By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Ellis County parents overwhelmingly said they trust their child care providers, but they wished they were paying less for care, according to a recent survey.

The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County received results from the online survey at its meeting on Tuesday.

The survey was taken by 121 people, including parents, child care providers and business people, with parents and child care providers making up the two largest groups of survey respondents.

Of the 60 parents or future parents who responded to the survey, a quarter said they were looking for child care.&nbsp;

Two-thirds of parents said their children are currently enrolled in a licensed child care. One-third said they were not.

Dana Stanton, Childcare Program Specialist with the&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, said the survey results do not mean those 20 parents have their children in unlicensed child care. She said it could mean a parent is staying home with the children or the children are being cared for by another family member.

More than half of the parents said their children are in an in-home child care. About 19% of children were enrolled in child care centers and 16% were cared for by family members.

Sixty-eight percent of parents responding said they were satisfied with their child care arrangements. When asked what aspects contributed to their satisfaction, 95% said they trusted their children's caregiver.

Stanton said parental preference mirrored child placement. Most parents said they preferred having their children cared for by in-home child care providers.

Seventy-five percent of respondents said they were pleased with the quality of their children's care and education.

Seventy-five percent of parents surveyed said they were dissatisfied with the cost of care. The survey indicated the county's child care costs varied widely, with parents paying $80 to more than $200 per week per child for care.

The respondents said they would prefer to pay $141 to $160 per week per child for care. Stanton said that the price range is low for the cost of care in Ellis County.

Most parents said they needed full-time care Mondays through Fridays, with a few also needing care for school-age children during school breaks and snow days.

Most respondents said they had found child care through word of mouth, not the state child care system, <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">Child Care Aware of Kansas</a>.

Stanton said the child care task force should consider placing more emphasis on using the Child Care Aware online database.

Of the child care providers surveyed, 27% said they did not update their capacity openings with Child Care Aware.

The state resource tracks child care openings across the state and can be searched by community. It only lists licensed providers.&nbsp;

Only four businesses responded to the survey. All four said they have experienced workforce gaps due to a lack of child care for their employees.

Half of all respondents said they had missed work due to child care needs. Twelve people said they had delayed entering or reentering the workforce because of child care needs. Stanton said 12 people is low compared to other communities she has worked with in Kansas, where workers had to plan their careers around child care.

None of the employers said they wanted to offer in-house child care.

The task force has identified a continued need for more infant care in Ellis County. None of the businesses surveyed said they allowed employees to bring infants to work.

One employer said they allowed workers to bring their children to work after school if needed. One employer said they allowed employees to work from home if a worker was experiencing child care issues.

Of the child care providers surveyed, 92% said they accept infants. However, the state limits the number of infants that in-home child care providers can care for.

Only 34% of providers said they were certified to take funds from the Department of Children and Family Services for income-qualified families.

All of the providers surveyed said they offer full-time care Mondays through Fridays. However, many providers offered additional services such as care for school-age children during school breaks or care before or after school.

Sixty-three percent of survey respondents said they thought Ellis County does not have an adequate supply of child care.

"We had more yeses than I thought," Stanton said. "I'm thinking that is a lot of our current providers. We have talked about it in this group. While there may be a need for openings in infant care, we have a lot of in-home providers who have openings."

The number of needed child care spots in Ellis County, as reported by the state, has dramatically decreased since the child care task force was created four years ago. An additional 77 slots are set to open in August with the completion of the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center.

