For June 2024, the Ellis Police Department responded to 207 calls for service, conducted 38 traffic stops, and issued 3 traffic citations. Two of the three citations were for speeding, with the highest alleged speed being 20mph over the posted speed limit.

The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in one adult arrest.

The following adult was arrested in March by the Ellis Police Department:

On June 16, Isaac Henman was arrested on suspicion of aggravated domestic battery. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

On June 20, the Ellis Police Department responded to a welfare check. Officers knew that the subject was out on bond with an ankle monitor, awaiting final sentencing to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Family members of the subject reported to officers that the subject had made suicidal remarks and believed the subject had serious intent of self-harm.

Officers attempted to knock at the residence's front door but received no answer. An officer observed a light on in the garage at the rear of the property. Officers approached the garage and heard an individual in obvious, agonizing distress.

Officers forced entry to the garage and observed that the subject of the welfare check had attempted suicide and was bleeding profusely. Officers immediately, and without hesitation, sprung into action; rendering immediate life-saving treatment and requested Ellis County Emergency Medical Services respond to the scene.

The subject of the welfare check survived their injuries because of the quick-thinking, training and experience of the officers who were on scene.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize and show appreciation to our local EMS and hospital system, as well as the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, for assisting us. Pending the outcome of legal proceedings, a full release on this incident will be made later.

If you or a loved one are having thoughts of suicide, please dial 988 and speak to a crisis professional. You can also visit <a href="http://www.988lifeline.org">www.988lifeline.org</a> for more resources. 988 is 100% free and confidential.

As always, we are seeking photos to be used for these monthly reports. Please email them to me at <a href="http://asmith@cityofellisks.gov">asmith@cityofellisks.gov</a> or message them to us via our Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisPoliceDepartment">https://www.facebook.com/EllisPoliceDepartment</a>.

Thank you to Dustin Mattheyer for June’s photo!

Ellis Police DepartmentFor June 2024, the Ellis Police Department responded to 207 calls for service, conducted 38 traffic stops, and issued 3 traffic citations. Two of the three citations were for speeding, with the highest alleged speed being 20mph over the posted speed limit.The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in one adult arrest.The following adult was arrested in March by the Ellis Police Department:On June 16, Isaac Henman was arrested on suspicion of aggravated domestic battery. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail.All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.On June 20, the Ellis Police Department responded to a welfare check. Officers knew that the subject was out on bond with an ankle monitor, awaiting final sentencing to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Family members of the subject reported to officers that the subject had made suicidal remarks and believed the subject had serious intent of self-harm.Officers attempted to knock at the residence's front door but received no answer. An officer observed a light on in the garage at the rear of the property. Officers approached the garage and heard an individual in obvious, agonizing distress.Officers forced entry to the garage and observed that the subject of the welfare check had attempted suicide and was bleeding profusely. Officers immediately, and without hesitation, sprung into action; rendering immediate life-saving treatment and requested Ellis County Emergency Medical Services respond to the scene.The subject of the welfare check survived their injuries because of the quick-thinking, training and experience of the officers who were on scene.I would be remiss if I did not recognize and show appreciation to our local EMS and hospital system, as well as the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, for assisting us. Pending the outcome of legal proceedings, a full release on this incident will be made later.If you or a loved one are having thoughts of suicide, please dial 988 and speak to a crisis professional. You can also visit <a href="http://www.988lifeline.org">www.988lifeline.org</a> for more resources. 988 is 100% free and confidential.As always, we are seeking photos to be used for these monthly reports. Please email them to me at <a href="http://asmith@cityofellisks.gov">asmith@cityofellisks.gov</a> or message them to us via our Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisPoliceDepartment">https://www.facebook.com/EllisPoliceDepartment</a>.Thank you to Dustin Mattheyer for June’s photo!Thank you all for your support!-Chief Smith

Ellis Police Department June 2024 report

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Learning Cross Child Care is closing one of its locations but has opened a new center at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays.

Learning Cross Agape at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall, has been open since February.

The church has hosted child care in its building, but that space has been empty for some time.

The church received a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to complete classroom renovations.

Agape can accept infants through children 12 years old, Brett Schmidt, Learning Cross director, said. It is considered a small-center pilot through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Learning Cross can legally accommodate up to 24 children in that classroom, depending on age, but the center has capped its enrollment at 12.

The center can accommodate up to four infants and will have three to four staff members assigned to that location, Schmidt said.

"All of our programs, we always overstaff just to make it easier on our staff but also higher quality care," he said. "That's what the mission has always been."

Learning Cross has reserved spots for school-age children at Agape for children who have graduated from its intergenerational preschool at Ascension Via Christi Village,&nbsp;2225 Canterbury.

Agape has a waitlist for infants and toddlers.

Schmidt said the small-center model allows for more flexibility and more supervision than a traditional center.

All children are combined in one classroom with infants in a designated area for safety.

Learning Cross Academy preschool, 2517 Canterbury, will close as of the end of June.

That center opened in 2020 and was a kindergarten prep program for 4- and 5-year-olds.&nbsp;

Learning Cross had hoped to purchase the Academy location, but that fell through. Schmidt said staff also preferred the intergenerational model.

The child care has had lower enrollment at the intergenerational Learning Cross Preschool because of a lack of available staff members, so the staff members from the academy will be moved to the intergenerational center to accommodate enrollment at that location.

"We will have more flexibility with staff, and we will bring the program back, so every kid gets that," Schmidt said of the intergenerational program.

"Child care's hard. When you have the intergenerational built into it, you have another benefit to teaching," he said.

Despite the academy's closing, Schmidt said the changes will likely result in no net loss in child care spots.

The intergenerational center, which cares for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds, will be able to accommodate more children when academy staff are transferred to that program, Schmidt said.

The intergenerational center is full for the next two school years but has a waitlist.

