By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Fort Tavern and Patio Bar in Hays is preparing for a summer rebrand as it gets set to close its doors.

The Fort, 109 W. Seventh St., announced on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theforttavern">social media</a> that it will close May 19 after more than four years in business, but gift cards will be accepted until then.

Tara Thorne and Bob Shuvert are set to take over the bar and rebrand it as Lokal. The country-themed dance bar is expected to open in mid to late June with a local band performance.

"The people of Hays have wanted a country dancing bar again. We're bringing that back," Thorne said.

The venue will shift away from family-oriented attractions and focus on adult-centered entertainment, including country music nights, live bands and Mexican nights featuring mariachi performances.

Thorne emphasized bringing country dancing back to Hays by playing different decades of country music to create a fun, safe environment for adults and college students.

"We're in cowboy country," she said. "Cowboys like to come out, dance and dress up."

Thorne and Shuvert aim to maintain the building’s current look while changing the atmosphere. They plan to add cornhole, chipping tournaments, a dart tournament, outdoor concerts and line dancing lessons for over the weekend.

The location features a spacious patio and amphitheater. Lokal's Facebook page will launch on&nbsp;May 21 to provide updates and announce upcoming events.

The planned hours of operation for Lokal are

7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursdays, which will be 18 and older 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

Thorne is originally from Colorado but has lived in Hays for 14 years.

The Fort bar in Hays to become new country dance bar 

&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

Help the Hays Public Library celebrate the creativity of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme, Color Our World. The Summer Reading Challenge is for all ages and will run from June 2 to July 31, with fun themes each week, such as community, cuisine, heritage, country, and outdoors.

The library will use the online program Beanstack to track summer reading for children and teens. Through Beanstack, families register participants and use the program to log their reading progress. Staff will assist with sign-up and logging for those without computer access. Challenges have been created for each age group; early literacy, elementary, and young adult.

For children and teens, the Summer Reading Challenge is an exciting way to improve literacy during the summer months. Numerous studies show that kids who don't read during summer vacation, actually slip in reading ability by the time school begins in the fall.

Registration for youth is required and is currently available online or in person. Each child who registers receives a gift. Throughout the Reading Challenge, participants attend activities and log reading time to earn tickets for the grand prize drawing. A prize will be given to each child who completes their challenge by the end of the event on July 31, and their name will go in a drawing for the grand prize of their choice.

Adults participate in the Summer Challenge by completing activities on a bookmark that can be picked up at the library, beginning June 2. They will receive a keychain fan/flashlight when they sign up. Adults will have until July 31st to complete all the activities and submit an entry into the end of the summer adult prize drawing to have a chance to win one of three prizes including a gift card bouquet, literacy prize package, or hydration prize package.

A day of activities will kick off the Challenge on June 2. We’ll begin with a youth art festival from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be five activity stations for kids to explore their creativity. An interactive movie will be shown at 1 p.m., and at 3 p.m., Emily from The Niche will host a painting session for youth. This event is limited to the first 50 attendees. There will be a come-and-go adults only program from 4-6:30 p.m.

Participants will make their own book-themed T-shirt or tote bag. There is no preregistration for any of these activities.

The Summer Reading Challenge will wrap up with a block party on August 1. Details will be released closer to the event.

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge and to sign up on Beanstack, go to <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/summer/">https://hayslibrary.org/summer/ </a>or call 785-625-9014.

Hays Public Library Summer Reading Challenge will 'Color Our World'

The board of directors for The Bricks in Downtown Hays announces the cancellation of the 2025 Brews on the Bricks&nbsp;event, originally scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025.

This decision, while difficult, comes during a period of organizational transition as we begin the search for our next executive director.

During this time, our focus will be on strengthening internal operations and aligning strategic priorities to best serve Downtown Hays moving forward.

For the past eight years, Brews on the Bricks&nbsp;has been a cherished tradition, made possible by the dedication of our attendees, sponsors, volunteers, brewers and vendors. We extend our sincere thanks for your role in making the event a continued success.

All ticket holders will be contacted directly and issued full refunds.

We look forward to rebrewing this beloved event in the future, infused with renewed energy and the same strong sense of community. In the meantime, we raise our glass in heartfelt appreciation for your continued support and understanding during this transition.

