The phone rang early Saturday morning, and on the line was a friend from church inviting me to fish with him that afternoon on a large farm pond out in the sticks in the shadow of Coronado Heights, where he has been part of a lease for years. 

We talked about some of his past fishing adventures there and it brought back memories of fishing on our farm pond in Ohio when I was a kid. 

The first year we owned that farm, we found a spot in a field that never dried out. Government cost-share money was available back then to help build farm ponds, so after required soil testing and meeting other requirements, a dandy little farm pond was built, and stocked with the prescribed fish combination of that era, largemouth bass and bluegills. 

Endless memories were made around that pond, and it reminded me of a farm pond fishing trip Joyce and I took a few years back.

With rods, bait and tackle boxes in hand we clamored down the side of the grassy overgrown dam and onto a roughly built but sturdy dock that put us ten feet out from the bank and four feet above the water. Hooks were baited and cast into the water before us, which rippled slightly with the breeze. That breeze, along with copious amounts of nasty spray, kept the ravenous mosquitoes at bay. 

The sun slid slowly behind nearby trees, leaving its beams to dance upon the rippling water and offering reprieve from the heat as it ushered in the cool evening. Barn swallows by the dozens strafed the pond, either scooping insects from the surface, or snagging them on the wing in mid-air. The deep “harumm” of granddaddy bullfrogs echoed back and forth from behind tufts of cattails. 

One line was baited with liver and fished on the bottom, while the other rig held a feisty Canadian night crawler suspended beneath a bobber. 

After twenty minutes with no action, I climbed the steep grassy bank to the truck to retrieve our ever-present cameras. As my back was turned to open the truck door, Joyce asked “Did you bring the net?” I pondered why she would ask that question when we were fishing in a small farm pond, but when I spun around and saw the pole in her hands bent toward the water like a divining rod, the reason for her question became obvious. I scrambled back down the bank as she hoisted a dandy three-pound channel cat up onto the dock…Welcome to the sport of farm pond fishing!

The agricultural land of central Kansas is dotted with small farm ponds, many out of sight along field drives or in the middle of pastures. Unless a pond is spring-fed, the water in them comes from runoff, so during the dry springs and summers of late, water levels are often low, and some lesser-quality ponds even go dry. The only other down side I can see to fishing farm ponds is the lack of the large variety of fish species found in most Kansas reservoirs. 

Typically, farm ponds contain largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegills and possibly a few crappies and bullheads. Most ponds are on privately owned property, meaning permission to fish there is required. Once permission is granted however, you will often have the whole place to yourself every time you’re there, because fishing pressure on these ponds is often nil. 

A boat is not usually needed, although a canoe, or one of the popular small two-person crafts can come in handy to get you out past any weeds or moss growing along the bank.&nbsp;The dock from which we fished was the perfect length to get us out beyond the cattails.

Since farm ponds are always fed either by springs or by run-off water, and since most of them are situated in pastures or otherwise grassy surroundings, the water in them is well-filtered before reaching the pond, making them very clean.

So, if you’re used to big-lake fishing for walleye, crappie, white bass or stripers, if you love the drone of a big outboard motor as it pushes your big boat across a big lake, and if the presence of dozens of other fishermen all around you are an important part of your fishing experience, farm pond fishing may not be your gig. 

If, however, you can be happy catching bluegills, channel catfish and largemouth bass from the bank or from a small boat and never see another human being in the process, farm pond fishing may be for you. Sign me up for choice number two! By the way, I declined my friend’s invitation this time because I had this column to write; how ironic! 

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND The phone rang early Saturday morning, and on the line was a friend from church inviting me to fish with him that afternoon on a large farm pond out in the sticks in the shadow of Coronado Heights, where he has been part of a lease for years. We talked about some of his past fishing adventures there and it brought back memories of fishing on our farm pond in Ohio when I was a kid. The first year we owned that farm, we found a spot in a field that never dried out. Government cost-share money was available back then to help build farm ponds, so after required soil testing and meeting other requirements, a dandy little farm pond was built, and stocked with the prescribed fish combination of that era, largemouth bass and bluegills. Endless memories were made around that pond, and it reminded me of a farm pond fishing trip Joyce and I took a few years back.With rods, bait and tackle boxes in hand we clamored down the side of the grassy overgrown dam and onto a roughly built but sturdy dock that put us ten feet out from the bank and four feet above the water. Hooks were baited and cast into the water before us, which rippled slightly with the breeze. That breeze, along with copious amounts of nasty spray, kept the ravenous mosquitoes at bay. The sun slid slowly behind nearby trees, leaving its beams to dance upon the rippling water and offering reprieve from the heat as it ushered in the cool evening. Barn swallows by the dozens strafed the pond, either scooping insects from the surface, or snagging them on the wing in mid-air. The deep “harumm” of granddaddy bullfrogs echoed back and forth from behind tufts of cattails. One line was baited with liver and fished on the bottom, while the other rig held a feisty Canadian night crawler suspended beneath a bobber. After twenty minutes with no action, I climbed the steep grassy bank to the truck to retrieve our ever-present cameras. As my back was turned to open the truck door, Joyce asked “Did you bring the net?” I pondered why she would ask that question when we were fishing in a small farm pond, but when I spun around and saw the pole in her hands bent toward the water like a divining rod, the reason for her question became obvious. I scrambled back down the bank as she hoisted a dandy three-pound channel cat up onto the dock…Welcome to the sport of farm pond fishing!The agricultural land of central Kansas is dotted with small farm ponds, many out of sight along field drives or in the middle of pastures. Unless a pond is spring-fed, the water in them comes from runoff, so during the dry springs and summers of late, water levels are often low, and some lesser-quality ponds even go dry. The only other down side I can see to fishing farm ponds is the lack of the large variety of fish species found in most Kansas reservoirs. Typically, farm ponds contain largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegills and possibly a few crappies and bullheads. Most ponds are on privately owned property, meaning permission to fish there is required. Once permission is granted however, you will often have the whole place to yourself every time you’re there, because fishing pressure on these ponds is often nil. A boat is not usually needed, although a canoe, or one of the popular small two-person crafts can come in handy to get you out past any weeds or moss growing along the bank.&nbsp;The dock from which we fished was the perfect length to get us out beyond the cattails.Since farm ponds are always fed either by springs or by run-off water, and since most of them are situated in pastures or otherwise grassy surroundings, the water in them is well-filtered before reaching the pond, making them very clean.So, if you’re used to big-lake fishing for walleye, crappie, white bass or stripers, if you love the drone of a big outboard motor as it pushes your big boat across a big lake, and if the presence of dozens of other fishermen all around you are an important part of your fishing experience, farm pond fishing may not be your gig. If, however, you can be happy catching bluegills, channel catfish and largemouth bass from the bank or from a small boat and never see another human being in the process, farm pond fishing may be for you. Sign me up for choice number two! By the way, I declined my friend’s invitation this time because I had this column to write; how ironic! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Farm pond fishin’

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Dads and daughters are heading to The Emerald Ball, where the yellow brick road ends in a night of celebration.

