By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved the purchase of laptops for Hays High students at its meeting on Monday.

The district's Technology Committee had recommended buying iPads with keyboards to replace the aging laptops at the high school.

The district budgets to replace the high school devices every four years.

Two Hays High students spoke during the public comments session of the meeting. Both advocated for the continued use of laptops.

Although the students cited more computing power available on the laptops, Scott Summers, director of technology, said the iPads actually beat the Dell laptops the students are using now for computing power.

However, to gain the computing power students said they wanted in a student-led survey, the district would have to upgrade to MacBook Pros, Summers said.

The board approved a bid from Dell for&nbsp;$605,935 for 1,100 devices. iPads would have cost about $150,000 less over the life of the computers.&nbsp;

The MacBook Pros would have cost about $120,000 more than the Dells over the four-year life of the computers. The estimated costs include buyback of old devices, Summers said.

Board member Ruth Ruder commended the students for coming before the board with their concerns. Ruder, whose daughter attends Hays High, said several students approached her and expressed their desires to continue to use laptops.&nbsp;

Board member Jayme Goetz, a former teacher in the district, said teachers approached her saying they preferred laptops for their classes.

The board unanimously approved the purchase of the Dell laptops.

The board approved the purchase of bleachers and a press box for Hays High softball at a cost of $178,160 from Heartland Seating. It also approved&nbsp;bleachers at the new Hays Middle School athletic field from Heartland Seating for $127,442.

Board members asked about moving the old bleachers from Hays Middle School to the new location.&nbsp;

Superintendent Ron Wilson said he thought the community will continue to use the field at the current middle school.

He said he was also concerned about the stability of the old bleachers if they had to be disassembled and bolted back together. He expressed concerns about liability issues.

New weight racks were purchased for the new high school with bond funds. Additional weights are needed for the facility.&nbsp;

The board&nbsp;approved the purchase of weights and equipment from BSN Sports for $54,492 from the capital outlay fund.

The board also discussed moving the election of board officers from July to January.&nbsp;

The district financial year starts July 1. However, board elections, which used to be in April, are now in November.&nbsp;

The board made no decisions on the elections Monday night. They will discuss the issue again at their June meeting.

🎙 Hays USD 489 school board votes to purchase laptops for Hays High students

&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

Hays Community Theatre is looking to add new members to its board of directors.&nbsp;Hays Community Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization.

The organization would be interested in people with experience in any of the following areas: fundraising, obtaining sponsorships, grant writing, accounting, graphic design, advertising, website updates, involvement in a non-profit, an interest in the arts, a desire to be involved and help our theatre succeed. We strive to have a board with a wide range of knowledge.

New board members must be willing to work with others, communicate professionally and must be reliable.

While it is certainly acceptable if you do, it is not necessary that you have a desire to be on the stage, or to direct shows.

Application information is available&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hctks.com/get-involved">https://www.hctks.com/get-involved</a>.&nbsp;

Hays Community Theatre opens applications for new board members

COLBY —&nbsp;Colby Community College will host a two-day wrestling camp on May 24-25 at the Colby Event Center, welcoming boys and girls of all ages to learn from top-level competitors and coaches.

Presented by the Kansas National Guard, the camp features 2024 Olympic silver medalist and 2025 NCAA national champion Kennedy Blades of the University of Iowa, who will headline sessions on May 25. 

Additional clinicians include&nbsp;Colby Community College head women’s wrestling coach and former NAIA national finalist Michael Ruiz and Anastasia Hardin of Missouri Baptist University, a four-time NAIA national qualifier and USA Wrestling Beach National Champion. Participants also have the opportunity to learn from camp counselors Gracyn Dombroski, Aspen Sharpe, Luis Vasquez, Destiny Gonzales, and Kaylee Horinek.

<a target="_blank" href="https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/ColbyCommunityCollegeEndowmen/LadyTrojansWrestling.html">Registration</a>&nbsp;is open at $150 per person, with group rates available. The first 50 to register receive a camp T-shirt.

The event is made possible through sponsorship from the Colby Convention and Visitors Bureau; McCarty Family Farms, LLC; Hoover Lumber; Open Spaces Sports; and Woofter Construction and Irrigation.

