<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/2023/2/1677604004877.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

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Father Gale Hammerschmidt was a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in his hometown of Hays when the Academy Award-winning movie “Field of Dreams” was released in April of 1989.

Like most folks who have seen Field of Dreams, especially sports fans, Father Gale probably well remembers the movie’s thematic phrase, “If you build it, they will come.”

That reference was to building a baseball diamond in the middle of an Iowa cornfield, which attracted ghosts of baseball legends to emerge from the cornfield to play ball.

Now a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Salina, Father Gale helped build a Catholic church in the middle of the Kansas Flint Hills.

The new, spacious St. Isidore’s church in Manhattan offers much more room for Kansas State University students to worship, making Father Gale’s reward much greater than an Academy Award.

Father Gale, the chaplain at St. Isidore’s chapel on the K-State campus, would be the first to tell you that students were flocking to St. Isidore’s long before he even became a priest.

After graduating from TMP-Marian in 1990, Father Gale attended K-State and frequented St. Isidore’s as a college student. He graduated from KSU in 1995 and taught middle school history at Manhattan Catholic Schools for 10 years before entering the seminary.&nbsp;

Not long after being ordained a priest in 2012, Father Gale founded Prayer and Action, a summer service mission trip for teenagers, who serve local communities around the Salina Diocese. Other dioceses across the state have since adopted that ministry as well.

After serving in several capacities in the diocese for five years, Father Gale was assigned to St. Isidore’s in 2017, and a building committee was formed soon thereafter.

It had been a dream for many years to expand the space or build a new church at St. Isidore’s, which has long has been a beacon to students from near and far, including several from northwest Kansas.

“I chose K-State because of St. Isidore’s,” Jamie Kuhlman from Oakley said of the Catholic campus center where she attends daily Mass and a plethora of other activities.

“Our goal is to get to heaven,” added Kuhlman, co-president of St. Isidore’s student leadership team. “St. Isidore’s has meant so much to me through my college journey. I’m excited to see more students get involved and grow in their faith.”

Following is my story of the dedication of the new St. Isidore’s chapel earlier this year, which first appeared in the February issue of The Register, the newspaper for the Salina Diocese.

• &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp; •&nbsp;

The bells in the tower of a beautiful new church in Manhattan, Kansas, began ringing at straight-up noon on a Saturday in late January, signaling the start of a day of grand celebration.

Students, family and friends joined clergy and alumni scurrying around, making their way to the Alumni Center at Kansas State University, awaiting their cue to march across the street for a special, long-awaited ceremony.

Excitement was in the air on the unseasonably warm afternoon as 600-some people anticipated the dedication of the St. Isidore’s Catholic Church.

“Oohs” and “ahs” could be heard as people got closer and closer to the 14,000-square-foot limestone church and student center at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets.

The crowd gathered on the front brick patio, and Bishop Jerry Vincke smiled as he stood near the front doors.

The bishop accepted the keys to the church from the contractor, knocked on the door and walked inside. And the celebration began.

The dedication ceremony part of the Mass included blessing the church and congregation with Holy Water, anointing the walls and the altar with Chrism oil, placing incense on the altar and lighting candles on the altar and all around the church.

During the sacred anointing of the altar, the bishop poured oil onto the altar, then rubbed the oil into the marble top with his own hands.

Bishop Vincke likened the ceremony to the baptism of a baby.

“(Parents) bring a baby to the waters of baptism and are asked ‘What do you ask of God?’ One could say that we are baptizing the Church today,” he said.

Father Gale Hammerschmidt, pastor at St. Isidore’s, could only shake his head after Mass while thanking everyone. Overcome with emotion, he once paused for several seconds before continuing on.

“I was humbled by the hundreds and hundreds of people who have so appreciated this mission that we have been on,” he said. “I’m so grateful to God that he put the right people in the right place during this journey.”

One of those “right people” was Father Gale himself.

A Kansas State alum, Father Gale knew of the ongoing discussions about a new church. When he was assigned to serve as pastor at St. Isidore’s in 2017, he heard about it immediately. By the next year, he and the board had begun an ardent fundraising campaign that raised $11 million toward the $18 million project.

Less than five years later, the dream became reality.

After a new student center was built, the old church was demolished. During construction of the new chapel, Mass was held at the Alumni Center and/or the student center.&nbsp;

Now, visitors to St. Isidore’s are greeted by a large, ornate baptismal font as they enter the chapel. Eyes are drawn to the wooden vaulted ceiling. A stunning golden mosaic in the front of the marble altar from Italy draws them closer to the front of the church.

Stained glass windows of St. Isidore (the chapel’s namesake) and St. Robert Bellarmine (the student centers namesake) were saved from the old chapel and are in plain view over the choir loft above the back of the chapel. Those windows also can be seen from the outside, standing over the front doors.

“The Catholic Church is the world’s largest proponent of beauty, because one of God’s attributes is beauty,” Father Gale said. “If you design something beautiful, you are indeed honoring God.”

“As much as the building is beautiful, it’s even more beautiful today, because you are in it,” Bishop Vincke said, particularly addressing the students. “That’s why this church exists. You are Christ’s body, the Church. This church is a gift to you.”

Either expanding St. Isidore’s or building a new church had been discussed for many years. More than 1,500 students attend Mass at St. Isidore’s on any given weekend. The old church held about 425 people, with 80 more seats in the library to watch Mass on video.

The new chapel will seat 650, with additional chair seating for overflow.

Stan Weber, who attended K-State in the early 1980s, said he remembers the church being full to capacity 40 years ago.

Weber, who played quarterback for the Wildcat football tram from 1980-84, spent a lot of time at St. Isidore’s. He and his wife are both alumni of K-State, and all four of the couple’s children attended KSU – and St. Isidore’s. Weber, the long-time color analyst for K-State Sports Network, still frequents the church.

“St. Isidore’s has always been a big part of our lives,” he said. “It’s a great place to be for young people making informed choices about their faith.”&nbsp;

Dave Dreiling, one of the lead donors for the project, agreed.

“This project tugs at my heart like nothing else,” Dreiling said. “These 18- to 22-year olds are making the decision on their own faith, not that of their parents. They are getting involved and developing their faith, and lot of them will be active parish members decades from now.”

After much planning and meeting with focus groups that included alumni and students, a Neo-Gothic traditional architecture was chosen for the design. All along the way, the architects took students’ suggestions seriously.

“I’d say 99 percent of the students said they wanted the church to look like a church,” Father Gale said. “We weren’t going to do anything other than traditional.”

Ridge Pinkston, a history major from Kingman, was a member of the building committee. He is particularly interested in architectural history and was instrumental in helping choose the traditional Neo-Gothic architecture theme for the new church.

“It is really rewarding to help in the building of something beautiful like this,” Pinkston said, “something that will honestly change people’s lives.”

“I know the choices I make as a student really center around St. Isidore’s,” said Grace Gorges from Clearwater, another student who served on the building committee. “It has had a big impact on my life and my own personal progression, just my life in general. This gives more students the chance to experience that.”

One stakeholder in the project for many years who wasn’t present, Dr. Jack Peterson, was recognized at the dedication. Peterson was a former K-State professor and chair of the St. Isidore Foundation Board who led the charge for building a new church. He lost his battle with lung cancer last September and didn’t get to see the project to completion.