The Hays Recreation Commission will host the Wizard of Oz–themed event at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at the Hays Recreation Center, 1105 Canterbury Drive. Registration closes on Wednesday, April 9.

Gail Wickham, youth and senior program director, said the annual event has grown over 19 years and is on track for its largest turnout yet.

"This year, we are up to 82 couples. That's 150 dads and daughters who will be there that night," Wickham said.

The evening will feature a taco bar, photo booth, DJ-led dance, themed games and crafts across the center's gyms. One activity will lead participants through a scavenger hunt using clues to win magical prizes.

Registration is $20 per couple, with an additional $10 for each extra daughter. Wickham said they’ve already reached their initial capacity, but adjustments are being made to welcome more participants.

You can register <a href="https://haysrecweb.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&amp;FMID=19492208&amp;InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_1">online</a>&nbsp;and call Hays Recreation at 785-623-2650 for entry availability.

"It's a good event for dads, daughters, grandpas and uncles. I've even had a mom come with a daughter," Wickham said.

"The kids love it. Dads are always twirling their girls around, and it ends with a dad and daughter dance," she said.

You can follow the Hays Recreation Commission on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/haysrec/">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743452917940.jpeg" alt="Hays Recreation Commission 2023 Princess Ball. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Recreation Commission 2023 Princess Ball. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostDads and daughters are heading to The Emerald Ball, where the yellow brick road ends in a night of celebration.The Hays Recreation Commission will host the Wizard of Oz–themed event at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at the Hays Recreation Center, 1105 Canterbury Drive. Registration closes on Wednesday, April 9.Gail Wickham, youth and senior program director, said the annual event has grown over 19 years and is on track for its largest turnout yet."This year, we are up to 82 couples. That's 150 dads and daughters who will be there that night," Wickham said.The evening will feature a taco bar, photo booth, DJ-led dance, themed games and crafts across the center's gyms. One activity will lead participants through a scavenger hunt using clues to win magical prizes.Registration is $20 per couple, with an additional $10 for each extra daughter. Wickham said they’ve already reached their initial capacity, but adjustments are being made to welcome more participants.You can register <a href="https://haysrecweb.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&amp;FMID=19492208&amp;InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_1">online</a>&nbsp;and call Hays Recreation at 785-623-2650 for entry availability."It's a good event for dads, daughters, grandpas and uncles. I've even had a mom come with a daughter," Wickham said.The ages range from 2 to 13 years old."The kids love it. Dads are always twirling their girls around, and it ends with a dad and daughter dance," she said.You can follow the Hays Recreation Commission on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/haysrec/">Facebook</a>.

Wizard of Oz father-daughter dance set for record night

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to announce a special production, "Remembering Bob Davis," dedicated to honoring the life and career of the legendary broadcaster Bob Davis.

For decades, Bob Davis was the voice behind some of the most iconic moments in Kansas sports history.&nbsp; He was a sportscaster&nbsp;for the Kansas Jayhawks, Fort Hays State University, and the Kansas City&nbsp;Royals.&nbsp;&nbsp;His passion, storytelling, and deep connection with fans made him a beloved figure in broadcasting.&nbsp;

This special program will reflect on the conversation we had with Davis back in 2021, as well as his induction speech into the 2016 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

"Remembering Bob Davis" will air on Monday, April 7 at 8 p.m. exclusively on Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; Viewers can also watch this special again on Thursday, April 10 at 2 p.m. and Saturday April 12 at 8 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743530053562.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to announce a special production, "Remembering Bob Davis," dedicated to honoring the life and career of the legendary broadcaster Bob Davis.For decades, Bob Davis was the voice behind some of the most iconic moments in Kansas sports history.&nbsp; He was a sportscaster&nbsp;for the Kansas Jayhawks, Fort Hays State University, and the Kansas City&nbsp;Royals.&nbsp;&nbsp;His passion, storytelling, and deep connection with fans made him a beloved figure in broadcasting.&nbsp;This special program will reflect on the conversation we had with Davis back in 2021, as well as his induction speech into the 2016 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame."Remembering Bob Davis" will air on Monday, April 7 at 8 p.m. exclusively on Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; Viewers can also watch this special again on Thursday, April 10 at 2 p.m. and Saturday April 12 at 8 p.m.

SHPBS presents 'Remembering Bob Davis: A Tribute to a Broadcasting Legend'

The Hays High School World Language Club is putting on an International Day event to celebrate different and diverse cultures/heritages in the Hays community, and we want&nbsp;you&nbsp;to be a part of it!

This is in honor of Lora Gallegos-Haynes, a beloved Hays High teacher who used to organize this event.

This is an open community project, so anyone who is interested can be a part of this event.&nbsp;You can bring items from your culture/heritage, food, outfits, etc.

International Day will be on Thursday, April 17, at Hays High School in Gym A. It will be around two hours long from 3:30-5:30 p.m.&nbsp;Sign up by April 10 to participate!

Sign up with the following link:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://forms.office.com/r/a7Hfr8radz">https://forms.office.com/r/a7Hfr8radz</a>

If there are any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Fenwick (<a href="mailto:cfenwick@usd489.com">cfenwick@usd489.com</a>) or Emmaline Leuschner (<a href="mailto:25eleuschner@usd489.com">25eleuschner@usd489.com</a>).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743526029783.png" alt="Hays High World Language Club" />
 <figcaption>Hays High World Language Club</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays High School World Language Club is putting on an International Day event to celebrate different and diverse cultures/heritages in the Hays community, and we want&nbsp;you&nbsp;to be a part of it!This is in honor of Lora Gallegos-Haynes, a beloved Hays High teacher who used to organize this event.This is an open community project, so anyone who is interested can be a part of this event.&nbsp;You can bring items from your culture/heritage, food, outfits, etc.International Day will be on Thursday, April 17, at Hays High School in Gym A. It will be around two hours long from 3:30-5:30 p.m.&nbsp;Sign up by April 10 to participate!Sign up with the following link:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://forms.office.com/r/a7Hfr8radz">https://forms.office.com/r/a7Hfr8radz</a>If there are any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Fenwick (<a href="mailto:cfenwick@usd489.com">cfenwick@usd489.com</a>) or Emmaline Leuschner (<a href="mailto:25eleuschner@usd489.com">25eleuschner@usd489.com</a>).

Hays High School World Language Club celebrating Hays heritages

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

As a first generation college student who is now a professor, I know firsthand the vital role libraries play in providing access to knowledge and opportunity, especially for those from underserved backgrounds.

At my university, nearly half of the student population is also first-generation, and like me, many have relied on libraries as gateways to education, technology, and personal growth. Though I didn’t grow up in the Sunflower State, my students have shown me how deeply public libraries support communities across Kansas, providing essential resources that foster learning, connection, and a brighter future.