For more information or to register, contact Coach Michael Ruiz at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:michael.ruiz@colbycc.edu">michael.ruiz@colbycc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (406) 770-0463.

Olympic medalist to be featured at Colby wrestling camp in May

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a trusted local production of Smoky Hills PBS, is pleased to announce that next week’s episode will feature Dr. Jorge Cedano with Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;The episode will air on&nbsp;Tuesday, March 25, at 7 p.m., and will focus on the topic of&nbsp;pulmonology&nbsp;diseases affecting the respiratory system.

As always, viewers are encouraged to participate by:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Calling in live questions during the show at 1-800-337-4788 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emailing questions ahead of time to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.

The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Doctors on Call&nbsp;Season 20 is made possible in part by these sponsors:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.russellhospital.org/">Russell Regional Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmhks.org/">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://prospectivelyhealthy.com/">Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic</a>

Pulmonology is next topic for 'Doctors on Call' on Smoky Hills PBS

COLBY — “Harmonies of Love” will be the theme of the 2025 Tumbleweed Chorus annual show on Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m. CDT at Colby Community College’s Cultural Arts Center. The doors open at 1:30 p.m., with the show ending about 4:30 p.m. 

This is the 43rd annual show for the Tumbleweed Chorus, whose members hale from throughout northwest Kansas.

The Colby Tumbleweed Chorus together with Hays High Plains Chorus will headline this year’s show, performing “Harmonies of Love”-themed musical selections including “The Longest Time”, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”, “Lullaby”, “In the Still of the Night”, “Orange Colored Sky”, “Sweet and Lovely”, and “My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms.”

This year’s guest barbershop quartet is Linc 182, the 2023 Illinois State district champion quartet from Bloomington, and competitors in the 2024 International Quartet Barbershop competition. 

Some of the fun-oriented songs that Linc 182 are known for include “Your First Day in Heaven”, “This Could Be the Start of Something Big”, “Toyland”, “As Long As I’m Singing”, “Chordbuster’s March” and “The Best Times I Ever Had (I Owe ‘Em to My Dear Ol’ Dad).” 

The group’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082824190167">Facebook page is Linc 182</a>. Lincoln, now 13, is the youngest member of this professional quartet.

The western Kansas barbershop quartets Uncalled 4, Genuine Gents, and Prairie Timbre and the Northwest Kansas women’s barbershop group, Prairie Rose Harmony, will join the combined Tumbleweed and Hays High Plains Chorus on this year’s show.

The Tumbleweed Chorus and Prairie Rose Harmony groups’ annual show are their major fund-raising efforts for the year. The Tumbleweed Chorus is an affiliate of the Barbershop Harmony Society, whose mission is to keep vocal music alive and healthy.

This year’s show will also take a moment to honor the late Curtis Duncan, longtime radio personality in northwest Kansas who had become a fixture as master of ceremonies in past Colby Barbershop spring shows.

Tickets for the show cost $10, and are available by calling 785-694-3057 or contacting local Tumbleweed Chorus or Prairie Rose Harmony members. Numerous area businesses make the show possible through their generous program advertising.

The Tumbleweed Chorus and the western Kansas quartets will also appear on the Hays High Plains Chorus shows the following weekend. The afternoon show is Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m. at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center on Fort Hays State University campus. The evening show begins at 7 p.m. Doors open an hour before either show. 

The 2008 International First place award winning OC Times are the headliner quartet.

The music of OC Times is inspired by artists like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. This young, energetic group breathes new life into swing standards, country favorites and rock ‘n roll classics. Hailing from Orange County, Calif., OC Times’s fresh style, repertoire and sound naturally appeals to youth, while paying tribute to the past.

 General admission for either Hays show is $15 and can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.

Barbershoppers present “Harmonies of Love” March 29 in Colby, April 5 in Hays

COLBY — Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 p.m. at the Oakley High School auditorium, Western Plains Arts Association will have in concert the <a href="https://www.flydancecompany.com/">“Fly Dance Company.”</a> Contemporary Americana will be reflected as they cross street dance with classical choreographic principles and the technique of hip hop.

Fly Dance Company selects pieces with an emphasis on variety, high energy, and fun entertainment. The audience will be engaged from beginning to end, and leave uplifted by dancers who will have given their all to earn their love.