You can learn more about the programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://learningcross.com">learningcross.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719604943725.jpeg" alt="Rylia and Hudson at Learning Cross Agape Care. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rylia and Hudson at Learning Cross Agape Care. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostLearning Cross Child Care is closing one of its locations but has opened a new center at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays.Learning Cross Agape at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall, has been open since February.The church has hosted child care in its building, but that space has been empty for some time.The church received a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to complete classroom renovations.Agape can accept infants through children 12 years old, Brett Schmidt, Learning Cross director, said. It is considered a small-center pilot through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719604969709.jpeg" alt="Rylia, Hudson, Noel and Johnny at Learning Cross Agape Care. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rylia, Hudson, Noel and Johnny at Learning Cross Agape Care. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Learning Cross can legally accommodate up to 24 children in that classroom, depending on age, but the center has capped its enrollment at 12.The center can accommodate up to four infants and will have three to four staff members assigned to that location, Schmidt said."All of our programs, we always overstaff just to make it easier on our staff but also higher quality care," he said. "That's what the mission has always been."Learning Cross has reserved spots for school-age children at Agape for children who have graduated from its intergenerational preschool at Ascension Via Christi Village,&nbsp;2225 Canterbury.Agape has a waitlist for infants and toddlers.Schmidt said the small-center model allows for more flexibility and more supervision than a traditional center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719604996959.jpeg" alt="Children at&nbsp;Learning Cross Academy. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Children at&nbsp;Learning Cross Academy. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>All children are combined in one classroom with infants in a designated area for safety.Learning Cross Academy preschool, 2517 Canterbury, will close as of the end of June.That center opened in 2020 and was a kindergarten prep program for 4- and 5-year-olds.&nbsp;Learning Cross had hoped to purchase the Academy location, but that fell through. Schmidt said staff also preferred the intergenerational model.The child care has had lower enrollment at the intergenerational Learning Cross Preschool because of a lack of available staff members, so the staff members from the academy will be moved to the intergenerational center to accommodate enrollment at that location."We will have more flexibility with staff, and we will bring the program back, so every kid gets that," Schmidt said of the intergenerational program."Child care's hard. When you have the intergenerational built into it, you have another benefit to teaching," he said.Despite the academy's closing, Schmidt said the changes will likely result in no net loss in child care spots.The intergenerational center, which cares for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds, will be able to accommodate more children when academy staff are transferred to that program, Schmidt said.The intergenerational center is full for the next two school years but has a waitlist.You can learn more about the programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://learningcross.com">learningcross.com</a>.

Learning Cross opens new small center, closes Academy

The Hays Striders traveled to Centerton, Arkansas last week to compete in the AAU Region 16 qualifying track meet. The Top three finishers in multi-events and top five in track and field qualified to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina July 27 - August 3.

The Striders had a record nine Regional Champions, with several athletes taking the top spot in numerous events.

Riley Leiker continued her dominance in the 9 year old girls age division taking 1st in all three of her events - Shot Put - 22’6.25,”, 400 - 1:08.45, and 800 - 2:46.72.

Danica Vap tossed the discus to a Regional Champion distance of 33’7” in the 13 year old girls division. She also placed 2nd in the shot put with a throw of 34’9.”

Sydney Lewallen scored a dominating 2690 points in the 14 year old girls Pentathlon, a full 379 points in front of the second place finisher. Lewallen captured 1st in the long jump, shot put, and 800 during the five event Pentathlon. She also placed 4th in the Individual shot put - 33’1,” 4th in the 400 - 1:03.11, and 4th in the 800 - 2:34.95.

Lyndi Zimmerman, last year's National runner-up in the Pentathlon, captured regional Championship status in the 15-16 girls shot put - 32’5.25” and 100 meter hurdles - 16.01. She finished 4th in the Heptathlon - 3567 Points, 13th in the 200 – 27.44, and 11th in the 400 Hurdles – 1:16.08.

Lakin Scott, in his first year of competition, took Regional champion status in the 8 year old boys shot put with a commanding toss of 18’3.”

Tucker Schmidt continued his banner year of running the 9 year old boys 800 with a blistering time of 2:43.71 to earn a Regional Championship.

Tayte Lewallen was impressive in the 12 year old Boys 80 meter Hurdles, capturing the regional Championship with a run of 14.10 seconds. Lewallen also took 4th in the Pentathlon, 2103 points, 3rd in the 800, 2:37.49, and 4th in the 4x100, along with Gavyn Wolf, Chris Grady, and Casen Flax, with a time of 54.92

Last year's 3000 meter National champion, Emery Zimmerman, comes into this season just as strong by winning the Pentathlon with 2276 points, the 800 - 2:25.22, and 3000 meter run - 10:28.57. Zimmerman also took 2nd in the 1500 - 5:01.38.

Jacob Leiker was crowned Regional Champion in the discus by throwing 111’9.” Leiker also took 3rd in both the Shot put - 33’2,” and javelin - 91’8;” as well as placing 13th in the 800 - 2:30.31.

In all, 20 athletes qualified at the Region 16 AAU event in Arkansas to compete in the National meet in late July. Region 16 comprises athletes from Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Western Missouri and is considered one of the toughest regions in the U.S. to compete in.

Results for the rest of the Striders are listed below:

Gavyn Wolf, competing in the 12 year old boys division, placed 4th in the 4x100 meter dash, 9th in the 200, 28.65; and 10th in the 100, 14.25.

Sydney Wince, 8 Under Girls, Long Jump - 13th, 5’9.25,” Turbo Javelin - 10th, 23’5”

Cheyenne Vap, 9 Girls, Shot Put - 4th, 16’25”

Kersee Wince, 9 Girls, Long Jump - 18th, 8’3.25,” High Jump - 3rd, 2’11,” Turbo Jav - 3rd, 21’8,” Triathlon - 5th, 143

Jessie Wright, 12 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 13’9,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’4”

Kaliyah Bannister, 15-16 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 15’3”

Makayla Lewallen, 15-16 Girls, Heptathlon - 9th, 2520 points, High Jump - 7th, 4’7”

Aubrey Birney, 17-18 Young Women, Long Jump - 12th, 14’5,” Triple Jump - 6th, 31’2.50,” High Jump - 3rd, 4’11”

Zoe Brown, 17-18 Young Women, Heptathlon - 10th, 2597 points, Long Jump - 15th, 13’6”

Finley Zimmerman, 8 Under Boys, 400 - 8th, 1:19.72, 800 - 6th, 3:06.78, 1500 - 4th, 6:24.89

Pryce Day, 9 Boys, Long Jump - 25th, 9’00.25

Austin Flax, 10 Boys, Long Jump - 11th, 10’1.25,” 200 - 21, 33.40, 800 - 7th, 2:59.66

Casen Flax, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 6th, 13’8.25,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’6,” 4x100 - 4th, 54.92

Chris Grady, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 13th, 11’5.75, 200 - 10th, 28.73, 4x100 - 4th, 54.92

Robbie Readle, 13 Boys, 400 - 18th, 1:06.50, 800 - 16th, 2:40.34

Logan Leiker, 15-16 Boys, 800 - 28th, 2:26.06, 1500 - 25th, 5:04.62, 3000 m Run - 13th, 11:05

Caleb Englert, 15-16 Boys, Shot Put - 4th, 40’11,” Discus - 8th, 113’03”

Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys, 400 m H - 5th, 1:08.39, 800 - 26th, 2:25.13

Skeeter Gleason, 17-18 Young Men, 100 - 39th, 12.06, Long Jump - 19th, 18’4.50,” Triple Jump - 11th, 37’5.75”

