Local doctor, board member against mental health support in schools, saying, 'Teach them math, science and history, and what to do and how to think, not to be touchy-feely.'

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

&nbsp;The Hays USD 489 school board discussed special education funding at its meeting Monday night.

Gov. Kelly proposed increasing funding for special education over the next five years to meet the state's funding obligation, as required by state statute.

State law requires the state to fund 92% of the cost of special education not funded by the federal government. The state currently funds special education at about 65% of this amount.

The state statute has no enforcement mechanism, so the Legislature has failed to meet the obligation without formal consequences.

This means local school districts must use their general funds to pay for special education.

Gov. Kelly recommended a $72 million increase in special education funding. The House Education Budget Committee recommended a $30 million increase, but the House Appropriations Committee reduced the increase to $10 million.&nbsp;

"It does affect us greatly when we have to start pulling from our general fund," Hays Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "It naturally affects everything we do in this district.

"We are making it work because we are required to make it work."

Gifted students and students with disabilities are both required to have Individual Education Plans that meet federal standards, Kyle Carlin, special education co-op director, said. School districts are required to follow those IEPs.

The full House passed the budget bill to the Senate Wednesday.

Board member Ruth Ruder said when she asked Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, about the special education funding at a recent Legislative coffee in Hays, Rahjes said local school districts should increase their mill levies to cover the funding gaps.

"It's our job to make sure we get our funding," Ruder said. "It helps taxpayers because it's funding that's due us. They have to pay for it, but they don't."

Board member Derek Yarmer said he thought the local school district could operate more efficiently.

"We could cut the budget and work a little leaner," he said. "I feel like we are always adding stuff. We could take a look and actually cut back on stuff."

Ruder, a banker, said, "It is like you getting a loan from me. If you don't pay for your car, I'm going to take it. Why do we have to continually work for [the special education funding]? They are not meeting their obligation to do so."

Board President Curt Vajnar said, "They mandate it, and then they don't fund it. That's the problem."

Within the co-op, Carlin said he looks for efficiencies whenever a para leaves. However, the co-op is still obligated to provide for the needs of the students regardless of the state and federal funding available.

Most of the co-op's costs are in salaries and benefits for people. Carlin said it is challenging to find&nbsp;efficiencies in that.

Ruder said, "If you go back and read our board policy, our obligation is to the kids. I watch expenses, too. I do it in my business every day, but our obligation is to the kids."

Yarmer asked if students were meeting their education goals.

Kyle Carlin, co-op director, said students are meeting 95% of their IEP goals. He said if the students were meeting 100% of their goals, he would say the expectations of those students should be higher.

In the last five years, the district has seen math scores increase by 5% for special education students.&nbsp;

He said reading scores have been more stagnant. Although the district has seen students move from level one to two, many are still not reaching grade level.

The local special education co-op serves 1,050 students in the Hays, Ellis, Victoria, LaCrosse and Russell school districts. This includes students in the Catholic schools in those districts and the Camber youth mental health facility in Hays.

Carlin said that based on the amount of funding the Legislature is considering, not only would the funding gap not be closed, but the amount of general fund spending for the districts in the co-op is likely to increase.

Yarmer asked how the district would spend the extra funding.&nbsp;

Wilson said it's difficult to prove a negative.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said he makes those cuts throughout the year as he works to build the budget.

Yarmer said, "Do we really need those things?"

Board member Meagan Zampeiri Lillpop said, "Teachers are asking for things to do their jobs, and we can't say yes because it costs too much. That's incredibly disheartening for everyone. It keeps them from getting better and better. It keeps the staff at a lower level and, in turn, the students at a lower level."

"It's a compounding austerity that's not necessary. We've had a surplus in the state over and over again," she said.

Yarmer said, "Just because someone asks for things doesn't make them a need. There are minimal standards and criteria."

He added, "I don't think money is the problem of the education system. I think we need to be better at doing what we do."

He pointed to $1.7 million in allocations in bond and capital outlay funds that were ultimately approved at Monday night's meeting. Yarmer voted against all but one of those five items.

"If we have money for that, I'm hard-pressed to tell people we're destitute," Yarmer said.

Yarmer called the new Hays High School a Taj Mahal.

&nbsp;He was reminded that capital outlay and bond funds can't be used for salaries, benefits or classroom expenses.&nbsp;

Yarmer said he would like to see the capital outlay mill levy decreased and the local option budget, also known as the LOB, mill levy increased.

Board member Jayme Goetz, who is a former district teacher, said education is more than math, social studies and science. She said it is also personal fitness, personal wellness and mental health.

Yarmer, a local doctor, said,&nbsp; "As far as I'm concerned, social-emotional stuff has been out for 12 years, and there's more on mental health services inside the school and outside of the school. What are we gaining? What have we actually done as far as trying to teach these kids to be good people? 

"Let the parents and stuff do that, and let's educate them to be smart individuals and learn how to deal with life on their own instead of all these stupid surveys and stuff that we do.

"Teach them math, science and history, and what to do and how to think, not to be touchy-feely."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739912166485.png" alt="From left to right, Hays school board members Curt Vajnar, Derek Yarmer, Jayme Goetz and Ken Brooks at Monday's school board meeting. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>From left to right, Hays school board members Curt Vajnar, Derek Yarmer, Jayme Goetz and Ken Brooks at Monday's school board meeting. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Local doctor, board member against mental health support in schools, saying, 'Teach them math, science and history, and what to do and how to think, not to be touchy-feely.'</h2> By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;The Hays USD 489 school board discussed special education funding at its meeting Monday night.Gov. Kelly proposed increasing funding for special education over the next five years to meet the state's funding obligation, as required by state statute.State law requires the state to fund 92% of the cost of special education not funded by the federal government. The state currently funds special education at about 65% of this amount.The state statute has no enforcement mechanism, so the Legislature has failed to meet the obligation without formal consequences.This means local school districts must use their general funds to pay for special education.Gov. Kelly recommended a $72 million increase in special education funding. The House Education Budget Committee recommended a $30 million increase, but the House Appropriations Committee reduced the increase to $10 million.&nbsp;"It does affect us greatly when we have to start pulling from our general fund," Hays Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "It naturally affects everything we do in this district."We are making it work because we are required to make it work."Gifted students and students with disabilities are both required to have Individual Education Plans that meet federal standards, Kyle Carlin, special education co-op director, said. School districts are required to follow those IEPs.The full House passed the budget bill to the Senate Wednesday.Board member Ruth Ruder said when she asked Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, about the special education funding at a recent Legislative coffee in Hays, Rahjes said local school districts should increase their mill levies to cover the funding gaps."It's our job to make sure we get our funding," Ruder said. "It helps taxpayers because it's funding that's due us. They have to pay for it, but they don't."Board member Derek Yarmer said he thought the local school district could operate more efficiently."We could cut the budget and work a little leaner," he said. "I feel like we are always adding stuff. We could take a look and actually cut back on stuff."Ruder, a banker, said, "It is like you getting a loan from me. If you don't pay for your car, I'm going to take it. Why do we have to continually work for [the special education funding]? They are not meeting their obligation to do so."Board President Curt Vajnar said, "They mandate it, and then they don't fund it. That's the problem."Within the co-op, Carlin said he looks for efficiencies whenever a para leaves. However, the co-op is still obligated to provide for the needs of the students regardless of the state and federal funding available.Most of the co-op's costs are in salaries and benefits for people. Carlin said it is challenging to find&nbsp;efficiencies in that.Ruder said, "If you go back and read our board policy, our obligation is to the kids. I watch expenses, too. I do it in my business every day, but our obligation is to the kids."Yarmer asked if students were meeting their education goals.Kyle Carlin, co-op director, said students are meeting 95% of their IEP goals. He said if the students were meeting 100% of their goals, he would say the expectations of those students should be higher.In the last five years, the district has seen math scores increase by 5% for special education students.&nbsp;He said reading scores have been more stagnant. Although the district has seen students move from level one to two, many are still not reaching grade level.The local special education co-op serves 1,050 students in the Hays, Ellis, Victoria, LaCrosse and Russell school districts. This includes students in the Catholic schools in those districts and the Camber youth mental health facility in Hays.Carlin said that based on the amount of funding the Legislature is considering, not only would the funding gap not be closed, but the amount of general fund spending for the districts in the co-op is likely to increase.Yarmer asked how the district would spend the extra funding.&nbsp;Wilson said it's difficult to prove a negative.Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said he makes those cuts throughout the year as he works to build the budget.Yarmer said, "Do we really need those things?"Board member Meagan Zampeiri Lillpop said, "Teachers are asking for things to do their jobs, and we can't say yes because it costs too much. That's incredibly disheartening for everyone. It keeps them from getting better and better. It keeps the staff at a lower level and, in turn, the students at a lower level.""It's a compounding austerity that's not necessary. We've had a surplus in the state over and over again," she said.Yarmer said, "Just because someone asks for things doesn't make them a need. There are minimal standards and criteria."He added, "I don't think money is the problem of the education system. I think we need to be better at doing what we do."He pointed to $1.7 million in allocations in bond and capital outlay funds that were ultimately approved at Monday night's meeting. Yarmer voted against all but one of those five items."If we have money for that, I'm hard-pressed to tell people we're destitute," Yarmer said.Yarmer called the new Hays High School a Taj Mahal.&nbsp;He was reminded that capital outlay and bond funds can't be used for salaries, benefits or classroom expenses.&nbsp;Yarmer said he would like to see the capital outlay mill levy decreased and the local option budget, also known as the LOB, mill levy increased.Board member Jayme Goetz, who is a former district teacher, said education is more than math, social studies and science. She said it is also personal fitness, personal wellness and mental health.Yarmer, a local doctor, said,&nbsp; "As far as I'm concerned, social-emotional stuff has been out for 12 years, and there's more on mental health services inside the school and outside of the school. What are we gaining? What have we actually done as far as trying to teach these kids to be good people? "Let the parents and stuff do that, and let's educate them to be smart individuals and learn how to deal with life on their own instead of all these stupid surveys and stuff that we do."Teach them math, science and history, and what to do and how to think, not to be touchy-feely."