Join Our Team If you are interested in applying for the executive director position, please submit your resume and cover letter to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:recruitment@downtownhays.com">recruitment@downtownhays.com</a>. View the full job description here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bricks.downtownhays.com/2025/05/08/1915/executive-director/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKQSzpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZdmNVWm1FcWtNYXIyMkdMAR78BSAeZq-WTmbU21_BUHK90h9RwkzR8_mJ8TxB5OQd5i4RWy3N9sVHOhWBCQ_aem_bCB9rry0nU7EVwFi43gr8A">Executive Director Job Description</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://bricks.downtownhays.com/2025/05/08/1915/executive-director/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKQSzpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZdmNVWm1FcWtNYXIyMkdMAR78BSAeZq-WTmbU21_BUHK90h9RwkzR8_mJ8TxB5OQd5i4RWy3N9sVHOhWBCQ_aem_bCB9rry0nU7EVwFi43gr8A"></a>About The Bricks Downtown Hays Development Corporation, operating as The Bricks in Downtown Hays, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2001. We serve as the binding force and catalyst for organizations impacting Historic Downtown Hays. Through open communication and strategic planning, we work to enhance and secure the quality of life in the community. DHDC fosters awareness by recognizing, communicating, and celebrating the accomplishments of Downtown Hays. Our mission is to advance the economic and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hays as the heart of our community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2025 Brews on the Bricks canceled; 'A pause with a purpose,' says board of directors

DORRANCE —&nbsp;

Mark your calendars for the "Great Bank Robbery and Shootout" on Saturday, May 24 at the Dorrance State Bank, 512 Main. 

Historic tours of the local area are also available. Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://dorrancebankery.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWVNYQTdiQXFwenE3ZEQ1YgEe5Lybo4Z3TtACd9YBUIa1IgYgKwpB0s1C_UFoxaIng7e7dVsD3iYdVmhNHiA_aem_tiFKCae_C5nPH5bLm2Xzlw" target="_blank">DorranceBankery.com.</a>&nbsp;Select "Tours" for details to sign up.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hays Community Theatre will reenact the Great Bank Robbery and Shootout. Performances at 10, 11 and noon.

Enjoy music, food, Will Rogers impersonator, antique vehicles, best decoration contest, and see the world's largest Avery tractor and threshing machine. 

Dorrance Decoration Day is May 24

Due to the observance of the Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, Hays refuse/recycling route collection schedules will be altered as follows: Monday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 27 routes will both be picked up on Tuesday.

 Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes will not be altered.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recycling will be encountered around the holidays. Please make sure your refuse and recycling are out by 7:00 a.m., and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule. City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Hays refuse/recycling collection changed for Memorial Day holiday

Open a browser on your mobile device and visit the website at <a href="https://hayspost.com">https://hayspost.com</a>.&nbsp; Add it to the Home screen on your mobile device for the best possible experience.&nbsp; Here’s a screenshot that shows you how:

How to get full Hays Post experience on your mobile

Cruise, Shoes & BBQs Memorial Day weekend in Grainfield

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University will feature several students as musicians and speakers during the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/">spring 2025 commencement ceremonies</a>&nbsp;on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, in Manhattan.

Hays resident among students to sing national anthem at K-State commencement ceremonies

Healing Hearts Grief Support Group

The Healing Hearts Grief Support Group will hold its annual event remembering and honoring deceased children on Tuesday, May 20.

The “Avenue of Pinwheels” will begin at 7 p.m. in the children’s section of Mt. Allen Cemetery, 27th and Vine. The public is invited to attend. Participants are encouraged to use the south entrance near the children’s area.

The event is for parents who have lost children, regardless of the child’s age. This includes children lost through miscarriage or stillbirth. The service is also for others impacted by a child’s death, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, friends, and teachers.

The ceremony’s purpose is to remember and honor all lost children, not just those buried at Mt. Allen, organizers said.

At the ceremony, pinwheels will be available free of charge to all participants, or people may bring their own. Participants may place a note on their pinwheel with the child’s name and write a personal message. All of the names will be read aloud.

Then the pinwheels will be hammered into the ground by a Healing Hearts volunteer. The pinwheels will be placed in two long rows facing each other, thus creating “The Avenue of Pinwheels.”

