By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Ride through history Saturday with the Tour Die Kapellen, a cycling tour showcasing the rich Volga-German heritage of Ellis County.

The sixth-annual Tour of Chapels features stops at St. Catherine Church in Catherine, the Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria, Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer and St. Francis Church in Munjor.

Kay Werth, president of the Hays Area Bicyclists, said the tour began in 2019 as a partnership between the rural communities, the Hays Symphony, the Hays CVB and Fort Hays State University.

"It's interesting this year that the demographics of our tour are almost 50% of the people that are doing the bike ride are over 65 years," Werth said. "People think that it's just for young and active people but it is a very doable sport to keep their wellness regimen going."

The event offers several route options from 15 to 100 miles, all starting at Hays Municipal Park, 100 Main St., along with a bus tour, live music and homemade meals. New this year are optional church stops and the ability to create custom routes.

The 15-mile beginner route begins at 8:45 a.m. and will be guided by three experienced cyclists, with a stop in Munjor to hear violinist Rigo Murillo perform at the chapel.

All routes from 30 to 100 miles will depart from the downtown park at 7:30 a.m., except for the 54-mile mixed surface route, which starts at 7 a.m.

Werth said new optional stops along the routes include St. Ann Catholic Church in Walker, Our Lady Help of Christians in Antonino and St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen.

The bus tour, starting at the park at 8 a.m., will visit the same churches featured on the bike routes and pass by landmarks such as George Grant’s Villa, the Old Walker Air Base and the ruins of Emmeram Church.

Jerry Braun, a descendant of Volga Germans and Ellis County Historian, will guide the bus tour. Werth advises against drivers following cyclists in their own vehicles for safety.

Werth said around 200 participants have signed up across all routes. Bike ride registration is still open through the day of the event, with a $50 fee that provides a post-ride German meal, a T-shirt and a swag bag.

The bus is currently full, but Werth said those interested can check for cancellations or last-minute openings. You can learn more by reaching out at&nbsp;haysareabicyclists@gmail.com.

The afterparty runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes piggies in a blanket, bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes, dumplings, and Kuchen and Spitzbuben for dessert. The Hot Shots of Pfeifer will play polka music.

Drinks will be available from Defiance Local Brewery Co., Budweiser and Coors, with non-alcoholic options also offered. Boxed lunches will be provided for participants who miss the scheduled meal time.

Saturday’s forecast predicts partly sunny skies with a high around 90 degrees and a 20% chance of showers.

Werth gave thanks to Auto World Inc., The University of Kansas Health System, Werth Wealth Management, Ellis County Abstract &amp; Title Co. and&nbsp;Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.

You can follow the Hays Area Bicyclists on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/haysareabicyclists">Facebook&nbsp;</a>and visit the Tour Die Kapellen's&nbsp;<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/">website</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tour Die Kapellen set to ride through Ellis County Saturday

With a heart of worship and a passion to inspire people into a more meaningful relationship with Jesus, David Vogel has spent a lifetime lifting his voice in churches large and small to praise his Creator and bring glory to God.

David is a versatile tenor, and his concerts transcend generations. Drawing from the musical influences of David Phelps, Kathy Troccoli, Steve Green, Keith &amp; Kristyn Getty, and the entire Gaither songbook—as well from artists such as Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, and Billy Joel—David’s concerts mingle songs from contemporary worship, traditional hymnody, and high-energy gospel into one incredible evening of praise, worship, and inspiration.

Admission is free, and a love offering will be taken to support this music ministry.

Event link:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1413820550067980">https://www.facebook.com/events/1413820550067980</a>

David Vogel in free concert at Hays First United Methodist Church on July 13

&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

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; CHRISTMAS IN JULY CRAFT FAIR&nbsp;

Saturday, July 19&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Mary's School Gym&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 605 Monroe Street, Ellis

Join us for a festive and fun-filled day at our Christmas in July Craft Fair! Whether you're getting a head start on holiday shopping or simply enjoying the summer spirit, there will be something for everyone.

