula, Georgia, was eastbound on Interstate 70 three miles east of Oakley.&nbsp; The vehicle overturned onto drivers side and came to rest partly in the median and partly in the passing lane.

EMS transported&nbsp;Adewuyi to the Logan County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns on I-70

Trinity Lutheran Church sponsored a benefit barbecue for First Call for Help on April 6 at the VFW. 

Thank you to Ron Nelson, a church member, who provided the meat and sides. Also, thank you to Dale "Schmitty" Schmidt and the VFW for hosting and helping with preparation, serving, and cleanup. 

Thank you to the church volunteers for assisting and providing desserts, and to all who generously contributed to this amazing organization.

Trinity Lutheran, VFW barbecue raises funds for First Call for Help

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

This time of year, our lakes are buzzing with activity....boats launched, jet skis revving with excitement, and campers pulling into their favorite spots—ready for a season of summer fun.

We spend time getting our boats tuned up and campers stocked for weekend getaways.

But one thing we never plan for are those sudden summer storms that roll in fast and fierce. Strong wind gusts can knock jet skis clean off the trailer, or tree limbs can crash down on the roof of campers.

Take one more important step...insure your boat, jet ski and camper with Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid in Hays.

With proper coverage on your personal watercraft, camper, or boat, you won't be left high and dry with a huge repair bill.

Claims are handled quickly, so you can be back on the water very soon—less worried, and more focused on making memories.

Call or stop by Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid at 2703 Hall in Hays.

It’s important to review your policies before summer kicks into full swing.

Whether you’re hauling a camper to Cedar Bluff, launching your boat for a lazy Sunday float at Wilson, or racing across the lake on a jet ski at Webster, make sure you're protected.

It only takes a few minutes to check in—and it could save you thousands.

Farmers Insurance Agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid, 2703 Hall in Hays. 785-261-0766

<a target="_blank" href="https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/">https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/</a>

News from the Oil Patch: Oil Drilling Drops...Again

The Ellis County Commission will review and offer direction on the first draft of the 2026 county budget during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Darin Myers, county administrator, will lead the discussion on the draft budget.

A mill levy increase is not expected, though that could change depending on the options the commissioners consider in the coming months.

The county commission will be asked to approve a resolution to advance the process of creating a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the proposed Big Creek Estates development.

This is a procedural step and does not finalize the development's creation. Adam Pray of the Platinum Group and David Clingan of Grow Hays will speak at the meeting.

A certified copy will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Commerce if approved. If the secretary approves, the county can schedule a public hearing and further consider the district.

Myers will ask commissioners to decide whether to temporarily ease an existing resolution to allow the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county in 2025.

If approved, the recommended dates and times are to be set the same as those of the city of Hays. However, the city is also reviewing its fireworks ordinance, and no decision has been made yet.

In previous years, the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Ellis County was permitted from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to July 4.

Commissioners will hear from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three disability services organizations' programs.

The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025, and the organization is asking for the same amount.

Myers will ask that commissioners reappoint Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.

The commission will be notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers will announce the openings and invite interested residents to apply.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, will provide an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County.

Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Taylor will request the commissioners approve a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032025-676">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to review 2026 county budget

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

Tuesday, June 3 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:00pm

Wednesday, June 4 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:00pm

Thursday, June 5 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:00pm

Friday, June 6 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox, 6:00pm

Saturday, June 7 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox, 2:30pm

Sunday, June 8 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State women's basketball student-athlete Katie Wagner DeGarmo repeated as the MIAA Women's Ken B. Jones Award winner, presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group, on Monday at the MIAA Awards Celebration in Kansas City, Mo. The Ken B. Jones Award recognizes the MIAA's top female and male student-athletes from the academic year, combining an individual's athletic, academic and service accomplishments.

DeGarmo was one of five women's finalists for the award invited on-site at the annual awards celebration in Kansas City, where she was announced as the winner once again. Myles Menges of FHSU football was one of the five male finalists for the award, which went to Tyler Kahmann of Emporia State.

A 15-member panel of athletics directors, senior woman administrators, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors - including a representative from each member institution – vote to create the group of finalists, and then vote again on the final five for each gender. Each nominee is judged in three areas, including 2024-25 athletic accomplishments, career academic accomplishments and 2024-25 campus/community service.

DeGarmo is the fourth women's student-athlete in the history of the award to repeat as winner and the first to do so since Natalie O'Keefe of Southwest Baptist in 2017. She joins Deandra Doubrava of Emporia State (track and field/volleyball, 1997 and 1999), Lindsay Lettow of Central Missouri (track and field, 2011 and 2012) and O'Keefe (track and field/basketball, 2016 and 2017). There has been only one male repeat winner of the award, that being Brian Moorman of Pittsburg State football who went on to a successful career in the NFL, in 1998 and 1999. Levi Wyrick of Pittsburg State (football/track and field) and Ryan Stanley of Fort Hays State (track and field) each have the distinction of winning a Ken B. Jones Award and being a seasonal Student-Athlete of the year when sports seasons were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years.