The pinwheels will be left up at Mt. Allen until after Memorial Day. Then members of Healing Hearts will pick them up. Organizers will laminate new pinwheels to protect them from the elements. Any damaged pinwheels will be replaced. Then the pinwheels will be safely stored until the following year. Individuals who want to keep their child’s pinwheel are welcome to do so.

The Healing Hearts Grief Support Group began in 2001. In 2006, the group placed a marker in the cemetery’s children’s area and planted a tree. The marker reads: “In memory of our sons and daughters. As parents, we celebrate the lives of our beloved children and hold in our hearts an everlasting love for them.”

More information about the event is available from the support group’s facilitator, Dr. Kate McGonigal, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:klmcgonigal@fhsu.edu">klmcgonigal@fhsu.edu</a>.

'Avenue of Pinwheels' to be held May 20 in Mt. Allen Cemetery

Beginning today, 12th Street will be closed from Main Street to Oak Street for road and utility repairs. Work is anticipated to be completed by Friday, May 16, weather permitting.

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 628-7350.

12th St. from Main to Oak closed for repairs

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.

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Recent obituaries and service times

<a href="https://womenwholead.org/">Women Who Lead</a> is pleased to announce the award of eight $1,000 scholarships to Ellis County women.

The scholarship winners were required to be current Ellis County residents and be attending Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech North Central or the Hays Academy of Hair Design in fall 2025.

The scholarship fund is supported through donations and sales of the raffle tickets during the Women Who Lead 31 Days of Cash raffle. Tickets for the 2025 drawing will be on sale soon.

The 2025 winners are Isabella Marie Eck,&nbsp;Kylee Pfeifer,&nbsp;Jill Myers,&nbsp;Morgan Munsch,&nbsp;Kallyn Meyers,&nbsp;Emily Corber,&nbsp;Jayne Brooks and&nbsp;Savannah Schmitz.

Isabella Marie Eck of Ellis is a senior at Ellis High School. She will be studying elementary education with a minor in special education in the fall at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

Among her many activities, Eck participated in volleyball, basketball, and track, was class president all four years of high school, was a member of the Ellis County Youth Action Council, and was a member of the National Honor Society.&nbsp;

She also volunteered with the Ellis Recreation Commission and St. Mary's Parish.

Kylee Pfeifer of Hays is in her second year studying ag business at Fort Hays State University. She is a graduate of Ellis High School.&nbsp;

During high school, she was in 4-H, KAYS and FCCLA. She played volleyball, basketball, was a cheerleader, participated in track and field, and was a class officer.

She also was a member of the yearbook staff and National Honor Society.

She has continued participating in community activities in college as a member of the Ellis County Livestock Spring Show Committee and the Ellis Junior Free Fair Board. She serves as the Ellis County Fair Assistant Swine Superintendent.

Jill Myers of Hays is a homeschool student and will be studying health and human performance at Fort Hays State University. She also attended Hays High School.

She was on the cheerleading team, in the Spirit Club and a member of student council. Some of her community involvement included&nbsp;Twilight Hope Nursing Home Ministry, volunteering at a homeless shelter,&nbsp;Meals on Wheels,&nbsp;Night to Shine and&nbsp;Special Olympics Kansas.

Morgan Munsch is a senior at Hays High School who will be studying nursing at Fort Hays State University.

She has earned her certified nurse assistant license, basic life saving, and CPR certifications. Her school activities have included National Honor Society and Hays High Trap Team.

She is also vice president of 4-H youth development and has served in many capacities as a volunteer through 4-H, the Ellis County Fair, Youth Outdoor Festival, and sporting clubs in the community.&nbsp;

She also serves through her church and has volunteered at the St. Joseph's Food Pantry.

Kallyn Meyers of Hays is a senior at Hays High School. She will study communication sciences and disorders in the fall at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

Some of her many school activities have included tennis, volleyball, track, student council, Tribe Broadcasting and National Honor Society.

She has volunteered with Jana's Campaign and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. Some of her other community involvement has included&nbsp;Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, Feeding Hays, mission trips and the Community Assistance Center.

Emily Corber of Hays is in her first year of study at Fort Hays Tech North Central. She will continue there studying respiratory therapy.

Corber was a 2023 graduate of Dighton High School, where she was involved in athletics, band, and student council. Her community involvement has included serving as a volunteer for her church's child care, wrapping Christmas gifts for foster kids, volunteering at Humane Society-High Plains and during the FHSU Kids Rec Day.