Admission is by ticket purchased at the door or by WPAA season tickets.&nbsp;

This project is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Logan County Community Foundation have also contributed to this project.&nbsp;

Fly will also give a school program in Oakley on Monday morning, March 31.

Fly Dance Company to perform in Oakley 

The Wild West Festival Executive Committee has announced that public voting is now open for the organization’s new logo contest, marking a significant milestone in the festival’s ongoing commitment to community engagement.

The committee welcomes all members of the public to cast their vote for their favorite logo by visiting <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com/logocontest/">wildwestfestival.com/logocontest</a>.

Only one vote per person will be allowed, and voting will remain open through March 31.

This year, as part of a broader effort to revitalize branding and increase public awareness, the all-volunteer Wild West Festival Committee invited designers and artists from across the community to submit their best ideas for a new festival logo.

The response was exceptional, with the committee receiving submissions that showcased a wide range of talents and creative approaches.

Selecting which logos would advance to the voting stage was a challenging process.

Committee members devoted considerable time to reviewing each submission, ensuring that every design was carefully considered.

The final entries represent the mission and spirit of the festival while honoring both traditional and modern design elements, which are now available for public consideration.

“The committee wanted to involve the community in this selection process because the Wild West Festival is ultimately a celebration for everyone,” said Julie Edgeman, president of the Wild West Festival executive committee. “By allowing the public to vote, we are giving festival supporters and residents alike a chance to directly influence the festival’s new&nbsp;look. We believe this approach resonates with the very spirit of what the Wild West Festival is all about—bringing people together and honoring the collective culture of our community.”

Edgeman said that the submissions highlight the creativity and enthusiasm that exists within the region.

Many of the entries featured unique color palettes and bold statements, while others drew on historical elements to convey a sense of heritage.

The Executive Committee expresses appreciation for all participants who dedicated their time and energy to crafting a design that captures the essence of the Wild West Festival.

For more information about the Wild West Festival, the logo contest, or other upcoming events, visit the official festival website <a href="https://wildwestfestival.com">WildWestFestival.com</a>.

The committee encourages everyone to make their voice heard by participating in this unique opportunity to help shape the visual identity of one of the region’s most anticipated cultural celebrations.

Wild West Festival opens public voting for new logo contest

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TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Bunker Hill public water supply system located in Russell County. The advisory was issued because the city could not maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Bunker Hill indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-324-0187 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000195bec106a4-29ef1498-0f07-4baf-892f-b127b1ccb524-000000/zbIj-3H9_sz9t0miX-qN6feBTE6lsVA6VTKQvh-Bma4=397">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for City of Bunker Hill

NORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a resurfacing project on a portion of Highway U.S. 83 in Logan and Thomas counties on March 31.

Project work will involve a mill and overlay on 11 miles of the roadway beginning at the west Highway U.S. 40 junction in Oakley and ending approximately eight miles south of the Highway U.S. 24 junction in Thomas County.

Traffic through the areas where crews are actively working will be directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should anticipate possible delays of 15 minutes or less during daylight hours.

KDOT expects the project to be completed by the end of May, conditions permitting.

Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., of Topeka, is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $3 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>.

Construction planned on U.S. 83 in Logan, Thomas counties

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

May crude prices in New York settled 21 cents higher Friday, at $68.28 per barrel for the near month contract. That's a weekly gain of about a dime. Prices were up another dollar by lunchtime Monday, topping $69 a barrel for the first time in a month.

Prices at CHS are a dollar lower than last week, a half dollar lower than the first of the month, and a buck-and-a-half lower than the first of the year. Kansas Common crude starts the week in McPherson at $58.50 per barrel.

Crude imports from Canada cascaded, contributing to a drop in all crude imports, and a two-year low in net crude imports. 

U.S. crude imports averaged 5.4 million barrels per day in the week through March 14, down 85,000 barrels a day from the week before. Crude imports from Canada fell by more than half a million barrels per day, to 3.1 million daily barrels. That's the lowest since March 2023.&nbsp; 

The Energy Information Administration says we are still a net crude importer, but that's down by 1.44 million daily barrels to 741,000 barrels per day, the lowest since October 2023. U.S. crude production last week dropped by two thousand barrels a day tot 13,573,000 barrels per day, the fifth highest weekly tally in government records. The Energy Information Administration says the four-week and cumulative year-to-date averages set new record highs near 13.5 million barrels a day.