In mid-March President Trump issued an executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to the fullest extent possible — only Congress can fully close the IMLS as it was established by a Congressional act in 1996 — and directs the Office of Management and Budget to reject funding requests from IMLS. It is expected that Trump’s future budget requests will propose to eliminate the IMLS altogether.

This executive order puts essential library resources at risk, especially in rural and low-income communities. IMLS is the primary source of federal funding for libraries across the country and provides approximately $2.1 million in funding to Kansas public libraries annually.

With all 367 public libraries across Kansas relying on this funding, these cuts will have a widespread financial impact and deepen educational disparities across the state.

According to Ray Walling, State Librarian at the State Library of Kansas, the provided funding is “integral to the operations of all Kansas libraries. Our statewide… services could not be offered at current levels without this support.”

Some examples of how the State Library of Kansas uses these funds includes: to support the Summer Reading Program that provides summer reading materials to Kansas libraries, provide access to books for people with disabilities (e.g. Talking Books program, braille and large print books), statewide resource sharing through the Kansas Library Catalog (e.g. interlibrary loan), provide access to state documents via the Kansas Government Information Online Library, statewide access to digital collections of ebooks and audiobooks (e.g. Libby app), and the Kansas Notable Books program that recognizes outstanding titles either written by Kansans or about a Kansas-related topic.

In the past two years, IMLS also provided $10,000 to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation to expand the tribe’s reference library for those learning and studying the Potawatomi language and culture; just over $28,000 to Exploration Place in Wichita to provide professional development that led to expansion of the museum’s digital services, allowing them to reach every Kansas county and school district; nearly $50,000 to Independence Community College

to create a publicly accessible online catalog featuring significant playwrights, performing artists, and original manuscripts; and $71,000 to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska for the purpose of identifying and documenting culturally significant artifacts and artwork, including creating a virtual repository of photographs and digitized art.

Kansas ranks second in the nation for per capita library visits, reflecting the deep value Kansans place on these essential community hubs. With such high engagement, it’s clear that libraries are not only centers of learning and opportunity but also key components of daily life for Kansans.

Dismantling IMLS isn’t just a budget decision — it’s a decision that will take books out of children’s hands, limit job-seekers' access to technology, and erase vital cultural and historical resources.

Public libraries are more than just buildings filled with books; they are community hubs that empower Kansans to learn, grow, and connect.

As Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” If we truly believe in fostering a future where knowledge and opportunity are within reach for every Kansan, we must work to preserve our libraries before it’s too late.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD, is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740007073583.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood&nbsp;is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood&nbsp;is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasAs a first generation college student who is now a professor, I know firsthand the vital role libraries play in providing access to knowledge and opportunity, especially for those from underserved backgrounds.At my university, nearly half of the student population is also first-generation, and like me, many have relied on libraries as gateways to education, technology, and personal growth. Though I didn’t grow up in the Sunflower State, my students have shown me how deeply public libraries support communities across Kansas, providing essential resources that foster learning, connection, and a brighter future.In mid-March President Trump issued an executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to the fullest extent possible — only Congress can fully close the IMLS as it was established by a Congressional act in 1996 — and directs the Office of Management and Budget to reject funding requests from IMLS. It is expected that Trump’s future budget requests will propose to eliminate the IMLS altogether.This executive order puts essential library resources at risk, especially in rural and low-income communities. IMLS is the primary source of federal funding for libraries across the country and provides approximately $2.1 million in funding to Kansas public libraries annually.With all 367 public libraries across Kansas relying on this funding, these cuts will have a widespread financial impact and deepen educational disparities across the state.According to Ray Walling, State Librarian at the State Library of Kansas, the provided funding is “integral to the operations of all Kansas libraries. Our statewide… services could not be offered at current levels without this support.”Some examples of how the State Library of Kansas uses these funds includes: to support the Summer Reading Program that provides summer reading materials to Kansas libraries, provide access to books for people with disabilities (e.g. Talking Books program, braille and large print books), statewide resource sharing through the Kansas Library Catalog (e.g. interlibrary loan), provide access to state documents via the Kansas Government Information Online Library, statewide access to digital collections of ebooks and audiobooks (e.g. Libby app), and the Kansas Notable Books program that recognizes outstanding titles either written by Kansans or about a Kansas-related topic.In the past two years, IMLS also provided $10,000 to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation to expand the tribe’s reference library for those learning and studying the Potawatomi language and culture; just over $28,000 to Exploration Place in Wichita to provide professional development that led to expansion of the museum’s digital services, allowing them to reach every Kansas county and school district; nearly $50,000 to Independence Community Collegeto create a publicly accessible online catalog featuring significant playwrights, performing artists, and original manuscripts; and $71,000 to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska for the purpose of identifying and documenting culturally significant artifacts and artwork, including creating a virtual repository of photographs and digitized art.Kansas ranks second in the nation for per capita library visits, reflecting the deep value Kansans place on these essential community hubs. With such high engagement, it’s clear that libraries are not only centers of learning and opportunity but also key components of daily life for Kansans.Dismantling IMLS isn’t just a budget decision — it’s a decision that will take books out of children’s hands, limit job-seekers' access to technology, and erase vital cultural and historical resources.Public libraries are more than just buildings filled with books; they are community hubs that empower Kansans to learn, grow, and connect.As Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” If we truly believe in fostering a future where knowledge and opportunity are within reach for every Kansan, we must work to preserve our libraries before it’s too late.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD, is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Cutting library funding will cost Kansas communities

<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/2025/4/1743775059980.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

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF April 7 – April 11, 2025

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

--April 7 • Memorial of St. John Baptist de la Salle, Priest. • 3rd Grade will have state testing all week in the mornings. • This is our Lenten Canned Food Drive week – students we encourage you to bring a sack of canned food donations to your teachers this week for St. Joseph’s Food Pantry. • Fr. Nick will visit KB this morning. • 2nd – 5th grade students will have reconciliation this afternoon at IHM.

--April 9 • There is no Atrium today. • Today is our HFE Applebee’s Fundraising Day – we’ll make 25% of the sale all day but you must mention HFE. • Kindergarten Pajama and Board Game Day for a feed the pig prize. • Early Release Day – students will dismiss at 1:15 p.m. There will be no bus at dismissal. • All Staff Mtg. following in the library at 1:40 p.m. – the last all staff meeting of the year. • Curriculum Team will meeting at 2:40 in the Lounge. • VBRD Team will meet at 2:40 in the Library.

--April 10 • April Birthday Mass &amp; Lunch today. • TMP Ag Day for 3rd-5th grade. • Hourly staff timesheets are due to Ms. Karla in the office this morning. 5th grade will be practicing for Living Stations of the Cross at IHM. • Spring Music Concert is tonight for 3rd-5th grade at 6:30 p.m. at TMP Fieldhouse. Students should arrive and be seated at 6:20 p.m. • Tomorrow is the last morning to bring canned food goods for our Lenten Food Drive. Thank you for participating in this and giving to others in need.