Jayne Brooks is a senior at Hays High School who will be studying diagnostic medical imaging in the fall at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

Her school activities have included student council, yearbook, Spirit Club, National Honor Society, Options Club, Quill and Scroll Honors Society, and Health Occupations Students of America.

She was honored with multiple Kansas Scholastic Press Association Awards during her high school career.

Her community involvement has included&nbsp;Operation Christmas Child, writing grants for Salvation Army Angel Tree and&nbsp;Hays High School food pantry,&nbsp;Friends Bookstore at the Hays Public Library volunteer and&nbsp;Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat.

Savannah Schmitz is a Hays High School senior who will study medical diagnostic imaging at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

Some of her school activities have included band, orchestra, swim team, student council and National Honor Society. Some of her community involvement has included volunteering at HaysMed, for her church and Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat.

Women Who Lead's mission is to inspire and empower women to effect change in the community.

You can learn more about Women Who Lead, donate or become a member at <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">womenwholead.org</a>. You can also follow the nonprofit women's group on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenwholead.org">Facebook</a>.

Women Who Lead awards 8 $1,000 scholarships to Ellis County women

Today, a special milestone will unfold at Fort Hays State University as Jessica McGuire, 46, and her daughter Hannah Harris, 24, cross the graduation stage on the same day—each achieving an academic dream years in the making.

Jessica will receive her Bachelor's degree in Business Education–Talent Development and plans to return to FHSU this fall to pursue a Master's in Liberal Studies with a focus on Corporate Communication.

Hannah will graduate with her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, completing her program while also caring for her 11-month-old son.

"Attending college at the same time as my mom has been such a unique and exciting experience," said Hannah. "She used to help me with my homework and cheer me on through school, and now I get to watch her chase her dreams and succeed. I'm encouraged by her commitment to her studies and cannot wait to walk across the stage on the same day!"

Jessica credits her success to her husband Jeremy (FHSU, Class of 1998)&nbsp; and their three children. "I could not have reached this accomplishment without their support," she said. "Whenever it got hard, I would imagine my kids cheering me on as I walked that stage at Gross, and it kept me going even when I felt burnt out."

In what is truly a family celebration, Gabriel McGuire, Jessica's son and Hannah's brother, will also graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Media Arts–Filmmaking from Wichita State University the very next day.

"I'm incredibly proud of my kids," Jessica shared. "I'm impressed every day by their commitment to their studies and how they balance all their responsibilities. Experiencing this with them has been eye-opening and something we'll never forget!"

Three members of Hays family to receive college degrees in same weekend

Students in Fort Hays State University’s Department of Informatics are no stranger to holding their own against students from larger universities in the country.

This year’s awards won by students in the Digital Media Production and Journalism program back up that point. Continued enrollment growth in the concentration has yielded even more national and state honors.

For the second straight year, a Tiger Media Network live sports production was named a winner in the Heartland Chapter Student Production Awards of the National Academy of Television Arts &amp; Sciences. The Heartland Region consists of colleges from Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

“Once again, FHSU's live sports program proves it is one of the best in the country,” said Russell Heitmann, news and sports director of TMN. “Our students do excellent work, and to be recognized with this honor is a testament to them and their abilities.”

This year’s winning entry in the Live Sporting Event/Game category came from the FHSU men’s basketball game against Washburn. Students who teamed up for the broadcast included Kadence Allen, director; Cooper Rhea, director; Nick McCoy, replay; Mikheil Makhviladze, camera; Valeria Catano, camera; Kyson Evans, camera; Levelt Similien, camera; Nathan Ward, camera; Tyler Murphy, camera; Garrett Wellbrock, announcer; and Cayden Sanders, announcer.

But it wasn’t the only prestigious Heartland Region honor FHSU won this year. The university had two other winners.

The TMN summer internship documentary project, “Life on the Harvest Run,” was the winner in the Non-Fiction Long Form category. The film was produced by Raegan Neufeld, Ryan Schuckman and John Billinger. Neufeld’s documentary from her Advanced Video class, “For Love of the Game,” was also a nominee in the category.

Schuckman’s documentary “Garden of Eden” was a winner in the Arts/Entertainment/Cultural Affairs category. That film was also part of Stephen Schleicher’s Advanced Video class.