Nonetheless, Peterson’s legend will no doubt live on for generations to come.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677521049675.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677520968231.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677349823192.png" alt="Street lights illuminate the new St. Isidore's Catholic Church on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. Photo by Carson Ackerman, a KSU student from Hays." />
 <figcaption>Street lights illuminate the new St. Isidore's Catholic Church on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. Photo by Carson Ackerman, a KSU student from Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostFather Gale Hammerschmidt was a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in his hometown of Hays when the Academy Award-winning movie “Field of Dreams” was released in April of 1989.Like most folks who have seen Field of Dreams, especially sports fans, Father Gale probably well remembers the movie’s thematic phrase, “If you build it, they will come.”That reference was to building a baseball diamond in the middle of an Iowa cornfield, which attracted ghosts of baseball legends to emerge from the cornfield to play ball.Now a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Salina, Father Gale helped build a Catholic church in the middle of the Kansas Flint Hills.The new, spacious St. Isidore’s church in Manhattan offers much more room for Kansas State University students to worship, making Father Gale’s reward much greater than an Academy Award.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350149148.png" alt="Father Gale was all smiles during the dedication weekend of St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>Father Gale was all smiles during the dedication weekend of St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>Father Gale, the chaplain at St. Isidore’s chapel on the K-State campus, would be the first to tell you that students were flocking to St. Isidore’s long before he even became a priest.After graduating from TMP-Marian in 1990, Father Gale attended K-State and frequented St. Isidore’s as a college student. He graduated from KSU in 1995 and taught middle school history at Manhattan Catholic Schools for 10 years before entering the seminary.&nbsp;Not long after being ordained a priest in 2012, Father Gale founded Prayer and Action, a summer service mission trip for teenagers, who serve local communities around the Salina Diocese. Other dioceses across the state have since adopted that ministry as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350080193.png" alt="An inside view of the new St. Isidore's Church. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>An inside view of the new St. Isidore's Church. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>After serving in several capacities in the diocese for five years, Father Gale was assigned to St. Isidore’s in 2017, and a building committee was formed soon thereafter.It had been a dream for many years to expand the space or build a new church at St. Isidore’s, which has long has been a beacon to students from near and far, including several from northwest Kansas.“I chose K-State because of St. Isidore’s,” Jamie Kuhlman from Oakley said of the Catholic campus center where she attends daily Mass and a plethora of other activities.“Our goal is to get to heaven,” added Kuhlman, co-president of St. Isidore’s student leadership team. “St. Isidore’s has meant so much to me through my college journey. I’m excited to see more students get involved and grow in their faith.”Following is my story of the dedication of the new St. Isidore’s chapel earlier this year, which first appeared in the February issue of The Register, the newspaper for the Salina Diocese.• &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp; •&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350224555.png" alt="St. Isidore's Church is a beacon on the KSU campus at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets in Manhattan. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>St. Isidore's Church is a beacon on the KSU campus at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets in Manhattan. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>The bells in the tower of a beautiful new church in Manhattan, Kansas, began ringing at straight-up noon on a Saturday in late January, signaling the start of a day of grand celebration.Students, family and friends joined clergy and alumni scurrying around, making their way to the Alumni Center at Kansas State University, awaiting their cue to march across the street for a special, long-awaited ceremony.Excitement was in the air on the unseasonably warm afternoon as 600-some people anticipated the dedication of the St. Isidore’s Catholic Church.“Oohs” and “ahs” could be heard as people got closer and closer to the 14,000-square-foot limestone church and student center at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677353846753.png" alt="Avery Werth, a KSU student from Hays, visits with Bishop Gerald Vincke after the student Mass on dedication weekend for St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>Avery Werth, a KSU student from Hays, visits with Bishop Gerald Vincke after the student Mass on dedication weekend for St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>The crowd gathered on the front brick patio, and Bishop Jerry Vincke smiled as he stood near the front doors.The bishop accepted the keys to the church from the contractor, knocked on the door and walked inside. And the celebration began.The dedication ceremony part of the Mass included blessing the church and congregation with Holy Water, anointing the walls and the altar with Chrism oil, placing incense on the altar and lighting candles on the altar and all around the church.During the sacred anointing of the altar, the bishop poured oil onto the altar, then rubbed the oil into the marble top with his own hands.Bishop Vincke likened the ceremony to the baptism of a baby.“(Parents) bring a baby to the waters of baptism and are asked ‘What do you ask of God?’ One could say that we are baptizing the Church today,” he said.Father Gale Hammerschmidt, pastor at St. Isidore’s, could only shake his head after Mass while thanking everyone. Overcome with emotion, he once paused for several seconds before continuing on.“I was humbled by the hundreds and hundreds of people who have so appreciated this mission that we have been on,” he said. “I’m so grateful to God that he put the right people in the right place during this journey.”One of those “right people” was Father Gale himself.A Kansas State alum, Father Gale knew of the ongoing discussions about a new church. When he was assigned to serve as pastor at St. Isidore’s in 2017, he heard about it immediately. By the next year, he and the board had begun an ardent fundraising campaign that raised $11 million toward the $18 million project.Less than five years later, the dream became reality.After a new student center was built, the old church was demolished. During construction of the new chapel, Mass was held at the Alumni Center and/or the student center.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350290188.png" alt="Father Gale Hammerschmidt anoints the walls of the church during the dedication Mass. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger " />
 <figcaption>Father Gale Hammerschmidt anoints the walls of the church during the dedication Mass. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger </figcaption>
 </figure>Now, visitors to St. Isidore’s are greeted by a large, ornate baptismal font as they enter the chapel. Eyes are drawn to the wooden vaulted ceiling. A stunning golden mosaic in the front of the marble altar from Italy draws them closer to the front of the church.Stained glass windows of St. Isidore (the chapel’s namesake) and St. Robert Bellarmine (the student centers namesake) were saved from the old chapel and are in plain view over the choir loft above the back of the chapel. Those windows also can be seen from the outside, standing over the front doors.“The Catholic Church is the world’s largest proponent of beauty, because one of God’s attributes is beauty,” Father Gale said. “If you design something beautiful, you are indeed honoring God.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350349536.png" alt="Bishop Gerald Vincke pours holy chrism oil on the new altar during the dedication Mass of St. Isidore's. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger" />
 <figcaption>Bishop Gerald Vincke pours holy chrism oil on the new altar during the dedication Mass of St. Isidore's. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger</figcaption>
 </figure>“As much as the building is beautiful, it’s even more beautiful today, because you are in it,” Bishop Vincke said, particularly addressing the students. “That’s why this church exists. You are Christ’s body, the Church. This church is a gift to you.”Either expanding St. Isidore’s or building a new church had been discussed for many years. More than 1,500 students attend Mass at St. Isidore’s on any given weekend. The old church held about 425 people, with 80 more seats in the library to watch Mass on video.The new chapel will seat 650, with additional chair seating for overflow.Stan Weber, who attended K-State in the early 1980s, said he remembers the church being full to capacity 40 years ago.Weber, who played quarterback for the Wildcat football tram from 1980-84, spent a lot of time at St. Isidore’s. He and his wife are both alumni of K-State, and all four of the couple’s children attended KSU – and St. Isidore’s. Weber, the long-time color analyst for K-State Sports Network, still frequents the church.“St. Isidore’s has always been a big part of our lives,” he said. “It’s a great place to be for young people making informed choices about their faith.”&nbsp;Dave Dreiling, one of the lead donors for the project, agreed.“This project tugs at my heart like nothing else,” Dreiling said. “These 18- to 22-year olds are making the decision on their own faith, not that of their parents. They are getting involved and developing their faith, and lot of them will be active parish members decades from now.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350400657.png" alt="St. Isidore's was packed for the first student Mass on dedication weekend. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>St. Isidore's was packed for the first student Mass on dedication weekend. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>After much planning and meeting with focus groups that included alumni and students, a Neo-Gothic traditional architecture was chosen for the design. All along the way, the architects took students’ suggestions seriously.“I’d say 99 percent of the students said they wanted the church to look like a church,” Father Gale said. “We weren’t going to do anything other than traditional.”Ridge Pinkston, a history major from Kingman, was a member of the building committee. He is particularly interested in architectural history and was instrumental in helping choose the traditional Neo-Gothic architecture theme for the new church.“It is really rewarding to help in the building of something beautiful like this,” Pinkston said, “something that will honestly change people’s lives.”“I know the choices I make as a student really center around St. Isidore’s,” said Grace Gorges from Clearwater, another student who served on the building committee. “It has had a big impact on my life and my own personal progression, just my life in general. This gives more students the chance to experience that.”One stakeholder in the project for many years who wasn’t present, Dr. Jack Peterson, was recognized at the dedication. Peterson was a former K-State professor and chair of the St. Isidore Foundation Board who led the charge for building a new church. He lost his battle with lung cancer last September and didn’t get to see the project to completion.Nonetheless, Peterson’s legend will no doubt live on for generations to come.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350549492.png" alt="Stained glass windows of St. Isidore and St. Robert Bellarmine are visible over the beautiful choir loft. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>Stained glass windows of St. Isidore and St. Robert Bellarmine are visible over the beautiful choir loft. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677520968231.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: Church of Dreams — Hays native key in bringing new Catholic chapel to K-State campus