--April 11 • Memorial of St. Stanislaus, Bishop &amp; Martyr. • KA will have Ag in the Classroom at 12:15. • Living Stations of the Cross will start at 2:15 p.m. at IHM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613660020276.png" alt="Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>HFEHOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF April 7 – April 11, 2025THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!MONDAY--April 7 • Memorial of St. John Baptist de la Salle, Priest. • 3rd Grade will have state testing all week in the mornings. • This is our Lenten Canned Food Drive week – students we encourage you to bring a sack of canned food donations to your teachers this week for St. Joseph’s Food Pantry. • Fr. Nick will visit KB this morning. • 2nd – 5th grade students will have reconciliation this afternoon at IHM.TUESDAY--April 8 WEDNESDAY--April 9 • There is no Atrium today. • Today is our HFE Applebee’s Fundraising Day – we’ll make 25% of the sale all day but you must mention HFE. • Kindergarten Pajama and Board Game Day for a feed the pig prize. • Early Release Day – students will dismiss at 1:15 p.m. There will be no bus at dismissal. • All Staff Mtg. following in the library at 1:40 p.m. – the last all staff meeting of the year. • Curriculum Team will meeting at 2:40 in the Lounge. • VBRD Team will meet at 2:40 in the Library. THURSDAY--April 10 • April Birthday Mass &amp; Lunch today. • TMP Ag Day for 3rd-5th grade. • Hourly staff timesheets are due to Ms. Karla in the office this morning. 5th grade will be practicing for Living Stations of the Cross at IHM. • Spring Music Concert is tonight for 3rd-5th grade at 6:30 p.m. at TMP Fieldhouse. Students should arrive and be seated at 6:20 p.m. • Tomorrow is the last morning to bring canned food goods for our Lenten Food Drive. Thank you for participating in this and giving to others in need. FRIDAY--April 11 • Memorial of St. Stanislaus, Bishop &amp; Martyr. • KA will have Ag in the Classroom at 12:15. • Living Stations of the Cross will start at 2:15 p.m. at IHM.

Holy Family Elementary School notes, April 7-11, 2025

🎙 Post Podcast: The Bricks in Downtown Hays

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Jessica Luck comes from a long line of educators.

Luck's grandfather was a classroom teacher and a principal in Oberlin, where she grew up. Her two uncles taught school in western Kansas. A great-aunt taught in Atwood. Her dad was an art teacher, and some of her cousins are also teachers.

Fourteen years ago, when her family moved to Hays, she decided to switch gears from being an elementary school teacher to an in-home child care provider.

Luck, 48, earned her bachelor's degree at Fort Hays State University and taught second grade in Goddard before her family moved back to Hays in 2008 to be closer to their parents so their son, who was then 2, could get to know his grandparents.

Luck was going to go back to teaching elementary school, but she learned she was pregnant with twins. She and her husband didn't think it was financially prudent to try to have three children in child care.

After two years of staying home with her own children, the couple had a friend who needed child care. Luck and her husband decided to fully certify as an in-home child care provider.

Luck was nominated as the March Child Care Champion by mother Jessica Roe.

"We have had Jessica as our day care provider for nine years. She gives so much love to all the children in her care," Roe said. "Jessica does fun activities with the kids on a daily basis. 

"My older children still love going to see Jessica even though they are out of day care. Jessica will always give extra snuggles when my little one is having a rough day."

Although her oldest son is now 19, the twins are almost 16 and her youngest is 12, Luck has continued to operate her in-home child care.

She said all four children are baby whisperers and are great help when the child care children are in the house.

She said she always went to great lengths to give her children their own space. Her four had their own rooms and their own toys, separate from the child care.

Luck said she continues to love working with small children.

"Everything is brand new and exciting," she said. "Every stage that I see in a home day care before they go to school is fun and exciting. It's not the same thing every day.&nbsp;

"We have our routine, but just their little outlooks on life and how they perceive things are constantly changing."

Luck said she missed the classroom at first and struggled with taking on new roles, but she doesn't regret it.

"Being home was the best thing for the kids and our family at that time," she said.&nbsp;

She said she would not trade that time she had with her children for anything.&nbsp;

"I think if we had stayed in Wichita and I would still have taught, I don't think I would have stayed home with them. I don't think I would have realized the impact and how important that was to stay home with your own kids.

"That was my feeling. It's completely fine if parents work and don't stay home with their kids, but for me, I loved it, because I had that education background. I worked a lot with my kids, and it carried over to my day care."

Luck does not follow a preschool curriculum but uses resources from her classroom days. She has a structured day for the children with opportunities to play outside or exercise indoors when the weather is bad.

She allows the children to create open-ended art and craft projects that allow them to express their creativity.&nbsp;

Her kitchen table shows the wear from all of that creative time. The finish is completely worn off from all the years of art, play and scrubbing.

Luck said keeping up with the ever-changing child care regulations can be difficult.

"Your yearly inspections are a little nerve-racking," she said, "because it's like showing your home. You have to keep it, you think, neat and tidy, not like little people are in your home all of the time."

Luck advised new providers to give the job a year or two. She said it takes time to adjust to working within the state regulations and with parents to meet their expectations.

She said she has been thankful for her job as a child care provider because it has allowed her to meet more families in the community.

"When your kids are certain ages, those are the groups of parents and kids you know," she said. "Home day care allows you the opportunity to keep meeting families."

She said her child care families have become an extended part of her own family.

"You are a second parent almost to them. ... It's rewarding all down through the years like teaching. My oldest ones are eighth-graders this year, and they're going into high school. It's such a blessing to see from day one up into growing up, how they change, where the world takes them and the opportunities they have.