Crude stockpiles rise, while fuel inventories drop.&nbsp; Commercial crude inventories rose by 1.7 million barrels to 437 million, or about five percent below the five year average. Stockpiles of regular gasoline and diesel were both lower. Gasoline demand was unchanged from a week ago, while diesel demand dropped.

The Energy Department took delivery on another 300,000 barrels for the Strategic Petroleum Reserves last week, raising the dip stick to just under 396 million barrels, up 34 million from last year.

The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up two gas rigs but down one oil rig for a total of 593 active rigs. Texas is down one, Louisiana is up one, and Oklahoma is up two rigs.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service shows five active rigs in eastern Kansas and 12 in the western half of the state. Drilling was underway on Friday on a lease in Barton County and two in Finney County. Operators on Friday were preparing to spud a new well in Ellis County.

Operators in Kansas completed 18 wells last week. Nine of those were west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County, one in Haskell County and two in Stafford County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 269 newly completed wells so far this year.

Kansas regulators okayed 22 new drilling locations, with eight in western Kansas including one in Russell County, two in Finney County and three in Haskell County. That's 158 new permits so far this year compared to 193 a year ago.

The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports January production averaged 1.17 million barrels a day, down about 20,000 daily barrels from the month before. DMR said the state's closely watch gas-capture rate returned to 95% after a brief hiatus.&nbsp; Permits and rig counts are up compared to last year at this time.

An official in Saudi Arabia says the kingdom is not providing logistical support or fuel for U.S. military operations in Yemen, calling Middle East media reports "misleading." President Donald Trump ordered military operations targeting Houthi militants, which were expected to continue for days and possibly months.

Venezuela says it will continue crude production and exports after Chevron leaves next month. The Administration gave the U.S. oil company until next month to get out of the South American nation. Reuters reports on three possible scenarios by which the national oil company PDVSA intends to pump between 105,000 and 138,000 barrels per day after the oil major's departure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude stockpiles rise despite import drop

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

HaysMed is excited to welcome Jennifer McDowell, APRN, to its team at the Convenient Care Clinic and HaysMed Family Medicine.

McDowell earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Fort Hays State University before completing her master of science in nursing as a family nurse practitioner. With almost a decade of nursing experience in family healthcare and dermatology, she will be a valuable addition to the team.

In her hybrid role, McDowell will provide care at both the Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic and HaysMed Family Medicine. These clinics offer quick, high-quality, and affordable care for patients of all ages, addressing non-life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention.

"I am excited to join HaysMed and serve the Hays community. I am passionate about providing quality healthcare to patients across the lifespan, from children to older adults. Building meaningful relationships and ensuring every patient feels heard, supported, and cared for is at the heart of my practice. I look forward to making a positive impact at HaysMed." said McDowell.

Her addition reflects HaysMed’s commitment to expanding and enhancing healthcare services to meet the growing needs of Hays and the western Kansas region.

HaysMed welcomes new APRN provider

RUSSELL COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Monday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Trailblazer driven by&nbsp;Andrew B.&nbsp;Corley, 25, Russell, was&nbsp; northbound on Anspaugh Road one half mile south of Reservoir Road. The SUV traveled off the road to the left, entered the west ditch and struck a tree.

EMS transported passenger Brianna J. Carson, 20; Mason J. Knipp, 17 and Colton R. Rash, 19, all of Russell to Russell Regional Hospital.&nbsp; Corley and two other passengers were not injured. All six were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

3 hospitalized after SUV strikes a tree

<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

Following the unfortunate <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6e85435e-6359-49f9-9065-13e910c2ef48">fire that destroyed the Garden Theatre</a>, local entrepreneur Carroll Bartlett Kelly purchased two lots and rebuilt the theatre in WaKeeney.

Business sense ran in this family that arrived in the newly established community in 1879. According to the Western Kansas World, C.B.’s grandfather “engaged in the hardware business, the firm known as Kelly and Walker, one of the first business establishments in the town.”

 Prior to young C.B.’s military service in World War I and after his return, he worked in the family-owned Star Grocery. In the 1920s, he managed the Garden Theatre in addition to holding other jobs.