Kamani Jones, 17-18 Young Men, Triple Jump - 4th, 43’6.50,” Long Jump - 9th, 20’11.75

SubmittedThe Hays Striders traveled to Centerton, Arkansas last week to compete in the AAU Region 16 qualifying track meet. The Top three finishers in multi-events and top five in track and field qualified to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina July 27 - August 3.The Striders had a record nine Regional Champions, with several athletes taking the top spot in numerous events.Riley Leiker continued her dominance in the 9 year old girls age division taking 1st in all three of her events - Shot Put - 22’6.25,”, 400 - 1:08.45, and 800 - 2:46.72.Danica Vap tossed the discus to a Regional Champion distance of 33’7” in the 13 year old girls division. She also placed 2nd in the shot put with a throw of 34’9.”Sydney Lewallen scored a dominating 2690 points in the 14 year old girls Pentathlon, a full 379 points in front of the second place finisher. Lewallen captured 1st in the long jump, shot put, and 800 during the five event Pentathlon. She also placed 4th in the Individual shot put - 33’1,” 4th in the 400 - 1:03.11, and 4th in the 800 - 2:34.95.Lyndi Zimmerman, last year's National runner-up in the Pentathlon, captured regional Championship status in the 15-16 girls shot put - 32’5.25” and 100 meter hurdles - 16.01. She finished 4th in the Heptathlon - 3567 Points, 13th in the 200 – 27.44, and 11th in the 400 Hurdles – 1:16.08.Lakin Scott, in his first year of competition, took Regional champion status in the 8 year old boys shot put with a commanding toss of 18’3.”Tucker Schmidt continued his banner year of running the 9 year old boys 800 with a blistering time of 2:43.71 to earn a Regional Championship.Tayte Lewallen was impressive in the 12 year old Boys 80 meter Hurdles, capturing the regional Championship with a run of 14.10 seconds. Lewallen also took 4th in the Pentathlon, 2103 points, 3rd in the 800, 2:37.49, and 4th in the 4x100, along with Gavyn Wolf, Chris Grady, and Casen Flax, with a time of 54.92Last year's 3000 meter National champion, Emery Zimmerman, comes into this season just as strong by winning the Pentathlon with 2276 points, the 800 - 2:25.22, and 3000 meter run - 10:28.57. Zimmerman also took 2nd in the 1500 - 5:01.38.Jacob Leiker was crowned Regional Champion in the discus by throwing 111’9.” Leiker also took 3rd in both the Shot put - 33’2,” and javelin - 91’8;” as well as placing 13th in the 800 - 2:30.31.In all, 20 athletes qualified at the Region 16 AAU event in Arkansas to compete in the National meet in late July. Region 16 comprises athletes from Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Western Missouri and is considered one of the toughest regions in the U.S. to compete in.Results for the rest of the Striders are listed below:Gavyn Wolf, competing in the 12 year old boys division, placed 4th in the 4x100 meter dash, 9th in the 200, 28.65; and 10th in the 100, 14.25.Sydney Wince, 8 Under Girls, Long Jump - 13th, 5’9.25,” Turbo Javelin - 10th, 23’5”Cheyenne Vap, 9 Girls, Shot Put - 4th, 16’25”Kersee Wince, 9 Girls, Long Jump - 18th, 8’3.25,” High Jump - 3rd, 2’11,” Turbo Jav - 3rd, 21’8,” Triathlon - 5th, 143Jessie Wright, 12 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 13’9,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’4”Kaliyah Bannister, 15-16 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 15’3”Makayla Lewallen, 15-16 Girls, Heptathlon - 9th, 2520 points, High Jump - 7th, 4’7”Aubrey Birney, 17-18 Young Women, Long Jump - 12th, 14’5,” Triple Jump - 6th, 31’2.50,” High Jump - 3rd, 4’11”Zoe Brown, 17-18 Young Women, Heptathlon - 10th, 2597 points, Long Jump - 15th, 13’6”Finley Zimmerman, 8 Under Boys, 400 - 8th, 1:19.72, 800 - 6th, 3:06.78, 1500 - 4th, 6:24.89Pryce Day, 9 Boys, Long Jump - 25th, 9’00.25Austin Flax, 10 Boys, Long Jump - 11th, 10’1.25,” 200 - 21, 33.40, 800 - 7th, 2:59.66Casen Flax, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 6th, 13’8.25,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’6,” 4x100 - 4th, 54.92Chris Grady, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 13th, 11’5.75, 200 - 10th, 28.73, 4x100 - 4th, 54.92Robbie Readle, 13 Boys, 400 - 18th, 1:06.50, 800 - 16th, 2:40.34Logan Leiker, 15-16 Boys, 800 - 28th, 2:26.06, 1500 - 25th, 5:04.62, 3000 m Run - 13th, 11:05Caleb Englert, 15-16 Boys, Shot Put - 4th, 40’11,” Discus - 8th, 113’03”Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys, 400 m H - 5th, 1:08.39, 800 - 26th, 2:25.13Skeeter Gleason, 17-18 Young Men, 100 - 39th, 12.06, Long Jump - 19th, 18’4.50,” Triple Jump - 11th, 37’5.75”Kamani Jones, 17-18 Young Men, Triple Jump - 4th, 43’6.50,” Long Jump - 9th, 20’11.75

Hays Striders compete in AAU Region 16 qualifying track meet

In 1952, Americans elected WW II hero Dwight D. Eisenhower as President of the USA. The Diary of Anne Frank was first published in English. Polio crippled 57,000 children. The following year in 1953, Great Britain crowned Elizabeth II Queen. Jonas Salk gave himself and his family the first polio vaccine. The Korean War ended after 3 years. Crick and Watson discovered the double helix nature of DNA. By 1955, Salk’s vaccine is declared effective. Disneyland opens. The US gets involved in Viet Nam.

In nearly a decade, the world altered dramatically. So did Ellis, Kansas, including its schools. A major focus in the early 50s involved whether districts could shift tax dollars from one district to another when students changed districts. The led to annexation issues in 1953 when a Trego County Principal and board member attended a District 2 meeting to claim that the $116 dollars in state aid adequately compensated for accepting students from the Trego District. They protested Ellis’ request for tuition payments. Such equity issues led to boundary changes.

Another concern for the school board involved a lack of teacher housing in 1953. Fortunately, in Ellis, Reclamation Project Housing from the Cedar Bluff Dam Project was made available so the board didn’t have to do what some area districts did and build district-owned housing. Thankfully, the economy continued booming and teacher salaries rose approximately $100 per year. The salary schedule follows: $2,300—60-hour teacher; $2,400--90-hour teacher; $2,700—Degree teacher; $2,900—Master Degree. In addition, District 2 offered $100 per year other district experience and $150 per year in-district experience (up to 10 years). A man with a family earned an additional $400 per year more than minimum salary. 1958 Board records indicate this stipend was granted to a recently widowed female teacher.