Ken B. Jones Award History can be found <a href="https://themiaa.com/sports/2012/5/31/kenbjonesaward.aspx?id=26">HERE</a>.

DeGarmo had another elite year in her storied basketball career at Fort Hays State, averaging 17.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. She was the MIAA Player of the Year for a second-straight season, the first to repeat for that honor since 2003, then raked in All-America honors from both the WBCA (first team) and D2CCA (third team). She was an All-MIAA First Team selection for the third-straight year and a four-time all-conference selection overall. DeGarmo broke both the FHSU and MIAA records for rebounds in a career with 1,248 and she finished her career second all-time in scoring at both FHSU and in the MIAA with 2,299 points. The Tigers played in the NCAA Tournament for a fourth time in her five-year career and helped the program continue its NCAA Division II-leading streak of 14 straight years with at least 20 wins. It was the ninth time in the last 11 seasons FHSU reached the NCAA Tournament.

DeGarmo rewrote the MIAA Tournament record book as the new career leader in scoring (227 points), rebounds (117), field goals made (88), and field goals attempted (182) at the event. She tied the records for double-doubles in points and rebounds (5) games played (14). For a career at FHSU, she also ranks first in field goal attempts (1,830) and second in field goals made (865), free throws made (512), free throws attempted (661), and steals (236). She is fourth in FHSU history for assists (408).

Academically, DeGarmo was a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection, a four-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award, and five-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. She was named a CSC Academic All-America selection in 2025, one of only 16 players nationally to receive the honor which combines athletic and academic performance. Ten of the 16 CSC Academic All-America selections this year were performance All-America selections by either the WBCA or D2CCA. DeGarmo held a perfect 4.0 GPA in her graduate studies and graduated in the spring of 2025 with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Her first degree was in Accounting when she graduated magna cum laude back in December of 2023 with a 3.87 GPA.

Back in 2024, DeGarmo was nominated for the Accounting Student of the Year by the FHSU Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting. She was also nominated and selected by accounting faculty for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship following her December 2023 graduation. She also held a summer accounting/analyst internship at Koch industries in Wichita.

DeGarmo served on a leadership team for Encounter Young Adults, a Christian ministry affiliated with Celebration Community Church. She was a volunteer for the annual Night to Shine event in Hays, honoring individuals in the community with special needs, and a volunteer at Bethesda Place, which is a residential community for individuals with disabilities. For the second-straight year, DeGarmo and teammates from women's basketball partnered with Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization matching children with serious illness and disabilities with college sports teams. She also helped instruct and facilitate during the Tigers for IDD Sports and Fitness Night, hosted by FHSU student-athletes for local Special Olympic athletes. The NCAA chose Fort Hays State as a finalist for the 2025 Division II Award of Excellence for that event.

Two of Fort Hays State's three winners of the Ken B. Jones award have been women's basketball student-athletes, which includes Kate Lehman (2015) and DeGarmo (2024, 2025). Lehman (now Bremerman) was also honored Monday night, along with FHSU track and field athlete Darcie Schmitz (now Riordan) at the celebration as one of 11 MIAA Hall of Fame inductees for 2025. Ryan Stanley (track and field) was the only male from FHSU to win the award back in 2023, so DeGarmo gave FHSU a winner of this prestigious award for a third-straight year.

Each institution may nominate one female and one male student-athlete for the Ken B. Jones Award. The nominees must have completed at least their junior season of athletic eligibility by June 1 of the academic year of nomination. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution.

Fort Hays State has had 20 finalists for the Ken B. Jones Award or season-specific student-athlete of the year honors since joining the MIAA in 2006-07. FHSU has had at least one finalist for each of the last 13 awards given since 2014-15.

FHSU's DeGarmo repeats as MIAA women’s Ken B. Jones Award winner

Coming off regional championships and trips to their respective state tournament's, one member of the Hays High baseball team and four TMP-Marian Monarchs were all-state selections in their respective classes by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.

Hays High senior Carter Graham was named first team in Class 5A at third base. TMP-Marian's Ty Schmeidler was named a first team pitcher in Class 2-1A. Caden Dinkel was named second team catcher, Grant Nehls a second team middle infielder and Carson Liles was an honorable mention pitcher.

Graham led the Indians with a .398 batting average, .462 on-base percentage and .636 slugging percentage in 29 games. The senior had 35 hits which were the ninth most in a single season at HHS. His four home runs are tied for ninth most in a single season and his 35 RBI's was fourth most in a single season at HHS.