During his military enlistment, young Kelly served on the Mexican border and later in France as an Infantry 2nd Lieutenant. Seriously wounded in France, C.B. required four years of treatment in American service hospitals following WWI. After returning to WaKeeney, he served as postmaster from 1924 until 1936, according to his obituary. Overcoming serious injuries, he served his home community until his death in 1951.

C.B.’s can-do attitude guided the rebuild of the local movie house, renamed the Kelly Theatre. The Western Kansas World said the new facility, which officially opened on November 7, 1929 was constructed using 125 x 38 feet of fireproof brick and tile and included 540 spring-bottom upholstered seats that filled the main floor, with another 60 in the balcony. A wine-colored satin curtain fronted the 20 x 38-foot stage. The basement contained the heating and cooling system while the projection room sported Vitaphone Talking equipment. Upon completion, WaKeeney area residents again enjoyed moving pictures.

As in the present, technology continually updated. Mr. Kelly accommodated patrons with new sound equipment from Universal Television Co. The June 26, 1930 Western Kansas World mentioned the new system was “superior to the old 5 tube sets.”

During July 1931, Kelly again dealt with blue law enforcement. He responded to legal demands that he close his theatre on Sundays by closing his doors, stating, “As soon as the smoke clears, he will reopen for business.”

Though I didn’t find a specific reopening date, the October 1, 1931 Western Kansas World reported that C.B. invested in 5,000 advertising cards promoting October, November, and December show dates. The article mentioned movie patronage increased other business in town. It appears folks supported the reopened theatre.

In November of '31, Kelly advertised the Dayton Vaudeville Act between shows. Audiences got their money’s worth watching an added live show during intermission. Imagine the buzz circulating as folks exited that performance.

Kelly continued to prosper. Despite a diminishing national economy, Mr. Kelly continued improving his theatre in 1933. The June 22 paper records that he installed an “18-foot Dayton Perforated Picture Screen that permitted him to show larger, brighter pictures.” He also updated the stage curtain.

He added improvements according to the July 13, 1933 Western Kansas World. He increased the lobby room, widened aisles, and installed a partition to separate those waiting to attend the second show.

Other businesses may have suffered hard times, but thanks to C.B. Kelly’s astute business sense, the Kelly Theatre thrived.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Kelly Theatre—Part 2

HAYS, KS – USD 489 Early Childhood Connections is now accepting applications for enrollment in its high-quality early childhood education programs for the upcoming school year. Families with young children are encouraged to apply to ensure their child receives a solid foundation for future academic success. USD 489 Early Childhood Connections provides comprehensive early learning opportunities designed to support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Our programs serve children from birth to age five, offering a nurturing and engaging environment that promotes school readiness and lifelong learning.

"Early childhood education is a critical investment in a child's future," said Donna Hudson-Hamilton, Director of Early Childhood Services. "Our programs help young learners build the skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. We encourage all eligible families to explore the opportunities available through Early Childhood Connections."

Enrollment is open to families in Ellis, Rush, Russell, and Rooks Counties. Programs include options for prenatal through age three and Pre-Kindergarten services, with eligibility based on age, income, and other qualifying factors. In addition to educational programming, enrolled families receive access to valuable resources such as health screenings, family support services, and community partnerships.

Spaces are limited, and families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To make an enrollment inquiry visit www.usd489connections.com or call 785-623-2430.&nbsp;

🎤 Forward Ever: Part 2: Kris Munsch of Hays on leadership, entrepreneurship

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed seventh out of 18 teams competing at the NSIC Preview Invitational, held at Adams Pointe Golf Club. Cooper Scheck turned in another top-10 finish individually in a tie for eighth, while the Tigers charged up seven positions in the team standings by shooting 1-under as a team in round two.

The Tigers were 14th as a team after the first round when they shot 15-over par as a team (303). The shaved 16 strokes off that score in the second round with a 1-under 287. Three Tigers were at even or better on the second day after all five team scorers shot over par in the first round.