Hays BOE debates need for state special education funding, district spending

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Jetmore radiologic technologist voluntarily surrendered his license on Monday in lieu of revocation after being convicted of sex crimes with a child.

Anthony R. Sherrill, a radiologic technologist, was convicted on Jan. 5, 2024, in Johnson County District Court of two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. He was sentenced to 34 months in prison on each count to be served concurrently, according to the consent order from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.

His sentences were suspended, and he was placed on 36 months of supervised probation, followed by lifetime post-release supervision.

On April 17, 2024, Sherrill was convicted in Edwards County District Court of one count of aggravated endangering a child, according to the consent order. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison with 36 months of supervised probation followed by 	12 months of post-release supervision.

The felony convictions subject him to discipline by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.&nbsp;

According to the consent order, Sherill waived his rights to dispute the proceeding before the board.

Sherrill had been a licensed&nbsp;radiologic technologist in Kansas since 2013.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740051457940.png" alt="Sherrill-photo Johnson County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Sherrill-photo Johnson County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Jetmore radiologic technologist voluntarily surrendered his license on Monday in lieu of revocation after being convicted of sex crimes with a child.Anthony R. Sherrill, a radiologic technologist, was convicted on Jan. 5, 2024, in Johnson County District Court of two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. He was sentenced to 34 months in prison on each count to be served concurrently, according to the consent order from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.His sentences were suspended, and he was placed on 36 months of supervised probation, followed by lifetime post-release supervision.On April 17, 2024, Sherrill was convicted in Edwards County District Court of one count of aggravated endangering a child, according to the consent order. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison with 36 months of supervised probation followed by 	12 months of post-release supervision.The felony convictions subject him to discipline by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.&nbsp;According to the consent order, Sherill waived his rights to dispute the proceeding before the board.Sherrill had been a licensed&nbsp;radiologic technologist in Kansas since 2013.

Jetmore radiologic tech surrenders license after child sex crimes convictions

As we enter the final two weeks of Match Month, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support of the Heartland Community Foundation (HCF). Your generosity has helped fund critical projects and initiatives that benefit our communities.

If you’ve already contributed to our County Legacy Funds this month, we’re deeply grateful. And if you haven’t yet made a donation, there’s still time to make your impact go even further!

Here is where our giving stands, as of Feb. 18:

Trego County Legacy Fund&nbsp;—&nbsp;$58,733 Ellis County Legacy Fund — $45,697 Rooks County Legacy Fund — $39,964

Triple your Gift (or more!) before Feb. 28

When you make a donation to our County Legacy Funds during February, your donation is matched 200% by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, up to $50,000 per county. 

We found out last week that the Patterson Family Foundation is also stepping in with additional match dollars for our campaign! While final details and approval are still pending, we know they will likely match at least up to $70,000 -- maybe more!

This is an incredible opportunity to grow our grantmaking power in Trego, Rooks, and Ellis County —supporting more nonprofits and funding more local projects. Every dollar given now helps us maximize this match while we can! This is our only chance to capture all of those critical match dollars!

💙&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://4hmprlhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00126oMxdlScIbWCPto3LmjUQzrEVA--2kZ3yV6Z_lzT9tjWqz_lp4rUNmu4zqEJv2vw3NmtzsVcsZ1wkxA9JZFg39G5BHhnGw9s_bzkXLmKcjy0BSdg-1QcF_GXrJ2qSayHh0d_jlxos5r3WdltkDKjgjLnNLp177OsICQI8gAp_g2ygeYK8pHemf3sRt86ykbaRyfBvAOKSKV1ah0l6Zpe5xS7Kv3mZmASX6a9D8b_u8=&amp;c=M0_Cn32X5gr4IEiAwpKUqQEYusZqwtrzrWbtyJS333KD0pENIVtE_Q==&amp;ch=4G-fpjQnHHcUBTeBnjxl2MtC4SP1n_iK4qy2cL9P7n1ypvwEhB7BIg==">Donate to the Trego County Legacy Fund</a> 💙&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://4hmprlhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00126oMxdlScIbWCPto3LmjUQzrEVA--2kZ3yV6Z_lzT9tjWqz_lp4rUNmu4zqEJv2vJWgo7cdZlYtQvDGV9goL9NqTOIMK2avAd53FfBknVymK8_LAUFKJzBXAY2L6p-dX4i7jzUK0dfmEi-rwhFuXx3C015YLUFA2LDUpzi7OJzrj1E4mi7AIThytxe6I4mh96K1JCLRJg-jPv5olFOvVfw1CfQMC3DJuRJIEhBcUMMo=&amp;c=M0_Cn32X5gr4IEiAwpKUqQEYusZqwtrzrWbtyJS333KD0pENIVtE_Q==&amp;ch=4G-fpjQnHHcUBTeBnjxl2MtC4SP1n_iK4qy2cL9P7n1ypvwEhB7BIg==">Donate to the Ellis County Legacy Fund</a> &nbsp;💙&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://4hmprlhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00126oMxdlScIbWCPto3LmjUQzrEVA--2kZ3yV6Z_lzT9tjWqz_lp4rUNmu4zqEJv2vvMXMMtALwUoHvD-F9R3MNBVbSXbi__tWDYxhCoZYf-uwgENeuLTCgVGyUHODT7e2jJjNCka9IFRJnhNy_CtBqc9Ii5Vn8rF44_OK-ehWrmMf9nZEV7UowulrR0RBXNI5tozKMy3I5O0HVW0Wz7CGBCAhgvaSGK8TkBlzHRjSG1s=&amp;c=M0_Cn32X5gr4IEiAwpKUqQEYusZqwtrzrWbtyJS333KD0pENIVtE_Q==&amp;ch=4G-fpjQnHHcUBTeBnjxl2MtC4SP1n_iK4qy2cL9P7n1ypvwEhB7BIg==">Donate to the Rooks County Legacy Fund</a>

All donor names will be recognized on our Facebook page and in local media after the campaign.