Schmeidler made 12 appearances with eight starts and went 5-2 with one save with a 1.86 ERA for the Monarchs. He pitched 41 1/3 innings and allowed only 21 hits and 18 runs (11 earned) with 78 strikeouts and 22 walks. The sophomore fanned a career-high 15 batters in TMP's state quarterfinal game with eventual state champ St. Mary's Colgan.

Dinkel, a junior, played in all 30 games for the Monarchs and finished with a .384 batting average with 33 hits, one home run and 26 RBIs.

Nehls played in 28 games and led the Monarchs with .440 batting average, 4 home runs and 34 RBIs. The freshman had six doubles and five triples.

Liles made 10 appearances with seven starts and went 5-1 with a 0.71 ERA. The junior who was coming off a hand injury suffered during the basketball season pitched allowed only four earned runs and 31 hits over 39 1/3 innings with 45 strikeouts and only 10 walks.

Three members from Russell/Victoria were honored in Class 3A.Junior Sam Thielen was selected to the first team as an outfielder, senior Mason Rohr was honorable mention at catcher and junior Max Evans was an honorable mention as a middle infielder.

⚾ HHS's Graham, 4 Monarchs earn KABC All-State honors

By DAVE SKRETTA Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are calling up top prospect Jac Caglianone, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press, and the slugging first baseman and outfielder could make his debut Tuesday night in St. Louis.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Monday because the move had not been announced. The Royals will have to make a corresponding roster move once Caglianone is officially added to the 40-man roster.

The move comes on the heels of a second straight 1-0 game for Kansas City — it split them with the Tigers — and amid a season in which the Royals have struggled mightily to score runs. They have hit a big league worst-34 home runs and they have scored 194 runs in all, tied with Pittsburgh ahead of only lowly Colorado heading into Monday night's games.

The 22-year-old Caglianone was the sixth overall pick in last year's first-year player draft, where he was considered a two-way player because of his strong left arm. But his future is in the field, where his immense power had the potential to give the long-floundering Kansas City offense the kind of immediate production they have not had in years.

In just 50 games between Double-A and Triple-A this season, Caglianone has hit 15 homers with 56 RBIs. He also has been hitting .322, holding that average steady even after moving up a level, to alleviate some of his swing-and-miss concerns.

Caglianone has primarily played first base, but Vinnie Pasquantino typically holds down that job for Kansas City, and veteran catcher Salvador Perez plays there occasionally when not behind the plate. Where the Royals have a pressing needs is in their outfield, where they finally designated for assignment Hunter Renfroe after another season of little production.

As a whole, Kansas City outfielders are hitting .237 with seven homers and 46 RBIs in 663 plate appearances.

The Royals are still 31-29 heading into Monday's day off thanks to a pitching staff that has allowed just 201 runs, second-fewest in the majors behind the Mets. They open a three-game set in St. Louis on Tuesday night, then play three against the White Sox in Chicago, before Caglianone would potentially make his home debut against the Yankees on June 10.

⚾ The Royals are calling up top prospect Jac Caglianone

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zach McKinstry hit a leadoff triple in the third inning and scored on Kris Bubic's wild pitch to lift the Detroit Tigers over the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Sunday.

Riley Greene had two of Detroit's five hits as the Tigers bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Kansas City on Saturday that ended their five-game winning streak. They took two of three from their AL Central rivals for their 14th series win this season.

Detroit entered June with the best record in the majors for the first time since 2006.

Tigers starter Keider Montero permitted seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. Chase Lee (2-0) got four outs for the win, and Will Vest earned his ninth save.

Bubic (5-3) tied a career high with nine strikeouts in seven innings, giving up four hits with two walks. The left-hander has fanned nine batters in three of his last four starts.

Salvador Perez had three of Kansas City's nine hits, but the Royals stranded eight runners. They have scored four or fewer runs in 50 of 60 games this season.

Kansas City infielder Maikel Garcia was scratched from the starting lineup with right thumb soreness.

McKinstry scored when Bubic's sweeper in the dirt deflected off Perez and rolled near the Royals' dugout on the first-base side.

In the last 12 games between the division foes, 10 have been decided by two or fewer runs.

RHP Jack Flaherty (3-6, 3.94 ERA) starts Monday night when the Tigers continue their seven-game trip against the Chicago White Sox.

⚾ McKinstry scores on wild pitch as MLB-leading Tigers top Royals 

Sunday, June 1 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers, 12:30pm

By BRETT MARSHALL <a href="https://www.wacathletics.com/">Western Athletic Conference</a>

Great Bend’s Umphres voted Player of Year

It was by the slimmest of margins, but that’s all that matters when it comes to wins and losses to determine the Western Athletic Conference baseball champion.

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