Paper Pie Books Vinyl Records, CDs, and Cassettes Crochet Animal Loveys &amp; Baby Blankets Custom Wreaths ColorStreet Nail Strips Custom Made Fishing Lures Mary Kay Cosmetics Baked Goods &amp; Sweet Treats Resin Gifts &amp; Stocking Stuffers Crochet Hat Ornaments Art Prints Tupperware Glitter &amp; Sublimation Tumblers Cold Processed Soaps Glitter Pens Hot Pads, Pot Holders, Kitchen Towels Notepads, Bookmarks, Keychains Jordan Essentials

THE FROZEN FROG will be setting up, so look for them to get your favorite shaved ice treat! CONCESSION STAND: The Daughters of Isabella will be serving a delicious meal at their concession stand in the cafeteria from 10 a.m. to 2p.m., or until supplies run out.

Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to shop local, support small businesses and get into the holiday spirit—just a little early!

Christmas in July Craft Fair in Ellis on July 19 with Daughters of Isabella

Eleven athletes and three coaches from the Hays Buffalos have been selected to represent Kansas Special Olympics in the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, next summer.

Efforts are underway to raise funds for their trip. 

Members of the team will have a booth at Wild West Festival selling food, merchandise and raffle tickets.

Athletes from the Hays area have participated in the USA games before, but this is the first time that one of the basketball team has been selected to represent Kansas.

Hays Buffalos raising funds for USA games during Wild West Festival

City of Hays offices will be closed on Friday, July 4&nbsp; in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

City of Hays offices closed Friday for July 4 holiday

All July – Downs Free Swim Saturdays 1:00 p.m. to closing, &nbsp;Downs Swimming Pool, 715 Railroad St., Downs

July 4 – Sanders Baseball Complex, Osborne – Free ice cream at 8:30 p.m. and fireworks at dark

July 8 – Mommy &amp; Me Tea, 6:00 p.m., Second Street Café, 715 N. 2nd&nbsp;St., Natoma

July 13 – Alton Independence Celebration, Alton –

6 p.m. @ Fire House Free BBQ Meal 6:30 p.m. @ Ball field - Pie, ice cream, baked goods, and bottled water for sale 7 p.m. @ Ball field - T-ball, youth, and adult baseball games Dusk @ Ball field - flag presentation, National Anthem, and BCCF 50/50 drawing Fireworks presentation at dark Bring your lawn chairs &amp; come enjoy the evening. All are welcome!

July 13 – Scott Noel Memorial Golf Tournament 8:00 p.m. 3 Man Scramble, Shady Bend Golf Course, Osborne. To enter please call/Text Eric at 785-346-4654.

July 19 – Free Snow Cone Day at Downs Swimming Pool, 715 Railroad St., Downs

July 20 – 2 Person Golf Tournament at 9:00 a.m., Downs Golf Course, KS 181, Downs. To register call/text Cory at 785-545-6043.

July 23-26 – Osborne County Fair, Osborne – races, exhibitions, rodeos and lots more! Fun for the whole family!

July Events for Osborne County

Join Eagle Radio of Hays on this holiday trip to Branson, Missouri.

11:30 a.m. Casino or shopping at Legends and lunch

6 p.m. Lambert’s Cafe - dinner and dessert

10 a.m.--"Down Home Country Show" and lunch

5:30 p.m.--Heroes Taste &amp; Taps plated dinner

3:30 p.m.--"David" at the Sight and Sound Theater

7:30 p.m.--"A Christmas Story" dinner and show

8 a.m. Leave Branson and travel home with a few favorite stops and lunch along the way.

We will be staying at the beautiful Stone Castle in Branson, Missouri. It is a wonderful hotel with great amenities, such as a full hot breakfast daily, indoor corridors, two indoor pools and spas, mini fridge, and much more. 

This trip includes three nights lodging, round-trip bus transportation, breakfast at hotel, ALL meals, six shows or activities, all taxes, bus driver tip, and all gratuities on the above items.

Lunch is on your own each day on the trip. All times will be updated at the time of the trip. Lodging, menus, shows and itineraries are subject to change due to reasons beyond our control.

Single $1,295, double $1,195, triple $1,155 and $1,125 quad occupancy.

All the above times are starting show times.

All times will be updated at the time of the trip for when to load the bus.

Reserve your seats today for Radio of Hays: Branson 2025

Stockton Rodders annual fundraiser to benefit vo-tech scholarships for local students

The city of Hays Fire Department encourages all residents to practice safety and follow guidelines while enjoying fireworks during Independence Day celebrations:

Detailed city and state regulations are available online.