"I still look at them and see their little selves."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f64ddb1-ba92-40fa-a22f-94a557aaf629">Click here to nominate a Child Care Champion.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743784988759.jpeg" alt="Child Care provider Jessica Luck, her husband and four children. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Child Care provider Jessica Luck, her husband and four children. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJessica Luck comes from a long line of educators.Luck's grandfather was a classroom teacher and a principal in Oberlin, where she grew up. Her two uncles taught school in western Kansas. A great-aunt taught in Atwood. Her dad was an art teacher, and some of her cousins are also teachers.Fourteen years ago, when her family moved to Hays, she decided to switch gears from being an elementary school teacher to an in-home child care provider.Luck, 48, earned her bachelor's degree at Fort Hays State University and taught second grade in Goddard before her family moved back to Hays in 2008 to be closer to their parents so their son, who was then 2, could get to know his grandparents.Luck was going to go back to teaching elementary school, but she learned she was pregnant with twins. She and her husband didn't think it was financially prudent to try to have three children in child care.After two years of staying home with her own children, the couple had a friend who needed child care. Luck and her husband decided to fully certify as an in-home child care provider.Luck was nominated as the March Child Care Champion by mother Jessica Roe."We have had Jessica as our day care provider for nine years. She gives so much love to all the children in her care," Roe said. "Jessica does fun activities with the kids on a daily basis. "My older children still love going to see Jessica even though they are out of day care. Jessica will always give extra snuggles when my little one is having a rough day."Although her oldest son is now 19, the twins are almost 16 and her youngest is 12, Luck has continued to operate her in-home child care.She said all four children are baby whisperers and are great help when the child care children are in the house.She said she always went to great lengths to give her children their own space. Her four had their own rooms and their own toys, separate from the child care.Luck said she continues to love working with small children."Everything is brand new and exciting," she said. "Every stage that I see in a home day care before they go to school is fun and exciting. It's not the same thing every day.&nbsp;"We have our routine, but just their little outlooks on life and how they perceive things are constantly changing."Luck said she missed the classroom at first and struggled with taking on new roles, but she doesn't regret it."Being home was the best thing for the kids and our family at that time," she said.&nbsp;She said she would not trade that time she had with her children for anything.&nbsp;"I think if we had stayed in Wichita and I would still have taught, I don't think I would have stayed home with them. I don't think I would have realized the impact and how important that was to stay home with your own kids."That was my feeling. It's completely fine if parents work and don't stay home with their kids, but for me, I loved it, because I had that education background. I worked a lot with my kids, and it carried over to my day care."Luck does not follow a preschool curriculum but uses resources from her classroom days. She has a structured day for the children with opportunities to play outside or exercise indoors when the weather is bad.She allows the children to create open-ended art and craft projects that allow them to express their creativity.&nbsp;Her kitchen table shows the wear from all of that creative time. The finish is completely worn off from all the years of art, play and scrubbing.Luck said keeping up with the ever-changing child care regulations can be difficult."Your yearly inspections are a little nerve-racking," she said, "because it's like showing your home. You have to keep it, you think, neat and tidy, not like little people are in your home all of the time."Luck advised new providers to give the job a year or two. She said it takes time to adjust to working within the state regulations and with parents to meet their expectations.She said she has been thankful for her job as a child care provider because it has allowed her to meet more families in the community."When your kids are certain ages, those are the groups of parents and kids you know," she said. "Home day care allows you the opportunity to keep meeting families."She said her child care families have become an extended part of her own family."You are a second parent almost to them. ... It's rewarding all down through the years like teaching. My oldest ones are eighth-graders this year, and they're going into high school. It's such a blessing to see from day one up into growing up, how they change, where the world takes them and the opportunities they have."I still look at them and see their little selves."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f64ddb1-ba92-40fa-a22f-94a557aaf629">Click here to nominate a Child Care Champion.</a>

Child Care Champion: Twins lead to new job, life she might have missed

Dogs will get a head start on Easter this year with a fun-filled egg hunt packed with treats just for them.

The Hays Recreation Commission is hosting the Doggie Day Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. April 13 at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. Registration closes on April 9 and is $1.

Gail Wickham, youth and senior program director, said the sixth-annual event was inspired by her love of dogs and a desire to create something fun for fellow pet owners in the community.

"This is their day. We zero in on the dogs and let them have their day and fun of an Easter egg hunt," Wickham said.

You can register <a href="https://haysrecweb.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&amp;FMID=19496086&amp;InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_1">online</a>&nbsp;or at the Hays Recreation Center,&nbsp;1105 Canterbury Drive.

The event was designed as a springtime social outing for dogs of all breeds and their owners. Dogs sniff out eggs filled with treats, and each participant receives a treat bag and a photo opportunity.

Although registration is encouraged to help with planning, walk-ins are welcome. However, dogs must be vaccinated, and leashes are recommended unless the dog can be reliably controlled off-leash.

Wickham highlighted several benefits of the egg hunt, including the chance for dogs and their owners to bond and connect with fellow participants.

"Just enjoy being with your animal and doing something fun with them, rather than leaving them at home in the backyard, but actually participating and doing something fun with your pet," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743603261772.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostDogs will get a head start on Easter this year with a fun-filled egg hunt packed with treats just for them.The Hays Recreation Commission is hosting the Doggie Day Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. April 13 at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. Registration closes on April 9 and is $1.Gail Wickham, youth and senior program director, said the sixth-annual event was inspired by her love of dogs and a desire to create something fun for fellow pet owners in the community."This is their day. We zero in on the dogs and let them have their day and fun of an Easter egg hunt," Wickham said.You can register <a href="https://haysrecweb.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&amp;FMID=19496086&amp;InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_1">online</a>&nbsp;or at the Hays Recreation Center,&nbsp;1105 Canterbury Drive.The event was designed as a springtime social outing for dogs of all breeds and their owners. Dogs sniff out eggs filled with treats, and each participant receives a treat bag and a photo opportunity.Although registration is encouraged to help with planning, walk-ins are welcome. However, dogs must be vaccinated, and leashes are recommended unless the dog can be reliably controlled off-leash.Wickham highlighted several benefits of the egg hunt, including the chance for dogs and their owners to bond and connect with fellow participants."Just enjoy being with your animal and doing something fun with them, rather than leaving them at home in the backyard, but actually participating and doing something fun with your pet," she said.You can follow the Hays Recreation Commission on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/haysrec/">Facebook</a>.

6th-annual Doggie Day Egg Hunt set for April 13 in Hays

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Lace up for the Race to Restock, a community run raising funds to fight poverty and provide local residents with essential resources.

Hosted by First Call for Help of Ellis County, the fundraiser supports one of&nbsp; Hays' food pantries and awards participants for their efforts.

Macey Pfeifer, executive director of First Call for Help, said the funds will assist about 70 households facing food insecurity.

"We have five students that we're working with. ... We decided that our biggest need right now is to raise money for our food pantry," she said.

The April 26 event is a joint effort between First Call for Help and students in a Leadership 310 class who are gaining practical, hands-on experience.

The race includes a 5K run for $25, a 10K run for $30, and a 1-mile walk for $20. All start at 8 a.m. at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, with check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Participants who register by April 11 will receive a finisher’s medal. Same-day registration is available, though medals are not guaranteed for those who sign up after the deadline.

You can register online <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/event-details/race-to-restock">here</a>&nbsp;or donate to the cause at the First Call for Help of Ellis County <a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.networkforgood.com/projects/176788-holiday-giving-2022">website</a>.

The race features seven age divisions to ensure fair competition, with first-place winners in each group receiving prizes donated by local businesses.

Thanks to the students leading the project, sponsors will cover the initial costs, such as refreshments, donuts and volunteer T-shirts.

Pfeifer said the event aims to raise $2,500 to $3,000.