A gift to our County Legacy Funds isn't just a donation—it’s an investment in so many worthwhile local causes. Thanks to donors like you, we granted&nbsp;$598,658&nbsp;during the calendar year&nbsp;in 2024 alone — and since 2015, we've invested nearly $4.3 million back into Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties!

This is the power of endowment. Every dollar given to our County Legacy Funds is never spent—instead, it’s invested, and we grant from its growth year after year. That means your gift today keeps giving forever to support a wide variety of causes!

Because of the expected snow and freezing temperatures, we are postponing our planned coffee chats for this week until next week. Heartland staff will offer free coffee from the menu or provide coffee and donuts. Here are the new dates and locations:

Donate on or before February 20, and you’ll be entered to win $500, thanks to an anonymous donor! Plus, donations of $500 or more earn an additional entry. Your donation must be postmarked by Feb. 20 to be eligible. We will announce the winner on Facebook on Monday, Feb. 24!

Visit us anytime to drop off your donation!

📍 Ellis County location: 1200 Main St., #102, Hays 📍 Trego County location: 110 N., Main St., WaKeeney 📍 Rooks County location: 202 W. Mill St., Plainville -- Join us for a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the new location in Plainville, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m.!

Mail your gift to 1200 Main St., #102, Hays, KS 67601 or donate online at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://4hmprlhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00126oMxdlScIbWCPto3LmjUQzrEVA--2kZ3yV6Z_lzT9tjWqz_lp4rUAO7mZkG3JWXanMZz_WYtxh8Td1JwtElXJU5sFSSsj3CQ5j3HrnR5ECP0erMp2Rqtqmf0qi8DXeRtp4k4LIZwJ8Xs54pK9w2Y7YcMYOn22oF4Hzisnsp_dDJZsoElEGYi1FiDY8Qitqf&amp;c=M0_Cn32X5gr4IEiAwpKUqQEYusZqwtrzrWbtyJS333KD0pENIVtE_Q==&amp;ch=4G-fpjQnHHcUBTeBnjxl2MtC4SP1n_iK4qy2cL9P7n1ypvwEhB7BIg==">Click HERE to donate now!</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736878807620.jpeg" alt="Heartland Community Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Heartland Community Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>HCFAs we enter the final two weeks of Match Month, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support of the Heartland Community Foundation (HCF). Your generosity has helped fund critical projects and initiatives that benefit our communities.If you’ve already contributed to our County Legacy Funds this month, we’re deeply grateful. And if you haven’t yet made a donation, there’s still time to make your impact go even further!Here is where our giving stands, as of Feb. 18:Trego County Legacy Fund&nbsp;—&nbsp;$58,733 Ellis County Legacy Fund — $45,697 Rooks County Legacy Fund — $39,964Triple your Gift (or more!) before Feb. 28When you make a donation to our County Legacy Funds during February, your donation is matched 200% by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, up to $50,000 per county. We found out last week that the Patterson Family Foundation is also stepping in with additional match dollars for our campaign! While final details and approval are still pending, we know they will likely match at least up to $70,000 -- maybe more!This is an incredible opportunity to grow our grantmaking power in Trego, Rooks, and Ellis County —supporting more nonprofits and funding more local projects. Every dollar given now helps us maximize this match while we can! This is our only chance to capture all of those critical match dollars!💙&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://4hmprlhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00126oMxdlScIbWCPto3LmjUQzrEVA--2kZ3yV6Z_lzT9tjWqz_lp4rUNmu4zqEJv2vw3NmtzsVcsZ1wkxA9JZFg39G5BHhnGw9s_bzkXLmKcjy0BSdg-1QcF_GXrJ2qSayHh0d_jlxos5r3WdltkDKjgjLnNLp177OsICQI8gAp_g2ygeYK8pHemf3sRt86ykbaRyfBvAOKSKV1ah0l6Zpe5xS7Kv3mZmASX6a9D8b_u8=&amp;c=M0_Cn32X5gr4IEiAwpKUqQEYusZqwtrzrWbtyJS333KD0pENIVtE_Q==&amp;ch=4G-fpjQnHHcUBTeBnjxl2MtC4SP1n_iK4qy2cL9P7n1ypvwEhB7BIg==">Donate to the Trego County Legacy Fund</a> 💙&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://4hmprlhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00126oMxdlScIbWCPto3LmjUQzrEVA--2kZ3yV6Z_lzT9tjWqz_lp4rUNmu4zqEJv2vJWgo7cdZlYtQvDGV9goL9NqTOIMK2avAd53FfBknVymK8_LAUFKJzBXAY2L6p-dX4i7jzUK0dfmEi-rwhFuXx3C015YLUFA2LDUpzi7OJzrj1E4mi7AIThytxe6I4mh96K1JCLRJg-jPv5olFOvVfw1CfQMC3DJuRJIEhBcUMMo=&amp;c=M0_Cn32X5gr4IEiAwpKUqQEYusZqwtrzrWbtyJS333KD0pENIVtE_Q==&amp;ch=4G-fpjQnHHcUBTeBnjxl2MtC4SP1n_iK4qy2cL9P7n1ypvwEhB7BIg==">Donate to the Ellis County Legacy Fund</a> &nbsp;💙&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://4hmprlhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00126oMxdlScIbWCPto3LmjUQzrEVA--2kZ3yV6Z_lzT9tjWqz_lp4rUNmu4zqEJv2vvMXMMtALwUoHvD-F9R3MNBVbSXbi__tWDYxhCoZYf-uwgENeuLTCgVGyUHODT7e2jJjNCka9IFRJnhNy_CtBqc9Ii5Vn8rF44_OK-ehWrmMf9nZEV7UowulrR0RBXNI5tozKMy3I5O0HVW0Wz7CGBCAhgvaSGK8TkBlzHRjSG1s=&amp;c=M0_Cn32X5gr4IEiAwpKUqQEYusZqwtrzrWbtyJS333KD0pENIVtE_Q==&amp;ch=4G-fpjQnHHcUBTeBnjxl2MtC4SP1n_iK4qy2cL9P7n1ypvwEhB7BIg==">Donate to the Rooks County Legacy Fund</a>All donor names will be recognized on our Facebook page and in local media after the campaign.The Power of Endowment is ForeverA gift to our County Legacy Funds isn't just a donation—it’s an investment in so many worthwhile local causes. Thanks to donors like you, we granted&nbsp;$598,658&nbsp;during the calendar year&nbsp;in 2024 alone — and since 2015, we've invested nearly $4.3 million back into Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties!This is the power of endowment. Every dollar given to our County Legacy Funds is never spent—instead, it’s invested, and we grant from its growth year after year. That means your gift today keeps giving forever to support a wide variety of causes!Come visit us at a Coffee ChatBecause of the expected snow and freezing temperatures, we are postponing our planned coffee chats for this week until next week. Heartland staff will offer free coffee from the menu or provide coffee and donuts. Here are the new dates and locations:<ul>
 <li>Feb. 24, 8:30-10 a.m.: Stockton at the Daily Grind | Hays at our main office, 1200 Main St., #102 (coffee and donuts provided)</li><li>Feb. 25, 10-11 a.m.: Victoria at Library Bar &amp; Grill (coffee and donuts provided)</li><li>Feb. 26, 8:30-10 a.m.: Ellis at Ellis Public Library | Plainville at Papa’s Corner | WaKeeney at The Well</li>
 </ul>Give Early to WinDonate on or before February 20, and you’ll be entered to win $500, thanks to an anonymous donor! Plus, donations of $500 or more earn an additional entry. Your donation must be postmarked by Feb. 20 to be eligible. We will announce the winner on Facebook on Monday, Feb. 24!Visit us anytime to drop off your donation!📍 Ellis County location: 1200 Main St., #102, Hays 📍 Trego County location: 110 N., Main St., WaKeeney 📍 Rooks County location: 202 W. Mill St., Plainville -- Join us for a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the new location in Plainville, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m.!Mail your gift to 1200 Main St., #102, Hays, KS 67601 or donate online at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://4hmprlhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00126oMxdlScIbWCPto3LmjUQzrEVA--2kZ3yV6Z_lzT9tjWqz_lp4rUAO7mZkG3JWXanMZz_WYtxh8Td1JwtElXJU5sFSSsj3CQ5j3HrnR5ECP0erMp2Rqtqmf0qi8DXeRtp4k4LIZwJ8Xs54pK9w2Y7YcMYOn22oF4Hzisnsp_dDJZsoElEGYi1FiDY8Qitqf&amp;c=M0_Cn32X5gr4IEiAwpKUqQEYusZqwtrzrWbtyJS333KD0pENIVtE_Q==&amp;ch=4G-fpjQnHHcUBTeBnjxl2MtC4SP1n_iK4qy2cL9P7n1ypvwEhB7BIg==">Click HERE to donate now!</a>Heartland Community Foundation