“When you have a great group of students, working with some of the latest technology in the industry, and faculty who bring their decades of real-world experience to the classroom, great things are going to happen,” Schleicher said. “And right now, great things are happening at Fort Hays State University.”

Garrett Wellbrock was also a nominee in the category for Talent-News or Sports in the Heartland Region contest.

In the Broadcast Educators Association annual competition, Schuckman’s documentary was second place in the Micro-Documentary category. Alicia Feyerherm’s “From Sewer to Sprinkler” documentary earned an Awards of Excellence in the division.

The “Life on the Harvest Run” documentary also was named as an Awards of Excellence in the Short-Form Documentary of BEA.

BEA contests are not separated by enrollment size or NCAA classifications. Strong showings this year by FHSU students allowed the university to be ranked 13th in the Top Winning Documentary Programs, beating schools such as Michigan State, UConn, Alabama, BYU and Miami. 

FHSU was the top-ranked school from Kansas.

Fort Hays tied for 31st in the Top Winning News Programs and the Top Winning Sports Programs categories. FHSU was tied for 48th in Top Winning Overall Programs — the best of any Kansas university.

“When students are equipped with practical experience, tools, resources and outstanding instruction and mentorship, they don’t just learn. They become skilled creators that demonstrate what they can do because of how they learned,” said Melissa Hunsicker Walburn, dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at FHSU. “This powerful combination fosters creativity and positions them to compete with confidence and excellence on both regional and national stages, and eventually the market”

DMPJ students also won five first-place honors at the Kansas Association of Broadcasters contest, as well as two second place finishes and one honorable mention.

Feyerherm’s documentary won in the Public Affairs/Talk Show Program category at the College Visual division, while “Life on the Harvest Run” took top honors in the College Visual Documentary category.

Eli Blankinship and Wellbrock swept the top two spots at KAB in Sports Play-by-Play in both the College Audio and College Visual categories. Blankinship took first in both, with Wellbrock finishing second.

Tiger Media Network won first place for website in the College Audio category and was honorable mention in the College Visual division.

In the Society of Professional Journalists Region 7 Mark of Excellence Awards, TMN’s Rory Moore was a finalist in three categories: Arts/Graphics/ Multimedia, Sports Photography and Regional Political Reporting. Region 7 of SPJ is made up of colleges from Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.

“It’s always great to see our students get the accolades they deserve for their hard work, especially when competing against some much larger schools in the U.S.,” said Nick Schwien, director of Tiger Media Network. “Our students think big and don’t limit themselves. Whether as an individual or a team member, they work hard to stand out from the crowd. It’s a trait that makes them success while at FHSU and after graduation as well.”

FHSU's Department of Informatics students win multiple awards

<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

COLBY — Colby Community College spring 2025 graduate Jaylei Sloan and alumna Gabrielle Hammer were recently awarded distinguished scholarships from Fort Hays State University to further their careers in science and education.

The Noyce project through FHSU is a collaboration with Colby and other regional Kansas community colleges with the intention of attracting teachers from STEM majors and placing them in high-needs communities. The colleges also developed STEM clubs to engage students in activities that increase their interest in teaching careers.&nbsp;

Sloan, who graduates in May with a degree in biology, was selected for the Noyce CREST (Creating Retention and Engagement for STEM Teachers) scholarship at FHSU and receives a renewable award of $15,000. The competitive program supports future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educators who have at least junior standing and are pursuing a bachelor's degree. As part of the Noyce initiative, Sloan has also been invited to represent Fort Hays State University in Washington, D.C., later this year.

While at Colby, she has served as a microbiology teaching assistant, tutor, and lab assistant in the biology department. She credits CCC faculty and family for their support.

Biology Instructor and STEM Division Chair Dr. Jeffrey Sekavec is the Noyce CREST site director at Colby.

“I’d like to thank Dr. Sekavec for being such an incredible mentor and offering me a multitude of opportunities throughout my time at CCC,” said Sloan. “I’d also like to give recognition to my family. I couldn’t have done this without my loved ones by my side, along with the added bonus of the friends I have made along the way. CCC’s Dr. Joan Johnson once said, ‘Accept, Adapt, and Persevere.’ Every day since then, I have lived by those words.”