You can learn more about the First Call for Help of Ellis County food pantry <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/team-1">here</a>&nbsp;and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firstcallelliscounty">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743616870834.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostLace up for the Race to Restock, a community run raising funds to fight poverty and provide local residents with essential resources.Hosted by First Call for Help of Ellis County, the fundraiser supports one of&nbsp; Hays' food pantries and awards participants for their efforts.Macey Pfeifer, executive director of First Call for Help, said the funds will assist about 70 households facing food insecurity."We have five students that we're working with. ... We decided that our biggest need right now is to raise money for our food pantry," she said.The April 26 event is a joint effort between First Call for Help and students in a Leadership 310 class who are gaining practical, hands-on experience.The race includes a 5K run for $25, a 10K run for $30, and a 1-mile walk for $20. All start at 8 a.m. at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, with check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m.Participants who register by April 11 will receive a finisher’s medal. Same-day registration is available, though medals are not guaranteed for those who sign up after the deadline.You can register online <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/event-details/race-to-restock">here</a>&nbsp;or donate to the cause at the First Call for Help of Ellis County <a href="https://firstcallelliscounty.networkforgood.com/projects/176788-holiday-giving-2022">website</a>.The race features seven age divisions to ensure fair competition, with first-place winners in each group receiving prizes donated by local businesses.Thanks to the students leading the project, sponsors will cover the initial costs, such as refreshments, donuts and volunteer T-shirts.Pfeifer said the event aims to raise $2,500 to $3,000.You can learn more about the First Call for Help of Ellis County food pantry <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/team-1">here</a>&nbsp;and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firstcallelliscounty">Facebook</a>.

Fundraiser run/walk aims to restock Ellis County food pantry

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Understanding spray water quality is a crucial first step for successful herbicide applications for farmers. 

Much of the water used for herbicide applications in Kansas is inherently “hard,” and the quality of water from some wells is decreasing as water resources decrease. 

This article will be a shortened version that will focus on the effects of water quality on herbicide efficacy, particularly in postemergence applications. To see the full article, google <a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/the-role-of-water-quality-on-effective-herbicide-applications-634-3">K-State Agronomy eUpdates</a>.

Three main factors affect water quality in Kansas - turbidity, pH, and hardness.

Turbidity is defined as the clarity of water and is mostly affected by larger particles suspended in the water, such as algae, clay, minerals, or organic matter. 

Poor turbidity is more likely to exist where surface waters such as ponds, streams, or rivers are the source of spray water. These suspended particles interact with many of our herbicides and can influence uptake by the plants, chemical changes at the site-of-action (SOA), and decrease the performance of sprayer equipment. Its effect is severe on cationic (positively charged) herbicides (paraquat and diquat) and herbicides with low soil mobility (glyphosate). 

If turbidity is an issue, chelating agents may be available for use in holding ponds or tanks prior to mixing in the spray tank.

Spray water pH is a measure of acidity or the presence of hydrogen ions. Pure water is neutral, having a pH of 7.0, whereas values below 7 are considered acidic, and values above 7 are basic. 

Kansas surface and subsurface water pH typically ranges from 6.5 to 8.5. Generally, pH values of spray water in Kansas do not have a large effect on the herbicides commonly applied. However, there are some exceptions.

Water hardness is one of the largest issues impacting herbicide applications in Kansas. Hardness is caused by the presence of positively charged minerals (cations) suspended in the water, particularly calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and iron (Fe). 

Because many of our herbicides, notably glyphosate and glufosinate, form weak acids (negatively charged) when mixed in water, cations can bind to herbicide molecules, thus changing how the herbicide is absorbed by the plants and altering its ability to bind at the site of action.

Water hardness can be classified into the following groups based on the total number of cations present expressed in parts per million (ppm): Soft = less than 75 ppm, moderately hard = 75 to 150 ppm, hard = 150 to 300 ppm, and very hard = greater than 300 ppm.

To combat hard water antagonism, water conditioners such as ammonium sulfate (AMS) are recommended with many of our postemergence herbicides. When added to the water prior to the herbicide, AMS produces ammonium ions which bind to the herbicide and prevent other cations from interacting with it. Recommended rates of AMS range from 8.5 to 17 pounds per 100&nbsp;

A handy Excel-based version of this formula can be found at the website: https://sprayers101.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AMS-Calculator-Sprayers101-1.xlsx

Water quality has a large impact on herbicide efficacy. As water resources decline, water quality can and does change over time. A proper water test is the best way to understand what characteristics are influencing our spray applications and how to mitigate those effects. K-State, as well as several commercial providers, can conduct water tests for a nominal charge.

During the summer of 2025, researchers at K-State will be collecting spray water samples from around the state to test for quality. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact your local Extension agent. To read about liquid AMS replacements and the full article google <a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/the-role-of-water-quality-on-effective-herbicide-applications-634-3">K-State Agronomy eUpdates</a>.

Information provided by Patrick Geier, Sarah Lancaster, and Jeremie Kouame, K-State Weed Management Specialist.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictUnderstanding spray water quality is a crucial first step for successful herbicide applications for farmers. Much of the water used for herbicide applications in Kansas is inherently “hard,” and the quality of water from some wells is decreasing as water resources decrease. This article will be a shortened version that will focus on the effects of water quality on herbicide efficacy, particularly in postemergence applications. To see the full article, google <a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/the-role-of-water-quality-on-effective-herbicide-applications-634-3">K-State Agronomy eUpdates</a>. Three main factors affect water quality in Kansas - turbidity, pH, and hardness.Turbidity is defined as the clarity of water and is mostly affected by larger particles suspended in the water, such as algae, clay, minerals, or organic matter. Poor turbidity is more likely to exist where surface waters such as ponds, streams, or rivers are the source of spray water. These suspended particles interact with many of our herbicides and can influence uptake by the plants, chemical changes at the site-of-action (SOA), and decrease the performance of sprayer equipment. Its effect is severe on cationic (positively charged) herbicides (paraquat and diquat) and herbicides with low soil mobility (glyphosate). If turbidity is an issue, chelating agents may be available for use in holding ponds or tanks prior to mixing in the spray tank.Spray water pH is a measure of acidity or the presence of hydrogen ions. Pure water is neutral, having a pH of 7.0, whereas values below 7 are considered acidic, and values above 7 are basic. Kansas surface and subsurface water pH typically ranges from 6.5 to 8.5. Generally, pH values of spray water in Kansas do not have a large effect on the herbicides commonly applied. However, there are some exceptions.Water hardness is one of the largest issues impacting herbicide applications in Kansas. Hardness is caused by the presence of positively charged minerals (cations) suspended in the water, particularly calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and iron (Fe). Because many of our herbicides, notably glyphosate and glufosinate, form weak acids (negatively charged) when mixed in water, cations can bind to herbicide molecules, thus changing how the herbicide is absorbed by the plants and altering its ability to bind at the site of action.Water hardness can be classified into the following groups based on the total number of cations present expressed in parts per million (ppm): Soft = less than 75 ppm, moderately hard = 75 to 150 ppm, hard = 150 to 300 ppm, and very hard = greater than 300 ppm.To combat hard water antagonism, water conditioners such as ammonium sulfate (AMS) are recommended with many of our postemergence herbicides. When added to the water prior to the herbicide, AMS produces ammonium ions which bind to the herbicide and prevent other cations from interacting with it. Recommended rates of AMS range from 8.5 to 17 pounds per 100&nbsp;A handy Excel-based version of this formula can be found at the website: https://sprayers101.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AMS-Calculator-Sprayers101-1.xlsxSUMMARYWater quality has a large impact on herbicide efficacy. As water resources decline, water quality can and does change over time. A proper water test is the best way to understand what characteristics are influencing our spray applications and how to mitigate those effects. K-State, as well as several commercial providers, can conduct water tests for a nominal charge.During the summer of 2025, researchers at K-State will be collecting spray water samples from around the state to test for quality. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact your local Extension agent. To read about liquid AMS replacements and the full article google <a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/the-role-of-water-quality-on-effective-herbicide-applications-634-3">K-State Agronomy eUpdates</a>.Information provided by Patrick Geier, Sarah Lancaster, and Jeremie Kouame, K-State Weed Management Specialist.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Role of water quality on effective herbicide applications

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743774679102.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>

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-ex-cardinal-scandal-989fb97f4f0cad8c4926e8cb795ba2bf">Theodore McCarrick,</a>&nbsp;a once-powerful Catholic cardinal who was defrocked by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;in 2019 after a Vatican investigation determined he had molested adults and children, has died. He was 94.