For additional safety information, residents can contact the city of Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330

City of Hays fireworks safety, usage for residents

CVB: July happenings in Hays

Salina, Kan.&nbsp;— Melissa Herrera, Emergency Assistance Coordinator at Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, has been selected as one of just 40 individuals nationwide to be featured in&nbsp;People of Hope: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors&nbsp;— a new traveling museum exhibit launched by Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA).

Out of more than 240 submissions from across the country, Herrera’s heartfelt video sharing her experience working with a local man named Michael was chosen for professional recording later this month at CCUSA’s national headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The finished exhibit will launch in Spring 2026 and travel the United States for two and a half years.

Funded by a $5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.,&nbsp;People of Hope&nbsp;will feature immersive, first-person stories that showcase the transformative power of Christian service. Housed in a retrofitted tractor trailer, the mobile museum will highlight sacred encounters of compassion and dignity from Catholic Charities staff and volunteers across the country. Visitors will also be invited to record their own stories of service, with a national advertising campaign to accompany the tour.

Herrera’s story centers on a man named Michael, who first walked through the doors of Catholic Charities in Salina three years ago. Homeless, struggling with addiction, and feeling hopeless, Michael found not only practical support but also the compassion and encouragement he needed to change his life.

“Something tugged at me, saying, ‘This guy right here, he needs help. And you’re going to help him,’” Herrera recalled. “I told Michael, ‘When you’re ready to change, you’re going to come back and see me.’”

She offered him a second chance — and he took it.

Because of Catholic Charities and generous community support, Michael received food, shelter, and help finding employment. With Herrera’s guidance, he reconnected with a former employer, moved into his own apartment, and eventually obtained identification documents that opened doors to even more stability. Today, he is working, housed, and proudly sober for more than two and a half years.

“You made me feel like I was a person,” Michael told Herrera. “You helped me be more confident about myself. Thank you for everything. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re doing an awesome job helping the community.”

“This recognition is such a joy—not just for Melissa, but for all of us,” said Megan Robl, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. “We are so proud of Melissa and the way she shared her heart. Her story is a beautiful reflection of what it means to serve others with compassion and hope. It’s a reminder that the quiet, faithful work happening here in Northern Kansas matters. It changes lives. We’re so grateful to Catholic Charities USA for lifting up these stories—and to our local supporters whose generosity and prayers make moments like this possible.”

For more information about Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ccnks.org/">www.ccnks.org</a>.

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas serves families in need throughout 31 counties in Northern Kansas from offices in Hays, Manhattan, and Salina by providing financial and housing assistance; personal care and basic needs; pregnancy support and adoption services; and counseling services. All services are provided on need, regardless of religion, race, or nationality.

Catholic Charities staff member selected for national storytelling exhibit

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will hear 2026 funding recommendations from the Ellis County Care Council during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.

The recommendations are for outside agencies requesting county support in the 2026 budget. The proposed total funding amount is $160,955 based on 3/10ths of a mill from the 2024 mill levy.

If approved in the final budget, the funding would be available for disbursement in January 2026.

Ellis County is rolling out a new mass notification system from Everbridge to improve emergency communications.

The commission will hear an overview of the system’s deployment and features. It is intended to replace the previous CivicPlus system, which has low public participation.

The commission will discuss the 2026 mill levy and long-term financial planning for the county. Commissioner Michael Berges suggested adding one to two mills to the levy to help fund future projects and maintain current services in the case of state legislation restricting the county’s financial flexibility.

No decision is needed at this meeting. As the budget continues to move forward, the increase can be removed if the commission decides to do so before finalizing the budget.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082025-683">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to hear CARE Council recommendations

<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

The Hays Fire Department responded to multiple fire incidents in the lead-up to and on Independence Day.

Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department handled six fire-related calls from July 2 to July 4, including dumpster fires, grass fires and a vehicle fire sparked by spent fireworks in a truck bed.

The grass fires in Hays occurred at 17th and General Custer Road, the north end of Van Buren Drive, and 22nd and Wheatland Avenue. The vehicle fire occurred on the 1500 block of General Custer Road, according to Preston.