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A new equine center just outside of Hays recently broke ground on an expansion that will include an equine veterinary hospital and rehabilitation center for horses.

The center also plans to start offering therapeutic riding lessons for people who have disabilities.

Triple Eight Equine Center opened about a year ago. It sits on 95 acres off Interstate 70 Toulon exit east of Hays.&nbsp;

It offers riding lessons in a 120-by-80-foot indoor arena with synthetic flooring. The synthetic flooring is supposed to be softer for the horses and easier to maintain. In addition, the facility has four 12-by-12-foot stalls available for overnight rental.

Lexie Macumber (Lesson Assistant), Lisa Kisner- (Advanced lesson instructor), Anne and Brian Lang (Owners)

Riding lessons are offered for beginners to advanced riders and ropers. Students don't have to have their own horses.&nbsp;Shelly Macumber, center manager, said she recommends children be at least 6 years old to take lessons.&nbsp;Riding lessons start at $30 an hour, which increases with skill level.

"We have a horse, Tango, that we call a famous horse," Macumber said. "He is the horse that we put all of the little kiddos on. He has a really funny personality, so he plays with them and the kids, really, really love that part of it."

The arena can be rented for horse owners who want to exercise their horses over the winter. The facility, which has two meeting rooms, is available for rent for meetings, parties and events. The meeting rooms include tables, chairs and TVs and can either hold 21 or 24 people.

The cost to rent meeting rooms is $80 for half days or $150 for full days. Overnight horse boarding costs $35 per night.

The center also has an indoor, heated horse wash.

Outdoor pens and runs are going to be added during the expansion. The overnight boarding, or horse hotel as Macumber called it, will be expanded by 24 stalls in the new facility.&nbsp;

Outdoor spaces also will be available for events such as barrel races, roping and clinics. The pasture will be available for trail riding.

Anne Lang, co-owner of the facility, has a Phoenix Western Shoppe that is temporarily located on the second floor of the center. The shop sells western wear and horse tack. 

Brian Lang of Lang Diesel, Anne's husband, is also a co-owner.&nbsp;Brian Lang said he is stepping away from day-to-day management of LDI and decided to invest in the center rather than fully retire.

A riding club, Triple Eight Saddle Club,  also is based out of the center and offers activities for both adults and children.

Macumber has a lifetime of experience with horses. She started with a pony as a child and moved up to horse showing in 4-H. She has competed in a variety of horse events including western pleasure and barrel racing. Her 17-year-old daughter is an active barrel racer.

She is almost done with certifications in Rehab Therapist and Equine Sports Massage Therapy.

She taught students in the horse program when her daughter joined 4-H.&nbsp;

"My favorite part of it is being able to teach new people to be around [horses] and the connection they get with it," she said.&nbsp;

"The kiddos are my favorite," she said. "They're a lot of fun, and they enjoy it so much. They're big animals, so starting out, it's a major confidence builder for them."

Ground has been broken on a new equine rehabilitation and conditioning center. Completion is scheduled for this spring.

The new center will have state-of-the-art equipment to assist in injury recovery, post-surgical care and accelerated conditioning for horses.

This equipment will include an Aqua Pacer +, which is a water treadmill for horses. The Aqua Pacer + also can offer spa and saltwater therapy to help wounds heal quicker. The rehabilitation center will have the only Aqua Pacer for horses in the area.

The center also will have&nbsp;horse walkers, and a horse Bemer blanket, which helps increase circulation.

Therapy will be offered with the assistance of a veterinarian, who will be on campus.&nbsp;Kris Harris of Western Prairie Equine will be the center's vet.

Macumber said the center will not only help horses properly heal, it might also prevent some horses from being put down.

Macumber is in the process of obtaining certification to offer therapeutic riding, which are riding sessions to help people who have disabilities. These riding sessions will be offered for both children and adults.

The new, smaller arena that is under construction will be used for these riding sessions. Those will be paid for by the individuals receiving services.

The sessions can assist with building cognitive, social, emotional or behavioral skills, Macumber said.

"I have always wanted to do therapeutic riding because [horses] are my stress reliever and my therapy," Macumber said. "There is a special connection with horses that is hard to describe.&nbsp;

"I hope I can bring that and share that and help people in any way."

The center will have a Hays Chamber ribbon cutting and Chamber Chat at 9 a.m. April 21. Further events will be scheduled when the rehabilitation center and vet hospital open, Macumber said.