Scheck charged up the leaderboard on day two after shooting a 2-over 74 in the first round. He carded a 4-under 68 on day two with six birdies and just two bogeys, moving up 32 places in the individual standings to a tie for eighth at 2-under par overall. The 4-under par round tied two other golfers for the best score on day two and was just one stroke shy of the best round carded in the tournament, a 67 shot by tournament champion Thomas Gutzner of Concordia-St. Paul who finished at 9-under par overall. Scheck had 11 birdies overall in the tournament and was at 5-under par overall at one point on day one.

Playing as an individual, Parker Krob had a solid tournament individually shooting even par overall. He shot a 1-under 71 in the first round and then a 1-over 73 in the second round. He was a par machine on day one with 15 to go with two birdies and one bogey. He had four birdies and five bogeys in the second round to go with nine pars. He tied for 14th individually.

Cole Streck shot 2-over par overall to finish 25th. He shot a 2-over 74 on the first day and then an even-par 72 on day two. He had seven birdies throughout the tournament. Jackson Rader finished 55th at 6-over par. He shot 78 on the first day before an even-par 72 on the second day. Rader carded the only eagle of the tournament for FHSU, while also notching six birdies.

Jacob George finished at 9-over par overall with rounds of 78 and 75. He had two birdies in the tournament. Jordan McCaslin was 13-over par overall with rounds of 77 and 80. He had five birdies in the tournament.

Concordia-St. Paul won the tournament as a team at 4-under par overall (572). Bemidji State and Friends tied for second at 2-under par overall. Winona State was also under par as a team at -1. The Tigers finished 18 strokes back of the winning pace with a total of 590.

⛳Scheck Finishes Top 10, Tigers Place Seventh at NSIC Preview

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - Katie Wagner DeGarmo of Fort Hays State received a second All-America honor for the 2024-25 season on Tuesday (Mar. 25). She was named to the D2CCA All-America Team as a third-team selection. DeGarmo was one of 21 women nationwide in NCAA Division II to earn D2CCA All-America honors for the year.

DeGarmo is just the third player in FHSU Women's Basketball history to receive All-America honors from multiple organizations in the same year, joining Kate Lehman (2014 and 2015) and Tatyana Legette (2019). DeGarmo was already named a WBCA All-America selection for the second-straight year back on March 20. She is also only the third player in program history to earn All-America honors in multiple years (2024 and 2025), joining Annette Wiles (1989 and 1990) and Kate Lehman (2014 and 2015).

The D2CCA All-America team is voted on by school athletic communications professionals nationwide in NCAA Division II. The award was formerly sponsored by Daktronics when Kate Lehman earned a first-team selection in 2015, but has since changed to D2CCA. DeGarmo and Lehman are the only two in program history to receive Daktronics or D2CCA All-America honors.

As a third-team selection, DeGarmo was among the top 15 in voting for the D2CCA All-America Team. She was among the top 10 for players selected as All-America by the WBCA, earning first-team honors.

DeGarmo wrapped up one of the greatest careers in program history by averaging 17.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 2024-25, while knocking down 49.2 percent of her shots from the floor in 33 contests. She ranked in the top 10 in the MIAA in points (third), rebounds (third), assists (10th) and field-goal percentage (seventh).

DeGarmo was the MIAA Player of the Year for a second year in a row in addition to earning D2CCA All-Central Region First Team honors for the second-consecutive season. She was named to the MIAA All-Tournament Team and also earned a spot on the NCAA Central Region All-Tournament Team.

The graduate student scored in double figures 31 times this season, including nine games with 20 or more points. She recorded 10 double-doubles on the year, bringing her career total to 46. Her 567 points scored in 2024-25 are sixth-most in a single season in program history.

DeGarmo finished her career with 2,299 points in 156 games, ranking second in program history. She is the leading rebounder in school history with 1,248, while ranking fourth in assists (408), tied for second in steals (236), and second in field goals made (865).

She helped the Tigers to 28 wins in 2024-25, sixth-most in school history. The Tigers surpassed 20 wins for the 14th consecutive season, extending the longest streak in NCAA Division II.

DeGarmo was the lone player from the MIAA named to the D2CCA All-America Team. All five players from the Central Region on the national ballot received All-America honors.