Match Month ends soon for Heartland Community Foundation

I love old recipes. They teach about culture, history, and false assumptions for cooks who study or make them. 

Moving to Ellis County in the late '70s opened unexpected doors for me to learn about Volga Germans and other ethnic heritages. While expanding my culinary skills, mishaps, misinterpretations, and cultural confusion led to embarrassed blushes a time or two.

Decades ago, a friend delivered a bit of heaven called hemetschwenger: a cinnamon, sugar apple tartlet encased in an envelope of butter dough. After sampling, I asked for the back story on this sweet delight.

She explained an older German lady in Ellis shared the recipe with her family years earlier. She added local families made them along with hertzen and spitzbuben, which I’d bought at bake sales and then learned to make. I immediately assumed this, too, was a local Volga German recipe that cooks took pride in crafting and sharing. Once I tasted hemetschwenger, I wanted to learn to bake them as well.

Heritage cooking offers connect-the-dot history lessons. Hemetschwenger fit that category for me. Grandma Lottie’s sister raised her family in Hemet, California, so I knew hemet was German for apple. Then I researched the meaning of schwenger. Appropriately, it meant sack. These divine pastries were technically apple sacks. How fitting.

My friend’s recipe then delivered another history lesson. Old-time cooks don’t always record exact measurements. 

Following initial instructions, I blended 1 cup of sweet cream with ¾ cups of soft butter. Easy. Then I added 1 teaspoon of salt. Again, easy. The next directive led to consternation. Add enough flour to make a soft dough I could roll thin and cut into 3-inch squares. So how much flour did that original baker mean? What constituted soft dough? My friend advised I start with two cups and keep adding 'til it felt right. Home-ec teachers don’t give those kinds of direction, but Grandma Lottie did. &nbsp;So…&nbsp;

The ingredients also didn’t indicate how many apples to chop. This event occurred before technology so I couldn’t google. We like apples, so I chopped 6 and added a goodly amount of sugar and cinnamon due to more vague instructions. Imagine my surprise when my hemetschwenger turned out much larger and messier than the pretty ones my friend delivered. The quantity of chopped apple created serious leakage from those soft dough sacks.

Fortunately, someone had added degrees and baking time to the recipe because my inexperience would have led to incorrect guesses. After 20-25 minutes baking at 375 degrees, that butter dough turned a golden hue. Perfect. The remove-cool-dip in a bowl of cinnamon/sugar steps transformed raw, simple ingredients into gastronomic bliss.

Once the internet existed, I discovered the recipe called for 2 chopped apples and 2 ½ to 3 cups of flour to make the soft dough. Since I started with lots of apples, I still make them that way despite cleaning more than a little leakage over the decades.

Pleased I successfully made these treats, I shared this recipe on a Volga German cooking site, vague directions and all. In short time, I received a tech-delivered thrashing. These are not Volga German in origin! I assumed incorrectly. German Mennonites brought them to America and shared their recipe. Purists in the VG group soundly corrected my ethnic faux pas.

As I said, heritage cooking offers lessons, and I’ve learned and laughed over more than a few. But never have I made anything tastier than a pan of hemetschwenger on a cold winter day.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINI love old recipes. They teach about culture, history, and false assumptions for cooks who study or make them. Moving to Ellis County in the late '70s opened unexpected doors for me to learn about Volga Germans and other ethnic heritages. While expanding my culinary skills, mishaps, misinterpretations, and cultural confusion led to embarrassed blushes a time or two.Decades ago, a friend delivered a bit of heaven called hemetschwenger: a cinnamon, sugar apple tartlet encased in an envelope of butter dough. After sampling, I asked for the back story on this sweet delight.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739904470330.jpeg" alt="Hemetschwenger, or apple sacks. Photos by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Hemetschwenger, or apple sacks. Photos by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>She explained an older German lady in Ellis shared the recipe with her family years earlier. She added local families made them along with hertzen and spitzbuben, which I’d bought at bake sales and then learned to make. I immediately assumed this, too, was a local Volga German recipe that cooks took pride in crafting and sharing. Once I tasted hemetschwenger, I wanted to learn to bake them as well.Heritage cooking offers connect-the-dot history lessons. Hemetschwenger fit that category for me. Grandma Lottie’s sister raised her family in Hemet, California, so I knew hemet was German for apple. Then I researched the meaning of schwenger. Appropriately, it meant sack. These divine pastries were technically apple sacks. How fitting.My friend’s recipe then delivered another history lesson. Old-time cooks don’t always record exact measurements. Following initial instructions, I blended 1 cup of sweet cream with ¾ cups of soft butter. Easy. Then I added 1 teaspoon of salt. Again, easy. The next directive led to consternation. Add enough flour to make a soft dough I could roll thin and cut into 3-inch squares. So how much flour did that original baker mean? What constituted soft dough? My friend advised I start with two cups and keep adding 'til it felt right. Home-ec teachers don’t give those kinds of direction, but Grandma Lottie did. &nbsp;So…&nbsp;The ingredients also didn’t indicate how many apples to chop. This event occurred before technology so I couldn’t google. We like apples, so I chopped 6 and added a goodly amount of sugar and cinnamon due to more vague instructions. Imagine my surprise when my hemetschwenger turned out much larger and messier than the pretty ones my friend delivered. The quantity of chopped apple created serious leakage from those soft dough sacks.Fortunately, someone had added degrees and baking time to the recipe because my inexperience would have led to incorrect guesses. After 20-25 minutes baking at 375 degrees, that butter dough turned a golden hue. Perfect. The remove-cool-dip in a bowl of cinnamon/sugar steps transformed raw, simple ingredients into gastronomic bliss.Once the internet existed, I discovered the recipe called for 2 chopped apples and 2 ½ to 3 cups of flour to make the soft dough. Since I started with lots of apples, I still make them that way despite cleaning more than a little leakage over the decades.Pleased I successfully made these treats, I shared this recipe on a Volga German cooking site, vague directions and all. In short time, I received a tech-delivered thrashing. These are not Volga German in origin! I assumed incorrectly. German Mennonites brought them to America and shared their recipe. Purists in the VG group soundly corrected my ethnic faux pas.As I said, heritage cooking offers lessons, and I’ve learned and laughed over more than a few. But never have I made anything tastier than a pan of hemetschwenger on a cold winter day.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Never assume

<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/2025/2/1739992292442.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Hays, Holy Family Elementary and Thomas More Prep-Marain will all be on two hour delayed starts on Thursday.