Working conditions improved as teachers received days to pursue professional development. Supplemental benefits also increased. New teachers received 10 sick days and could accumulate 5 additional days per year of employment up to 30. They could use these days for personal or family (residing with teacher) illness. The board or superintendent could also approve professional development. The district compensated substitutes at $10 per day.

In 1955, the district hired a full-time special education teacher. The 8 students enrolled in this program qualified the district for state aid.

Change was key in 1956. The district budgeted $6,000 to start the first school lunch program. Additionally, the board designated $8,910 to buy two school buses by the fall of 1957. Offering far-reaching effects, District 2 ran bus routes to transport country kids to school. Students once limited to an 8th grade education could now easily attend high school. The district supported these innovations with a $147, 748.85 budget funded with a 17 ½ mill levy.

By 1957, salaries improved again with the base rising to $3,200 and $12 a day substitute pay. That same year, flood waters extensively damaged the high school, requiring clean up, building repairs, and new supplies.

Annexation was the focus in 1958. District 2 annexed rural districts 21, 15, and 12 from January to June. This required expanding busing services. This meant the transportation budget required $15,027.72--a jump from the $0 budget five years earlier. The same year, teacher salaries rose again. In contrast to progressive actions, the board voted to terminate pregnant teacher’s contracts at four months gestation.

During these years the role and function of Ellis public schools evolved. More students expected to attend school and graduate. These changes required more revenue from citizens to support busing, lunches, and special education. Committed to their young, Ellis citizens maintained strong schools.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5409b3cf-6e6a-46ec-b37b-7cccdee1b5de">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools 1940 — Part 14</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b963889f-d6c4-4188-9855-e29e2883a26c">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 13: 1935-1939</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/61399f29-0958-4290-85c4-6e96c610fc27">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 12: 1927-1933</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0de30e1b-bb01-44e2-bbee-2534451ce51d">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 11</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7dbf4b2f-ff51-490e-96d4-527cf5ce1596">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 10</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5d3b0050-884e-43a6-8da4-9419e81bbf3f">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;9</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6046ee3c-c6c2-4d3a-adf3-98084fcf506b">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 8</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a410c8ea-2038-4aa9-bbac-4ba20e3dce59">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;7</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c4d25696-4e64-4f03-b53f-52322f5800a6">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;6</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1be1bca-b1ce-4748-b41f-f04fdecdd0c9">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;5</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31162282-e1ad-4458-94c1-4efa3642155e">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 3</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4116f584-aca2-45ea-92ea-f4cb948ad1af">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;2</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/539bba70-e799-4512-9cf1-809101486476">Madroirn: The beginning of Ellis schools</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719850412896.jpeg" alt="Ellis Brick High School.&nbsp; Photo courtesy of Ellis Alumni Association" />
 <figcaption>Ellis Brick High School.&nbsp; Photo courtesy of Ellis Alumni Association</figcaption>
 </figure>In 1952, Americans elected WW II hero Dwight D. Eisenhower as President of the USA. The Diary of Anne Frank was first published in English. Polio crippled 57,000 children. The following year in 1953, Great Britain crowned Elizabeth II Queen. Jonas Salk gave himself and his family the first polio vaccine. The Korean War ended after 3 years. Crick and Watson discovered the double helix nature of DNA. By 1955, Salk’s vaccine is declared effective. Disneyland opens. The US gets involved in Viet Nam.In nearly a decade, the world altered dramatically. So did Ellis, Kansas, including its schools. A major focus in the early 50s involved whether districts could shift tax dollars from one district to another when students changed districts. The led to annexation issues in 1953 when a Trego County Principal and board member attended a District 2 meeting to claim that the $116 dollars in state aid adequately compensated for accepting students from the Trego District. They protested Ellis’ request for tuition payments. Such equity issues led to boundary changes.Another concern for the school board involved a lack of teacher housing in 1953. Fortunately, in Ellis, Reclamation Project Housing from the Cedar Bluff Dam Project was made available so the board didn’t have to do what some area districts did and build district-owned housing. Thankfully, the economy continued booming and teacher salaries rose approximately $100 per year. The salary schedule follows: $2,300—60-hour teacher; $2,400--90-hour teacher; $2,700—Degree teacher; $2,900—Master Degree. In addition, District 2 offered $100 per year other district experience and $150 per year in-district experience (up to 10 years). A man with a family earned an additional $400 per year more than minimum salary. 1958 Board records indicate this stipend was granted to a recently widowed female teacher.Working conditions improved as teachers received days to pursue professional development. Supplemental benefits also increased. New teachers received 10 sick days and could accumulate 5 additional days per year of employment up to 30. They could use these days for personal or family (residing with teacher) illness. The board or superintendent could also approve professional development. The district compensated substitutes at $10 per day.In 1955, the district hired a full-time special education teacher. The 8 students enrolled in this program qualified the district for state aid.Change was key in 1956. The district budgeted $6,000 to start the first school lunch program. Additionally, the board designated $8,910 to buy two school buses by the fall of 1957. Offering far-reaching effects, District 2 ran bus routes to transport country kids to school. Students once limited to an 8th grade education could now easily attend high school. The district supported these innovations with a $147, 748.85 budget funded with a 17 ½ mill levy.By 1957, salaries improved again with the base rising to $3,200 and $12 a day substitute pay. That same year, flood waters extensively damaged the high school, requiring clean up, building repairs, and new supplies.Annexation was the focus in 1958. District 2 annexed rural districts 21, 15, and 12 from January to June. This required expanding busing services. This meant the transportation budget required $15,027.72--a jump from the $0 budget five years earlier. The same year, teacher salaries rose again. In contrast to progressive actions, the board voted to terminate pregnant teacher’s contracts at four months gestation.During these years the role and function of Ellis public schools evolved. More students expected to attend school and graduate. These changes required more revenue from citizens to support busing, lunches, and special education. Committed to their young, Ellis citizens maintained strong schools.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5409b3cf-6e6a-46ec-b37b-7cccdee1b5de">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools 1940 — Part 14</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b963889f-d6c4-4188-9855-e29e2883a26c">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 13: 1935-1939</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/61399f29-0958-4290-85c4-6e96c610fc27">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 12: 1927-1933</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0de30e1b-bb01-44e2-bbee-2534451ce51d">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 11</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7dbf4b2f-ff51-490e-96d4-527cf5ce1596">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 10</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5d3b0050-884e-43a6-8da4-9419e81bbf3f">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;9</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6046ee3c-c6c2-4d3a-adf3-98084fcf506b">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 8</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a410c8ea-2038-4aa9-bbac-4ba20e3dce59">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;7</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c4d25696-4e64-4f03-b53f-52322f5800a6">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;6</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1be1bca-b1ce-4748-b41f-f04fdecdd0c9">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;5</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31162282-e1ad-4458-94c1-4efa3642155e">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 3</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4116f584-aca2-45ea-92ea-f4cb948ad1af">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;2</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/539bba70-e799-4512-9cf1-809101486476">Madroirn: The beginning of Ellis schools</a>

Madorin: History of Ellis Schools--Part 15

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719876387227.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><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

A Hays man who led law enforcement on a high-speed chase while under the influence of methamphetamine on March 17 was sentenced to 16 months in prison on Monday.