FIRST TEAM * Bri Stoltzman, Southwest Minnesota State Rylie Bisballe, Grand Valley State Grace Foster, Lubbock Christian Alisha Little, Colorado State-Pueblo Nala Williams, Cal State Dominguez Hills * Ron Lenz National Player of the Year

SECOND TEAM Emily Chmiel, East Stroudsburg Ashley Ingram, Texas Woman's Caroline Martin, North Georgia Olivia Reed Thyne, Colorado Mesa Emilee Weakley, Frostburg State

THIRD TEAM Sage Hawley, Harding Sunny Huerta, Central Washington Diamond McDowell, Anderson Katie Wagner DeGarmo, Fort Hays State Lili Wilken, Alabama-Huntsville

HONORABLE MENTION Lindsey Becher, Concordia-St. Paul Destiny Garrett, Georgia Southwestern Hannah Giddey, Southern Nazarene Melanie Hoyt, Saint Anselm Leslie Huffman, Fairmont State Zoe Miller, Ashland

🏀DeGarmo Named to D2CCA All-America Team

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Fort Hays State Baseball moved up three spots in the latest ABCA NCAA Division II Baseball Poll, released on Tuesday. The Tigers jumped from No. 27 last week to No. 24 this week after winning two out of three in a tough road series at Pittsburg State last weekend. The Tigers are 19-6 overall and lead the MIAA standings at 14-2.

Fort Hays State joins Central Missouri as the two teams from the MIAA listed in the national poll, which ranks a Top 30, while Central Oklahoma is receiving votes. Central Missouri is ranked No. 3 in the nation and will host No. 24 ranked FHSU later this week (Mar. 28-30) for a three-game series in Warrensburg. Both FHSU and UCM hold overall records of 19-6 for the season, while FHSU leads the MIAA at 14-2 and UCM is second at 11-3. But first, Fort Hays State plays its first of three conference games with Emporia State (14-10, 7-6 MIAA) this season on Tuesday (Mar. 25) at Larks Park in Hays.

After a 5-4 overall start to the season, Fort Hays State has been on a tear in MIAA play winning 14 of its last 16 games. FHSU is 7-2 this season against teams which have spent time among the Top 30 of the ABCA Top 25 Poll this season. FHSU went 2-1 against Missouri Southern when it was ranked No. 25, 3-0 against Central Oklahoma when it was ranked No. 29, and 2-1 against Pittsburg State, which ranked as high as No. 27 back in the March 4 edition of the ABCA Poll but was unranked when playing FHSU last weekend.

Fort Hays State also jumped into the Top 25 of the supplemental online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.diviibaseball.com/rankings">D2Baseball Poll</a>&nbsp;this week, released on Monday (Mar. 24). The Tigers are No. 25, while Central Missouri ranks No. 5. Fort Hays State has yet to crack the NCBWA poll this year, which releases every Wednesday.

ABCA DII Coaches Poll - March 25, 2025 Rank - School - Record - Points 1 - Tampa (Fla.) - 23-4 - 270 2 - Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) - 24-4 - 258 3 - Central Missouri - 19-6 - 255 4 - Catawba (N.C.) - 23-7 - 240 5 - Angelo State (Texas) - 24-6 - 235 6 - Minnesota State - 17-2 - 220 7 - Westmont (Calif.) - 24-5 - 218 8 - Texas-Tyler - 25-8 - 212 9 - Carson-Newman (Tenn.) - 23-6 - 198 10 - Point Loma (Calif.) - 20-8 - 192 11 - Florida Southern - 22-6 - 180 12 - Rollins (Fla.) - 20-7 - 171 13 - Mount Olive (N.C.) - 20-9 - 158 14 - West Chester (Pa.) - 17-5 - 148 15 - Young Harris (Ga.) - 20-9 - 140 16 - North Greenville (S.C.) - 25-8 - 138 17 - Grand Valley State (Mich.) - 19-5 -136 18 - Harding (Ark.) - 24-5 - 125 19 - West Texas A&amp;M - 23-7 - 115 20 - Millersville (Pa.) - 18-3 - 108 21 - Delta State (Miss.) - 22-7 - 92 22 - Davenport (Mich.) - 18-5 - 90 23 - Seton Hill (Pa.) - 17-3 - 82 24 - Fort Hays State (Kan.) - 19-6 - 70 25 - West Florida - 19-10 - 60 26 - St. Edward's (Texas) - 22-8 - 50 27 - Chico State (Calif.) - 18-11 - 38 28 - Colorado Mesa - 18-8 - 34 29 - East Stroudsburg (Pa.) - 16-6 - 19 T30 - Cal State San Bernardino - 21-9 - 12 T30 - North Georgia - 20-9 - 12&nbsp;