However, Stanton said of the survey, "It tells us that we're making progress, but there are still some issues."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737585359699.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEllis County parents overwhelmingly said they trust their child care providers, but they wished they were paying less for care, according to a recent survey.The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County received results from the online survey at its meeting on Tuesday.The survey was taken by 121 people, including parents, child care providers and business people, with parents and child care providers making up the two largest groups of survey respondents.Of the 60 parents or future parents who responded to the survey, a quarter said they were looking for child care.&nbsp;Two-thirds of parents said their children are currently enrolled in a licensed child care. One-third said they were not.Dana Stanton, Childcare Program Specialist with the&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, said the survey results do not mean those 20 parents have their children in unlicensed child care. She said it could mean a parent is staying home with the children or the children are being cared for by another family member.More than half of the parents said their children are in an in-home child care. About 19% of children were enrolled in child care centers and 16% were cared for by family members.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747323512097.png" alt="Parent satisfaction survey question results" />
 <figcaption>Parent satisfaction survey question results</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>What parents want</h2>Sixty-eight percent of parents responding said they were satisfied with their child care arrangements. When asked what aspects contributed to their satisfaction, 95% said they trusted their children's caregiver.Stanton said parental preference mirrored child placement. Most parents said they preferred having their children cared for by in-home child care providers.Seventy-five percent of respondents said they were pleased with the quality of their children's care and education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747323701556.png" alt="Parent dissatisfaction" />
 <figcaption>Parent dissatisfaction</figcaption>
 </figure>Seventy-five percent of parents surveyed said they were dissatisfied with the cost of care. The survey indicated the county's child care costs varied widely, with parents paying $80 to more than $200 per week per child for care.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747255193501.png" alt="Cost paid per child per week for child care." />
 <figcaption>Cost paid per child per week for child care.</figcaption>
 </figure>The respondents said they would prefer to pay $141 to $160 per week per child for care. Stanton said that the price range is low for the cost of care in Ellis County.Most parents said they needed full-time care Mondays through Fridays, with a few also needing care for school-age children during school breaks and snow days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747255500306.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Most respondents said they had found child care through word of mouth, not the state child care system, <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">Child Care Aware of Kansas</a>.Stanton said the child care task force should consider placing more emphasis on using the Child Care Aware online database.Of the child care providers surveyed, 27% said they did not update their capacity openings with Child Care Aware.The state resource tracks child care openings across the state and can be searched by community. It only lists licensed providers.&nbsp;<h2>Employers</h2>Only four businesses responded to the survey. All four said they have experienced workforce gaps due to a lack of child care for their employees.Half of all respondents said they had missed work due to child care needs. Twelve people said they had delayed entering or reentering the workforce because of child care needs. Stanton said 12 people is low compared to other communities she has worked with in Kansas, where workers had to plan their careers around child care.None of the employers said they wanted to offer in-house child care.The task force has identified a continued need for more infant care in Ellis County. None of the businesses surveyed said they allowed employees to bring infants to work.One employer said they allowed workers to bring their children to work after school if needed. One employer said they allowed employees to work from home if a worker was experiencing child care issues.<h2>Providers</h2>Of the child care providers surveyed, 92% said they accept infants. However, the state limits the number of infants that in-home child care providers can care for.Only 34% of providers said they were certified to take funds from the Department of Children and Family Services for income-qualified families.All of the providers surveyed said they offer full-time care Mondays through Fridays. However, many providers offered additional services such as care for school-age children during school breaks or care before or after school.Sixty-three percent of survey respondents said they thought Ellis County does not have an adequate supply of child care."We had more yeses than I thought," Stanton said. "I'm thinking that is a lot of our current providers. We have talked about it in this group. While there may be a need for openings in infant care, we have a lot of in-home providers who have openings."The number of needed child care spots in Ellis County, as reported by the state, has dramatically decreased since the child care task force was created four years ago. An additional 77 slots are set to open in August with the completion of the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center.However, Stanton said of the survey, "It tells us that we're making progress, but there are still some issues."

Ellis County child care survey shows progress, but issues remain

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Kyle Carlin, director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: USD 489 Special Education" 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=bhz33-18ad015-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>
Podbean Player
 </div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Kyle Carlin, director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Kyle Carlin on special education

VICTORIA — Something amazing is happening in Victoria! And you're invited to get a first look!