Preston said this year had fewer reports than previous years. He said favorable weather and increased public safety awareness may have contributed to limiting more serious incidents.

Fourth of July fireworks spark small fires in Hays

Ellis County Jail bookings: June 29-July 5, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: June 29-July 5, 2025

Congratulations to Barry Gilliland and Ryan Cellmer from Plainville on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Mr. K’s Foodtown in Plainville this past Saturday.

Special thanks to our sponsors: High Plains Roofing and A &amp; A Coors Yuengling.

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

The $10,000 golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26.

Yuengling Flight Golf Cart finalist from Mr. K's Foodtown named

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 CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Grow Hays has announced it has two new tenants for the Microfactory.

The $4.5 million, 30,000-square-foot facility opened in March 2024, but has not had any manufacturing tenants until now.

The Microfactory is designed to be a space that manufacturers can rent at lower than the market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.

The two new tenants were set to start their leases in July, but the names of those businesses have not yet been released.

One of the tenants is a regional engineering firm that will set up a lab to test soil compaction and concrete, Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, said.

The engineering firm will occupy about 2,500 square feet.

A Canadian manufacturer will be signing a lease in mid-July for 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of the facility.

The facility has about 28,000 square feet of shop space and 2,000 square feet dedicated to offices.

Williams said the facility will not be quite half full once the two new companies are in place.

"We are still working with some others," Williams said. "We had one that did not work out because of insurance. That is one of the challenges in an incubator space like this. You have to have some level of compatibility between your tenants because they are occupying, in essence, the same building."

The facility was partially funded by a $2.6 million base grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.&nbsp;The Patterson Family Foundation and Robert E. and Patrica Schmidt Foundation each contributed $500,000 to the project. The Innovation Center in Norton bridged the gap with a $750,000 interest-free loan.

Williams emphasized that the city or county did not fund the Microfactory and is not owned by either.

"The city and county haven't invested a dime," Williams said. "They won't invest a dime in this structure. ... There have been no local tax dollars invested in this project.

"The purpose of it is to, in the long term, develop a space where we can generate and build small manufacturers and have them grow," he said. "I struggle because I see negative comments on social media. I struggle to see that this is ever a bad thing. We are a not-for-profit organization.

"We own this space to provide space for prospective tenants who are ultimately employing people and growing their businesses. It costs the local taxpayers nothing, and it's going to pay dividends to this community for the next 50 to 100 years."

Williams said he did not see anything negative about the project, but he has seen some misunderstandings about the project among community members.

Grow Hays is paying property taxes on the building, which will be allocated to the local school capital outlay fund.

"We are offering the space at a small fraction of what it would cost a small manufacturer to build a building or locate elsewhere," Williams said.

He said the idea is that a manufacturer starts in the Microfactory. Then, after three to five years, it grows large enough to move into its own facility.

"It's an annuity that will continue to pay dividends to this community for a long, long time," Williams said.

With an unemployment rate of about 2.7%, Hays lacks the workforce to recruit a large manufacturer.&nbsp;

"We have to take this approach of starting small and building new organizations through entrepreneurship and growth and organic growth as opposed to the smoke-stack business moving in and operating here," Williams said.

Business owners&nbsp;interested in renting space in the Microfactory can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a>&nbsp;at 785-628-3102 to speak with David Clingan, director of recruitment and retention.

🎙 Microfactory in Hays announces first two tenants

HAYS – Paul Smith had three hits and Thomas Lyssy drove in three runs to lead the Hays Larks to an 8-3 win over the Newton Rebels in a non-league game Monday night at Larks Park.

Lyssy’s two-run single highlighted a three-run third which gave the Larks a 3-1 lead. Hays (18-4-1) scored four in the fourth to blow the game open. Lane Sparks opened the inning with a walk then eventually stole home. Smith added a two-run single and Lyssy an RBI single to push the lead to 7-1.

Newton (6-20) scored two on a home run and sacrifice fly in the fifth to cut the lead to 7-3. The Larks tacked on a run on an RBI double from Jackson Babcock in the seventh.

Starter Jordan Stribling (1-1) allowed one run on one hit with four strikeouts and two walks over three innings and was awarded the win. Ryan Hanks gave up two runs on two hits over two innings of relief. Nolan Wilson and Dalton Campbell both pitched a scoreless inning then Julio Romas allowed one hit with a couple of strikeouts in the final two frames.