Others Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Augustana (S.D.), Shippensburg (Pa.), New Haven (Conn.), California (Pa.), Saginaw Valley State (Mich.), Ashland (Ohio), Lubbock Christian (Texas), Mississippi College, Arkansas Monticello, Molloy (N.Y.), Central Oklahoma, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho), Cal State Monterey Bay, Missouri-St. Louis, Lewis (Ill.), Francis Marion (S.C.), Barton (N.C.), Flagler (Fla.), Lander (S.C.), Bentley (Mass.), Southern Connecticut State, Southern New Hampshire, Goldey-Beacom (Del.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers up to No. 24 in latest ABCA rankings

Tuesday, March 25
 KAYS: Fort Hays State
BSB vs. Emporia State, 2:30pm

Wednesday, March 26 none

Thursday, March 27
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 2:30pm

Saturday, March 29
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 2:30pm

Sunday, March 30
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

Fort Hays State softball hosts Northwest Missouri State on an MIAA doubleheader on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Fleharty Family Field in Hays, Kan.

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: SB vs. NW Missouri State

HAYS, KS – The USD 489 Board of Education approved the hiring of Chris Drees as the new assistant principal and activities director at Hays High School during their meeting on Monday.

Drees will succeed Lance Krannawitter, who is retiring.

Currently the athletic director and head basketball coach at Plainville High School, Drees brings extensive experience to the position. During his 12-season tenure at Plainville, he compiled a 159-117 record, led the team to three state tournament appearances, and achieved a state runner-up finish in 2014.

Drees hired as Hays High Assistant Principal and Activities Director

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;of Fort Hays State was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District Team for the third-straight year in the Central Region. He was a selection on the second team once again. Hammeke helped the Tigers to their 15th NCAA Tournament appearance and 22-10 overall record in 2024-25.

This is the second all-region award for Hammeke this season after also being named to the D2CCA All-Central Region Second Team. It was his second career regional honor from the D2CCA.Hammeke finished the season averaging 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He scored in double figures 31 times and dished out three or more assists in games 28 times.

Hammeke is now the all-time leading scorer in FHSU Men's Basketball history, finishing his career with 2,086 points. He also ranks third all-time in assists with 576 and second all-time in steals with 175. With 585 career rebounds, Hammeke was the only active NCAA Division II player in 2024-25 with at least 2,000 career points, 500 career assists, and 500 career rebounds. He also ranks second all-time in field goals made (715), third in 3-point field goals made (214), and fourth in free-throws made (442) in FHSU program history.

Hammeke is a five-time All-MIAA selection overall, receiving first-team honors each of the last three seasons. In his first year on the court at FHSU, he was the MIAA Freshman of the Year.

Hammeke was one of 10 players selected to the NABC All-District Team for the Central Region. He is one of four players to earn the honor from the MIAA, Jordan Frison of Pittsburg State, Jacob Hanna of Washburn and Jack Bachelor of Washburn. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference had four selections on the team and the Great American Conference had two.

NABC All-District Team for the Central Region in 2024-25. Central Region First Team Jordan Frison, Pittsburg State Jacob Hanna, Washburn Carson Johnson, MSU Moorhead Antwan Kimmons, Concordia-St. Paul Caleb Van De Griend, Minot State

Second Team Jack Bachelor, Washburn Hobert Grayson, Ouachita Baptist Kaleb Hammeke, Fort Hays State Stevie Strong, Southern Nazarene Kyreese Willingham, Minnesota State

Coach of the Year: Brett Ballard, Washburn&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Hammeke named to NABC All-District team for third-straight year

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball pushed its win streak to nine games with a doubleheader sweep of Northwest Missouri State on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 23) at Fleharty Family Field. The Tigers won by scores of 11-3 (5 inn.) and 4-3, moving to 20-6 overall and 5-1 in the MIAA. The Bearcats fell to 12-19 overall and 2-8 in the MIAA. This is the fastest FHSU has reached 20 wins in a season under 11th&nbsp;year head coach Adrian Pilkington.

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