Cody Armbrister, 30, was sentenced in Ellis County District Court to prison on one count of felony fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement. 

Per a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to one count of fleeing and eluding.

Charges of aggravated assault, two more charges of fleeing and eluding, criminal damage to property, stalking, reckless driving and driving while suspended were dismissed.

Armbrister's attorney filed a motion for departure from the sentencing grid. He requested a sentence of probation, which would allow Armbrister to participate in in-patient drug and mental health treatment.

During his allocution, Armbrister told the court he had been placed in the foster care system after his mother went missing in 2004.

He said this trauma had led to mental health issues and a substance abuse problem, which he has never had the opportunity to seek treatment for.

"I want an opportunity to better myself for once," Armbrister said. "I'm asking for one opportunity to attempt to apply myself at treatment."

He said, "I understand I ran, but I was under the influence when I ran, and I was dealing with mental health issues when I ran. I want one chance.&nbsp;

"I'm 30 years old. I cannot continue to keep coming to this place and not dealing with my addiction."

Judge Glenn Braun denied Armbrister's request for a departure.&nbsp;

Armbrister has 16 prior convictions, three of which are felonies. This placed him on the highest box of the sentencing grid. Braun also noted he reoffended only 10 months after he was released from prison on another charge.

"That you were under the influence during a high-speed chase imperiled all of the other law-abiding citizens," Braun said.

"I think we are on the cusp of someone dying," he said. "This has shown that you have little respect for what you said was 'your' law.'"

Braun said he was concerned about the number of fleeing and eluding cases the court has heard during the last two years, calling it an epidemic.

"It's time you face the consequences for your actions," Braun said.

Armbrister was also ordered to serve 12 months of post-release supervision.

Braun urged Armbrister, if he is serious about recovery, to seek treatment once he is released from prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719922571785.png" alt="Armbrister has previous convictions for burglary, aggravated battery and theft, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.- photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Armbrister has previous convictions for burglary, aggravated battery and theft, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.- photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Hays man who led law enforcement on a high-speed chase while under the influence of methamphetamine on March 17 was sentenced to 16 months in prison on Monday.Cody Armbrister, 30, was sentenced in Ellis County District Court to prison on one count of felony fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement. Per a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to one count of fleeing and eluding.Charges of aggravated assault, two more charges of fleeing and eluding, criminal damage to property, stalking, reckless driving and driving while suspended were dismissed.Armbrister's attorney filed a motion for departure from the sentencing grid. He requested a sentence of probation, which would allow Armbrister to participate in in-patient drug and mental health treatment.During his allocution, Armbrister told the court he had been placed in the foster care system after his mother went missing in 2004.He said this trauma had led to mental health issues and a substance abuse problem, which he has never had the opportunity to seek treatment for."I want an opportunity to better myself for once," Armbrister said. "I'm asking for one opportunity to attempt to apply myself at treatment."He said, "I understand I ran, but I was under the influence when I ran, and I was dealing with mental health issues when I ran. I want one chance.&nbsp;"I'm 30 years old. I cannot continue to keep coming to this place and not dealing with my addiction."Judge Glenn Braun denied Armbrister's request for a departure.&nbsp;Armbrister has 16 prior convictions, three of which are felonies. This placed him on the highest box of the sentencing grid. Braun also noted he reoffended only 10 months after he was released from prison on another charge."That you were under the influence during a high-speed chase imperiled all of the other law-abiding citizens," Braun said."I think we are on the cusp of someone dying," he said. "This has shown that you have little respect for what you said was 'your' law.'"Braun said he was concerned about the number of fleeing and eluding cases the court has heard during the last two years, calling it an epidemic."It's time you face the consequences for your actions," Braun said.Armbrister was also ordered to serve 12 months of post-release supervision.Braun urged Armbrister, if he is serious about recovery, to seek treatment once he is released from prison.

Hays man sentenced on charge of fleeing, eluding law enforcement

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

Crude prices are up nearly ten percent from the first of June, and nearly 16% since the first of January. The near-month NYMEX contract for light sweet crude settled Friday at $81.54 per barrel, ending the month of June nearly seven dollars higher than June 1 and $11 higher than January 1. U.S. crude prices gained another two percent by lunchtime Monday, with NYMEX benchmark rising over $83 per barrel and London Brent topping $86.

The Kansas Geological Society recognized and named three new oil fields and two infield wildcat discoveries at its meeting last month in Wichita. The new fields are located in Gove, Rawlins and Thomas counties.

Operators filed 93 new intent-to-drill notices statewide last month, 506 for the first half of this year. 

The Kansas Corporation Commission reports Barton County with four new intents in June, 14 for the year so far, compared to 27 through June last year. Ellis County shows two new intents last month. That's five so far this year, compared to 24 through the first half of 2023. Russell County reports another two in June for a year-to-date total of six intents, which is up two from a year ago. Stafford County reports two intents in June, and eight through June, compared to 19 through June last year.

The Kansas Geological Survey reports statewide output rose from less than 59,000 barrels a day in January to over 78,000 barrels a day in February, as Kansas and much of the country dug out from under a winter storm event that shut down a big part of the patch. 

County averages all showed improvement in February, but all lag behind last year's tallies. Ellis County output through February averaged over five thousand barrels per day (bpd). Barton County was over 3,700 bpd. Russell County rises over 3,400 bpd, while Stafford County is over two thousand daily barrels.

Regulators in Kansas last week okayed 24 permits for drilling at new locations, or 474 for the first half of the year, compared to 651 a year ago. There are ten new permits in western Kansas including one in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 18 new well-completions for the week, or 643 so far this year. That's down from 874 by the end of June last year. There were just two completions in western Kansas last week, including one in Russell County.

The Kansas Rig Count is unchanged for the week, gaining two rigs in eastern Kansas and losing two west of Wichita. The tally is down seven percent from a month ago, and 32% lower than a year ago.

The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down six oil rigs and one gas rig for a total of 581 active rigs. That's the lowest total since December of 2021. Texas was down five rigs. Oklahoma and New Mexico were each down one.

U.S. crude production remained unchanged in the lower 48 states for the second week in a row. Output from Alaska dipped by 4,000 barrels a day.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports average output nationwide for the week through June 21st of 13,210,000 barrels per day.

Commercial crude stockpiles increased by 3.6 million barrels from a week ago. The Energy Information Administration reports inventories of 460.7 million barrels as of June 21. That's about two percent below the five-year-average for this time of year.

The government has added 1.7 million barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the last two weeks. They've notched a savings for the federal treasury of $238 million, by selling high and buying low. The Energy Department is refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for about $15 per barrel less than when we sold reserves to combat rising crude prices. Total strategic reserves are up more 24 million barrels from a year ago.

The U.S. is a net crude importer by about 2.7 million barrels per day. Crude imports last week were down from a week earlier, but up from a year ago, at 6.6 million barrels per day. Four-week average imports are up nearly a million barrels a day from last year.&nbsp; The government report shows nearly four million barrels a day of crude exports, down half a million daily barrels from the week before. The four-week average is up half a million daily barrels from last year.

We're setting records for the amount of natural gas energy producers that don't vent or flare. Despite, or perhaps because of record natural-gas production in the United States, the government says we've reduced the amount of natural gas this is burned at the well head or vented into the air. The Energy Information Administration reports 1.5% of all the natural gas we pulled out of the earth last year was vented or flared, the lowest rate in 18 years. 

Natural gas production during last year increased to a record of 125-billion cubic feet per day.&nbsp; Among history's worst offenders, North Dakota dropped from a venting and flaring rate of nearly 20% five years ago, to just over 5% last year.

Another big player places another big bet on liquefied natural gas. Shell has agreed to buy out the government of Singapore for an undisclosed price to take control of its huge LNG trader Pavilion Energy. Major energy players are banking on a growing role for natural gas, and predict demand will rise by more than 50% in the next 16 years. Shell is already the world's largest player in liquefied natural gas. The company expects the deal to close by early next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle CommunicationsCrude prices are up nearly ten percent from the first of June, and nearly 16% since the first of January. The near-month NYMEX contract for light sweet crude settled Friday at $81.54 per barrel, ending the month of June nearly seven dollars higher than June 1 and $11 higher than January 1. U.S. crude prices gained another two percent by lunchtime Monday, with NYMEX benchmark rising over $83 per barrel and London Brent topping $86.The Kansas Geological Society recognized and named three new oil fields and two infield wildcat discoveries at its meeting last month in Wichita. The new fields are located in Gove, Rawlins and Thomas counties.Operators filed 93 new intent-to-drill notices statewide last month, 506 for the first half of this year. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports Barton County with four new intents in June, 14 for the year so far, compared to 27 through June last year. Ellis County shows two new intents last month. That's five so far this year, compared to 24 through the first half of 2023. Russell County reports another two in June for a year-to-date total of six intents, which is up two from a year ago. Stafford County reports two intents in June, and eight through June, compared to 19 through June last year.The Kansas Geological Survey reports statewide output rose from less than 59,000 barrels a day in January to over 78,000 barrels a day in February, as Kansas and much of the country dug out from under a winter storm event that shut down a big part of the patch. County averages all showed improvement in February, but all lag behind last year's tallies. Ellis County output through February averaged over five thousand barrels per day (bpd). Barton County was over 3,700 bpd. Russell County rises over 3,400 bpd, while Stafford County is over two thousand daily barrels.Regulators in Kansas last week okayed 24 permits for drilling at new locations, or 474 for the first half of the year, compared to 651 a year ago. There are ten new permits in western Kansas including one in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 18 new well-completions for the week, or 643 so far this year. That's down from 874 by the end of June last year. There were just two completions in western Kansas last week, including one in Russell County. The Kansas Rig Count is unchanged for the week, gaining two rigs in eastern Kansas and losing two west of Wichita. The tally is down seven percent from a month ago, and 32% lower than a year ago.The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down six oil rigs and one gas rig for a total of 581 active rigs. That's the lowest total since December of 2021. Texas was down five rigs. Oklahoma and New Mexico were each down one.U.S. crude production remained unchanged in the lower 48 states for the second week in a row. Output from Alaska dipped by 4,000 barrels a day.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports average output nationwide for the week through June 21st of 13,210,000 barrels per day.Commercial crude stockpiles increased by 3.6 million barrels from a week ago. The Energy Information Administration reports inventories of 460.7 million barrels as of June 21. That's about two percent below the five-year-average for this time of year.The government has added 1.7 million barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the last two weeks. They've notched a savings for the federal treasury of $238 million, by selling high and buying low. The Energy Department is refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for about $15 per barrel less than when we sold reserves to combat rising crude prices. Total strategic reserves are up more 24 million barrels from a year ago.The U.S. is a net crude importer by about 2.7 million barrels per day. Crude imports last week were down from a week earlier, but up from a year ago, at 6.6 million barrels per day. Four-week average imports are up nearly a million barrels a day from last year.&nbsp; The government report shows nearly four million barrels a day of crude exports, down half a million daily barrels from the week before. The four-week average is up half a million daily barrels from last year.We're setting records for the amount of natural gas energy producers that don't vent or flare. Despite, or perhaps because of record natural-gas production in the United States, the government says we've reduced the amount of natural gas this is burned at the well head or vented into the air. The Energy Information Administration reports 1.5% of all the natural gas we pulled out of the earth last year was vented or flared, the lowest rate in 18 years. Natural gas production during last year increased to a record of 125-billion cubic feet per day.&nbsp; Among history's worst offenders, North Dakota dropped from a venting and flaring rate of nearly 20% five years ago, to just over 5% last year.Another big player places another big bet on liquefied natural gas. Shell has agreed to buy out the government of Singapore for an undisclosed price to take control of its huge LNG trader Pavilion Energy. Major energy players are banking on a growing role for natural gas, and predict demand will rise by more than 50% in the next 16 years. Shell is already the world's largest player in liquefied natural gas. The company expects the deal to close by early next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices rise 16% in 6 months

The Hays Police Department responded to 77 incidents June 16-22, 2024, according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574697410116.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HPDThe Hays Police Department responded to 77 incidents June 16-22, 2024, according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
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Hays Police Department activity log, June 16-22, 2024

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Hays Police Department arrest log, June 16-22, 2024

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Rain on-and-off Sunday in Hays yielded 0.62 inch of precipitation as officially measured at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

The high temperature was unseasonably cool at 76 degrees. One year ago on June 30, it was 89 degrees in Hays.&nbsp;

The Ag Research Center is now reporting 5.37 inches of rain for the month and 11.02 inches of rain year to date. That's just shy of Hays' average precipitation by the end of June of 11.31 inches.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/529b47cb-252a-420c-aba5-09d25afce69c">Today's forecast</a> is calling for a high of nearly 100 degrees with cooler temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683802187138.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostRain on-and-off Sunday in Hays yielded 0.62 inch of precipitation as officially measured at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.The high temperature was unseasonably cool at 76 degrees. One year ago on June 30, it was 89 degrees in Hays.&nbsp;The Ag Research Center is now reporting 5.37 inches of rain for the month and 11.02 inches of rain year to date. That's just shy of Hays' average precipitation by the end of June of 11.31 inches.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/529b47cb-252a-420c-aba5-09d25afce69c">Today's forecast</a> is calling for a high of nearly 100 degrees with cooler temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday.

Final June rain brings Hays' average annual moisture to near normal

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

By the time Mason Younger finished his high school
athletic career, he was one of the most decorated athletes in Ellis High School history,
winning multiple state wrestling championships and a state pole vault title. 

The accolades and hard work eventually earned him a track
and field scholarship to Fort Hays State University. While the journey was
not easy, Younger’s faith never wavered. In fact, his faith made it possible for him to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip that allowed him to share
his faith with others. 

Growing up, Younger thought he would be the
first-ever member of his family to wrestle in college.

Wrestling was always his passion, and after claiming a second-place finish as a sophomore, Younger went on to win back-to-back state championships, becoming the first Ellis Railroader to accomplish that feat.

But after 14 years, he began feeling burnt out and seriously looked elsewhere. There, he found track and field, specifically pole
vault.

“The reason that I chose pole vault over any of the
other events is because I thought it was the most interesting. It's the most unique
event in track and field. There's so many things that go into it, and it's
not that easy to even do let alone to be good at,” Younger said.

“I kind of
just felt like flying through the air. ... I kind of like challenging myself.”

After a rough freshman year, Younger began to focus on
improving at pole vault, and the results started to show.

"Track was always my second sport because I've done
wrestling for 14 years," Younger said. "It wasn't until after my sophomore
year that I actually started taking pole vault and track seriously."

That year, he earned a sixth-place finish at state, but Younger’s competitive nature fueled his desire to be better.

He said it all started to click at the end of his junior
year, culminating in a third-place finish. But that still wasn’t good
enough.

"After I trained through the summer before my senior year, I started going to camps. I started to see myself improve, and when I
started to see myself improve, that's when I was like, I want to do this in
college," Younger said. 

In his senior year, Younger said his goal was to earn
all-state football honors and win a state championship in wrestling and
pole vault.

In his senior season, Younger hauled in 65 passes for 941
yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him 1A Sports in Kansas first-team honors on
the football field.

He followed that with a record of 39-1 and his second
straight state wrestling championship at 144 pounds.

Then, in his first track meet of the season, he broke the school record in pole vault, clearing 13’7”. But after that, he struggled for much of
the season and could never clear the 14’ mark.

"It just wasn't clicking and wasn't making sense to me. Why couldn't I get it, and why wasn't my technique getting down?" Younger
said. "Me and my family ended up just praying about it, and I was like in God's
will and in his control that things will work."

He followed that with a regional performance of 14’6”, his new personal record, which also broke his previous school record.

Younger bettered his regional performance at state and
clinched the elusive 2A state pole vault title with a height of 14’7”.

The new record also worked well for Younger’s
scholarship situation at FHSU. Although he had previously contacted the coaches at
FHSU, it wasn’t until he reached the new height that he secured a
bigger scholarship opportunity.

"It means a lot because Fort Hays is obviously only 15
minutes away from where I live, and both my parents graduated from Fort Hays,"
Younger said. "I know that even my cousins and my aunts and uncles and
grandparents all love watching me and supporting me, so I know that being at Fort
Hays will be even better for them, too, is that they're even close enough that
they could come support and watch me."

He plans to major in health and human performance to become a chiropractor.

Younger is quick to praise God for the athletic success he
has experienced and says that his faith, growing up and attending the Ellis
Baptist Church, is an extremely important part of his life.

His faith is so important to him that he decided to take part in a mission
trip to Africa after the school year.

Younger was part of a group of six people who left the United States at
the end of May and spent two weeks in Africa. His mother, Jenifer, his older sister, Tessa, his best friend, Logan Russell, and a local Ellis teacher also participated in the mission trip.

Russell is also headed to Fort Hays State University next
season. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e58b4363-d4d8-4720-b0ca-04d952f095ef">He has signed to play football for the Tigers. </a>

Their trip took them to Johannesburg, South Africa, and then
to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Younger said they spent the week sharing the gospel there.

"We stayed in a mission house for a week down there and went to many different boys' homes and girls' homes. We went to a dump, which had a
church there, and we ministered that whole week. We talked to many different
people and different groups and gave our testimonies," Younger said.

After a week, they returned to Johannesburg before flying to
Kimberley, South Africa.

While in Kimberley, Younger said they spent the week on a
farm called Africa for Jesus. There, they were able to help teach lessons and
helped with manual labor.

“We helped teach lessons, and I learned a bunch just from
sitting down there and listening,” Younger said. “So, each different part that
we went to was all a completely different experience and a very eye opening
experience.”

Younger said that after the initial excitement of the trip wore off, he was a little apprehensive but believed it was worth it.

"Obviously, it was scary, fully committing to it," Younger
said. "But once we landed, and we met everybody down there, we all got
comfortable down in Africa. It all became way easier because I knew I
was there for God's will and not my own plan."

Younger said he’s unsure if he will take part in another
mission trip but will continue to lean on his Christian faith.

"My faith has been a huge part of my life because I don't
know what I would be or where I would be without having the Lord next to me the
whole time and having him guide my path and lead me into the right direction
that I can never leave myself," Younger said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719611774562.jpeg" alt="Younger signs with FHSU for track and field.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Younger signs with FHSU for track and field.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostBy the time Mason Younger finished his high school
athletic career, he was one of the most decorated athletes in Ellis High School history,
winning multiple state wrestling championships and a state pole vault title. The accolades and hard work eventually earned him a track
and field scholarship to Fort Hays State University. While the journey was
not easy, Younger’s faith never wavered. In fact, his faith made it possible for him to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip that allowed him to share
his faith with others. Growing up, Younger thought he would be the
first-ever member of his family to wrestle in college.Wrestling was always his passion, and after claiming a second-place finish as a sophomore, Younger went on to win back-to-back state championships, becoming the first Ellis Railroader to accomplish that feat.But after 14 years, he began feeling burnt out and seriously looked elsewhere. There, he found track and field, specifically pole
vault.“The reason that I chose pole vault over any of the
other events is because I thought it was the most interesting. It's the most unique
event in track and field. There's so many things that go into it, and it's
not that easy to even do let alone to be good at,” Younger said.“I kind of
just felt like flying through the air. ... I kind of like challenging myself.”After a rough freshman year, Younger began to focus on
improving at pole vault, and the results started to show."Track was always my second sport because I've done
wrestling for 14 years," Younger said. "It wasn't until after my sophomore
year that I actually started taking pole vault and track seriously."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719610484044.jpeg" alt="Younger became a three time state placer at this year's state track and field championship." />
 <figcaption>Younger became a three time state placer at this year's state track and field championship.</figcaption>
 </figure>That year, he earned a sixth-place finish at state, but Younger’s competitive nature fueled his desire to be better.He said it all started to click at the end of his junior
year, culminating in a third-place finish. But that still wasn’t good
enough."After I trained through the summer before my senior year, I started going to camps. I started to see myself improve, and when I
started to see myself improve, that's when I was like, I want to do this in
college," Younger said. In his senior year, Younger said his goal was to earn
all-state football honors and win a state championship in wrestling and
pole vault.In his senior season, Younger hauled in 65 passes for 941
yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him 1A Sports in Kansas first-team honors on
the football field.He followed that with a record of 39-1 and his second
straight state wrestling championship at 144 pounds.Then, in his first track meet of the season, he broke the school record in pole vault, clearing 13’7”. But after that, he struggled for much of
the season and could never clear the 14’ mark."It just wasn't clicking and wasn't making sense to me. Why couldn't I get it, and why wasn't my technique getting down?" Younger
said. "Me and my family ended up just praying about it, and I was like in God's
will and in his control that things will work."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719610468485.jpeg" alt="Younger capped off the state meet with his best performance.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Younger capped off the state meet with his best performance.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>He followed that with a regional performance of 14’6”, his new personal record, which also broke his previous school record.Younger bettered his regional performance at state and
clinched the elusive 2A state pole vault title with a height of 14’7”.The new record also worked well for Younger’s
scholarship situation at FHSU. Although he had previously contacted the coaches at
FHSU, it wasn’t until he reached the new height that he secured a
bigger scholarship opportunity."It means a lot because Fort Hays is obviously only 15
minutes away from where I live, and both my parents graduated from Fort Hays,"
Younger said. "I know that even my cousins and my aunts and uncles and
grandparents all love watching me and supporting me, so I know that being at Fort
Hays will be even better for them, too, is that they're even close enough that
they could come support and watch me."He plans to major in health and human performance to become a chiropractor.Younger is quick to praise God for the athletic success he
has experienced and says that his faith, growing up and attending the Ellis
Baptist Church, is an extremely important part of his life.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719610493306.jpeg" alt="Younger and the rest of the Ellis group pause for a photo in Africa.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Younger and the rest of the Ellis group pause for a photo in Africa.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>His faith is so important to him that he decided to take part in a mission
trip to Africa after the school year.Younger was part of a group of six people who left the United States at
the end of May and spent two weeks in Africa. His mother, Jenifer, his older sister, Tessa, his best friend, Logan Russell, and a local Ellis teacher also participated in the mission trip.Russell is also headed to Fort Hays State University next
season. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e58b4363-d4d8-4720-b0ca-04d952f095ef">He has signed to play football for the Tigers. </a>Their trip took them to Johannesburg, South Africa, and then
to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.Younger said they spent the week sharing the gospel there."We stayed in a mission house for a week down there and went to many different boys' homes and girls' homes. We went to a dump, which had a
church there, and we ministered that whole week. We talked to many different
people and different groups and gave our testimonies," Younger said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719610502292.jpeg" alt="The group attended a church located in a landfill in Africa.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The group attended a church located in a landfill in Africa.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>After a week, they returned to Johannesburg before flying to
Kimberley, South Africa.While in Kimberley, Younger said they spent the week on a
farm called Africa for Jesus. There, they were able to help teach lessons and
helped with manual labor.“We helped teach lessons, and I learned a bunch just from
sitting down there and listening,” Younger said. “So, each different part that
we went to was all a completely different experience and a very eye opening
experience.”Younger said that after the initial excitement of the trip wore off, he was a little apprehensive but believed it was worth it."Obviously, it was scary, fully committing to it," Younger
said. "But once we landed, and we met everybody down there, we all got
comfortable down in Africa. It all became way easier because I knew I
was there for God's will and not my own plan."Younger said he’s unsure if he will take part in another
mission trip but will continue to lean on his Christian faith."My faith has been a huge part of my life because I don't
know what I would be or where I would be without having the Lord next to me the
whole time and having him guide my path and lead me into the right direction
that I can never leave myself," Younger said.

Ellis athlete takes leaps of faith in athletics, service

TOPEKA –Rep. Troy&nbsp; Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is named to serve as chairman on the Joint Legislative BUILD Kansas Legislative Committee effective July 1, 2024. 

The appointment was made official in a statement by Speaker of the House, Daniel Hawkins, Wichita. 

Waymaster served as the vice-chairman of this committee from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

The BUILD Kansas program is Kansas’s coordinated approach to identifying best practices from across the nation for maximizing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) opportunities.

Formed in 2022, the Kansas Infrastructure Hub (Hub) connects multiple state agencies to serve as a resource center for Kansas communities.

The Hub will reach out to the private sector, as well as federal and local agencies, to develop partnerships and seek grant funds to strengthen Kansas infrastructure.

The BUILD Kansas programs encourage cities and counties to apply for infrastructure needs for the following: transportation, water, cybersecurity, resiliency, broadband and energy. 

The Joint Legislative BUILD Kansas Legislative Committee reviews the applications before forwarding them to the federal government.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621346439026.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Speaker of the Kansas HouseTOPEKA –Rep. Troy&nbsp; Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is named to serve as chairman on the Joint Legislative BUILD Kansas Legislative Committee effective July 1, 2024. The appointment was made official in a statement by Speaker of the House, Daniel Hawkins, Wichita. Waymaster served as the vice-chairman of this committee from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.The BUILD Kansas program is Kansas’s coordinated approach to identifying best practices from across the nation for maximizing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) opportunities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719594015232.png" alt="State of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>State of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Formed in 2022, the Kansas Infrastructure Hub (Hub) connects multiple state agencies to serve as a resource center for Kansas communities.The Hub will reach out to the private sector, as well as federal and local agencies, to develop partnerships and seek grant funds to strengthen Kansas infrastructure.The BUILD Kansas programs encourage cities and counties to apply for infrastructure needs for the following: transportation, water, cybersecurity, resiliency, broadband and energy. The Joint Legislative BUILD Kansas Legislative Committee reviews the applications before forwarding them to the federal government.Waymaster represents the 109th Kansas House District which includes the counties of Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith.

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