The Larks had 13 hits on the night and drew seven walks. Meanwhile their pitching staff struck out 13 Rebel batters while walking only two.

The Larks play their final road game of the season Tuesday in Augusta against the Kansas Cannons. They then return home Thursday to begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season.

There was only one league game Monday. The Denver Cougars defeated the Collegiate Roughriders 18-10. The Larks now have a four-game lead over the Roughriders in the RMBL standings.

⚾ Larks pound out 13 hits in win over Rebels

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City's four home runs to back a strong start by rookie Noah Cameron, and the Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 on Monday night.

Cameron (3-4) struck out seven in a season-high seven innings. The left-hander allowed three hits, a walk, and two runs — on Tommy Pham's two-run shot in the third.

Witt went 2 for 3 and scored twice to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1942388380320387120">Witt hit his 13th homer</a>, a two-run shot the opposite way to right-center field off reliever Chase Shugart to give the Royals a 6-2 lead in the fourth. He added a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Witt finished off a seven-game trip Sunday by extending his club-record hitting streak on the road to 25 games.

<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1942391158166151263">Perez hit his 11th</a>&nbsp;homer, a solo shot to left in the fifth for a five-run advantage. He hit his 24th double off the top of the wall in left to drive in a run for a 3-2 lead in the third.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-out pitch from Andrew Heaney in the first for his 15th homer and a 1-0 lead. Nick Loftin hit his second, a one-out solo shot off Génesis Cabrera in the eighth. Heaney (4-8) threw 76 pitches and allowed four runs in three innings.

Pham's homer was his third. It snapped Pittsburgh's 30-inning scoreless streak and gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead.

Steven Cruz pitched a scoreless eighth and Jonathan Bowlan allowed Alexander Canario's RBI single in the ninth to finish for Kansas City.

Cameron didn't surrender a hit after Bryan Reynolds' leadoff single in the third.

The Royals hit more home runs in their first home game of July than they did in the month of June.

⚾ Witt Jr. and Perez homer as Royals beat the Pirates

The Hays Larks are back at home Monday night to host the Newton Rebels in a non-league matchup 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 hosts Newton

The Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame will induct two coaches, five athletes and one team this August.

The 2025 inductees include: Coach Rick Keltner Coach Frank Leo Ed Schumacher Dana Albright Joe Hoffman Tasha Arneson Donna Lowen 1970-1971 Boys Basketball Team

The banquet will be held Saturday August 9th, 2025 at the Rose Garden, in Hays. Tickets can be purchased at the Brian Ruder - American Family Insurance at the corner of 27th and Indian Trail in Hays or by going online to&nbsp;<a href="https://event.auctria.com/e5f59c1a-6d34-444d-a4c1-a6876a845545/aa6cd270-8751-11e9-a741-3fcfcb35cbb0?fbclid=IwY2xjawLZCv5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF3YUlMZFl5MkVrZG8zalVaAR4ej20doAoqetBLCAEkiaXj1UNsftuE1GNsysJCIcUbPR2-EOvX6K8ga7P1Fg_aem__d9L2M0nvmo5DnIwnNPlYQ">HERE</a>.

Follow the group's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysHighHOF">Facebook page</a>&nbsp;for more information about the inductees leading up to this year's ceremony.

Funds from ticket sales help cover the cost of the banquet and also help fund scholarships.&nbsp;Jaycee Oakley and Marshall Sook were the recepients of the 2025 graduating class scholarships.

🏆 Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame inductees and ceremony

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball announced the addition of six players for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The Tigers announced one of the six back in December of 2024 when Nebraska high school standout Ben Johnson committed. The latest additions include two transfers and three freshmen.

Both transfers are coming to FHSU from other NCAA Division II institutions. Juju Ramirez, a native of Lawrence, Kan., is transferring from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, while Blake Danitschek comes to FHSU from Northwest Missouri State. The freshmen joining Ben Johnson include Tegen Curley, David Johnson, and Zack Sharkey.