Archbishop of Washington Robert McElroy issued a statement Friday confirming McCarrick's death a day earlier but provided no details. His statement focused on those McCarrick abused.

“At this moment I am especially mindful of those who he harmed during the course of his priestly ministry," McElroy said. "Through their enduring pain, may we remain steadfast in our prayers for them and for all victims of sexual abuse.”

In recent court proceedings, it was disclosed that McCarrick had been diagnosed with dementia. He had been living in Missouri, and Vatican News reported he died there.

The McCarrick scandal created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7ddab5d7ca7a4ac8843209489cbc23a7">a crisis of credibility</a>&nbsp;for the church, primarily because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fc54d28d965b4efaa4c100f4e7c52bb0">there was evidence</a>&nbsp;Vatican and U.S. church leaders knew he slept with seminarians but turned a blind eye as McCarrick rose to the top of the U.S. church as an adept fundraiser who advised three popes.

The Vatican's report on its investigation put the lion’s share of blame on a dead saint: Pope John Paul II, who appointed McCarrick archbishop of Washington, D.C., in 2000, despite having commissioned an inquiry that confirmed he slept with seminarians.

The report found that John Paul believed McCarrick’s last-minute, handwritten denial in which he wrote: “I have made mistakes and may have sometimes lacked in prudence, but in the seventy years of my life I have never had sexual relations with any person, male or female, young or old, cleric or lay."

Over several decades, bishops, cardinals and popes dismissed or downplayed reports of McCarrick’s misconduct with young men as he rose through the ranks to become a cardinal and archbishop, according to the investigation.

The report contained heartbreaking testimony from people who tried to raise the alarm about McCarrick’s inappropriate behavior, including with children, in the mid-1980s.

While the findings provided new details about what the Vatican knew and when, it didn’t directly blame or admit that the church’s internal “old boys club” culture allowed McCarrick’s behavior to continue unchecked.

Cardinals and bishops have long been considered beyond reproach. Claims of homosexual behavior are used to discredit or blackmail prelates that they often are dismissed as rumor. There also has been a widespread but unspoken tolerance of sexually active men in what is supposed to be a celibate priesthood.

The report drew on documents from Vatican departments, U.S. dioceses and seminaries and the Vatican’s U.S. Embassy. Investigators interviewed 90 people, including McCarrick’s victims, former seminarians and priests, and officials from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, responded to McCarrick’s death expressing frustration that the ex-cardinal, although defrocked, never stood trial for “the vast harm he inflicted."

“McCarrick may be dead, but his many victims are not,” said Peter Isely, a founding member of SNAP. “We are still here, still living with the harm he caused — and with the church’s failure to stop him. ”

McCarrick, who was the archbishop of Washington from 2000 to 2006, was one of the highest-ranking U.S. church officials accused in a sexual abuse scandal that has seen thousands of priests implicated. He traveled widely, was a gifted fundraiser and spoke multiple languages.

He was a priest in New York City from 1958, when he was ordained, until 1981, when he became bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey. He was archbishop of Newark from 1986 until 2000 and was elevated to cardinal in 2001.

McCarrick participated in the 2005 conclave that elected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-benedict-xvi">Pope Benedict XVI</a>, presided over the graveside service for Sen. Ted Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery in 2009, and celebrated Mass with Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to Washington.

This story has been corrected to reflect that McCarrick died Thursday, instead of Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627579902766.png" alt="-Disgraced former Catholic cardinal Theodore McCarrick moved to the St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas in 2018. He moved from Northwest Kansas in January 2020 Credit: US Institute of Peace. CC BY NC " />
 <figcaption>-Disgraced former Catholic cardinal Theodore McCarrick moved to the St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas in 2018. He moved from Northwest Kansas in January 2020 Credit: US Institute of Peace. CC BY NC </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-ex-cardinal-scandal-989fb97f4f0cad8c4926e8cb795ba2bf">Theodore McCarrick,</a>&nbsp;a once-powerful Catholic cardinal who was defrocked by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;in 2019 after a Vatican investigation determined he had molested adults and children, has died. He was 94.Archbishop of Washington Robert McElroy issued a statement Friday confirming McCarrick's death a day earlier but provided no details. His statement focused on those McCarrick abused.“At this moment I am especially mindful of those who he harmed during the course of his priestly ministry," McElroy said. "Through their enduring pain, may we remain steadfast in our prayers for them and for all victims of sexual abuse.”In recent court proceedings, it was disclosed that McCarrick had been diagnosed with dementia. He had been living in Missouri, and Vatican News reported he died there.The McCarrick scandal created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7ddab5d7ca7a4ac8843209489cbc23a7">a crisis of credibility</a>&nbsp;for the church, primarily because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fc54d28d965b4efaa4c100f4e7c52bb0">there was evidence</a>&nbsp;Vatican and U.S. church leaders knew he slept with seminarians but turned a blind eye as McCarrick rose to the top of the U.S. church as an adept fundraiser who advised three popes.The Vatican's report on its investigation put the lion’s share of blame on a dead saint: Pope John Paul II, who appointed McCarrick archbishop of Washington, D.C., in 2000, despite having commissioned an inquiry that confirmed he slept with seminarians.The report found that John Paul believed McCarrick’s last-minute, handwritten denial in which he wrote: “I have made mistakes and may have sometimes lacked in prudence, but in the seventy years of my life I have never had sexual relations with any person, male or female, young or old, cleric or lay."Over several decades, bishops, cardinals and popes dismissed or downplayed reports of McCarrick’s misconduct with young men as he rose through the ranks to become a cardinal and archbishop, according to the investigation.The report contained heartbreaking testimony from people who tried to raise the alarm about McCarrick’s inappropriate behavior, including with children, in the mid-1980s.While the findings provided new details about what the Vatican knew and when, it didn’t directly blame or admit that the church’s internal “old boys club” culture allowed McCarrick’s behavior to continue unchecked.Cardinals and bishops have long been considered beyond reproach. Claims of homosexual behavior are used to discredit or blackmail prelates that they often are dismissed as rumor. There also has been a widespread but unspoken tolerance of sexually active men in what is supposed to be a celibate priesthood.The report drew on documents from Vatican departments, U.S. dioceses and seminaries and the Vatican’s U.S. Embassy. Investigators interviewed 90 people, including McCarrick’s victims, former seminarians and priests, and officials from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, responded to McCarrick’s death expressing frustration that the ex-cardinal, although defrocked, never stood trial for “the vast harm he inflicted."“McCarrick may be dead, but his many victims are not,” said Peter Isely, a founding member of SNAP. “We are still here, still living with the harm he caused — and with the church’s failure to stop him. ”McCarrick, who was the archbishop of Washington from 2000 to 2006, was one of the highest-ranking U.S. church officials accused in a sexual abuse scandal that has seen thousands of priests implicated. He traveled widely, was a gifted fundraiser and spoke multiple languages.He was a priest in New York City from 1958, when he was ordained, until 1981, when he became bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey. He was archbishop of Newark from 1986 until 2000 and was elevated to cardinal in 2001.McCarrick participated in the 2005 conclave that elected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-benedict-xvi">Pope Benedict XVI</a>, presided over the graveside service for Sen. Ted Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery in 2009, and celebrated Mass with Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to Washington.___This story has been corrected to reflect that McCarrick died Thursday, instead of Friday.