Learn more about Triple Eight Equine by following the center on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/triple8equinecenter">Facebook</a>. You can book lessons or rentals by calling 785-639-5876 or emailing&nbsp;triple8equinecenter@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677186440452.jpeg" alt="Triple Eight Equine Center offers a 120-by-80-foot indoor arena for people to exercise their horses in the winter or take riding lessons. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Triple Eight Equine Center offers a 120-by-80-foot indoor arena for people to exercise their horses in the winter or take riding lessons. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new equine center just outside of Hays recently broke ground on an expansion that will include an equine veterinary hospital and rehabilitation center for horses.The center also plans to start offering therapeutic riding lessons for people who have disabilities.Triple Eight Equine Center opened about a year ago. It sits on 95 acres off Interstate 70 Toulon exit east of Hays.&nbsp;It offers riding lessons in a 120-by-80-foot indoor arena with synthetic flooring. The synthetic flooring is supposed to be softer for the horses and easier to maintain. In addition, the facility has four 12-by-12-foot stalls available for overnight rental.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677186908628.jpeg" alt="Back row left to right: Shelly Macumber, manager); Doug Mermis, Triple Eight Riding Club president; Jarret Riedel, roping lesson instructor; Lexie Macumber, lesson assistant; Lisa Kisner, advanced lesson instructor; Anne and Brian Lang, owners. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Back row left to right: Shelly Macumber, manager); Doug Mermis, Triple Eight Riding Club president; Jarret Riedel, roping lesson instructor; Lexie Macumber, lesson assistant; Lisa Kisner, advanced lesson instructor; Anne and Brian Lang, owners. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Lexie Macumber (Lesson Assistant), Lisa Kisner- (Advanced lesson instructor), Anne and Brian Lang (Owners)Riding lessons are offered for beginners to advanced riders and ropers. Students don't have to have their own horses.&nbsp;Shelly Macumber, center manager, said she recommends children be at least 6 years old to take lessons.&nbsp;Riding lessons start at $30 an hour, which increases with skill level."We have a horse, Tango, that we call a famous horse," Macumber said. "He is the horse that we put all of the little kiddos on. He has a really funny personality, so he plays with them and the kids, really, really love that part of it."The arena can be rented for horse owners who want to exercise their horses over the winter. The facility, which has two meeting rooms, is available for rent for meetings, parties and events. The meeting rooms include tables, chairs and TVs and can either hold 21 or 24 people.The cost to rent meeting rooms is $80 for half days or $150 for full days. Overnight horse boarding costs $35 per night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677187199610.jpeg" alt="Phoenix Western Shoppe, temporarily located on the upper level of Triple Eight Equine Center, offers western clothing and horse tack. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Phoenix Western Shoppe, temporarily located on the upper level of Triple Eight Equine Center, offers western clothing and horse tack. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The center also has an indoor, heated horse wash.Outdoor pens and runs are going to be added during the expansion. The overnight boarding, or horse hotel as Macumber called it, will be expanded by 24 stalls in the new facility.&nbsp;Outdoor spaces also will be available for events such as barrel races, roping and clinics. The pasture will be available for trail riding.Anne Lang, co-owner of the facility, has a Phoenix Western Shoppe that is temporarily located on the second floor of the center. The shop sells western wear and horse tack. Brian Lang of Lang Diesel, Anne's husband, is also a co-owner.&nbsp;Brian Lang said he is stepping away from day-to-day management of LDI and decided to invest in the center rather than fully retire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677187390409.png" alt="Triple Eight Equine Center has broken ground on a new Equine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Center. It is set to open in May. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Triple Eight Equine Center has broken ground on a new Equine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Center. It is set to open in May. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>A riding club, Triple Eight Saddle Club, also is based out of the center and offers activities for both adults and children.Macumber has a lifetime of experience with horses. She started with a pony as a child and moved up to horse showing in 4-H. She has competed in a variety of horse events including western pleasure and barrel racing. Her 17-year-old daughter is an active barrel racer.She is almost done with certifications in Rehab Therapist and Equine Sports Massage Therapy.She taught students in the horse program when her daughter joined 4-H.&nbsp;"My favorite part of it is being able to teach new people to be around [horses] and the connection they get with it," she said.&nbsp;"The kiddos are my favorite," she said. "They're a lot of fun, and they enjoy it so much. They're big animals, so starting out, it's a major confidence builder for them."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677187541474.jpeg" alt="Triple Eighth Equine Center has a heated horse bath. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Triple Eighth Equine Center has a heated horse bath. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Equine Rehabilitation Center</h2>Ground has been broken on a new equine rehabilitation and conditioning center. Completion is scheduled for this spring.The new center will have state-of-the-art equipment to assist in injury recovery, post-surgical care and accelerated conditioning for horses.This equipment will include an Aqua Pacer +, which is a water treadmill for horses. The Aqua Pacer + also can offer spa and saltwater therapy to help wounds heal quicker. The rehabilitation center will have the only Aqua Pacer for horses in the area.The center also will have&nbsp;horse walkers, and a horse Bemer blanket, which helps increase circulation.Therapy will be offered with the assistance of a veterinarian, who will be on campus.&nbsp;Kris Harris of Western Prairie Equine will be the center's vet.Macumber said the center will not only help horses properly heal, it might also prevent some horses from being put down.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677187802192.jpeg" alt="Triple Eight Equine Center has four stalls for horse boarding and will be adding 24 more stalls in its new rehab center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Triple Eight Equine Center has four stalls for horse boarding and will be adding 24 more stalls in its new rehab center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Therapeutic Riding Center</h2>Macumber is in the process of obtaining certification to offer therapeutic riding, which are riding sessions to help people who have disabilities. These riding sessions will be offered for both children and adults.The new, smaller arena that is under construction will be used for these riding sessions. Those will be paid for by the individuals receiving services.The sessions can assist with building cognitive, social, emotional or behavioral skills, Macumber said."I have always wanted to do therapeutic riding because [horses] are my stress reliever and my therapy," Macumber said. "There is a special connection with horses that is hard to describe.&nbsp;"I hope I can bring that and share that and help people in any way."The center will have a Hays Chamber ribbon cutting and Chamber Chat at 9 a.m. April 21. Further events will be scheduled when the rehabilitation center and vet hospital open, Macumber said.Learn more about Triple Eight Equine by following the center on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/triple8equinecenter">Facebook</a>. You can book lessons or rentals by calling 785-639-5876 or emailing&nbsp;triple8equinecenter@gmail.com.

Triple Eight Equine in Hays expands to offer horse rehab, therapeutic riding

The Hays High Indians begin postseason play Tuesday night at home against the Crusaders from Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School.

The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with our coverage set to start at 5:40 with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 96.9 KFIX.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/537960">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indians begin postseason play Tuesday night at home against the Crusaders from Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School.The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with our coverage set to start at 5:40 with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 96.9 KFIX.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/537960">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/537960?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High vs Kapaun Mt. Carmel

The TMP-Marian Monarchs girls open sub-state play Monday with a matchup with the Rawlins County Buffaloes.

The game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m.

Our coverage begins at 6:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/538000">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs girls open sub-state play Monday with a matchup with the Rawlins County Buffaloes.The game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m.Our coverage begins at 6:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/538000">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/538000?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Rawlins County

More than 3,000 Midwest Energy customers were without power late Tuesday afternoon in a short-lived outage for most.

The outage occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m., according to the company's online outage viewer. By by 5 p.m., the lights started coming back on for customers after Midwest crews worked the issue.

Company spokesman Mike Morley said a feeder line to a substation experienced issues, which took down about 3,500 meters in Hays, Munjor and Ellis for about 30 minutes. Power was re-routed and, as of 5:01 p.m., power was restored to customers.

Hays PostMore than 3,000 Midwest Energy customers were without power late Tuesday afternoon in a short-lived outage for most.The outage occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m., according to the company's online outage viewer. By by 5 p.m., the lights started coming back on for customers after Midwest crews worked the issue.Company spokesman Mike Morley said a feeder line to a substation experienced issues, which took down about 3,500 meters in Hays, Munjor and Ellis for about 30 minutes. Power was re-routed and, as of 5:01 p.m., power was restored to customers.

Tuesday afternoon power outage in Hays area short-lived

After another day with the thermometer nearing the 70-degree mark, the National Weather Service said winter is on its way back to the Hays area Thursday.

There is a 60 percent chance of a rain-snow mix beginning Thursday morning and lasting through Thursday night. While not much accumulation is expected, a north wind of 17 to 21 mph will lead to cold, blustery conditions.

The high Thursday is projected to be 36 degrees before rising back up to the mid- to upper-40s Friday and Saturday.