"Above all else, Glory be to God! With the Lord at my side, I am accomplishing all that is meant for me. I am proud to be a part of Colby Community College and optimistic for my next chapter to begin with the Noyce program at FHSU!"

Sloan is the granddaughter of Leanna and Tom Sloan and the daughter of Matt Sloan.

A 2021 CCC graduate, Hammer received the Noyce Post Baccalaureate STEM Teacher Licensure Scholarship from Fort Hays State University. The competitive program provides a $24,788 stipend to individuals with a bachelor’s degree in science or mathematics who are pursuing a teaching career. Recipients complete a specialized post-baccalaureate curriculum delivered primarily online, with required field experiences and student teaching in a rural school district. 

Hammer currently teaches high school science in Sharon Springs, where she also attended school growing up in nearby Wallace.

After earning associate of science and applied science degrees from Colby, Hammer completed a bachelor’s degree in general biology from FHSU in 2023. She previously worked as a physical therapist assistant in long-term care and home health facilities.

“I have always been a western Kansas girl at heart,” said Hammer. “Looking back, I am so grateful for the friendships made, the connections, and the hard lessons learned at CCC. Some of the best people in the world were always willing to lend a hand and help in whatever way they could.”

Hammer was also an active member of the STEM Club at Colby, citing fond memories of scientific activities and engaging presentations from guest speakers.

"It has truly been a privilege to be associated with such great members of the Noyce programs," said Sekavec. "Ms. Sloan and Ms. Hammer are shining stars of the future of STEM education in western Kansas."

"We are quite fortunate to be part of such an incredible partnership with FHSU in bringing such opportunities to members of the STEM/STEM education community."

Colby students earn prestigious scholarships to FHSU

Sen. Moran Questions FAA leadership on safety system failures, changes implemented

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

Friday, May 16
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian BSB vs. Oberlin/Ell-Salina, approx. 4:45pm KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 6:00pm

Saturday, May 17
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 5:30pm

Sunday, May 18
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

DODGE
CITY - Hays High boys track and field team continued their Western Athletic
Conference dominance Thursday. The Indians won their fifth-straight league
title, edging Garden City by a point and a half at Memorial Stadium. The Hays girls
won their second-straight title. They finished seven points ahead of second
place Garden City.

<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/688096-wac-track-and-field-championship-2025/teams/21788">HHS Results</a>

The
girls won five events. Katie Linenberger the high jump (5-6), Lynsi Kanas the
long jump (17-5.75), Rylen Harrington the javelin (124-11), Zoe Winter the shot
put (38-10) and Aralen Maupin the 400 (1:00.28).

The
girls finished second in six events. Caira Augustine the high jump (5-0), Kenlee
Vehige the pole vault (9-9), Kamryn McCall the long jump (16-2.50) and 200
where she set a new school record (25.65). Lyndi Zimmerman finished second in
the 100 (12.25) and was a part of the 4x100 relay along with Moriah Hellam,
Lynsi Kanak and Kamryn McCall that also finished second (50.05).

Brooke
Bieker placed third in the triple jump (34-10.50) as did McCall in the 100
(12.41) and Zimmerman in the 200 (25.81).

The
boys won four events. Kamani Jones the high jump (6-0), Gus Corsair the discus
(145-3), Dalton Mayers the javelin (183-9) and Bryce Steffan the 300 hurdles
(40.66).

Jones
finished second in the triple jump (43-10.75) as did Wyatt Kirkpatrick in the
javelin (164-11), Jaxson Chartier the shot put (51-2.75) and Steffan in the 110
hurdles (15.58).

Third
place finishers include Jones in the long jump (20-2.50) and 200 (22.43),
Parker McGuire the discus (140.3), Caleb Englert the shot put (49-5.25), Brogan
Albers the 110 hurdles (15.68), Taevian Maupin-Dabney the 400 (51.50). Maupin-Dabney
was also a part of the third place 4x400 relay along with Steffan, Chase Zadina
and Albers (3:32.37).

👟 HHS boys and girls win WAC meet

HILL CITY – The Hoxie girls and Smith Center boys won the Mid-Continent League track and field meet hosted by Hill City High School Thursday. The Indians scored 111 points, 10.5 ahead of second place Ellis. Norton finished third (71). The Redmen boys scored 110 points, six better than Norton. Phillipsburg placed third (67.5).