Disgraced former Cardinal who lived in Ellis Co. has died at age 94

DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust on Thursday that briefly prompted a lock down at a northwest Kansas high school.

After several months of investigation the Oberlin Police Department and the Decatur County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants on Thursday on three different locations within the city of Oberlin, according to&nbsp;David Wachendorfer. Deputies arrested two suspects and seized drugs, firearms and other contraband.

Due to the proximity of the law enforcement activity, Decatur Community High School  was placed on lockdown for approximately a half hour while the high-risk portion of the warrant service occurred.

Deputies arrested 63-year-old Michael Dedeyne and 47-year-old Dacaralei Cleveland, both of Oberlin. They are being held in the&nbsp;Thomas County Jail on requested charges that include possession of controlled substances and firearms violations.

All operations were concluded without incident, with no injuries or adverse actions involving either suspects or officers.

The Oberlin Police Department, was assisted by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office,&nbsp;Sheridan County Sheriff's Department, the&nbsp;Thomas County Sheriff's Office, the&nbsp;Gove County Sheriff's Office, the&nbsp;Oakley, Ks. Police Department, and the Department of&nbsp;Kansas Wildlife &amp; Parks - Game Wardens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743761911225.png" alt="Dedeyne photo Thomas Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Dedeyne photo Thomas Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust on Thursday that briefly prompted a lock down at a northwest Kansas high school.After several months of investigation the Oberlin Police Department and the Decatur County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants on Thursday on three different locations within the city of Oberlin, according to&nbsp;David Wachendorfer. Deputies arrested two suspects and seized drugs, firearms and other contraband.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743761878525.png" alt="Cleveland photo Thomas Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Cleveland photo Thomas Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Due to the proximity of the law enforcement activity, Decatur Community High School was placed on lockdown for approximately a half hour while the high-risk portion of the warrant service occurred.Deputies arrested 63-year-old Michael Dedeyne and 47-year-old Dacaralei Cleveland, both of Oberlin. They are being held in the&nbsp;Thomas County Jail on requested charges that include possession of controlled substances and firearms violations.All operations were concluded without incident, with no injuries or adverse actions involving either suspects or officers.The Oberlin Police Department, was assisted by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office,&nbsp;Sheridan County Sheriff's Department, the&nbsp;Thomas County Sheriff's Office, the&nbsp;Gove County Sheriff's Office, the&nbsp;Oakley, Ks. Police Department, and the Department of&nbsp;Kansas Wildlife &amp; Parks - Game Wardens.

NW Kansas school briefly locked down during drug bust

2025 Hays High Prom candidates. Crowning of the king and queen will be at the dance on April 12.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743798253807.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743798268221.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743798283873.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743798299684.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743798315065.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743798328617.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743798343836.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2025 Hays High Prom candidates. Crowning of the king and queen will be at the dance on April 12.&nbsp;

Hays High 2025 Prom candidates

A Fort Hays State University student was arrested March 27 for allegedly pointing and fired a pellet gun at students inside a residence hall.

FHSU Chief of Police Terrance Pierce said campus police responded at 11:21 p.m. to a report of someone allegedly brandishing a firearm in the lounge on the third floor of Victor E. Village.

The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Jay Alan Johnson, who had left the scene before officers arrived, according to Pierce.

In the lounge, officers spoke with witnesses who said the suspect allegedly appeared to be intoxicated and had what looked like a semi-automatic handgun in his waistband.

Witnesses reported the suspect allegedly pulled what appeared to be a handgun from his waistband and aimed it at the students before pulling the trigger. According to Pierce, they described hearing a clicking sound as what the students thought was a handgun's action cycled.

Several witnesses said Johnson's actions frightened them. No one was injured.

When Johnson returned, the officer interviewed him and asked about the firearm. He denied possessing a firearm and refused to give consent to search his room. A FHSU residential life assistant director provided security camera footage.

Pierce said the footage appeared to show the suspect with what looked like a silver semi-automatic pistol. University officers arrested the suspect at about 11:55 p.m. and transported him to the Ellis County Jail.

According to Pierce, a search warrant was obtained and carried out. A pellet gun, which looked like the device in the security video, was found in the suspect's room inside a backpack and was seized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Fort Hays State University student was arrested March 27 for allegedly pointing and fired a pellet gun at students inside a residence hall.FHSU Chief of Police Terrance Pierce said campus police responded at 11:21 p.m. to a report of someone allegedly brandishing a firearm in the lounge on the third floor of Victor E. Village.The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Jay Alan Johnson, who had left the scene before officers arrived, according to Pierce.In the lounge, officers spoke with witnesses who said the suspect allegedly appeared to be intoxicated and had what looked like a semi-automatic handgun in his waistband.Witnesses reported the suspect allegedly pulled what appeared to be a handgun from his waistband and aimed it at the students before pulling the trigger. According to Pierce, they described hearing a clicking sound as what the students thought was a handgun's action cycled.Several witnesses said Johnson's actions frightened them. No one was injured.When Johnson returned, the officer interviewed him and asked about the firearm. He denied possessing a firearm and refused to give consent to search his room. A FHSU residential life assistant director provided security camera footage.Pierce said the footage appeared to show the suspect with what looked like a silver semi-automatic pistol. University officers arrested the suspect at about 11:55 p.m. and transported him to the Ellis County Jail.According to Pierce, a search warrant was obtained and carried out. A pellet gun, which looked like the device in the security video, was found in the suspect's room inside a backpack and was seized.The suspect was released on bond. FHSU has removed the individual from University Housing and banned him from all FHSU property until the outcome of the criminal case, Pierce said.

Local