Fort Hays State University will open at 8 a.m. on Thursday, but due to extreme cold, on-campus classes starting before 10:30 a.m. are canceled. The regular class schedule will resume after 10:30 a.m.

Hays, Holy Family Elementary and Thomas More Prep-Marain will all be on two hour delayed starts on Thursday.Fort Hays State University will open at 8 a.m. on Thursday, but due to extreme cold, on-campus classes starting before 10:30 a.m. are canceled. The regular class schedule will resume after 10:30 a.m.

Hays, Holy Family, TMP delayed starts; FHSU no a.m. classes

RUSSELL — Russell County Emergency Management Director David Elliott has announced the annual Storm Fury on the Plains presentation and storm spotter meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 at the historic Dream Theater at 629 North Main Street in downtown Russell.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service office in Wichita will present information that will help prepare storm spotters and weather enthusiasts for the upcoming storm season. NWS staff will provide an in-depth weather presentation that will engage the audience by teaching them about the different types of storms, the individual storm features that help a person to recognize the storm’s potential severity, how to report hazardous weather and severe weather safety.

“Kansas weather is extremely unpredictable, and this presentation will help everyone – those new to the area and those who have lived here their entire lives – learn more about what to do before, during and after a severe weather event,” said EM Director Elliott. “Please attend this presentation to become informed and help protect yourself and your loved ones from the worst weather Kansas has to offer.”

Admission is free. Concessions will be available for purchase. The presentation will last approximately two hours. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For additional information, call Russell County Emergency Management at 785-483-7200 or email david@russellcountysheriff.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719582206104.jpeg" alt="EF-3 tornado outside of Whitman, Nebraska. Photo courtesy of sheriff's department" />
 <figcaption>EF-3 tornado outside of Whitman, Nebraska. Photo courtesy of sheriff's department</figcaption>
 </figure>SUBMITTED RUSSELL — Russell County Emergency Management Director David Elliott has announced the annual Storm Fury on the Plains presentation and storm spotter meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 at the historic Dream Theater at 629 North Main Street in downtown Russell.Meteorologists from the National Weather Service office in Wichita will present information that will help prepare storm spotters and weather enthusiasts for the upcoming storm season. NWS staff will provide an in-depth weather presentation that will engage the audience by teaching them about the different types of storms, the individual storm features that help a person to recognize the storm’s potential severity, how to report hazardous weather and severe weather safety.“Kansas weather is extremely unpredictable, and this presentation will help everyone – those new to the area and those who have lived here their entire lives – learn more about what to do before, during and after a severe weather event,” said EM Director Elliott. “Please attend this presentation to become informed and help protect yourself and your loved ones from the worst weather Kansas has to offer.”Admission is free. Concessions will be available for purchase. The presentation will last approximately two hours. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.For additional information, call Russell County Emergency Management at 785-483-7200 or email david@russellcountysheriff.org.

Storm Fury on the Plains presentation in Russell is March 4

By BECKY KISER Hays Post&nbsp;

Recommendations of bid awards for the 2025 street maintenance program will be presented to Hays city commissioners during their work session on Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

The projects include seal coat, polypatch, curb and brick repair, major rehab (street and concrete alley), asphalt mill and overlay, and pavement markings. The biggest project for this year is mill and overlay of East 17th Street&nbsp;

Bids were received from six contractors. Jesse Rohr, public works director, recommended the low bidders for all projects for a total of $893,835.

No bid for the pavement marking project was received. Rohr will advertise it again and bring it back for city commission approval at a later date.&nbsp;

The complete Feb. 20 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02202025-1529">here</a>. The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739990701016.png" alt="2025 street maintenance plan for Hays. City of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>2025 street maintenance plan for Hays. City of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post&nbsp;Recommendations of bid awards for the 2025 street maintenance program will be presented to Hays city commissioners during their work session on Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;The projects include seal coat, polypatch, curb and brick repair, major rehab (street and concrete alley), asphalt mill and overlay, and pavement markings. The biggest project for this year is mill and overlay of East 17th Street&nbsp;Bids were received from six contractors. Jesse Rohr, public works director, recommended the low bidders for all projects for a total of $893,835.No bid for the pavement marking project was received. Rohr will advertise it again and bring it back for city commission approval at a later date.&nbsp;The complete Feb. 20 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02202025-1529">here</a>. The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main. &nbsp;

Hays City Commission to review 2025 street maintenance bids

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Another three inches of snow fell in Hays throughout the day Tuesday, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center. &nbsp;

Combined with Monday's snowfall, the two-day total was five inches of snow, with 0.23 inches of moisture.&nbsp;

Hays has received 0.81 of moisture for the year and 19 inches of snow to date.&nbsp;

Monday's high was -1 degree with the overnight low dipping to -5 degrees, a new record low, according to the ag research center. A cold weather warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect through noon Thursday.&nbsp;

The forecast calls for warming temperatures with highs in the low 40s on Saturday and near 60 on Sunday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739990367578.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAnother three inches of snow fell in Hays throughout the day Tuesday, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center. &nbsp;Combined with Monday's snowfall, the two-day total was five inches of snow, with 0.23 inches of moisture.&nbsp;Hays has received 0.81 of moisture for the year and 19 inches of snow to date.&nbsp;Monday's high was -1 degree with the overnight low dipping to -5 degrees, a new record low, according to the ag research center. A cold weather warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect through noon Thursday.&nbsp;The forecast calls for warming temperatures with highs in the low 40s on Saturday and near 60 on Sunday.&nbsp;

Another 3" of snow falls in Hays; extreme cold weather warning continues

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Reese Barrick, director of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History about the new exhibition "Water's Extreme Journey," an interactive maze.

We also talk about upcoming Fort Hays State University alumni events with Kim Cebula, director of the FHSU Foundation and Alumni Office.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: 'Water's Extreme Journey' at Sternberg Museum" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=8qtut-17fb7d0-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Reese Barrick, director of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History about the new exhibition "Water's Extreme Journey," an interactive maze.We also talk about upcoming Fort Hays State University alumni events with Kim Cebula, director of the FHSU Foundation and Alumni Office.&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: 'Water's Extreme Journey' at Sternberg Museum

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to the Hays Post

Rod Fairbank admits he is an emotional guy. So he isn’t even going to pretend that Friday’s games between Thomas More Prep-Marian and Norton will be an easy call.

After 30 years of announcing Monarch basketball games above the court in Al Billinger Fieldhouse in Hays, Fairbank has decided to hand the microphone to someone else.

Friday’s games will be his last stint as public address announcer for a girls’ and boys’ doubleheader at TMP-Marian.

“It could be a hard one,” he admitted Monday night after the Monarchs’ games with Oakley.&nbsp;

Fairbanks had been tossing around the idea for the past few years, thinking about when might be a good time to step aside.

Then when football season would roll around in the fall, he’d get the fever again, and off to Lewis Field he would go for every Friday home game. It’s something that comes a way of life after 25 to 30 years, he said.

Fairbank’s wife, Michelle, was working at TMP-Marian in the mid-1990s when longtime announcer Father Earl Befort told Athletic Director Gene Flax at the end of the 1994-95 basketball season that would be his last year calling Monarch basketball.

So Flax immediately contacted Fairbank, and he thought maybe his wife had volunteered him for the job. But Flax had already thought of who his next PA guy could be.

Flax and Fairbank had played high school sports together at Ransom in the early to mid-1970s. And Flax remembered that Rod’s dad, Elmer Fairbank, was the longtime clock operator for football and basketball games.

“I thought I’d give it a try and help them out for a season,” Fairbank said when Flax asked him to announce.&nbsp;

“That was 30 years ago,” he said, his eyes sparkling.

Five years later, Father Earl announced he would be walking away from football announcing as well. Flax knew immediately who he would ask to be Father Earl’s replacement.

Fairbank had decided to give up refereeing high school football about that time because his oldest child was just entering high school at TMP-Marian. So the timing was perfect to pick up the football announcing, too.

It’s easy to see – and hear – that Fairbank enjoys this gig. He shows up at least an hour before games, goes over names and numbers and researches pronunciations of players’ names. After all, not all names are like “Fairbank” and are pronounced like they are spelled.

“I really enjoy the people at the scorer’s table, too, visiting about the games,” he said. “Some coaches, you almost knew what play they were going to draw up in a timeout after watching them for that many years.”

This year weighed heavy on Fairbank as he began the basketball season. Longtime clock operator Greg Schmidt, a good friend of Fairbank’s, was losing his nine-year battle with brain cancer and died on Jan. 31. The night of Schmidt’s vigil service happened to be a scheduled Monarch game.

It was one of the few games Fairbank had missed since the turn of the millennium.

It made him realize it was the right time to step away. He has grandchildren who are reaching the age of participating in activities — the oldest two are 10-year-olds, one in Hays and the other in Valley Center — and he wants to concentrate on family time.

“With Greg’s passing, I thought it’s time to let someone younger step in,” Fairbank said. “It’s been 30 years. That’s a good number to go out on.”

Joe Koenigsman is a TMP-Marian parent of four daughters who have played basketball for the Monarchs. He began taking his daughters to games from little on and has always enjoyed Fairbank’s announcing.

“He has done such an awesome job all those years,” said Koenigsman, whose name is one that Fairbank had to inquire how to pronounce. “He’s so reliable, and the way he announces the players’ names, it gets them in the spirit. We sure are going to miss him.”

Fairbank said he gained more confidence over the years while developing his own style of announcing.&nbsp;

He developed his own style — period. Fairbank was on a school trip with his wife one year, and they ran across a headband with buffalo horns on it.&nbsp;

What a good way to represent the Monarchs, right? He’s worn the headband to games ever since.&nbsp;

The booming voice that asks, “Monarch fans, are you ready?” before announcing the starters at every game will be hard to match.

He has become a master at drawing out names.

It will be hard to replace the bearded guy wearing a headband with horns, who can make even the shortest of names ring out: “For the Monarchs, wearing number 3, a 5-10 junior is Will-ll-ll-ll Ehhhhhck!”&nbsp;

Fairbank laughs while remembering the first time he saw Eck’s name on the Monarch roster. That was one name he didn’t have to ask how to pronounce.

Fairbank knows the first football game next fall will be hard because … well, he loves announcing, and he loves the Monarchs.

He talked about the Monarchs’ three state championship basketball teams he got to announce at home games and follow all the way to state, about the standout football players who have played for the Monarchs, such as TJ Gottschalk, who went on to play NCAA Division I ball at Wyoming.

“Now, TJ has daughters playing basketball here,” Fairbank said. “Seeing that is pretty cool.”&nbsp;

Fairbank enjoyed getting the crowd excited when a player made a 3-point basket. He particularly liked announcing players who had reached the 1,000-point milestone in basketball. He sometimes even gave a player a moniker, such as “Downtown Tom Diehl,” a prolific 3-point shooter for the Monarch basketball team in the late 1990s.

He often added adjectives to describe plays or to enhance a call, such as “picking the pig” for an interception or “a whole congregation of Monarchs” for a group tackle.

Most of all, he thought it was important to recognize as many players as possible so their families could hear their names.

There is still a possibility for this year’s boys’ and girls’ teams to host a first-round game of sub-state next week, but they will be on different nights. And it’s not quite the same as calling a doubleheader.

“I’ll definitely miss all this, but they’re not going to get rid of me that easily,” he said. “I’ll still come to games and watch as a fan.”

“Oh, yes! It will be hard sitting in the stands,” he said with a laugh. “I’ll have to sit somewhere besides behind the scorer’s table.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739913767955.jpeg" alt="The bearded man sporting a headband with buffalo horns was a common sight as the public address announcer at TMP-Marian basketball games for three decades. Photo by Drew Labertew, TMP-Marian" />
 <figcaption>The bearded man sporting a headband with buffalo horns was a common sight as the public address announcer at TMP-Marian basketball games for three decades. Photo by Drew Labertew, TMP-Marian</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739913940583.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to the Hays PostRod Fairbank admits he is an emotional guy. So he isn’t even going to pretend that Friday’s games between Thomas More Prep-Marian and Norton will be an easy call.After 30 years of announcing Monarch basketball games above the court in Al Billinger Fieldhouse in Hays, Fairbank has decided to hand the microphone to someone else.Friday’s games will be his last stint as public address announcer for a girls’ and boys’ doubleheader at TMP-Marian.“It could be a hard one,” he admitted Monday night after the Monarchs’ games with Oakley.&nbsp;Fairbanks had been tossing around the idea for the past few years, thinking about when might be a good time to step aside.Then when football season would roll around in the fall, he’d get the fever again, and off to Lewis Field he would go for every Friday home game. It’s something that comes a way of life after 25 to 30 years, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739913789802.jpeg" alt="Rod Fairbank first got his start as TMP-Marian’s public address announcer while calling Monarch football in 1995. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rod Fairbank first got his start as TMP-Marian’s public address announcer while calling Monarch football in 1995. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>How this all beganFairbank’s wife, Michelle, was working at TMP-Marian in the mid-1990s when longtime announcer Father Earl Befort told Athletic Director Gene Flax at the end of the 1994-95 basketball season that would be his last year calling Monarch basketball.So Flax immediately contacted Fairbank, and he thought maybe his wife had volunteered him for the job. But Flax had already thought of who his next PA guy could be.Flax and Fairbank had played high school sports together at Ransom in the early to mid-1970s. And Flax remembered that Rod’s dad, Elmer Fairbank, was the longtime clock operator for football and basketball games.“I thought I’d give it a try and help them out for a season,” Fairbank said when Flax asked him to announce.&nbsp;“That was 30 years ago,” he said, his eyes sparkling.Five years later, Father Earl announced he would be walking away from football announcing as well. Flax knew immediately who he would ask to be Father Earl’s replacement.Fairbank had decided to give up refereeing high school football about that time because his oldest child was just entering high school at TMP-Marian. So the timing was perfect to pick up the football announcing, too.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739913825521.jpeg" alt="Working at the scorer’s table has been a family event for Rod Fairbank as he and scoreboard/clock operator Greg Schmidt sometimes welcomed youngsters – such as Schmidt’s granddaughter, Sophie Schmidt – to the table in between basketball games at Al Billinger Fieldhouse. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Working at the scorer’s table has been a family event for Rod Fairbank as he and scoreboard/clock operator Greg Schmidt sometimes welcomed youngsters – such as Schmidt’s granddaughter, Sophie Schmidt – to the table in between basketball games at Al Billinger Fieldhouse. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TMP supporter through and throughIt’s easy to see – and hear – that Fairbank enjoys this gig. He shows up at least an hour before games, goes over names and numbers and researches pronunciations of players’ names. After all, not all names are like “Fairbank” and are pronounced like they are spelled.“I really enjoy the people at the scorer’s table, too, visiting about the games,” he said. “Some coaches, you almost knew what play they were going to draw up in a timeout after watching them for that many years.”This year weighed heavy on Fairbank as he began the basketball season. Longtime clock operator Greg Schmidt, a good friend of Fairbank’s, was losing his nine-year battle with brain cancer and died on Jan. 31. The night of Schmidt’s vigil service happened to be a scheduled Monarch game.It was one of the few games Fairbank had missed since the turn of the millennium.It made him realize it was the right time to step away. He has grandchildren who are reaching the age of participating in activities — the oldest two are 10-year-olds, one in Hays and the other in Valley Center — and he wants to concentrate on family time.“With Greg’s passing, I thought it’s time to let someone younger step in,” Fairbank said. “It’s been 30 years. That’s a good number to go out on.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739913851042.jpeg" alt="Rod Fairbank has proudly worn shirts that support TMP-Marian for three decades. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rod Fairbank has proudly worn shirts that support TMP-Marian for three decades. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Fans will miss himJoe Koenigsman is a TMP-Marian parent of four daughters who have played basketball for the Monarchs. He began taking his daughters to games from little on and has always enjoyed Fairbank’s announcing.“He has done such an awesome job all those years,” said Koenigsman, whose name is one that Fairbank had to inquire how to pronounce. “He’s so reliable, and the way he announces the players’ names, it gets them in the spirit. We sure are going to miss him.”Fairbank said he gained more confidence over the years while developing his own style of announcing.&nbsp;He developed his own style — period. Fairbank was on a school trip with his wife one year, and they ran across a headband with buffalo horns on it.&nbsp;What a good way to represent the Monarchs, right? He’s worn the headband to games ever since.&nbsp;The booming voice that asks, “Monarch fans, are you ready?” before announcing the starters at every game will be hard to match.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739913877595.jpeg" alt="TMP-Marian honored Rod Fairbank with a plaque for his 30 years as the Monarchs’ public address announcer for football and basketball games. Photo by Drew Labertew, TMP-Marian" />
 <figcaption>TMP-Marian honored Rod Fairbank with a plaque for his 30 years as the Monarchs’ public address announcer for football and basketball games. Photo by Drew Labertew, TMP-Marian</figcaption>
 </figure>He has become a master at drawing out names.It will be hard to replace the bearded guy wearing a headband with horns, who can make even the shortest of names ring out: “For the Monarchs, wearing number 3, a 5-10 junior is Will-ll-ll-ll Ehhhhhck!”&nbsp;Fairbank laughs while remembering the first time he saw Eck’s name on the Monarch roster. That was one name he didn’t have to ask how to pronounce.He will miss announcing, tooFairbank knows the first football game next fall will be hard because … well, he loves announcing, and he loves the Monarchs.But for now, he is enjoying reminiscing.He talked about the Monarchs’ three state championship basketball teams he got to announce at home games and follow all the way to state, about the standout football players who have played for the Monarchs, such as TJ Gottschalk, who went on to play NCAA Division I ball at Wyoming.“Now, TJ has daughters playing basketball here,” Fairbank said. “Seeing that is pretty cool.”&nbsp;Fairbank enjoyed getting the crowd excited when a player made a 3-point basket. He particularly liked announcing players who had reached the 1,000-point milestone in basketball. He sometimes even gave a player a moniker, such as “Downtown Tom Diehl,” a prolific 3-point shooter for the Monarch basketball team in the late 1990s.He often added adjectives to describe plays or to enhance a call, such as “picking the pig” for an interception or “a whole congregation of Monarchs” for a group tackle.Most of all, he thought it was important to recognize as many players as possible so their families could hear their names.There is still a possibility for this year’s boys’ and girls’ teams to host a first-round game of sub-state next week, but they will be on different nights. And it’s not quite the same as calling a doubleheader.“I’ll definitely miss all this, but they’re not going to get rid of me that easily,” he said. “I’ll still come to games and watch as a fan.”But will you miss calling the games?“Oh, yes! It will be hard sitting in the stands,” he said with a laugh. “I’ll have to sit somewhere besides behind the scorer’s table.”

NWester: Longtime Monarch PA announcer stepping aside

NORTON – The Innovation Center is actively seeking individuals interested in becoming qualified child care substitutes to support local child care providers and centers. This initiative aims to address a critical challenge in the childcare industry: the lack of available and trusted substitute providers. ​&nbsp;

Child care providers face long hours, typically from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., leaving little flexibility for personal appointments or family events. For home-based providers, even a brief absence can mean lost income and disrupt the families they serve. Child care centers risk classroom closures when staff members are absent.

 Like public schools, child care providers can utilize substitutes, but the process to become a child care substitute is often lengthy and costly. ​&nbsp;

Through the Innovation Center’s Child care Shared Services Hub, these barriers are being removed. The Innovation Center will cover the expenses associated with becoming a child care substitute, including: ​&nbsp;

• TB skin test  • Health assessment • KCCTO Training: Foundations for Safe and Healthy Early Care Facilities&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Module (10 modules, 18 hours) • Pediatric First Aid • Pediatric CPR • Fingerprinting • State licensing and background check ​&nbsp;​&nbsp;

Additionally, individuals will receive a $240 stipend upon completing the process. ​&nbsp;

“The lack of qualified substitutes is a serious issue for childcare providers,” said Dana Jo Stanton, child care program specialist at the Innovation Center. “This initiative allows both childcare centers and home providers to select substitutes they trust while eliminating the financial burden that comes with becoming a child care substitute.” ​&nbsp;

Stanton is committed to building substitute pools in every county within the Innovation Center's service area. 

“In addition to working with child care centers and home providers, we’re eager to connect with individuals who want to become substitutes. Expanding these substitute pools will provide essential support for childcare providers across northwest Kansas,” she added. ​&nbsp;

For more information about becoming a child care substitute or other childcare services, contact Dana Jo Stanton at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:danajstanton@nwkeici.org">danajstanton@nwkeici.org</a>&nbsp;or call 785-874-5150. ​&nbsp;

About the Innovation Center ​&nbsp;

The Innovation Center is dedicated to fostering community development and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across Northwest Kansas. Through initiatives like the Childcare Shared Services Hub, the Innovation Center is committed to creating sustainable solutions for community needs. ​&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691416407140.jpeg" alt="K-State University" />
 <figcaption>K-State University</figcaption>
 </figure>Innovation Center NORTON – The Innovation Center is actively seeking individuals interested in becoming qualified child care substitutes to support local child care providers and centers. This initiative aims to address a critical challenge in the childcare industry: the lack of available and trusted substitute providers. ​&nbsp;Child care providers face long hours, typically from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., leaving little flexibility for personal appointments or family events. For home-based providers, even a brief absence can mean lost income and disrupt the families they serve. Child care centers risk classroom closures when staff members are absent. Like public schools, child care providers can utilize substitutes, but the process to become a child care substitute is often lengthy and costly. ​&nbsp;Through the Innovation Center’s Child care Shared Services Hub, these barriers are being removed. The Innovation Center will cover the expenses associated with becoming a child care substitute, including: ​&nbsp;• TB skin test  • Health assessment • KCCTO Training: Foundations for Safe and Healthy Early Care Facilities&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Module (10 modules, 18 hours) • Pediatric First Aid • Pediatric CPR • Fingerprinting • State licensing and background check ​&nbsp;​&nbsp;Additionally, individuals will receive a $240 stipend upon completing the process. ​&nbsp;“The lack of qualified substitutes is a serious issue for childcare providers,” said Dana Jo Stanton, child care program specialist at the Innovation Center. “This initiative allows both childcare centers and home providers to select substitutes they trust while eliminating the financial burden that comes with becoming a child care substitute.” ​&nbsp;Stanton is committed to building substitute pools in every county within the Innovation Center's service area. “In addition to working with child care centers and home providers, we’re eager to connect with individuals who want to become substitutes. Expanding these substitute pools will provide essential support for childcare providers across northwest Kansas,” she added. ​&nbsp;For more information about becoming a child care substitute or other childcare services, contact Dana Jo Stanton at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:danajstanton@nwkeici.org">danajstanton@nwkeici.org</a>&nbsp;or call 785-874-5150. ​&nbsp;About the Innovation Center ​&nbsp;The Innovation Center is dedicated to fostering community development and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across Northwest Kansas. Through initiatives like the Childcare Shared Services Hub, the Innovation Center is committed to creating sustainable solutions for community needs. ​&nbsp;

Innovation Center recruiting substitute child care providers 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739916882510.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>

Pictured from left to right, are the following: Ella Bain and Caleb Marintzer -&nbsp;Ella is the daughter of Joe and Shaudel Bain, and Caleb is the son of Cody and Karen (class of 1998) Marinzer.

Macara Rohr and Heuer Brungardt -&nbsp;Macara is the daughter is Mark (class of 1993) and Tina Rohr, and Heuer is the son of Christopher and Kathleen Brungardt.

Ainsleigh Bain and Austin Gilbert -&nbsp;Ainsleigh is the daughter of Joe and Shaudel Bain, and Austin is the son of Josh and Aimee Gilbert. Shalee Gottschalk and Treger Williby -&nbsp;Shalee is the daughter is Rich and Trina Gottschalk, and Treger is the son of Tyson Flax and Cammi Williby-Flax.

The 2025 Sweetheart King and Queen will be crowned at the halftime of the Boys Varsity Basketball game this Friday, Feb. 21, in Al Billinger Fieldhouse when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Norton Bluejays at 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739924751714.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pictured from left to right, are the following: Ella Bain and Caleb Marintzer -&nbsp;Ella is the daughter of Joe and Shaudel Bain, and Caleb is the son of Cody and Karen (class of 1998) Marinzer.Macara Rohr and Heuer Brungardt -&nbsp;Macara is the daughter is Mark (class of 1993) and Tina Rohr, and Heuer is the son of Christopher and Kathleen Brungardt.Ainsleigh Bain and Austin Gilbert -&nbsp;Ainsleigh is the daughter of Joe and Shaudel Bain, and Austin is the son of Josh and Aimee Gilbert. Shalee Gottschalk and Treger Williby -&nbsp;Shalee is the daughter is Rich and Trina Gottschalk, and Treger is the son of Tyson Flax and Cammi Williby-Flax.The 2025 Sweetheart King and Queen will be crowned at the halftime of the Boys Varsity Basketball game this Friday, Feb. 21, in Al Billinger Fieldhouse when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Norton Bluejays at 7 p.m.

Thomas More Prep-Marian announces 2025 Sweetheart candidates

Hays Police Department activity log: Feb. 9-15, 2025

Hays Police Department arrest log: Feb. 9-15, 2025

For the month&nbsp;of January&nbsp;2025, the Ellis Police Department responded to&nbsp;156&nbsp;calls for service, conducted&nbsp;31&nbsp;traffic stops and issued&nbsp;four traffic citations. One out of the&nbsp;four citations were due to speeding.&nbsp;The alleged speed was 11 miles per over the limit. The other citations were issued due to either suspended driving privileges or expired registrations.

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

The following adult was arrested in&nbsp;January&nbsp;by the Ellis Police Department:

On&nbsp;01/26/2025, Andrew Dinkel was arrested on suspicion of Criminal Trespass and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (1st&nbsp;Offense). He was cited and released after testing.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

It’s SCAM season! Officers with the Ellis Police Department are receiving scam texts, so I’m sure you are too! Please don’t click suspicious links that are sent to your phones! It’s best to DELETE the messages and IGNORE them.&nbsp;Other common examples include scammers posing as Amazon, Norton Antivirus, or the USPS, telling you that there is an issue with a package you ordered or a service that you supposedly purchased. Be vigilant! If you are unsure, have another person look at the message! If you don’t have an account with that company, you are being lied to!&nbsp;Scammers play off your emotions to try to gain an advantage over you, tricking you into providing your credit card details or personal information that should be kept confidential.

I would also like to give a shout-out to our wonderful Public Works Department! They have done an excellent job this Winter removing snow from our roadways, making&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;streets safer when we are hit with Winter storms. Your hard work does not go unnoticed!&nbsp;

2025 is off to a great start! I’m sure you are all looking forward to putting the chill of Winter behind you and moving into warmer weather. Spring sports are also right around the corner and the Ellis Police Department cannot wait to&nbsp;continue&nbsp;supporting&nbsp;our local athletes as they compete.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739911372039.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>For the month&nbsp;of January&nbsp;2025, the Ellis Police Department responded to&nbsp;156&nbsp;calls for service, conducted&nbsp;31&nbsp;traffic stops and issued&nbsp;four traffic citations. One out of the&nbsp;four citations were due to speeding.&nbsp;The alleged speed was 11 miles per over the limit. The other citations were issued due to either suspended driving privileges or expired registrations.The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in one adult arrest.The following adult was arrested in&nbsp;January&nbsp;by the Ellis Police Department:On&nbsp;01/26/2025, Andrew Dinkel was arrested on suspicion of Criminal Trespass and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (1st&nbsp;Offense). He was cited and released after testing.All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.It’s SCAM season! Officers with the Ellis Police Department are receiving scam texts, so I’m sure you are too! Please don’t click suspicious links that are sent to your phones! It’s best to DELETE the messages and IGNORE them.&nbsp;Other common examples include scammers posing as Amazon, Norton Antivirus, or the USPS, telling you that there is an issue with a package you ordered or a service that you supposedly purchased. Be vigilant! If you are unsure, have another person look at the message! If you don’t have an account with that company, you are being lied to!&nbsp;Scammers play off your emotions to try to gain an advantage over you, tricking you into providing your credit card details or personal information that should be kept confidential.I would also like to give a shout-out to our wonderful Public Works Department! They have done an excellent job this Winter removing snow from our roadways, making&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;streets safer when we are hit with Winter storms. Your hard work does not go unnoticed!&nbsp;2025 is off to a great start! I’m sure you are all looking forward to putting the chill of Winter behind you and moving into warmer weather. Spring sports are also right around the corner and the Ellis Police Department cannot wait to&nbsp;continue&nbsp;supporting&nbsp;our local athletes as they compete.Thank you all for your support!-Chief Smith

Ellis Police Department January 2025 Activity Report

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Public Works director discussed plans for road repairs and improvements on 48th Street, Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway at Tuesday's Ellis County Commission meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Public Works director discussed plans for road repairs and improvements on 48th Street, Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway at Tuesday's Ellis County Commission meeting.Public Works Director Brendan Mackay presented repairs that involve milling the existing asphalt and applying hot mix asphalt layers to extend the road's lifespan. The Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway improvements focus on upgrading the surface to asphalt and drainage upgrades.The commissioners provided direction, agreeing to move forward with&nbsp;Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction and confirming the city's contribution of $377,000 for the projects. Construction is expected to begin in August.<h2>Traffic lights at Canterbury Drive and Old Highway 40 intersection</h2>Commissioner Neal Younger requested a review of the turn signals at the Highway 40 and Canterbury Drive intersection. The recently installed westbound traffic pole includes extra wiring to potentially add left-turn signals in the future."I'm going to be in favor of this. I foresee an increase in traffic when the school district changes their school location," Commissioner Nathan Leiker said.The commissioners reviewed funding and the project timeline with Public Works Director Brendan Mackay, acknowledging the project's necessity due to recent accidents and the need for preventative measures.<h2>Other business</h2>The commission approved two fire brush truck upgrades, which will involve transferring their utility bodies onto new Ford F-550 chassis.County commissioners authorized the sale of items from multiple departments through Purplewave, an online auction platform.The commissioners approved the annual noxious weed report and 2025 management plan.Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health, discussed the state of mental health services in the region and plans to open a crisis intervention center in Hays.Amanda Rupp of the Ellis County Historical Society provided an update on the organization's current projects and funding challenges.