Ramirez had a strong junior season at Saint Anselm in 2024-25, averaging 12.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, ranking third on his team in both categories. He started all 30 games for the season. He ranked second on the team in assists, averaging 2.8 per contest. Prior to his time at Saint Anselm, Ramirez played two years at NCAA Division I affiliate University of Northern Colorado. Though he is a native of Kansas, he played his final year of high school in New Hampshire at New Hampton School.

Danitschek was a member of the Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team for four years from 2021-2025. He saw two seasons of action on the court, which included the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. He did not play in any contests last year due to injury and his first year with the Bearcats was a redshirt year. He shot 50 percent from 3-point range during the 2023-24 campaign. The Bearcats won MIAA titles in both of his seasons on the floor. A native of Wichita, Danitschek attended Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School where he was an all-state and all-league selection.

Ben Johnson capped his storied prep career at Kearney High School with a Nebraska Super State Second Team selection. He was a Super State Third Team pick his junior year and earned all-state honors his final three years of high school. In his senior year, he averaged 19.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. He also set a new career record for rebounds at Kearney High School. Johnson was named the Kearney Hub Territory Boys Basketball Player of the Year back-to-back years (2024 and 2025).

David Johnson is a native of the New York City area and just played a year of prep ball at Bridgeport Prep in Connecticut. He played in high school at St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey. At Bridgeport Prep, he earned an all-conference and all-defensive team selection. At St. Benedict's, he averaged 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in his final season, earning all-state, all-county, and all-county tournament honors.

Tegan Curley is a native of Marshfield, Mo., but just finished playing a year of prep ball at The New School in Arkansas. As a junior at Mansfield High School in Missouri, he was an all-state and all-conference selection when he averaged 18 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

Zack Sharkey is a native of Lowell, Ind., but crossed the state line daily to play his high school career at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Ill. He was a two-time all-state selection in Class 3A and a two-time Chicago All-Suburbs selection. He averaged 19.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game as a senior.

The six newcomers join eight returners on the team for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

🏀 FHSU men add six for the 2025-26 season

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

Monday, July 7 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:00pm

Tuesday, July 8 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:00pm

Wednesday, July 9 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:00pm

Friday, July 11 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 6:30pm

Saturday, July 12 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 2:30pm

Sunday, July 13 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Mets, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

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

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

PHOENIX (AP) — Michael Lorenzen struck out seven in seven dominant innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0 on Sunday.

Lorenzen (5-8) kept the Diamondbacks off-balance all afternoon with a mix of mid-90s fastballs and changeups. He struck out the side in the first inning and didn’t allow a hit until Randal Grichuk’s two-out double in the fifth.

Lorenzen allowed two hits and walked one.

Witt hit a solo homer off Anthony DeSclafani (0-1) in the fifth inning to extend his team-record road hitting streak to 26 games. Salvador Perez also hit a solo homer in the Royals' fourth win in six games.

Arizona had three hits and didn't get a runner past second base to lose for the fourth time in five games.

Witt's homer with one out in the fifth — hit 12th of the season — was the first hit off DeSclafani. Perez followed with his 10th later in the inning.

John Rave chased DeSclafani with a run-scoring single in the fifth inning and Kyle Isbel followed with another to put Kansas City up 4-0.

DeSclafani allowed four runs on four hits and struck out six in four innings.

Witt's homer in the fifth was the first hit by either team.

Witt's road hitting streak ties for the second-longest in the last 10 years, behind the 32-game streak by the Dodgers' Trea Turner from 2021-22. Marcus Semien also had a hit in 26 straight road games for Toronto in 2021.

Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (2-4, 2.56 ERA) pitches the opener of a three-game home series against Pittsburgh on Monday night. Arizona RHP Zac Gallen 6-9, 5.45) opens a four-game series at San Diego on Monday night.

⚾ Lorenzen dominant, Witt homers in Royals win over Diamondbacks

ATLANTA — Royals pitcher Kris Bubic and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. have been selected to represent the American League at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, set for July 15 in Atlanta.

Witt, 25, earns his second consecutive All-Star nod as he continues to build on his breakout 2024 campaign. The former No. 2 overall pick has remained one of the league’s most dynamic players, hitting .292 with 12 home runs, 49 RBIs, 30 doubles, and 24 stolen bases through Sunday. He also leads all AL shortstops with 13 Outs Above Average, showcasing elite defense at a premium position.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements