<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">The Chamber in Hays,
Kansas</a> is excited to announce the
launch of its highly anticipated Quarterly Lunch and Learn series, scheduled to
commence at noon on March 20 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350
E 8th St.

This inaugural event promises to
deliver invaluable insights into supporting employee mental wellness in the
workplace.

As a leading advocate for
professional development and community enrichment, The Chamber is dedicated to
equipping local businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary for success.
President and CEO Sarah Wasinger reiterated the organization's commitment to
fostering growth and prosperity within the Hays business community. 

“The Chamber is proud to
spearhead initiatives like the Quarterly Lunch and Learn series, which serve as
invaluable platforms for continuous learning and professional growth,"
Wasinger said.

Sponsored by Western Kansas
Therapy Associates, the first event in the series will feature speakers Josh
Tanguay and Lauren Mack, who will explore the crucial topic of "Supporting
Employee Mental Wellness." With mental health challenges affecting one in
five Americans, the need for employers to prioritize employee well-being has
never been more pressing.

During the presentation,
attendees will gain insights into identifying and addressing mental health
challenges in the workplace, as well as strategies for reducing stigma
surrounding mental health issues. Mack, a seasoned business owner and
veterinarian with a decade of experience will provide practical examples drawn
from her own professional journey. Complementing her expertise, Tanguay, a
practicing psychotherapist for over ten years, will offer a comprehensive
backdrop for understanding and responding to mental health challenges in the
workplace.

"The Chamber recognizes the
profound impact of mental wellness on workplace productivity and employee
satisfaction," Wasinger said. "Through events like the Quarterly
Lunch and Learn series, we aim to empower local businesses with the knowledge
and resources necessary to foster a supportive and inclusive work
environment."

The Chamber encourages all local
businesses and community members to attend this enlightening event and join the
collective effort to prioritize mental wellness in the workplace. 

“Together, we can create
healthier and more resilient work environments that benefit both employers and
employees alike,” Wasinger said.

To participate, registration is
required before March 15.

For more information about The
Chamber in Hays, Kansas, and to reserve your spot at the Quarterly Lunch and
Learn series, please visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634743366242.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">The Chamber in Hays,
Kansas</a> is excited to announce the
launch of its highly anticipated Quarterly Lunch and Learn series, scheduled to
commence at noon on March 20 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350
E 8th St.This inaugural event promises to
deliver invaluable insights into supporting employee mental wellness in the
workplace.As a leading advocate for
professional development and community enrichment, The Chamber is dedicated to
equipping local businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary for success.
President and CEO Sarah Wasinger reiterated the organization's commitment to
fostering growth and prosperity within the Hays business community. “The Chamber is proud to
spearhead initiatives like the Quarterly Lunch and Learn series, which serve as
invaluable platforms for continuous learning and professional growth,"
Wasinger said.Sponsored by Western Kansas
Therapy Associates, the first event in the series will feature speakers Josh
Tanguay and Lauren Mack, who will explore the crucial topic of "Supporting
Employee Mental Wellness." With mental health challenges affecting one in
five Americans, the need for employers to prioritize employee well-being has
never been more pressing.During the presentation,
attendees will gain insights into identifying and addressing mental health
challenges in the workplace, as well as strategies for reducing stigma
surrounding mental health issues. Mack, a seasoned business owner and
veterinarian with a decade of experience will provide practical examples drawn
from her own professional journey. Complementing her expertise, Tanguay, a
practicing psychotherapist for over ten years, will offer a comprehensive
backdrop for understanding and responding to mental health challenges in the
workplace."The Chamber recognizes the
profound impact of mental wellness on workplace productivity and employee
satisfaction," Wasinger said. "Through events like the Quarterly
Lunch and Learn series, we aim to empower local businesses with the knowledge
and resources necessary to foster a supportive and inclusive work
environment."The Chamber encourages all local
businesses and community members to attend this enlightening event and join the
collective effort to prioritize mental wellness in the workplace. “Together, we can create
healthier and more resilient work environments that benefit both employers and
employees alike,” Wasinger said.To participate, registration is
required before March 15.For more information about The
Chamber in Hays, Kansas, and to reserve your spot at the Quarterly Lunch and
Learn series, please visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

Chamber in Hays' Lunch and Learn series begins March 20

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The key to keeping young people in rural communities like Hays is bringing in new jobs, said Kansas Lt. Gov./Commerce Secretary David Toland at the ribbon cutting for the MicroFactory in Hays on Wednesday.

Toland was one of about 300 people who attended the celebration of the completion of the 30,000-square-foot facility.

The MicroFactory is meant to be a space where manufacturers can rent at a lower-than-market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.

Toland offered a quote, "If you want to go fast, you go it alone. If you want to go far, you go together."

"What I find remarkable about the MicroFactory and what's happening in Hays is that you have gone fast and far," Toland said.

"Every curve ball, you've figured out how to hit it."

The Department of Commerce has been able to partner in Hays for tangible results, he said.

Toland listed a variety of programs in addition to the MicroFactry that the state has contributed to in recent years, including the Northwest Business Corridor road project and HEAL grants, which revamp existing buildings for use for living and retail space.

"Most importantly, the bottom line is that this is about the creation of private sector businesses," Toland said. "That is how we create wealth in Kansas.

"We've got to have more businesses, particularly in northwest Kansas, the kind of businesses that will keep our kids in the region. For those kids we've lost who have graduated from high school or technical college or university here, and they've taken a job in Dallas, we're going to be making an intentional effort to go after them."

He said Kansas must highlight the jobs, housing, and cultural opportunities available in the state to those young people.

"There no shortage of good ideas, but what makes Grow Hays, this MicroFactory, what makes everything that's happening in Hays and northwest Kansas different," Toland said, "is that you've got the combination of great ideas and the ability to execute.

"That's why we are so proud to partner in making facilities like this a reality, and that's why I'm so excited to come back one year from today ... and see this thing filled up."

Grow Hays is in discussions with potential renters, but does not have any contracts signed yet,&nbsp;Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, said.

Rental rates for the building are all-inclusive, starting at $8 per square foot. The building can be divided into multiple spaces with variable square footage per rental.

"We want this building to fulfill the potential that it has," Williams said.

The facility also includes office and conference room space that the manufacturers or related businesses can rent.

The facility includes 12-foot overhead doors to easily move equipment, materials or goods.

It also has a security and fire suppression system and is climate-controlled.

The building is 1.6 miles from Interstate 70 via Commerce Parkway.

Williams thanked many partners who helped Grow Hays make the MicroFactory possible.&nbsp;

He quoted Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little. Together, we can do so much."

"I think this project exemplifies that very spirit," he said, "because it took a lot of people and a lot of effort to get this done. ..."

The idea for the project originated in 2020, with the project breaking ground in 2022.

David Clingan, Grow Hays director of recruitment and retention, submitted and received a $2.6 million base grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce for the MicroFactory.

Inflation drove the cost of the project from $3 million to $4.5 million.&nbsp;

The Patterson Family Foundation and Robert E. and Patrica Schmidt Foundation each contributed $500,000 to the project. The Innovation Center in Norton made up the gap with a loan agreement for $750,000.

Heart of America Development Cooperation donated the land for the project. Network Kansas provided technology funding. Nex-Tech and Vyve both provided internet services.&nbsp;

The city of Hays passed industrial revenue bonds that allowed Grow Hays to construct the building without paying sales tax on the materials and with a 10-year tax abatement.&nbsp;

"That allows us to pass that on to tenants in terms of savings, so they can be able to start up their businesses and operate more cost effectively than they could in any other way," Williams said.&nbsp;

Anderson Knight was the architect of the building. Commercial Builders was the contractor. Other contractors included Werth Plumbing and Heating, Meyer Electric, TreeTop Security, M&amp;D Excavating, State Glass, Vitztum Commercial Flooring, Sweeney's Pavement Maintenance, Riedel Garden Center, 21st Century Construction, Strobel Door and Repair, Pryor Automatic Fire Sprinkler, Kitchens Inc., QMC and CK Technologies. Driggs Design Group was the engineering firm on the project.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710359413737.jpeg" alt="An estimated 300 people joined Grow Hays on Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the&nbsp;30,000-square-foot MicroFactory in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An estimated 300 people joined Grow Hays on Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the&nbsp;30,000-square-foot MicroFactory in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe key to keeping young people in rural communities like Hays is bringing in new jobs, said Kansas Lt. Gov./Commerce Secretary David Toland at the ribbon cutting for the MicroFactory in Hays on Wednesday.Toland was one of about 300 people who attended the celebration of the completion of the 30,000-square-foot facility.The MicroFactory is meant to be a space where manufacturers can rent at a lower-than-market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.Toland offered a quote, "If you want to go fast, you go it alone. If you want to go far, you go together.""What I find remarkable about the MicroFactory and what's happening in Hays is that you have gone fast and far," Toland said."Every curve ball, you've figured out how to hit it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710359203890.jpeg" alt="The MicroFactory, 3000 Ninth in Hays,&nbsp;is meant to be a space manufacturers can rent for a lower-than-market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The MicroFactory, 3000 Ninth in Hays,&nbsp;is meant to be a space manufacturers can rent for a lower-than-market rate as they launch new businesses or product lines.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Department of Commerce has been able to partner in Hays for tangible results, he said.Toland listed a variety of programs in addition to the MicroFactry that the state has contributed to in recent years, including the Northwest Business Corridor road project and HEAL grants, which revamp existing buildings for use for living and retail space."Most importantly, the bottom line is that this is about the creation of private sector businesses," Toland said. "That is how we create wealth in Kansas."We've got to have more businesses, particularly in northwest Kansas, the kind of businesses that will keep our kids in the region. For those kids we've lost who have graduated from high school or technical college or university here, and they've taken a job in Dallas, we're going to be making an intentional effort to go after them."He said Kansas must highlight the jobs, housing, and cultural opportunities available in the state to those young people.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710359885332.jpeg" alt="Lt. Gov. David Toland highlighted the need to create new private sector businesses in Kansas during a speech at the MicroFactory ribbon cutting Wednesday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lt. Gov. David Toland highlighted the need to create new private sector businesses in Kansas during a speech at the MicroFactory ribbon cutting Wednesday in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"There no shortage of good ideas, but what makes Grow Hays, this MicroFactory, what makes everything that's happening in Hays and northwest Kansas different," Toland said, "is that you've got the combination of great ideas and the ability to execute."That's why we are so proud to partner in making facilities like this a reality, and that's why I'm so excited to come back one year from today ... and see this thing filled up."Grow Hays is in discussions with potential renters, but does not have any contracts signed yet,&nbsp;Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, said.Rental rates for the building are all-inclusive, starting at $8 per square foot. The building can be divided into multiple spaces with variable square footage per rental."We want this building to fulfill the potential that it has," Williams said.The facility also includes office and conference room space that the manufacturers or related businesses can rent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710359455020.jpeg" alt="The MicroFactory can be split between different manufacturers and is equipped with overhead doors for easy movement of equipment, materials and products.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The MicroFactory can be split between different manufacturers and is equipped with overhead doors for easy movement of equipment, materials and products.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The facility includes 12-foot overhead doors to easily move equipment, materials or goods.It also has a security and fire suppression system and is climate-controlled.The building is 1.6 miles from Interstate 70 via Commerce Parkway.Williams thanked many partners who helped Grow Hays make the MicroFactory possible.&nbsp;He quoted Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little. Together, we can do so much.""I think this project exemplifies that very spirit," he said, "because it took a lot of people and a lot of effort to get this done. ..."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710359662485.jpeg" alt="Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, thanked the many partners that made the MicroFactory possible.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, thanked the many partners that made the MicroFactory possible.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The idea for the project originated in 2020, with the project breaking ground in 2022.David Clingan, Grow Hays director of recruitment and retention, submitted and received a $2.6 million base grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce for the MicroFactory.Inflation drove the cost of the project from $3 million to $4.5 million.&nbsp;The Patterson Family Foundation and Robert E. and Patrica Schmidt Foundation each contributed $500,000 to the project. The Innovation Center in Norton made up the gap with a loan agreement for $750,000.Heart of America Development Cooperation donated the land for the project. Network Kansas provided technology funding. Nex-Tech and Vyve both provided internet services.&nbsp;The city of Hays passed industrial revenue bonds that allowed Grow Hays to construct the building without paying sales tax on the materials and with a 10-year tax abatement.&nbsp;"That allows us to pass that on to tenants in terms of savings, so they can be able to start up their businesses and operate more cost effectively than they could in any other way," Williams said.&nbsp;Anderson Knight was the architect of the building. Commercial Builders was the contractor. Other contractors included Werth Plumbing and Heating, Meyer Electric, TreeTop Security, M&amp;D Excavating, State Glass, Vitztum Commercial Flooring, Sweeney's Pavement Maintenance, Riedel Garden Center, 21st Century Construction, Strobel Door and Repair, Pryor Automatic Fire Sprinkler, Kitchens Inc., QMC and CK Technologies. Driggs Design Group was the engineering firm on the project.&nbsp;

Grow Hays cuts ribbon on $4.5 million MicroFactory

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fa3b93b-40fb-493c-ab10-6969085c9236">In a recent letter, Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling claimed to educate readers on a few different items in light of recent texts she found bothersome from the ACLU to her constituents.</a>

We find it troubling that Ms. Dreiling seems to be misrepresenting how long Hays residents have been asking for a polling location on the Fort Hays State University campus.

This request predates even Ms. Dreiling herself as county clerk. In fact, various cycles of FHSU students involved in the American Democracy Project have been calling for an accessible polling location on campus for Hays residents for over 30 years now, and Ms. Dreiling has been hearing these requests since she took office in 2020.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1003c849-550c-4e4f-9ea9-f09612b83481">SEE RELATED STORY: Letter to the editor: Ellis Co. Clerk says FHSU polling site not economically feasible</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1003c849-550c-4e4f-9ea9-f09612b83481">SEE RELATED STORY: Letter to the Editor: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSU polling site</a>

It’s increasingly frustrating to see Ms. Dreiling position herself as a victim, most recently by her recent letter misdirecting how she has ignored the needs of the voters she serves for as long as she has been in office. Maybe she misunderstands this organizing model: this community was approached and asked us what our biggest need was and offered tools to get attention on the issue we otherwise wouldn't have.

That support has included texts encouraging Ms. Dreiling’s constituents who support a campus polling location to make their voices heard. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41ff16d-5ac9-48bb-af4a-8e749624ead3">Because in contrast, by ignoring requests from voters and even closing the poll closest to FHSU last year, Ms. Dreiling is clearly more interested in arguing with us in the local paper and ensuring our voices are not heard.</a>

A couple of things Ms. Dreiling points out: 1) there are many considerations for accessibility with any new polling location and 2) turnout at the polling location she shut down was low.

Yes, we agree. But here, she either forgets or intentionally fails to include that 1) she received numerous proposals for FHSU locations that would meet those location considerations, proposals that included far more detail than the more distant location she ultimately decided on and 2) <a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/publications/all-democracy-still-local">research shows that in Kansas, having more polling locations in a county has the highest correlation with voter turnout. Fewer voters per poll means a poll is less crowded, has shorter lines, and that voters have less average distance to travel.</a>

There is something disturbing about a public official responding to low voter turnout in a certain precinct by shutting down access even more and to constituent requests with divisive smoke and mirrors. As a county clerk, Ms. Dreiling has enormous power and numerous tools at her disposal to increase voter turnout, and none of these are closing a poll.

By trying to center the conversation on her victimhood, Ms. Dreiling aims to erase the recent history of how she has (failed to) engage or meet the needs of her own constituents and tries to shirk the responsibility of her office. Had she chosen the route of increased access, she would have never gotten those texts she is so bothered about.

— Madison Albers, Edward Brown, Anniston Weber, Hays residents

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699282713688.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fa3b93b-40fb-493c-ab10-6969085c9236">In a recent letter, Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling claimed to educate readers on a few different items in light of recent texts she found bothersome from the ACLU to her constituents.</a>We find it troubling that Ms. Dreiling seems to be misrepresenting how long Hays residents have been asking for a polling location on the Fort Hays State University campus.This request predates even Ms. Dreiling herself as county clerk. In fact, various cycles of FHSU students involved in the American Democracy Project have been calling for an accessible polling location on campus for Hays residents for over 30 years now, and Ms. Dreiling has been hearing these requests since she took office in 2020.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1003c849-550c-4e4f-9ea9-f09612b83481">SEE RELATED STORY: Letter to the editor: Ellis Co. Clerk says FHSU polling site not economically feasible</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1003c849-550c-4e4f-9ea9-f09612b83481">SEE RELATED STORY: Letter to the Editor: Students urge Ellis County Clerk to create FHSU polling site</a>It’s increasingly frustrating to see Ms. Dreiling position herself as a victim, most recently by her recent letter misdirecting how she has ignored the needs of the voters she serves for as long as she has been in office. Maybe she misunderstands this organizing model: this community was approached and asked us what our biggest need was and offered tools to get attention on the issue we otherwise wouldn't have. That support has included texts encouraging Ms. Dreiling’s constituents who support a campus polling location to make their voices heard. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41ff16d-5ac9-48bb-af4a-8e749624ead3">Because in contrast, by ignoring requests from voters and even closing the poll closest to FHSU last year, Ms. Dreiling is clearly more interested in arguing with us in the local paper and ensuring our voices are not heard.</a>A couple of things Ms. Dreiling points out: 1) there are many considerations for accessibility with any new polling location and 2) turnout at the polling location she shut down was low.Yes, we agree. But here, she either forgets or intentionally fails to include that 1) she received numerous proposals for FHSU locations that would meet those location considerations, proposals that included far more detail than the more distant location she ultimately decided on and 2) <a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/publications/all-democracy-still-local">research shows that in Kansas, having more polling locations in a county has the highest correlation with voter turnout. Fewer voters per poll means a poll is less crowded, has shorter lines, and that voters have less average distance to travel.</a>There is something disturbing about a public official responding to low voter turnout in a certain precinct by shutting down access even more and to constituent requests with divisive smoke and mirrors. As a county clerk, Ms. Dreiling has enormous power and numerous tools at her disposal to increase voter turnout, and none of these are closing a poll.By trying to center the conversation on her victimhood, Ms. Dreiling aims to erase the recent history of how she has (failed to) engage or meet the needs of her own constituents and tries to shirk the responsibility of her office. Had she chosen the route of increased access, she would have never gotten those texts she is so bothered about.— Madison Albers, Edward Brown, Anniston Weber, Hays residents

LETTER: Hays residents back ACLU texts supporting FHSU polling location

BARTON COUNTY —A Rush County woman has a local business and law enforcement officers to thank for finding and returning the $44,900 in cash she could have easily lost to a scam. In addition, she was prevented from sending off another $20,000 in cash, according to a social media report from Great Bend Police.

“This began when UPS Store employees in Great Bend were suspicious of a package because something was loose inside,” said Det. John Reynolds of the Great Bend Police Department. “They decided to inspect the package only to discover a large amount of cash.

“They called us right away and, thanks to their diligence, the woman has all her money back.”

When Reynolds was notified of the circumstances, he reviewed the UPS Store’s video surveillance. He then took a picture from that video of the woman who wanted to ship the package to a business in Orange, Calif.

In the meantime, Det. Shane Becker started calling area banks, asking about any recent large cash withdrawals.

“As it turned out,” Reynolds said, “three area banks were involved and the woman’s photo was identified at one of the banks.”

Police also learned that the woman, who is in her 70s, was preparing to send off another $20,000. Her son was involved by this time and that cash was never shipped anywhere.

The incident began when the woman received a phone call from what appeared to be Washington, D.C., which was on the Caller ID.

“The caller said he was from the Department of Commerce. He told her they knew she had been involved in some type of scheme,” Reynolds reported. “Then she was informed that it would take $44,900 to keep her out of trouble. She later received a second call demanding $20,000. If they think they have been successful with the first call, they will try again. Thankfully, the bank had notified her son, and the loss was prevented.”

The caller suggested that, if banks started asking questions, the woman should explain that she was buying a vehicle with the cash.

“We all know these kinds of scams occur frequently,” Reynolds said. “I encourage everyone to keep in mind that no legitimate business or government agency is ever going to demand cash. The best advice I can give is to verify that a caller is legitimate and if you have any questions, contact law enforcement.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710336521429.jpeg" alt="The Great Bend Police Department recovered $44,900 in cash recently and returned it to its rightful owner." />
 <figcaption>The Great Bend Police Department recovered $44,900 in cash recently and returned it to its rightful owner.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —A Rush County woman has a local business and law enforcement officers to thank for finding and returning the $44,900 in cash she could have easily lost to a scam. In addition, she was prevented from sending off another $20,000 in cash, according to a social media report from Great Bend Police.“This began when UPS Store employees in Great Bend were suspicious of a package because something was loose inside,” said Det. John Reynolds of the Great Bend Police Department. “They decided to inspect the package only to discover a large amount of cash.“They called us right away and, thanks to their diligence, the woman has all her money back.”When Reynolds was notified of the circumstances, he reviewed the UPS Store’s video surveillance. He then took a picture from that video of the woman who wanted to ship the package to a business in Orange, Calif.In the meantime, Det. Shane Becker started calling area banks, asking about any recent large cash withdrawals.“As it turned out,” Reynolds said, “three area banks were involved and the woman’s photo was identified at one of the banks.”Police also learned that the woman, who is in her 70s, was preparing to send off another $20,000. Her son was involved by this time and that cash was never shipped anywhere.The incident began when the woman received a phone call from what appeared to be Washington, D.C., which was on the Caller ID.“The caller said he was from the Department of Commerce. He told her they knew she had been involved in some type of scheme,” Reynolds reported. “Then she was informed that it would take $44,900 to keep her out of trouble. She later received a second call demanding $20,000. If they think they have been successful with the first call, they will try again. Thankfully, the bank had notified her son, and the loss was prevented.”The caller suggested that, if banks started asking questions, the woman should explain that she was buying a vehicle with the cash.“We all know these kinds of scams occur frequently,” Reynolds said. “I encourage everyone to keep in mind that no legitimate business or government agency is ever going to demand cash. The best advice I can give is to verify that a caller is legitimate and if you have any questions, contact law enforcement.”

UPS Store, police work to return $44K to Rush Co. woman

Honoring the late co-founder of the Deines Cultural Center’s monthly jam session, a special “Pickin’ at the Deines” event is being held this month on March 17th. The 3rd Annual Ronn Raymer Memorial Jam will begin at 3 pm on Sunday, March 17th at the Center at 820 N. Main in Russell with the traditional pot luck supper served at 5 pm followed by more music. Participants are encouraged to bring their acoustic instrument(s), their voice, a listening ear, and a food dish to share.

Beginning with the Frances Giebler Fiddle Fest in 2003, Raymer and Bob Roe of Russell, JF Stover of Hill City, and Nancy Selbe, former director of the DCC began the sessions as a meeting and sharing of regional musicians. Sessions have been attended by professional and amateur musicians from Colorado, Kansas City, Hill City, Great Bend, Osborne, Plainville, Jetmore, Garden City, Sterling, Hays, Memphis and more.

Raymer was a consistent participant, leader and promoter of the jam sessions providing vocals and playing guitar, auto-harp, washboard and ukulele. His presence will be included at the memorial session with videos shared by his family and family members will be attending.

SubmittedHonoring the late co-founder of the Deines Cultural Center’s monthly jam session, a special “Pickin’ at the Deines” event is being held this month on March 17th. The 3rd Annual Ronn Raymer Memorial Jam will begin at 3 pm on Sunday, March 17th at the Center at 820 N. Main in Russell with the traditional pot luck supper served at 5 pm followed by more music. Participants are encouraged to bring their acoustic instrument(s), their voice, a listening ear, and a food dish to share.Beginning with the Frances Giebler Fiddle Fest in 2003, Raymer and Bob Roe of Russell, JF Stover of Hill City, and Nancy Selbe, former director of the DCC began the sessions as a meeting and sharing of regional musicians. Sessions have been attended by professional and amateur musicians from Colorado, Kansas City, Hill City, Great Bend, Osborne, Plainville, Jetmore, Garden City, Sterling, Hays, Memphis and more.Raymer was a consistent participant, leader and promoter of the jam sessions providing vocals and playing guitar, auto-harp, washboard and ukulele. His presence will be included at the memorial session with videos shared by his family and family members will be attending.

'Pickin' at the Deines set for March 17

Sunflower Electric Power Corp. (Sunflower) has promoted five staff members to manager positions. Sunflower, a wholesale energy provider with seven electric distribution member-owners, has more than 400 employees working at its offices and generation facilities across central and western Kansas.

Ray Bergmeier was promoted to senior manager of transmission policy and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance. He will be responsible for managing transmission policy activities as they relate to Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), and other regulatory policies. He will also assist with transmission agreements and research issues related to transmission policy, and he will ensure compliance with mandatory NERC requirements and other applicable compliance regulations.

A native of Kingman, Kan., and Washburn School of Law, Bergmeier has been with Sunflower since 2014. He served as staff attorney supporting Sunflower on transmission policy, as well as general legal and policy matters. He has also been instrumental in the development of a transmission cost allocation initiative and strategic engagement at SPP and FERC.

Lynn Schroeder was promoted to senior manager of transmission engineering design, planning, and protection. She will be responsible for directing activities in the transmission engineering substation design, protection, and planning departments, including establishing strategies and objectives in support of Sunflower’s transmission group. She will ensure Sunflower transmission substations are designed and maintained within the limitations of all applicable regulations and industry standards and that transmission and planning meet NERC reliability standards.

A native of Salina, Kan. and graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Schroeder has been with Sunflower since 2019. A licensed Professional Engineer, she has a strong background in substation design, system protection, leadership, and NERC compliance. She was instrumental in training less experienced engineers in system protection.

With Sunflower since 2010, Derek Vonada was promoted to manager of transmission substation design. He will be responsible for managing the daily activities of the transmission substation design engineering group, ensuring compliance with all applicable standards and laws.

Vonada is a native of Sylvan Grove, Kan., and a graduate of Kansas State University, earning his Professional Engineer license in 2015. He has a strong substation design, system protection and project management background and has been involved with numerous substation and transmission line projects at Sunflower.

Ryan Yokley was promoted to manager of strategy planning engineering. He will be responsible for providing advanced transmission engineering and strategic activities support as it relates to the SPP Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) functions that impact Sunflower. He will provide advanced transmission and distribution support as it relates to Sunflower local planning activities and will monitor the activities of national entities, such as NERC, FERC, and national transmission organizations, as they relate to industry shifts impacting Sunflower. He will also mentor and guide power flow studies for junior engineers.

A native of Chanute, Kan., and graduate of Kansas State University, Yokley has been with Sunflower since 2010. He focused on the SPP Integrated Transmission Planning Process, providing support with long-term transmission studies, and guided transmission planning activities related to SPP. He has a strong electrical engineering background with a focus on power systems and has maintained both Professional Engineer and Certified Energy Manager Licenses since 2014.

Anne Erbert was promoted to manager of member solutions. She will be responsible for leading and managing the member solutions team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services, resolving member concerns, and implementing solutions to enhance member satisfaction within Sunflower’s member systems and region.

A native of Hays, Kan., and graduate of Fort Hays State University, Erbert has been with Sunflower since 2018. Previously a key accounts director, she served as a liaison for Sunflower’s members to communicate business needs to internal staff and provided regular updates for key account projects. In addition, Erbert assisted Sunflower’s members with supporting data to aid in new business attraction, business expansion, and business retention efforts.

“Congratulations to these five individuals on their success and promotions at Sunflower,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower’s president and CEO. “They, along with their colleagues, work hard every day to ensure that we meet our mission of providing our seven member-owner distribution utilities with wholesale energy services they need to serve central and western Kansas.”

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier that operates a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based generating plants and a transmission system of approximately 2,400 miles for the needs of its seven members, who serve customers living in central and western Kansas. The focus of Sunflower’s 400+ workforce is to deliver its members with reliable energy at the lowest possible cost. For more Sunflower information visit sunflower.net, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a Member of Sunflower.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687555691086.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSunflower Electric Power Corp. (Sunflower) has promoted five staff members to manager positions. Sunflower, a wholesale energy provider with seven electric distribution member-owners, has more than 400 employees working at its offices and generation facilities across central and western Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710442263203.jpeg" alt="Ray Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Ray Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Ray Bergmeier was promoted to senior manager of transmission policy and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance. He will be responsible for managing transmission policy activities as they relate to Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), and other regulatory policies. He will also assist with transmission agreements and research issues related to transmission policy, and he will ensure compliance with mandatory NERC requirements and other applicable compliance regulations.A native of Kingman, Kan., and Washburn School of Law, Bergmeier has been with Sunflower since 2014. He served as staff attorney supporting Sunflower on transmission policy, as well as general legal and policy matters. He has also been instrumental in the development of a transmission cost allocation initiative and strategic engagement at SPP and FERC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710442279627.jpeg" alt="Lynn Schroeder" />
 <figcaption>Lynn Schroeder</figcaption>
 </figure>Lynn Schroeder was promoted to senior manager of transmission engineering design, planning, and protection. She will be responsible for directing activities in the transmission engineering substation design, protection, and planning departments, including establishing strategies and objectives in support of Sunflower’s transmission group. She will ensure Sunflower transmission substations are designed and maintained within the limitations of all applicable regulations and industry standards and that transmission and planning meet NERC reliability standards.A native of Salina, Kan. and graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Schroeder has been with Sunflower since 2019. A licensed Professional Engineer, she has a strong background in substation design, system protection, leadership, and NERC compliance. She was instrumental in training less experienced engineers in system protection.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710442301726.jpeg" alt="Derek Vonada" />
 <figcaption>Derek Vonada</figcaption>
 </figure>With Sunflower since 2010, Derek Vonada was promoted to manager of transmission substation design. He will be responsible for managing the daily activities of the transmission substation design engineering group, ensuring compliance with all applicable standards and laws.Vonada is a native of Sylvan Grove, Kan., and a graduate of Kansas State University, earning his Professional Engineer license in 2015. He has a strong substation design, system protection and project management background and has been involved with numerous substation and transmission line projects at Sunflower.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710442320232.jpeg" alt="Ryan Yokley" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Yokley</figcaption>
 </figure>Ryan Yokley was promoted to manager of strategy planning engineering. He will be responsible for providing advanced transmission engineering and strategic activities support as it relates to the SPP Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) functions that impact Sunflower. He will provide advanced transmission and distribution support as it relates to Sunflower local planning activities and will monitor the activities of national entities, such as NERC, FERC, and national transmission organizations, as they relate to industry shifts impacting Sunflower. He will also mentor and guide power flow studies for junior engineers.A native of Chanute, Kan., and graduate of Kansas State University, Yokley has been with Sunflower since 2010. He focused on the SPP Integrated Transmission Planning Process, providing support with long-term transmission studies, and guided transmission planning activities related to SPP. He has a strong electrical engineering background with a focus on power systems and has maintained both Professional Engineer and Certified Energy Manager Licenses since 2014.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710442339294.jpeg" alt="Anne Erbert" />
 <figcaption>Anne Erbert</figcaption>
 </figure>Anne Erbert was promoted to manager of member solutions. She will be responsible for leading and managing the member solutions team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services, resolving member concerns, and implementing solutions to enhance member satisfaction within Sunflower’s member systems and region.A native of Hays, Kan., and graduate of Fort Hays State University, Erbert has been with Sunflower since 2018. Previously a key accounts director, she served as a liaison for Sunflower’s members to communicate business needs to internal staff and provided regular updates for key account projects. In addition, Erbert assisted Sunflower’s members with supporting data to aid in new business attraction, business expansion, and business retention efforts.“Congratulations to these five individuals on their success and promotions at Sunflower,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower’s president and CEO. “They, along with their colleagues, work hard every day to ensure that we meet our mission of providing our seven member-owner distribution utilities with wholesale energy services they need to serve central and western Kansas.”About SunflowerSunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier that operates a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based generating plants and a transmission system of approximately 2,400 miles for the needs of its seven members, who serve customers living in central and western Kansas. The focus of Sunflower’s 400+ workforce is to deliver its members with reliable energy at the lowest possible cost. For more Sunflower information visit sunflower.net, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a Member of Sunflower.

Sunflower Electric Power Corp. names 5 staff as new managers

Like clockwork, every year starting in February and ending in April, sandhill cranes migrate to the North Platte River in mid-Nebraska. Once I learn a quarter million long-legged, pointy beaked, dancing birds have landed for their annual feeding marathon that fuels their final journey to the tundra, we join them for a day. We watch them float on thermals, eat fallen corn, or practice courtship rituals in Nebraska farm fields. Even if I couldn’t see them, listening to their throaty rattles that sound similar to squeezing an empty dish detergent bottle would make the journey worthwhile.

This year’s influx started early so by the first week in March, biologists announced the appearance of at least 274,000 cranes. Upon reaching our destination on March 3rd, we drove our usual routes searching for sandhill flocks. Disappointment on steroids!

Despite the slow start, Monday morning offered a better chapter to our ongoing saga. We left Kearney at dawn under pink, lavender, and blue crane-filled skies. Hordes of long-necked birds trailing skinny legs flew lazily across a cloud-filled canvas. Even though the thermometer registered 33 degrees, we lowered windows to capture every note of that prehistoric Spring song.

Each visit, we expand our search area, seeking fresh fields and flocks. This year, we found a new road edging the Platte, with only one other car to share the view. We enjoyed spying grassy, track-filled islands in the river where cranes roost overnight in order to hear predators sneaking up. This advance warning system allows them to escape hungry critters desiring a tasty ribeye from the sky.

Speaking of predators, we noted a scruffy bald eagle lurking atop a power pole, hoping to snag a weakened crane. Based on this raptor’s rough condition, it struggled to find satisfying meals. As much as I love eagles, I rooted for the cranes to escape this hunter.

In addition to predators, other migratory flocks journey north with cranes. A local alerted us to look for arctic terns. For a moment, we thought we’d spied these unique creatures cruising from one sandy island to another in the river. These speedy dudes made photos nearly impossible. After I snapped a shot, our hopes were dashed upon realizing this was a flock of gulls in bright morning light. So much for adding a lifer to our birding list.

Along one sandy avenue, developers crafted a wood blind with peep holes for viewing cranes that flock around a pond paralleling the Platte. We stopped long enough to watch a crane bathe. In decades of sandhill viewing, this was a first. That crazy bird enjoyed every dip and dunk, rising gleefully to shake dry in a crazy mist. Once satisfied it cleared any remaining droplets, it started over again. I wondered if it recently arrived and had travel dust to scrub away. Nearby cranes ignored it until its gyrations intruded into their space.

Over decades, I’ve photographed thousands of cranes. Despite many saved pics, I can’t wait to zoom in again, wondering how often I get the same birds year after year. No matter, I’ll be ready next spring when cranes arrowing across Western Kansas invite me to join them once again along the Platte.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709948315362.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINLike clockwork, every year starting in February and ending in April, sandhill cranes migrate to the North Platte River in mid-Nebraska. Once I learn a quarter million long-legged, pointy beaked, dancing birds have landed for their annual feeding marathon that fuels their final journey to the tundra, we join them for a day. We watch them float on thermals, eat fallen corn, or practice courtship rituals in Nebraska farm fields. Even if I couldn’t see them, listening to their throaty rattles that sound similar to squeezing an empty dish detergent bottle would make the journey worthwhile.This year’s influx started early so by the first week in March, biologists announced the appearance of at least 274,000 cranes. Upon reaching our destination on March 3rd, we drove our usual routes searching for sandhill flocks. Disappointment on steroids!Despite the slow start, Monday morning offered a better chapter to our ongoing saga. We left Kearney at dawn under pink, lavender, and blue crane-filled skies. Hordes of long-necked birds trailing skinny legs flew lazily across a cloud-filled canvas. Even though the thermometer registered 33 degrees, we lowered windows to capture every note of that prehistoric Spring song.Each visit, we expand our search area, seeking fresh fields and flocks. This year, we found a new road edging the Platte, with only one other car to share the view. We enjoyed spying grassy, track-filled islands in the river where cranes roost overnight in order to hear predators sneaking up. This advance warning system allows them to escape hungry critters desiring a tasty ribeye from the sky.Speaking of predators, we noted a scruffy bald eagle lurking atop a power pole, hoping to snag a weakened crane. Based on this raptor’s rough condition, it struggled to find satisfying meals. As much as I love eagles, I rooted for the cranes to escape this hunter.In addition to predators, other migratory flocks journey north with cranes. A local alerted us to look for arctic terns. For a moment, we thought we’d spied these unique creatures cruising from one sandy island to another in the river. These speedy dudes made photos nearly impossible. After I snapped a shot, our hopes were dashed upon realizing this was a flock of gulls in bright morning light. So much for adding a lifer to our birding list.Along one sandy avenue, developers crafted a wood blind with peep holes for viewing cranes that flock around a pond paralleling the Platte. We stopped long enough to watch a crane bathe. In decades of sandhill viewing, this was a first. That crazy bird enjoyed every dip and dunk, rising gleefully to shake dry in a crazy mist. Once satisfied it cleared any remaining droplets, it started over again. I wondered if it recently arrived and had travel dust to scrub away. Nearby cranes ignored it until its gyrations intruded into their space.Over decades, I’ve photographed thousands of cranes. Despite many saved pics, I can’t wait to zoom in again, wondering how often I get the same birds year after year. No matter, I’ll be ready next spring when cranes arrowing across Western Kansas invite me to join them once again along the Platte.

MADORIN: Cranes again

<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/2024/3/1710352236945.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

Hays City Commission to vote on whether to allow driving of golf carts on Hays streets  

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Feb. 21, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Johnson -&nbsp;10-46 KA-6926-01 - K-10, bridge #185 over Cedar Creek located 8.54&nbsp;miles east of the Douglas County line in De Soto, bridge repair, Comanche Construction Inc., Olathe, Kansas, $644,999.16.&nbsp;

Johnson -&nbsp;35-46 KA-7190-01 - I-35, from 95th Street to the I-635/I-35 junction, 4-inch&nbsp;overlay, 7.0 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $12,169,170.25.&nbsp;

Leavenworth -&nbsp;32-52 KA-6583-01 - K-32, bridge #080 over Stranger Creek&nbsp;located 8.8 miles east of the I-70 (KTA)/ K-32 junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $436,059.36.&nbsp;

Pottawatomie -&nbsp;13-75 KA-4594-01 - K-13, located 0.123 mile south of&nbsp;bridge #020 over Cedar Creek, special, 0.1 mile, Smoky Hill LLC, Salina, Kansas, $594,181.85.&nbsp;

Wabaunsee -&nbsp;99-99 KA-2603-03 - K-99, from the I-70/K-99 junction north&nbsp;2 miles to Hereford Road, grading and surfacing, 2.0 miles, Ebert Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $11,020,025.43.

Wabaunsee -&nbsp;99-99 KA-5728-01 - K-99, bridge #072 over Dragoon Creek&nbsp;Drainage located 3.7 miles north of K-31, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $3,075,482.97.

Wyandotte -&nbsp;70-105 KA-6767-01 - I-70, bridge #189 located 0.10 mile east of&nbsp;the Old K-32/I-70 west junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $133,100.00.

Wyandotte -&nbsp;70-105 KA-6928-01 - I-435, bridge #217 located 0.28 mile northeast&nbsp;of the I-70/I-435 junction in Kansas City, bridge repair, Comanche Construction Inc., Olathe, Kansas, $440,243.76.&nbsp;

Ellsworth -&nbsp;70-27 KA-5765-01 - I-70, bridge #016 over Elk Horn Creek located 0.26&nbsp;mile northeast of K-156; and bridge #017 over East Elkhorn Creek located 0.25 mile northeast of K-15, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $6,168,427.54.&nbsp;

Mitchell -&nbsp;14-62 KA-6949-01 - K-14, bridge #040 over Salt Creek located 2.52 miles&nbsp;north of the Lincoln County line, bridge repair, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $627,960.50.&nbsp;

Saline -&nbsp;4-85 KA-5721-01 - K-4, bridge #113 over Gypsum Creek Drainage&nbsp;located 1.17 miles southeast of 7th Street in Gypsum, bridge replacement, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $90,682.00.

Ellis -&nbsp;70-26 KA-6954-01 - I-70, bridge #038 located 3.62 miles east of the I-70/K-255 junction; and bridge #039 located 3.61 miles east of the I-70/K-255 junction, bridge repair. (State Funds)&nbsp;

Sherman -&nbsp;27-91 KA-6123-01 - K-27, bridge #042 over the Kyle Railroad located&nbsp;0.84 mile north of I-70, bridge repair, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $1,257,728.50.

Anderson -&nbsp;59-2 KA-7172-01 - U.S. 59, from 0.4 mile south of roundabout north&nbsp;to 4th Street in the city of Garnett; and from Red Bud Avenue in the city of Garnett&nbsp;north to the north city limits of Garnett, milling and overlay, 2.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $560,187.16.&nbsp;

Anderson -&nbsp;16-92 KA-7078-01 - U.S. 169B, from the U.S. 59/U.S. 169B junction east to the U.S. 169/U.S. 169B junction, milling and overlay, 1.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $379,523.55.&nbsp;

Anderson -&nbsp;16-92 KA-6462-01 - U.S. 169, four locations beginning 0.76 mile&nbsp;northeast of southwest Missouri Road northeast to 0.2 mile north of 1900 Road, guard fence, 10.4 miles, J &amp; J Contractors Inc., Iola, Kansas, $653,424.60.&nbsp;

Chautauqua -&nbsp;166-10 KA-6464-01 - U.S. 166, four locations beginning 0.12&nbsp;mile east of I Street east to 0.63 mile east of Road 30, guard fence, 1.1 miles, J &amp; J Contractors Inc., Iola, Kansas, $1,741,750.68.&nbsp;

Greenwood -&nbsp;54-37 KA-5760-01 - U.S. 54, bridge #002 over Burnt Creek located&nbsp;3.52 miles east of the Butler County line, bridge replacement, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $2,369,167.50.&nbsp;

Miami -&nbsp;169-61 KA-6925-01 - U.S. 169, bridge #047 over the Marais Des Cygnes River located 0.40 mile south of the K-279 northbound junction in Osawatomie, bridge&nbsp;repair, PCI Roads LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $1,468,550.73.

Reno -&nbsp;50-78 KA-6757-01 - U.S. 50, bridge #023 over BNSF Railroad located 10.33&nbsp;miles east of the K-61/U.S. 50 east junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $898,150.94.&nbsp;

Sedgwick -&nbsp;87 N-0753-01 – Haysville, east side of South Seneca Street from north&nbsp;end of the M.S. Mitchell Floodway bridge to West 63rd Street South, east to South&nbsp;Mable Street, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.8 mile, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $673,188.65.

Finney -&nbsp;83-28 KA-6732-01 - U.S. 83, bridge #017 located at the U.S. 50/U.S. 83 junction, bridge repair. (State Funds)&nbsp;

Finney -&nbsp;28 KA-7209-01 - U.S. 50, from concrete pavement west of Holcomb east&nbsp;to U.S. 83/U.S. 50 east junction; U.S. 83, from the U.S. 83/U.S. 50 east junction south to the U.S. 83/U.S. 83B south junction; U.S. 83B, from Mary Street to north end of concrete pavement north of the U.S. 50/U.S. 83 junction; include all ramps, pavement marking, 18.6 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $1,167,124.34.

Finney -&nbsp;83-28 KA-7210-01 - U.S. 50, from concrete pavement west of Holcomb&nbsp;east to the U.S. 83/U.S. 50 east junction; U.S. 83, from the U.S. 83/U.S. 50 east junction south to the U.S. 83/U.S. 83B south junction; U.S. 83B, from Mary Street to north end of concrete pavement north of the U.S. 50/U.S. 83 junction; include all ramps, pavement marking, 10.4 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $310,770.04.

Meade -&nbsp;54-60 KA-6956-01 - U.S. 54, bridge #033 over Spring Creek located 6.66&nbsp;miles northeast of the U.S. 54/U.S. 160 west junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $847,656.44.

The following project was approved from the Dec. 13, 2023, letting.

Miami ‑&nbsp;61 C‑5123‑01 ‑ RS 1604, from 327th Street to Paola south city limits, grading and surfacing, 1.9 miles, Killough Construction, Inc., Ottawa, Kansas, $1,409194.57.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701368603184.png" alt="KDOT" />
 <figcaption>KDOT</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Feb. 21, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastJohnson -&nbsp;10-46 KA-6926-01 - K-10, bridge #185 over Cedar Creek located 8.54&nbsp;miles east of the Douglas County line in De Soto, bridge repair, Comanche Construction Inc., Olathe, Kansas, $644,999.16.&nbsp;Johnson -&nbsp;35-46 KA-7190-01 - I-35, from 95th Street to the I-635/I-35 junction, 4-inch&nbsp;overlay, 7.0 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $12,169,170.25.&nbsp;Leavenworth -&nbsp;32-52 KA-6583-01 - K-32, bridge #080 over Stranger Creek&nbsp;located 8.8 miles east of the I-70 (KTA)/ K-32 junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $436,059.36.&nbsp;Pottawatomie -&nbsp;13-75 KA-4594-01 - K-13, located 0.123 mile south of&nbsp;bridge #020 over Cedar Creek, special, 0.1 mile, Smoky Hill LLC, Salina, Kansas, $594,181.85.&nbsp;Wabaunsee -&nbsp;99-99 KA-2603-03 - K-99, from the I-70/K-99 junction north&nbsp;2 miles to Hereford Road, grading and surfacing, 2.0 miles, Ebert Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $11,020,025.43.Wabaunsee -&nbsp;99-99 KA-5728-01 - K-99, bridge #072 over Dragoon Creek&nbsp;Drainage located 3.7 miles north of K-31, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $3,075,482.97.Wyandotte -&nbsp;70-105 KA-6767-01 - I-70, bridge #189 located 0.10 mile east of&nbsp;the Old K-32/I-70 west junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $133,100.00.Wyandotte -&nbsp;70-105 KA-6928-01 - I-435, bridge #217 located 0.28 mile northeast&nbsp;of the I-70/I-435 junction in Kansas City, bridge repair, Comanche Construction Inc., Olathe, Kansas, $440,243.76.&nbsp;District Two — North Central&nbsp;Ellsworth -&nbsp;70-27 KA-5765-01 - I-70, bridge #016 over Elk Horn Creek located 0.26&nbsp;mile northeast of K-156; and bridge #017 over East Elkhorn Creek located 0.25 mile northeast of K-15, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $6,168,427.54.&nbsp;Mitchell -&nbsp;14-62 KA-6949-01 - K-14, bridge #040 over Salt Creek located 2.52 miles&nbsp;north of the Lincoln County line, bridge repair, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $627,960.50.&nbsp;Saline -&nbsp;4-85 KA-5721-01 - K-4, bridge #113 over Gypsum Creek Drainage&nbsp;located 1.17 miles southeast of 7th Street in Gypsum, bridge replacement, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $90,682.00.District Three — Northwest&nbsp;Ellis -&nbsp;70-26 KA-6954-01 - I-70, bridge #038 located 3.62 miles east of the I-70/K-255 junction; and bridge #039 located 3.61 miles east of the I-70/K-255 junction, bridge repair. (State Funds)&nbsp;Sherman -&nbsp;27-91 KA-6123-01 - K-27, bridge #042 over the Kyle Railroad located&nbsp;0.84 mile north of I-70, bridge repair, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $1,257,728.50.District Four — Southeast&nbsp;Anderson -&nbsp;59-2 KA-7172-01 - U.S. 59, from 0.4 mile south of roundabout north&nbsp;to 4th Street in the city of Garnett; and from Red Bud Avenue in the city of Garnett&nbsp;north to the north city limits of Garnett, milling and overlay, 2.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $560,187.16.&nbsp;Anderson -&nbsp;16-92 KA-7078-01 - U.S. 169B, from the U.S. 59/U.S. 169B junction east to the U.S. 169/U.S. 169B junction, milling and overlay, 1.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $379,523.55.&nbsp;Anderson -&nbsp;16-92 KA-6462-01 - U.S. 169, four locations beginning 0.76 mile&nbsp;northeast of southwest Missouri Road northeast to 0.2 mile north of 1900 Road, guard fence, 10.4 miles, J &amp; J Contractors Inc., Iola, Kansas, $653,424.60.&nbsp;Chautauqua -&nbsp;166-10 KA-6464-01 - U.S. 166, four locations beginning 0.12&nbsp;mile east of I Street east to 0.63 mile east of Road 30, guard fence, 1.1 miles, J &amp; J Contractors Inc., Iola, Kansas, $1,741,750.68.&nbsp;Greenwood -&nbsp;54-37 KA-5760-01 - U.S. 54, bridge #002 over Burnt Creek located&nbsp;3.52 miles east of the Butler County line, bridge replacement, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $2,369,167.50.&nbsp;Miami -&nbsp;169-61 KA-6925-01 - U.S. 169, bridge #047 over the Marais Des Cygnes River located 0.40 mile south of the K-279 northbound junction in Osawatomie, bridge&nbsp;repair, PCI Roads LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $1,468,550.73.District Five — South Central&nbsp;Reno -&nbsp;50-78 KA-6757-01 - U.S. 50, bridge #023 over BNSF Railroad located 10.33&nbsp;miles east of the K-61/U.S. 50 east junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $898,150.94.&nbsp;Sedgwick -&nbsp;87 N-0753-01 – Haysville, east side of South Seneca Street from north&nbsp;end of the M.S. Mitchell Floodway bridge to West 63rd Street South, east to South&nbsp;Mable Street, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.8 mile, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $673,188.65.District Six — Southwest&nbsp;Finney -&nbsp;83-28 KA-6732-01 - U.S. 83, bridge #017 located at the U.S. 50/U.S. 83 junction, bridge repair. (State Funds)&nbsp;Finney -&nbsp;28 KA-7209-01 - U.S. 50, from concrete pavement west of Holcomb east&nbsp;to U.S. 83/U.S. 50 east junction; U.S. 83, from the U.S. 83/U.S. 50 east junction south to the U.S. 83/U.S. 83B south junction; U.S. 83B, from Mary Street to north end of concrete pavement north of the U.S. 50/U.S. 83 junction; include all ramps, pavement marking, 18.6 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $1,167,124.34.Finney -&nbsp;83-28 KA-7210-01 - U.S. 50, from concrete pavement west of Holcomb&nbsp;east to the U.S. 83/U.S. 50 east junction; U.S. 83, from the U.S. 83/U.S. 50 east junction south to the U.S. 83/U.S. 83B south junction; U.S. 83B, from Mary Street to north end of concrete pavement north of the U.S. 50/U.S. 83 junction; include all ramps, pavement marking, 10.4 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $310,770.04.Meade -&nbsp;54-60 KA-6956-01 - U.S. 54, bridge #033 over Spring Creek located 6.66&nbsp;miles northeast of the U.S. 54/U.S. 160 west junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $847,656.44.The following project was approved from the Dec. 13, 2023, letting.Miami ‑&nbsp;61 C‑5123‑01 ‑ RS 1604, from 327th Street to Paola south city limits, grading and surfacing, 1.9 miles, Killough Construction, Inc., Ottawa, Kansas, $1,409194.57.

KDOT announces approved February bids

Families gathered at the Sternberg Museum on Tuesday for the annual World Water Day Fun Fest.&nbsp;

The event seeks to educate the public about water conservation.

Last year, 350 people attended the event, said Jeff Crispin, city of Hays water resources director.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2fa92fef-bd7e-4379-8e11-15170bc1a1ea">RELATED STORY: DICKMAN: Hays water conservation rebate programs continue in 2024</a>

"Lots of parents and grandparents bring their kids out here," Crispin said. "They can learn about the water cycle, learn about wastewater, learn about soil. It's just a good way to educate the kids and keep them talking about water and water conservation as they go home and share with others in their family."

Crispin said the city tries to start young and reach every age level about water conservation.

"Every person that we reach, whether they are knowledgable about our water programs or not, is important," he said, "because that means we all have the same goal of saving water."

Although Hays is getting closer to making the R9 Ranch water available to the city, Crispin said water conservation will still be essential to the community.

"Our water conservation programs will stay put," he said. "We have invested too much in water conservation. Even when we get a new water source, it is important for us to conserve this earth and this precious resource."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269522453.jpeg" alt="A volunteer explains the relationship between water and soil at the&nbsp;World Water Day Fun Fest Tuesday at the&nbsp;Sternberg Museum. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A volunteer explains the relationship between water and soil at the&nbsp;World Water Day Fun Fest Tuesday at the&nbsp;Sternberg Museum. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFamilies gathered at the Sternberg Museum on Tuesday for the annual World Water Day Fun Fest.&nbsp;The event seeks to educate the public about water conservation.Last year, 350 people attended the event, said Jeff Crispin, city of Hays water resources director.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2fa92fef-bd7e-4379-8e11-15170bc1a1ea">RELATED STORY: DICKMAN: Hays water conservation rebate programs continue in 2024</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269540603.jpeg" alt="Jeff Crispin, city of Hays water resources director, talks to a girl Tuesday about conserving water at home.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Crispin, city of Hays water resources director, talks to a girl Tuesday about conserving water at home.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Lots of parents and grandparents bring their kids out here," Crispin said. "They can learn about the water cycle, learn about wastewater, learn about soil. It's just a good way to educate the kids and keep them talking about water and water conservation as they go home and share with others in their family."Crispin said the city tries to start young and reach every age level about water conservation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269555318.jpeg" alt="A girl learns about the water table at&nbsp;Water Day Fun Fest Tuesday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A girl learns about the water table at&nbsp;Water Day Fun Fest Tuesday.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Every person that we reach, whether they are knowledgable about our water programs or not, is important," he said, "because that means we all have the same goal of saving water."Although Hays is getting closer to making the R9 Ranch water available to the city, Crispin said water conservation will still be essential to the community."Our water conservation programs will stay put," he said. "We have invested too much in water conservation. Even when we get a new water source, it is important for us to conserve this earth and this precious resource."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269571919.jpeg" alt="Girls put beads on a bracelet that represents water's journey through the water cycle.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Girls put beads on a bracelet that represents water's journey through the water cycle.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269588919.jpeg" alt="A girl sorts items into things that need water and do not.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A girl sorts items into things that need water and do not.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269616521.jpeg" alt="A boy learns about how pollution affects fish. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A boy learns about how pollution affects fish. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269672387.jpeg" alt="A boy learns about microorganisms in the wastewater. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A boy learns about microorganisms in the wastewater. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269632852.jpeg" alt="Jars show examples of wastewater.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jars show examples of wastewater.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269658007.jpeg" alt="As many as 350 people were expected at the&nbsp;Water Day Fun Fest Tuesday at the Sternberg Museum.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>As many as 350 people were expected at the&nbsp;Water Day Fun Fest Tuesday at the Sternberg Museum.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269691257.jpeg" alt="A boy gives high fives to a water mascot.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A boy gives high fives to a water mascot.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269707070.jpeg" alt="A girl tries out a seat in a city of Hays street sweeper.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A girl tries out a seat in a city of Hays street sweeper.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269724970.jpeg" alt="Boys practice fixing a water line.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Boys practice fixing a water line.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷  World Water Day event continues Hays' focus on conservation

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

It may be true that a leopard can’t change its spots.

But there is a Tiger in this jungle who has at least changed the direction of his stripes. And he couldn’t be happier to do so.

Hays native Bob Swift is a huge supporter of Fort Hays State University basketball and has attended nearly every game – home and away – over the past four years.

Whether traveling the roads all across Kansas or to several surrounding states, he said he enjoys the road trips with his wife, Sondra.

Swift has become such a fan of the Tigers, he plans to make the nine-and-a-half-hour road trip to Mankato, Minn., to watch the FHSU men’s team play in this weekend’s NCAA Division II Central Region Championships.

Swift was a standout athlete in football, wrestling, and baseball growing up. He represented the Cadets of St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays during his high school days.

St. Joseph’s started the school wrestling program his junior year, and his love of the sport was so deep that he was instrumental in helping start the Hays Youth Wrestling Club in Hays.

The Swifts’ son, Shawn, wrestled as a youngster and all through high school, and their daughter, Stacy, served as the wrestling team manager at Hays High School.

But Swift learned that your allegiances can change when your grandsons have chosen basketball as their winter sport.

The Swifts started following their four grandchildren’s activities in Hutchinson from grade school on, and they were thrilled when their oldest grandson, Kaleb, chose to further his education and play basketball at FHSU.

Just like that, the Tiger basketball program got two more dedicated fans.

Sondra hasn’t been able to attend all the games over the years, but Bob has missed only a few of the 111 games that Kaleb has started since his freshman year.

“When you have grandkids involved, it’s easy to support them,” Bob said. “What a blessing grandkids are.”

The feelings are mutual for Kaleb and his younger brother, Lucas, also a member of the Tiger basketball team.

“My grandpa and my dad (Joe Hammeke) have come to nearly every single game for four years,” Kaleb said. “I didn’t realize how much it means to me until I got older. It’s always great to see them after the games.”

Not only has the Swifts’ house become a home-away-from-home for Kaleb and Lucas but for other Tiger players as well.

They have hosted Thanksgiving dinners for several of the Tigers and often taken the Hammeke brothers and some of their teammates out for dinner on Thursdays. The Swifts have gotten especially close to Tiger senior Bjarni Jonsson, a native of Iceland.

“Bjarni and I were roommates in the dorm my freshman year, and we’ve grown to be close friends, and my grandparents made him part of the family,” Kaleb said. “It’s been special for Bjarni to have someone here in Hays to be close to, but my grandparents do an incredible job of welcoming everyone. I feel so blessed. Not everyone is lucky enough to have grandparents like me.”

“It’s been great to be able to get to know these young people,” Bob said. “Those kids are all so polite. The coaches have done a great job – both recruiting kids of great character and having that kind of influence on them once they get here.”

Bob Swift was in the stands at both of the Tiger men’s games at the MIAA Championships in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo., last weekend. And many other loyal fans attended both the men’s and women’s games.

Schuyler&nbsp;Coates, a director of development for the FHSU Foundation and Alumni Office, said there were too many long-time fans to name them all. However, one group surely won the prize for being the farthest from home – Jonsson’s family from Iceland.

“I understand the alumni in the Kansas City area making some of the games, but I’m amazed of how many people from Hays travel for those games,” Coates said. “I think it’s so incredible how our community takes care of the college kids once they come here. You can talk to a lot of fans, and they can reel off the players’ stat lines better than the players themselves. We are so fortunate.”

Relatives of some of the Tiger women’s team made the trip from Iowa for the MIAA tournament, including Megan Earney’s parents, who haven’t missed many games&nbsp;in their daughter’s three years on the team. It’s a six-hour drive from the Earneys’ home in Des Moines to Hays, so some of the Tigers’ away games are even closer to their home.

The drive to Kansas City was a relatively close one for Doug and Colette Earney, so they decided to make a week of basketball and attended games from Wednesday through Sunday.

“We have gotten to know a lot of the players on different MIAA teams, so it’s fun to watch them, too,” said Colette Earney, who echoed Coates’ appreciation for the community support.

“It’s wonderful from the business members to community members to moms and dads who bring their kids to games, we have been so pleased with the support the teams get,” she said. “The way the entire community embraces these players is heartwarming to parents.”

The number of Tiger fans sporting FHSU black and gold at Municipal Auditorium often rival the crowds cheering for teams located much closer to Kansas City than Hays.

From the pep rallies organized by the FHSU Foundation/Alumni at Johnny’s Tavern a few blocks from the auditorium to cheering them on in the stands, support for the Tigers is second to none.

Fort Hays State joined the MIAA in 2006 when the majority of the conference consisted of Missouri schools. The Tigers have shown that this western Kansas university belongs in the MIAA, revered as one of the top Division II conferences in the nation.

Year in and year out, FHSU’s attendance numbers at Gross Memorial Coliseum have ranked in the top echelon among Division II schools. That support carries over for away games as well.

“For being a school on the outskirts area of the MIAA, it’s amazing the turnout and support we get from our fans, both at home and on the road,” said Mark Johnson, in his 23rd year as head coach of the Tiger men’s team. “That’s what makes it fun for the players and us coaches. You want to be someplace where people care, and obviously at Fort Hays State, people care.”

Tiger women’s coach Talia Kahrs agrees. Kahrs is in her first year as head coach for the Tiger women, but she has been involved with the team for 15 years, both as a player and an assistant coach.

“The support we get from fans and the whole community is huge,” Kahrs said. “In our recruiting, it’s a big deal that we can say we are No. 1 or 2 in the nation for attendance. But I think the biggest thing is not only are they showing up at games, they really care about the girls. It’s a small-town feel. Even when you go to Walmart, people know the players.”

This marks the first time since 2016 that both men’s and women’s teams made the NCAA playoffs the same year.

While the men will play in Minnesota this weekend, the women will head south to Bethany, Okla., the site of the women’s Central Region tournament. The complete tournament brackets can be found on the FHSU athletics website.

So, FHSU fans have to make a decision which direction to travel for regionals, or they can listen to the Tigers by radio or by audio streaming.

Sondra Swift was not sure earlier this week if she would make the trip to Minnesota.

If not, she will still be following the action, glued to her radio and listening to the Voice of the Tigers, Gerard Wellbrock.