<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/679983-mcl-track-2025-2025/teams">2025 MCL Track and Field Results</a>

The TMP-Marian girls finished sixth and the boys 11th. Piper Simpson won the girls pole vault, setting a new school record at 10-6. Paige Schlyer finished second in the discus (122-3). Jackson Gillespie led the TMP boys with a second-place finish in the 100 (11.23) and third in the 200 (23.12).

Ellis’ Evelyn Merriman won the 100 (12.31), 200 (25.82) and 400 (1:02.95). Natalie North won the discus (141-5) and shot put (40-8.75). Avery Boydston won the 800 (2:27.37) and finished second in the 1600 (5:20.15). Isabella Eck brought home gold in the high jump (5-4). The Railers 4x100 relay team placed third.

The Railer boys were paced by Aron Bencze won the discus (166-3) and finished second in the shot put (48-3).

Plainville’s Eric Mackey won the high jump (5-10), Davyn Willeford finished second in the long jump (42-4) and Tucker Rudman placed third in the shot put (48-2). Brilynn Trumpp led the Cardinal girls with a second place finish in the 800 (2:29.52) and was third in the 3200 (12:27.38). Alayah Lair finished third in the 100 hurdles (17.09). Caydance Carter placed third in the shot put (38-8).

👟 Hoxie girls, Smith Center boys win MCL meet

HAYS
– Oakley won the Mid-Continent League boys golf tournament Thursday at the Fort
Hays Municipal Golf Course. The Plainsmen shot a 344 and edged Plainville by
three shots. Hoxie finished third, four off the pace. TMP-Marian finished sixth
with a 376, Trego was ninth (394) and Ellis 10th (411).

Hill
City’s AJ Deges shot a 6-over-par 77 and won the individual title. Easton Fink
of Oakley and Eli Jones of Norton tied for second after rounds of 79. Plainville’s
Noah Brewster shot an 82 and tied for fifth. Teammate Easton Ditter tied for
seventh with an 84.

Heuer
Brungardt led TMP-Marian with a 92 and tied for 20th along with Jaren Frickey of
Ellis.

Team Results Place - Team - Score 1 - Oakley -&nbsp;344 2 - Plainville - 347 3 - Hoxie - 348 4 - Hill City - 359 5 - Phillipsburg - 366 6 - TMP-Marian - 376 7 - Norton -&nbsp;380 8 - Russell - 392 9 - Trego -&nbsp;394 10 - Ellis - 411 11 - Smith Center - 414

Top-20 Individual Results Place - Name - School - Total 1 - AJ Deges - Hill City - 77 T2 - Easton Fink - Oakley - 79 T2 - Eli Jones - Norton - 79 4 - Jake Mooney - Russell - 81 5 - Noah Brewster - Plainville - 82 T5 - Avery Jacobs - Phillipsburg - 82 T7 - Easton Ditter - Plainville - 84 T7 - Noah Dowell - Hoxie - 84 T7 - Manuel Mancia - Oakley - 84 10 - Sam Watkins - Hoxie - 85 11 - Mason Laurin - Phillipsburg - 86 T12 - Brodie Tremblay - Hoxie - 88 T12 - Case Haynes - Hill City - 88 14 - Cole Kirchoff - Smith Center - 89 T15 - Jayden Morris - Plainville - 90 T15 - Cauy Bosserman - Oakley - 90 T17 - Carter Selensky - Oakley - 91 T17 - Max Foote	Hoxie - 91 T17 - Owen Brewster - Plainville - 91&nbsp; T20 - Jaren Frickey - Ellis - 92 T20 - Josiah Lopez - Trego - 92 T20 - Heuer Brungardt - TMP-Marian - 92

⛳ Oakley boys win MCL Tournament

HAYS
– The Hays High girls swim team finished runner-up at the WAC meet held at Fort
Hays State’s Tiger Aquatic Center Thursday.

Senior
Izabel Schmidt broke her seventh school record with a first-place finish in the
100 yard breaststroke (1:11.13). Schmidt was also a part of the winning 200
free relay along with Jaylen Hughes, Brekyn Wahlmeier and Lucy Tippy. Hughes
finished first in the 100 backstroke.

Schmidt
was voted the WAC Swimmer of the Year and Tyler Stein the WAC Coach of the
Year.