By Sunday, the mercury is expected to again top 60 degrees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677615550604.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After another day with the thermometer nearing the 70-degree mark, the National Weather Service said winter is on its way back to the Hays area Thursday.There is a 60 percent chance of a rain-snow mix beginning Thursday morning and lasting through Thursday night. While not much accumulation is expected, a north wind of 17 to 21 mph will lead to cold, blustery conditions.The high Thursday is projected to be 36 degrees before rising back up to the mid- to upper-40s Friday and Saturday.By Sunday, the mercury is expected to again top 60 degrees.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Light snow, rain, and some light icing are possible on Thursday with snowfall amounts being light at generally 1 inch or less. Winter weather impacts on the highways will be minor. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/et0CmUjF0u">pic.twitter.com/et0CmUjF0u</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1630640016123899904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Enjoy the warm days .. winter on the way back Thursday

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

Tons of oil-soaked soil from the Keystone spill in December wound up in a landfill near Omaha. Environmentalists in the area tell the Nebraska Examiner newspaper that TC Energy is "a foreign corporation using Nebraska as a dumping ground." They're demanding close monitoring of the site. Company officials, along with regulators in Lincoln, insist the soil qualifies as "non-hazardous solid waste," and said the Pheasant Point landfill near Bennington is designed to accept it. Nymex benchmark crude settled nearly a dollar higher Friday at $76.32 per barrel. Prices were down slightly on Monday. US crude has traded between about $70 and $80 per barrel for over two months. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $66.50 per barrel Monday, after gaining 75 cents on Friday. Kansas prices are $2 cheaper than at the first of the month, and $3 less than at the first of the year. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down seven oil rigs last week to 753 active rigs nationwide. There were changes across the country, with West Virginia down three and Pennsylvania up three. Oklahoma, New Mexico and California were each down two rigs, and Colorado was down one. The Rig Count in Kansas shows 22 active rigs west of Wichita, up three over last week, with drilling underway on leases in Barton and Stafford counties. Drilling activity in Kansas so far this year lags behind last year in spuds and footage drilled. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 150 wells drilled to 445,000 feet through February 16th. Scouting reports show 398 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. Operators in Kansas completed 32 wells last week, fourteen in the western half of the state, including one each in Ellis and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators okayed 23 new drilling locations, including two each in Barton and Ellis counties. U.S. crude oil inventories have climbed every week since mid-December. The latest government tally showed 479 million barrels as of February 17th, an increase of nearly eight million barrels. The Energy Information Administration says inventories are about nine percent above the five-year average for this time of year. US Operators pumped 12.347 million barrels of crude oil per day during the week through February 17th. EIA says that's up 91,000 barrels per day from the week before. US refiners imported 6.3 million barrels of crude per day last week, an increase of 94,000 barrels per day. Four-week average imports are about 3.1 percent greater than in the same four weeks last year. Chesapeake Energy Corporation announced an agreement to sell part of its remaining Eagle Ford assets in South Texas to INEOS Energy for $1.4 billion. The company is selling 172,000 net acres with average output of 36,000 barrels per day. Oklahoma-based Chesapeake is leaving the Eagle Ford to focus on its assets in the Haynesville and Marcellus shale plays. Crude output in the nation's number-three producing state took a tumble in December due to extreme winter weather. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports statewide production dipped by 13%, dropping below one million barrels per day for the first time since last April. Natural gas production was also down 13%.&nbsp; Operators captured 94% of the gas produced at oil wells, unchanged from the month before. Russia is making a lot more money on oil sales following Europe's price cap and other sanctions than was previously thought. Bloomberg cites academic research showing Moscow received an average $74 per barrel over the four weeks following the price cap. That's nearly 25% above the price cap of $60 per barrel set by the Group of Seven on December 5th. India’s state-owned refiner Hindustan Petroleum is now facing payment issues for its purchases of cheap Russian crude due to a price cap imposed on Russian exports. Bloomberg reports the refiner is unwilling to declare its buying price for Russian oil, and that’s making it difficult to find western banks willing to process payments.

By JOHN P. TRETBARTons of oil-soaked soil from the Keystone spill in December wound up in a landfill near Omaha. Environmentalists in the area tell the Nebraska Examiner newspaper that TC Energy is "a foreign corporation using Nebraska as a dumping ground." They're demanding close monitoring of the site. Company officials, along with regulators in Lincoln, insist the soil qualifies as "non-hazardous solid waste," and said the Pheasant Point landfill near Bennington is designed to accept it. Nymex benchmark crude settled nearly a dollar higher Friday at $76.32 per barrel. Prices were down slightly on Monday. US crude has traded between about $70 and $80 per barrel for over two months. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $66.50 per barrel Monday, after gaining 75 cents on Friday. Kansas prices are $2 cheaper than at the first of the month, and $3 less than at the first of the year. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down seven oil rigs last week to 753 active rigs nationwide. There were changes across the country, with West Virginia down three and Pennsylvania up three. Oklahoma, New Mexico and California were each down two rigs, and Colorado was down one. The Rig Count in Kansas shows 22 active rigs west of Wichita, up three over last week, with drilling underway on leases in Barton and Stafford counties. Drilling activity in Kansas so far this year lags behind last year in spuds and footage drilled. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 150 wells drilled to 445,000 feet through February 16th. Scouting reports show 398 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. Operators in Kansas completed 32 wells last week, fourteen in the western half of the state, including one each in Ellis and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators okayed 23 new drilling locations, including two each in Barton and Ellis counties. U.S. crude oil inventories have climbed every week since mid-December. The latest government tally showed 479 million barrels as of February 17th, an increase of nearly eight million barrels. The Energy Information Administration says inventories are about nine percent above the five-year average for this time of year. US Operators pumped 12.347 million barrels of crude oil per day during the week through February 17th. EIA says that's up 91,000 barrels per day from the week before. US refiners imported 6.3 million barrels of crude per day last week, an increase of 94,000 barrels per day. Four-week average imports are about 3.1 percent greater than in the same four weeks last year. Chesapeake Energy Corporation announced an agreement to sell part of its remaining Eagle Ford assets in South Texas to INEOS Energy for $1.4 billion. The company is selling 172,000 net acres with average output of 36,000 barrels per day. Oklahoma-based Chesapeake is leaving the Eagle Ford to focus on its assets in the Haynesville and Marcellus shale plays. Crude output in the nation's number-three producing state took a tumble in December due to extreme winter weather. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports statewide production dipped by 13%, dropping below one million barrels per day for the first time since last April. Natural gas production was also down 13%.&nbsp; Operators captured 94% of the gas produced at oil wells, unchanged from the month before. Russia is making a lot more money on oil sales following Europe's price cap and other sanctions than was previously thought. Bloomberg cites academic research showing Moscow received an average $74 per barrel over the four weeks following the price cap. That's nearly 25% above the price cap of $60 per barrel set by the Group of Seven on December 5th. India’s state-owned refiner Hindustan Petroleum is now facing payment issues for its purchases of cheap Russian crude due to a price cap imposed on Russian exports. Bloomberg reports the refiner is unwilling to declare its buying price for Russian oil, and that’s making it difficult to find western banks willing to process payments.

News From the Oil Patch: Russia dodges price cap, India can't dodge bankers

The National Honor Society announced Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Jensen Brull, NHS member, has been selected as an NHS
Scholarship semifinalist.


Since 1946, more than $21 million in scholarships have been awarded to outstanding society senior members to support college access and student success. The scholarship
program is supported by the parent organization of the society, the National Association of
Secondary School Principals.


In the more than 100 years since the society was founded in 1921, members have been making a
difference in their schools and communities, and the scholarship is the association’s
way of recognizing the most exceptional of these student leaders. Recipients are
chosen based on their demonstrated work to support the four pillars of the society:
scholarship, service, leadership, and character.


“Jensen is very involved in many different aspects of our school, community and
parishes,” said TMP-M Principal Chad Meitner. “I’m so glad that his hard work and
extensive involvement are being rewarded.”


At TMP-M, Brull is the student body executive treasurer, National Honor Society president, Monarch music director, holds leading roles in play and musical, and is an
active member of Pop-Singers, Scholar’s Bowl, Key Club, men’s golf and choir. He
also volunteers his time with the choir at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and with Boy Scouts service projects.


This fall, he will attend Kansas State University majoring in biology on a pre-med
track.


For more information about the society, visit www.nhs.us.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677277950507.jpeg" alt="Jensen Brull" />
 <figcaption>Jensen Brull</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe National Honor Society announced Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Jensen Brull, NHS member, has been selected as an NHS
Scholarship semifinalist.
Since 1946, more than $21 million in scholarships have been awarded to outstanding society senior members to support college access and student success. The scholarship
program is supported by the parent organization of the society, the National Association of
Secondary School Principals.
In the more than 100 years since the society was founded in 1921, members have been making a
difference in their schools and communities, and the scholarship is the association’s
way of recognizing the most exceptional of these student leaders. Recipients are
chosen based on their demonstrated work to support the four pillars of the society:
scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
“Jensen is very involved in many different aspects of our school, community and
parishes,” said TMP-M Principal Chad Meitner. “I’m so glad that his hard work and
extensive involvement are being rewarded.”
At TMP-M, Brull is the student body executive treasurer, National Honor Society president, Monarch music director, holds leading roles in play and musical, and is an
active member of Pop-Singers, Scholar’s Bowl, Key Club, men’s golf and choir. He
also volunteers his time with the choir at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and with Boy Scouts service projects.
This fall, he will attend Kansas State University majoring in biology on a pre-med
track.
For more information about the society, visit www.nhs.us.

TMP-M student awarded National Honor Society Scholarship

2918 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas, 67601 Part-time&nbsp; (multiple positions)&nbsp; &nbsp; Entry level&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $11 - $14 per hour

About Us: DP Management, LLC is a member of Dial Companies, and is a local company with 50+ years of experience in property management. We are an affiliate of TCN Worldwide, which is ranked in the top 10 of commercial real estate companies nationwide. We currently lease and manage over 5 million square feet of commercial real estate throughout Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan. These properties include open air and lifestyle centers, enclosed malls, office buildings, and residential apartment units. We continue to grow through our relationships, our strong regional presence, and through the excellent efforts of our people. We are excited to announce that we are searching for part-time maintenance/Custodian workers to work at the Big Creek Crossing Mall located in Hays, KS.

Click <a href="https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=maintenance&amp;l=Hays%2C+KS&amp;from=searchOnHP&amp;vjk=a7c0c220928f04e0">HERE</a> to apply today!

DP Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677106765406.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2918 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas, 67601 Part-time&nbsp; (multiple positions)&nbsp; &nbsp; Entry level&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $11 - $14 per hourAbout Us: DP Management, LLC is a member of Dial Companies, and is a local company with 50+ years of experience in property management. We are an affiliate of TCN Worldwide, which is ranked in the top 10 of commercial real estate companies nationwide. We currently lease and manage over 5 million square feet of commercial real estate throughout Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan. These properties include open air and lifestyle centers, enclosed malls, office buildings, and residential apartment units. We continue to grow through our relationships, our strong regional presence, and through the excellent efforts of our people. We are excited to announce that we are searching for part-time maintenance/Custodian workers to work at the Big Creek Crossing Mall located in Hays, KS.Click <a href="https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=maintenance&amp;l=Hays%2C+KS&amp;from=searchOnHP&amp;vjk=a7c0c220928f04e0">HERE</a> to apply today!Job Duties:<ul>
 <li>Replace burned out light bulbs in common area and entrances</li><li>Empty and wipe down all trash cans and cigarette burns and replace sand in cigarette urns if necessary</li><li>Address plumbing problems</li><li>Clean light lens covers, interior and exterior</li><li>Use Webster to remove cobwebs in the corners</li><li>Clean &amp; sweep vacant bays &amp; any interior common spaces</li><li>Dust store front signs</li><li>Reset thermostats for current temperatures</li><li>Coordinate check up of exterior parking lot lights</li><li>Apply insecticide and set mouse traps as needed</li><li>Paint railings and poles</li>
 </ul> Skills:<ul>
 <li>Attention to detail and general surroundings</li><li>Friendly personality</li><li>Customer service orientation</li><li>Problem solving skills</li><li>Time management skills and efficiency</li><li>Ability to take initiative and work independently sometimes, but also is able to take and follow directions</li><li>Some hands on/technical skills with figuring out how to do minor repairs</li>
 </ul> Qualifications:<ul>
 <li>Prior experience in Maintenance a plus, but not required</li><li>Must be able to climb ladders, stand throughout your shift, crouch and bend, work at heights, and lift up to 50 pounds.</li>
 </ul>DP Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer

NCK Tech students awarded at state leadership conference

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — In the Netflix smash documentary "Don't (Mess) with Cats," internet sleuths from around the world try to find the location and identity of a criminal via videos posted online. Local sleuths had their own opportunity to play detective after a hit-and-run accident in Great Bend early Saturday morning.

Brock Sherwood is the owner of the 2019 Jeep that was legally parked in the 3100 block of Forest Avenue in Great Bend. He heard the accident just after 2 a.m., but thought nothing of the sound until his girlfriend went to leave for the Special Olympics tournament later that morning.

"I went out there, and that's when I saw the tire and everything else," he said. "That's when I looked at her and said it's totaled because someone did a hit-and-run on us last night. It's beat up pretty bad."

Sherwood had four cameras installed in the Jeep. A Larned graduate, Sherwood joined the armed services and lived in California for several years. The habit of having a camera around stuck with him.

"It's mostly for insurance reasons," he said. "If you're driving down the road and someone runs a stoplight or a stop sign, you have video evidence of it. The big thing out there is wheels get stolen, cars are broken into, and people stealing catalytic converters is huge in California."

Sherwood reported the accident to police just before 8 a.m., then went to see what evidence the cameras might contain. The cameras captured a gray Ford Mustang striking Sherwood's Jeep at 2:04 a.m. A short time later, a red Jeep arrived at the scene, and the occupant of that vehicle clearly communicated with the driver of the Mustang. The red Jeep showed up two more times at 2:24 and 2:26.

"So we know, based on the evidence the videos gave us, the red Jeep knows something that happened," Sherwood said. "They would have some more information for us. That's when we made the post on Facebook."

Sherwood's shared the videos in a post on social media. That post was shared nearly 200 times by early Sunday, including by a local law enforcement page. The mother of a suspected driver was tagged in that shared post. Sherwood was able to track down the driver by Saturday afternoon.

"We were amazed at the response that social media had helped us track down who did the hit-and-run so we can get the insurance stuff taken care of," he said.

According to the Great Bend Police Department's accident report, 21-year-old Alex Randolph of Great Bend admitted to having an argument and going for a drive when his Mustang struck the Jeep. Randolph was cited for Failure to Report an Accident, Inattentive Driving, and Texting While Driving. He is scheduled for a court appearance in March.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677600459915.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — In the Netflix smash documentary "Don't (Mess) with Cats," internet sleuths from around the world try to find the location and identity of a criminal via videos posted online. Local sleuths had their own opportunity to play detective after a hit-and-run accident in Great Bend early Saturday morning.Brock Sherwood is the owner of the 2019 Jeep that was legally parked in the 3100 block of Forest Avenue in Great Bend. He heard the accident just after 2 a.m., but thought nothing of the sound until his girlfriend went to leave for the Special Olympics tournament later that morning."I went out there, and that's when I saw the tire and everything else," he said. "That's when I looked at her and said it's totaled because someone did a hit-and-run on us last night. It's beat up pretty bad."Sherwood had four cameras installed in the Jeep. A Larned graduate, Sherwood joined the armed services and lived in California for several years. The habit of having a camera around stuck with him."It's mostly for insurance reasons," he said. "If you're driving down the road and someone runs a stoplight or a stop sign, you have video evidence of it. The big thing out there is wheels get stolen, cars are broken into, and people stealing catalytic converters is huge in California."Sherwood reported the accident to police just before 8 a.m., then went to see what evidence the cameras might contain. The cameras captured a gray Ford Mustang striking Sherwood's Jeep at 2:04 a.m. A short time later, a red Jeep arrived at the scene, and the occupant of that vehicle clearly communicated with the driver of the Mustang. The red Jeep showed up two more times at 2:24 and 2:26."So we know, based on the evidence the videos gave us, the red Jeep knows something that happened," Sherwood said. "They would have some more information for us. That's when we made the post on Facebook."Sherwood's shared the videos in a post on social media. That post was shared nearly 200 times by early Sunday, including by a local law enforcement page. The mother of a suspected driver was tagged in that shared post. Sherwood was able to track down the driver by Saturday afternoon."We were amazed at the response that social media had helped us track down who did the hit-and-run so we can get the insurance stuff taken care of," he said.According to the Great Bend Police Department's accident report, 21-year-old Alex Randolph of Great Bend admitted to having an argument and going for a drive when his Mustang struck the Jeep. Randolph was cited for Failure to Report an Accident, Inattentive Driving, and Texting While Driving. He is scheduled for a court appearance in March.

Internet sleuths help solve hit-and-run in Great Bend

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677518941677.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>

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

BOSTON — Lawyers for former Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick filed a motion Monday to dismiss a case <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-53924dd479cab20f7a11cb7eb47f686d">charging him with sexually assaulting a boy decades ago</a>, saying the 92-year-old once-powerful American prelate has dementia and is not competent to stand trial.

McCarrick <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-fe52aa3c7e9766599b191e14c7360752">pleaded not guilty in September 2021</a>
 in the Massachusetts case that alleges the priest sexually abused the 
boy at a wedding reception at Wellesley College in June 1974. He is the 
only U.S. Catholic cardinal, current or former, ever to be criminally 
charged with child sex crimes.

His attorneys said in their motion 
to dismiss that McCarrick was examined by a professor of psychiatry and 
behavioral science at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 
who concluded the former cardinal suffers from dementia, likely due to 
Alzheimer's disease.

“While he has a limited understanding of the 
criminal proceedings against him, his progressive and irreparable 
cognitive deficits render him unable to meaningfully consult with 
counsel or to effectively assist in his own defense,” McCarrick's 
lawyers wrote. They say McCarrick maintains his innocence of all 
charges.

A prosecutor told the judge during a hearing earlier 
Monday at the Dedham District Court that the Norfolk District Attorney's
 Office would be hiring its own expert to conduct a second opinion on 
competency, according to David Traub, a spokesperson for that office. 
The prosecutors' office declined further comment on the defense motion.

McCarrick,
 who lives in Dittmer, Missouri, faces three counts of indecent assault 
and battery on a person over 14. He can still face charges because he 
wasn’t a Massachusetts resident and had left the state, stopping the 
clock on the statute of limitations.

Mitchell Garabedian, a 
well-known lawyer for church sexual abuse victims who is representing 
the man accusing McCarrick, said Monday that his client has “shown a lot
 of courage in coming forward to report the crimes and he intends to see
 this matter through to the end.”

“Experience has taught me that 
the closer in time to trial the more an accused priest becomes 
incompetent,” Garabedian said in an email.

No trial date has been set in McCarrick's case.

The
 man told authorities during a 2021 interview that McCarrick, who was 
close to the man's family when he was growing up, began abusing him as a
 young boy. Prosecutors say McCarrick would attend family gatherings and
 travel on vacations with them and that the victim referred to the 
priest as “Uncle Ted.”

Prosecutors say the abuse continued 
throughout the years and happened again when the boy, who was then 16, 
was at his brother's wedding reception at Wellesley College.

Prosecutors
 say McCarrick told the boy his dad wanted him to have a talk with the 
priest because the boy was “being mischievous at home and not attending 
church.” The man told investigators that they took a walk around campus,
 and McCarrick groped him before they went back to the party. The man 
said McCarrick also sexually assaulted him in a coat room after they 
returned to the reception, authorities wrote in the documents.

Prosecutors say McCarrick told the boy to say the "Hail Mary" and “Our Father” prayers before leaving the room.

The
 Associated Press generally doesn’t identify people who report sexual 
assault unless they agree to be named publicly, which the victim in this
 case has not done.

Ordained as a priest in New York City in 1958,
 McCarrick ascended the church ranks despite apparently common knowledge
 in the U.S. and Vatican leadership that “Uncle Ted,” as he was known, 
slept with seminarians.

McCarrick became one of the most visible 
Catholic Church officials in the U.S. and even served as the spokesman 
for fellow U.S. bishops when they enacted a “zero tolerance” policy 
against sexually abusive priests in 2002.

His fall began in 2017, 
when a former altar boy came forward to report the priest had groped him
 in New York when he was a teenager.

The next year, the 
Archdiocese of New York announced McCarrick had been removed from 
ministry after finding the allegation to be “credible and 
substantiated,” and two New Jersey dioceses revealed they had settled 
claims against him in the past of sexual misconduct involving adults.

Pope Francis defrocked McCarrick in 2019 after a Vatican investigation determined he sexually abused minors, as well as adults.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-vatican-investigation-0204b0d67e0685d658bae71cf558383a">A two-year internal investigation</a>
 found that three decades of bishops, cardinals and popes downplayed or 
dismissed reports of sexual misconduct. Correspondence showed they 
repeatedly rejected the information as rumor and excused it as an 
“imprudence.”

The findings released in 2020 pinned much of the 
blame on Pope John Paul II, who appointed McCarrick archbishop of 
Washington, D.C., despite having commissioned an inquiry that confirmed 
McCarrick slept with seminarians.

<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&nbsp;" />
 <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&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated PressBOSTON — Lawyers for former Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick filed a motion Monday to dismiss a case <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-53924dd479cab20f7a11cb7eb47f686d">charging him with sexually assaulting a boy decades ago</a>, saying the 92-year-old once-powerful American prelate has dementia and is not competent to stand trial.McCarrick <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-fe52aa3c7e9766599b191e14c7360752">pleaded not guilty in September 2021</a>
 in the Massachusetts case that alleges the priest sexually abused the 
boy at a wedding reception at Wellesley College in June 1974. He is the 
only U.S. Catholic cardinal, current or former, ever to be criminally 
charged with child sex crimes.His attorneys said in their motion 
to dismiss that McCarrick was examined by a professor of psychiatry and 
behavioral science at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 
who concluded the former cardinal suffers from dementia, likely due to 
Alzheimer's disease.“While he has a limited understanding of the 
criminal proceedings against him, his progressive and irreparable 
cognitive deficits render him unable to meaningfully consult with 
counsel or to effectively assist in his own defense,” McCarrick's 
lawyers wrote. They say McCarrick maintains his innocence of all 
charges.A prosecutor told the judge during a hearing earlier 
Monday at the Dedham District Court that the Norfolk District Attorney's
 Office would be hiring its own expert to conduct a second opinion on 
competency, according to David Traub, a spokesperson for that office. 
The prosecutors' office declined further comment on the defense motion.McCarrick,
 who lives in Dittmer, Missouri, faces three counts of indecent assault 
and battery on a person over 14. He can still face charges because he 
wasn’t a Massachusetts resident and had left the state, stopping the 
clock on the statute of limitations.Mitchell Garabedian, a 
well-known lawyer for church sexual abuse victims who is representing 
the man accusing McCarrick, said Monday that his client has “shown a lot
 of courage in coming forward to report the crimes and he intends to see
 this matter through to the end.”“Experience has taught me that 
the closer in time to trial the more an accused priest becomes 
incompetent,” Garabedian said in an email.No trial date has been set in McCarrick's case.The
 man told authorities during a 2021 interview that McCarrick, who was 
close to the man's family when he was growing up, began abusing him as a
 young boy. Prosecutors say McCarrick would attend family gatherings and
 travel on vacations with them and that the victim referred to the 
priest as “Uncle Ted.”Prosecutors say the abuse continued 
throughout the years and happened again when the boy, who was then 16, 
was at his brother's wedding reception at Wellesley College.Prosecutors
 say McCarrick told the boy his dad wanted him to have a talk with the 
priest because the boy was “being mischievous at home and not attending 
church.” The man told investigators that they took a walk around campus,
 and McCarrick groped him before they went back to the party. The man 
said McCarrick also sexually assaulted him in a coat room after they 
returned to the reception, authorities wrote in the documents.Prosecutors say McCarrick told the boy to say the "Hail Mary" and “Our Father” prayers before leaving the room.The
 Associated Press generally doesn’t identify people who report sexual 
assault unless they agree to be named publicly, which the victim in this
 case has not done.Ordained as a priest in New York City in 1958,
 McCarrick ascended the church ranks despite apparently common knowledge
 in the U.S. and Vatican leadership that “Uncle Ted,” as he was known, 
slept with seminarians.McCarrick became one of the most visible 
Catholic Church officials in the U.S. and even served as the spokesman 
for fellow U.S. bishops when they enacted a “zero tolerance” policy 
against sexually abusive priests in 2002.His fall began in 2017, 
when a former altar boy came forward to report the priest had groped him
 in New York when he was a teenager.The next year, the 
Archdiocese of New York announced McCarrick had been removed from 
ministry after finding the allegation to be “credible and 
substantiated,” and two New Jersey dioceses revealed they had settled 
claims against him in the past of sexual misconduct involving adults.Pope Francis defrocked McCarrick in 2019 after a Vatican investigation determined he sexually abused minors, as well as adults.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-vatican-investigation-0204b0d67e0685d658bae71cf558383a">A two-year internal investigation</a>
 found that three decades of bishops, cardinals and popes downplayed or 
dismissed reports of sexual misconduct. Correspondence showed they 
repeatedly rejected the information as rumor and excused it as an 
“imprudence.”The findings released in 2020 pinned much of the 
blame on Pope John Paul II, who appointed McCarrick archbishop of 
Washington, D.C., despite having commissioned an inquiry that confirmed 
McCarrick slept with seminarians.

Ex-Cardinal, who lived in Ellis Co. asks court to dismiss sex assault case

The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys open sub-state play Monday with a matchup with the Smith Center Redmen.

The game is scheduled to tipoff at 7:00 p.m.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/537133">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys open sub-state play Monday with a matchup with the Smith Center Redmen.The game is scheduled to tipoff at 7:00 p.m.Our coverage begins at 6:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/537133">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/537133?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Smith Center

The Heartland Community Foundation honored four organizations with Community Impact awards for outstanding service to others, commitment to individuals served, leadership within the Heartland community, and exceptional innovation during 2022; all of which contributed to a more positive impact in the area.

Organizations received a certificate and gift to treat staff or volunteers.

Victoria Community Coalition in Victoria, for their continued efforts to restore the former St. John’s Rest Home. During the past year, they completed a community housing assessment, finalized architectural plans for the building to bring moderate housing, childcare, and a community space to Victoria, secured nonprofit status and transferred ownership of the building to the organization, collaborated with the Ellis County Historical Society for a museum space, applied for multiple statewide grants, and began fundraising. They have kept momentum and enthusiasm for the project moving forward.

The Well – Center of Hope in WaKeeney, for the debut of the community coffee shop with a focus on mental health access and community connectedness.

The Well officially opened in November 2022, but the project has been years in development through the WaKeeney Church of God.

Organizers wanted a place that would provide better access to counselors and mental health services and the opportunity for dialogue. Counselors hold monthly walk-in hours at The Well for community members to stop in and visit.

USD 270, The Nest Childcare Center in Plainville. USD 270 has been a leader in the region in stepping up to actively address a community’s child care needs.

The school district recognized the gap in the availability of child care both for families in Plainville and school staff.

During 2022, they opened The Nest, two annex buildings to house daycare and preschool, serving more than two dozen children. Nest staff are employed by the school district. The school district was able to apply for and receive grant dollars from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for the project.

RoCo Arts Council – Stockton murals. The development of a community arts group in Rooks County resurged in 2021, under the name RoCo Arts Council, with an eye on murals for Rooks County, starting with Stockton. 

In 2022, two of their first projects became realities. First, a Stockton postcard-style mural was commissioned and completed at a busy intersection in Stockton during fall 2022.

News releaseThe Heartland Community Foundation honored four organizations with Community Impact awards for outstanding service to others, commitment to individuals served, leadership within the Heartland community, and exceptional innovation during 2022; all of which contributed to a more positive impact in the area.Organizations received a certificate and gift to treat staff or volunteers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660869675268.jpeg" alt="Former&nbsp;St. John’s Rest Home. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Former&nbsp;St. John’s Rest Home. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>This year’s honorees areVictoria Community Coalition in Victoria, for their continued efforts to restore the former St. John’s Rest Home. During the past year, they completed a community housing assessment, finalized architectural plans for the building to bring moderate housing, childcare, and a community space to Victoria, secured nonprofit status and transferred ownership of the building to the organization, collaborated with the Ellis County Historical Society for a museum space, applied for multiple statewide grants, and began fundraising. They have kept momentum and enthusiasm for the project moving forward.The Well – Center of Hope in WaKeeney, for the debut of the community coffee shop with a focus on mental health access and community connectedness.The Well officially opened in November 2022, but the project has been years in development through the WaKeeney Church of God.Organizers wanted a place that would provide better access to counselors and mental health services and the opportunity for dialogue. Counselors hold monthly walk-in hours at The Well for community members to stop in and visit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657052083415.jpeg" alt="The Nest Childcare Center . File photo" />
 <figcaption>The Nest Childcare Center . File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 270, The Nest Childcare Center in Plainville. USD 270 has been a leader in the region in stepping up to actively address a community’s child care needs.The school district recognized the gap in the availability of child care both for families in Plainville and school staff.During 2022, they opened The Nest, two annex buildings to house daycare and preschool, serving more than two dozen children. Nest staff are employed by the school district. The school district was able to apply for and receive grant dollars from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for the project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667417488511.jpeg" alt="Stockton barn quilts. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stockton barn quilts. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>RoCo Arts Council – Stockton murals. The development of a community arts group in Rooks County resurged in 2021, under the name RoCo Arts Council, with an eye on murals for Rooks County, starting with Stockton. In 2022, two of their first projects became realities. First, a Stockton postcard-style mural was commissioned and completed at a busy intersection in Stockton during fall 2022.Second, hundreds of volunteers began the tedious process of painting barn quilt squares to represent the community’s heritage and history. The installation of those squares began in 2022 overlooking City Park, with the goal of being the largest barn quilt mural in the world. The group is working on phase two and still has more squares to paint.The Heartland Community Foundation proudly granted funds to all four groups for their projects.The Victoria Community Coalition received $5,000 for architectural services. $11,925 was granted to The Well for supplies and equipment. For furnishings and supplies, USD 270 received $10,041. RoCo Arts Council was granted $5,000 for supplies to create two murals.