“Gerard does such a great job (broadcasting) the games,” she said, adding the utmost compliment to a radio broadcaster. “You feel like you are there.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710276888256.jpeg" alt="It’s a common sight to see Fort Hays State University fans filling a section of the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City during the annual MIAA basketball tournament in March. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>It’s a common sight to see Fort Hays State University fans filling a section of the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City during the annual MIAA basketball tournament in March. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostIt may be true that a leopard can’t change its spots.But there is a Tiger in this jungle who has at least changed the direction of his stripes. And he couldn’t be happier to do so.Hays native Bob Swift is a huge supporter of Fort Hays State University basketball and has attended nearly every game – home and away – over the past four years.Whether traveling the roads all across Kansas or to several surrounding states, he said he enjoys the road trips with his wife, Sondra.Swift has become such a fan of the Tigers, he plans to make the nine-and-a-half-hour road trip to Mankato, Minn., to watch the FHSU men’s team play in this weekend’s NCAA Division II Central Region Championships.Swift was a standout athlete in football, wrestling, and baseball growing up. He represented the Cadets of St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays during his high school days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710276970855.jpeg" alt="Bob and Sondra Swift, second and third from right, are grandparents of two Tiger players, and they often take their grandsons and their teammates out for dinner. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Bob and Sondra Swift, second and third from right, are grandparents of two Tiger players, and they often take their grandsons and their teammates out for dinner. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph’s started the school wrestling program his junior year, and his love of the sport was so deep that he was instrumental in helping start the Hays Youth Wrestling Club in Hays.The Swifts’ son, Shawn, wrestled as a youngster and all through high school, and their daughter, Stacy, served as the wrestling team manager at Hays High School.But Swift learned that your allegiances can change when your grandsons have chosen basketball as their winter sport.The Swifts started following their four grandchildren’s activities in Hutchinson from grade school on, and they were thrilled when their oldest grandson, Kaleb, chose to further his education and play basketball at FHSU.Just like that, the Tiger basketball program got two more dedicated fans.Sondra hasn’t been able to attend all the games over the years, but Bob has missed only a few of the 111 games that Kaleb has started since his freshman year.“When you have grandkids involved, it’s easy to support them,” Bob said. “What a blessing grandkids are.”The feelings are mutual for Kaleb and his younger brother, Lucas, also a member of the Tiger basketball team.“My grandpa and my dad (Joe Hammeke) have come to nearly every single game for four years,” Kaleb said. “I didn’t realize how much it means to me until I got older. It’s always great to see them after the games.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710277019843.jpeg" alt="Sondra Swift (all 5-feet, 1-inch of her) stood on a chair to look Tiger player Bjarni Jonsson in the eye, but still can’t match his 6-7 frame. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sondra Swift (all 5-feet, 1-inch of her) stood on a chair to look Tiger player Bjarni Jonsson in the eye, but still can’t match his 6-7 frame. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Not only has the Swifts’ house become a home-away-from-home for Kaleb and Lucas but for other Tiger players as well.They have hosted Thanksgiving dinners for several of the Tigers and often taken the Hammeke brothers and some of their teammates out for dinner on Thursdays. The Swifts have gotten especially close to Tiger senior Bjarni Jonsson, a native of Iceland.“Bjarni and I were roommates in the dorm my freshman year, and we’ve grown to be close friends, and my grandparents made him part of the family,” Kaleb said. “It’s been special for Bjarni to have someone here in Hays to be close to, but my grandparents do an incredible job of welcoming everyone. I feel so blessed. Not everyone is lucky enough to have grandparents like me.”The Swifts say they are the lucky ones.“It’s been great to be able to get to know these young people,” Bob said. “Those kids are all so polite. The coaches have done a great job – both recruiting kids of great character and having that kind of influence on them once they get here.”<h2>Teams appreciate fan support</h2>Bob Swift was in the stands at both of the Tiger men’s games at the MIAA Championships in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo., last weekend. And many other loyal fans attended both the men’s and women’s games.Schuyler&nbsp;Coates, a director of development for the FHSU Foundation and Alumni Office, said there were too many long-time fans to name them all. However, one group surely won the prize for being the farthest from home – Jonsson’s family from Iceland.“I understand the alumni in the Kansas City area making some of the games, but I’m amazed of how many people from Hays travel for those games,” Coates said. “I think it’s so incredible how our community takes care of the college kids once they come here. You can talk to a lot of fans, and they can reel off the players’ stat lines better than the players themselves. We are so fortunate.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710277076960.jpeg" alt="Near and dear to the Swifts’ hearts – their grandchildren and the hometown Tigers. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Near and dear to the Swifts’ hearts – their grandchildren and the hometown Tigers. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Relatives of some of the Tiger women’s team made the trip from Iowa for the MIAA tournament, including Megan Earney’s parents, who haven’t missed many games&nbsp;in their daughter’s three years on the team. It’s a six-hour drive from the Earneys’ home in Des Moines to Hays, so some of the Tigers’ away games are even closer to their home.The drive to Kansas City was a relatively close one for Doug and Colette Earney, so they decided to make a week of basketball and attended games from Wednesday through Sunday.“We have gotten to know a lot of the players on different MIAA teams, so it’s fun to watch them, too,” said Colette Earney, who echoed Coates’ appreciation for the community support.“It’s wonderful from the business members to community members to moms and dads who bring their kids to games, we have been so pleased with the support the teams get,” she said. “The way the entire community embraces these players is heartwarming to parents.”The number of Tiger fans sporting FHSU black and gold at Municipal Auditorium often rival the crowds cheering for teams located much closer to Kansas City than Hays.From the pep rallies organized by the FHSU Foundation/Alumni at Johnny’s Tavern a few blocks from the auditorium to cheering them on in the stands, support for the Tigers is second to none.Fort Hays State joined the MIAA in 2006 when the majority of the conference consisted of Missouri schools. The Tigers have shown that this western Kansas university belongs in the MIAA, revered as one of the top Division II conferences in the nation.Year in and year out, FHSU’s attendance numbers at Gross Memorial Coliseum have ranked in the top echelon among Division II schools. That support carries over for away games as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710277128971.jpeg" alt="The FHSU cheerleaders and pep band led Tiger fans in cheers during pep rallies at Johnny’s Tavern in downtown Kansas City each day during the MIAA tournament. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The FHSU cheerleaders and pep band led Tiger fans in cheers during pep rallies at Johnny’s Tavern in downtown Kansas City each day during the MIAA tournament. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“For being a school on the outskirts area of the MIAA, it’s amazing the turnout and support we get from our fans, both at home and on the road,” said Mark Johnson, in his 23rd year as head coach of the Tiger men’s team. “That’s what makes it fun for the players and us coaches. You want to be someplace where people care, and obviously at Fort Hays State, people care.”Tiger women’s coach Talia Kahrs agrees. Kahrs is in her first year as head coach for the Tiger women, but she has been involved with the team for 15 years, both as a player and an assistant coach.“The support we get from fans and the whole community is huge,” Kahrs said. “In our recruiting, it’s a big deal that we can say we are No. 1 or 2 in the nation for attendance. But I think the biggest thing is not only are they showing up at games, they really care about the girls. It’s a small-town feel. Even when you go to Walmart, people know the players.”<h2>Both Tiger teams still alive</h2>This marks the first time since 2016 that both men’s and women’s teams made the NCAA playoffs the same year.While the men will play in Minnesota this weekend, the women will head south to Bethany, Okla., the site of the women’s Central Region tournament. The complete tournament brackets can be found on the FHSU athletics website.So, FHSU fans have to make a decision which direction to travel for regionals, or they can listen to the Tigers by radio or by audio streaming.Sondra Swift was not sure earlier this week if she would make the trip to Minnesota.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710277195957.jpeg" alt="Eagle Communications sportscasters Dustin Armbruster and Gerard Wellbrock prepared for the upcoming games as Tiger cheerleaders led the teams onto the court. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Communications sportscasters Dustin Armbruster and Gerard Wellbrock prepared for the upcoming games as Tiger cheerleaders led the teams onto the court. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>If not, she will still be following the action, glued to her radio and listening to the Voice of the Tigers, Gerard Wellbrock.“Gerard does such a great job (broadcasting) the games,” she said, adding the utmost compliment to a radio broadcaster. “You feel like you are there.”Most Tiger fans would probably agree that listening to Wellbrock and his color commentator for Tiger games, Dustin Armbruster, is the next-best thing to watching the games in person.<h2>Fans of both Tiger teams are in luck.</h2>Wellbrock will be in Minnesota with the men’s team, and Armbruster will be in Oklahoma broadcasting the women’s games.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/98df0be4-9563-4bb3-9a64-2dfa4665cf50">Eagle Radio broadcast schedule</a>Whether you are a grandparent or a parent, an avid fan or a sometimes fan, it’s a grand time to be a Tiger.If you can’t make the regional games in person, tune in to your radio or click on the audio link on the Hays Post website.You will definitely feel like you are there.

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