🏊‍♀️ HHS girls runner-up at WAC, Schmidt Swimmer of the Year

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins has announced the 2025 Tiger volleyball signing class. The group of five incoming Tigers includes one outside hitter, one right-side hitter, one middle hitter, one setter and one defensive specialist. The class includes athletes from three different states, including two newcomers from Kansas and Illinois and one from Colorado. Four will be true freshmen in the fall, while one is a junior transfer.

The 2025 recruiting class includes Peyton Bergschneider, Lauren Clawson, Kaitlyn Cure, Annie Eaton and Kara Feist. This incoming class joins a Tiger squad that advanced to the MIAA Championship Tournament last season.

Peyton Bergschneider OH | 5-10 | Springfield, Ill. Lincoln Land CC | Pleasant Plains HS

Peyton Bergschneider joins the Tigers after two successful seasons at Lincoln Land Community College in her hometown of Springfield, Ill. Bergschneider was a two-time first team NJCAA All-Region 24 selection in addition to a pair of All-MWAC recognitions, including first team honors as a sophomore in 2024. She was also the Mid-West Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year in 2023. The outside hitter averaged 3.41 kills, 3.03 digs, 0.33 blocks and 0.44 service aces per set while swinging at a .213 rate in 68 matches as a Logger, leading the team in kills both seasons while leading the team in digs as a freshman. She totaled 821 kills in 241 sets, adding 731 digs, 80 blocks (23 solo), 105 service aces and 53 assists.

Bergschneider was a 2023 graduate of Pleasant Plains High School in Pleasant Plains, Ill. where she earned three varsity letters in volleyball. She was voted Small School Player of the Year as a senior in 2022 in addition to earning All-State honorable mention status and Sangamon County first team all-conference recognition. Bergschneider was chosen as a Channel 1450 All-Area Player of the Week in addition to earning Illinois State Scholar honors and Scholar Athlete of the Week recognition for her work in the classroom.

Lauren Clawson MH | 6-0 | Monument, Colo. Palmer Ridge HS

Lauren Clawson has signed with the Tigers after graduating from Palmer Ridge High School in her hometown of Monument, Colo. Clawson was an all-conference selection as a senior and helped the Bears win the state championship as a junior in 2023. She helped the team to three consecutive regional titles from 2022-24, reaching the state tournament all three years. The middle hitter earned Athlete of the Week recognition at her school as a senior was awarded the team spirit award as a sophomore and junior.

Clawson earned an academic letter each year throughout her high school tenure, earning first team All-Academic honors as a junior and senior. She was nominated for the Rotary Champions Scholarship for her work in the classroom.

Kaitlyn Cure DS | 5-9 | Andover, Kan. Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic HS

Kaitlyn Cure will be a freshman in the fall at Fort Hays State after completing her high school career at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School in Wichita, Kan. The Andover, Kan. native was a four-time all-league selection in her time as a Crusader, picking up first team honors as a junior and senior after receiving honorable mention status as a freshman and sophomore. The defensive specialist helped Kapaun claim a sub-state championship as a senior, ultimately placing fourth at the 5A state tournament in the first trip to state for the school in more than a decade.

Cure was a two-time Wichita Eagle All-Metro pick, receiving second team status as a senior and third team honors as a junior. She was selected by her teammates to be a team captain both as a junior and senior. She totaled 778 digs, 531 kills, 211 aces and 61 blocks in her high school career, averaging 3.3 digs per set as a senior.

Annie Eaton S | 5-8 | Quincy, Ill. Quincy Notre Dame HS

Annie Eaton heads to Hays after a successful career at Quincy Notre Dame High School in her hometown of Quincy, Ill. She was a four-year starter at setter, racking up a school-record 3,082 assists which ranks fifth most in Illinois High School Association history. She was a first team All-State selection and was named Michio Chicago/illprepvb.com Player of the Year in 2024 after racking up a school-record 884 assists as a senior. Eaton helped the Raiders to three Illinois Class 2A quarterfinal appearances, winning 134 matches and posting a winning percentage of 88.7 percent in her four seasons. She added 845 digs, 238 aces and 363 kills in her high-school career.

Eaton also played soccer as a freshman at QND, helping the Raiders to the IHSA Class 2A state championship as a starter at forward.

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