St. John’s Place, 701 7th, Victoria on Thursday, May 29 at 4:30 p.m.

We’re building something truly special — and we want you to be part of it from the ground up! Join us for an exclusive sneak-peek tour of our exciting new space-in-progress, right in the heart of Ellis County.

This isn’t just any building. It’s a future center of stories, history, and celebration — honoring everything from Volga German traditions and immigrant journeys to local churches, Walker Army Airfield, cattle ranching, oil booms, and the proud roots of western Kansas agriculture.

· Learn how you can be part of the legacy

PLUS — Help Us Name It! We’re relaunching the “What’s in a Name?” contest at the Open House! Got a clever, catchy, or meaningful idea? We want to hear it!

And did we mention the surprise guest announcement? You won’t want to miss it!

Thursday will be an all-inclusive look because Victoria Community Coalition will be open to show you their new apartments which are also housed in St. John’s Place.

Grab your friends. Bring your ideas. Come see what we’re building — and be part of something big, bold, and 100% local. This is more than a tour — it’s a celebration of who we are and where we’re going.

Come and see the future while we’re building it!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747925648178.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Historical SocietyVICTORIA — Something amazing is happening in Victoria! And you're invited to get a first look!St. John’s Place, 701 7th, Victoria on Thursday, May 29 at 4:30 p.m.We’re building something truly special — and we want you to be part of it from the ground up! Join us for an exclusive sneak-peek tour of our exciting new space-in-progress, right in the heart of Ellis County.This isn’t just any building. It’s a future center of stories, history, and celebration — honoring everything from Volga German traditions and immigrant journeys to local churches, Walker Army Airfield, cattle ranching, oil booms, and the proud roots of western Kansas agriculture.OPEN HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS· Tour the under-construction gallery· Get inspired by our vision· Discover the Family Plaque Project· Learn how you can be part of the legacyPLUS — Help Us Name It! We’re relaunching the “What’s in a Name?” contest at the Open House! Got a clever, catchy, or meaningful idea? We want to hear it!And did we mention the surprise guest announcement? You won’t want to miss it!Thursday will be an all-inclusive look because Victoria Community Coalition will be open to show you their new apartments which are also housed in St. John’s Place.Grab your friends. Bring your ideas. Come see what we’re building — and be part of something big, bold, and 100% local. This is more than a tour — it’s a celebration of who we are and where we’re going.Come and see the future while we’re building it!

Ellis County Historical Society Museum sister-site open house in Victoria

It's 5 p.m., and you can't decide where in Hays to eat. The family needs a fun activity for the weekend or you need a new stylist or someone to look at your brakes.

The Hays Post is launching an exciting new product to help you find businesses in your community.

The Hays Place tab, which can be found as a dropdown menu on the Hays Post, is a new video directory of places to shop, play and find services in Hays and the surrounding area.

See videos on featured businesses, find links to websites and Facebook pages for your favorite Hays haunts, and find hours and other key information to connect with businesses.

Hays businesses who wish to purchase a listing on the directory can contact Jordan Schaeffer at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;sca_esv=aebc663c531febdd&amp;rls=en&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zrmZbrAzvKjxVChGRNtowTajxHLQA:1741210424019&amp;q=eagle+media+hays+phone+number&amp;spell=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj587Wm8vOLAxX6HDQIHU-zKIkQBSgAegQICxAB&amp;biw=1750&amp;bih=918&amp;dpr=1#">785-301-2211</a>&nbsp;or your local Eagle marketing representative.

It's 5 p.m., and you can't decide where in Hays to eat. The family needs a fun activity for the weekend or you need a new stylist or someone to look at your brakes.The Hays Post is launching an exciting new product to help you find businesses in your community.The Hays Place tab, which can be found as a dropdown menu on the Hays Post, is a new video directory of places to shop, play and find services in Hays and the surrounding area.See videos on featured businesses, find links to websites and Facebook pages for your favorite Hays haunts, and find hours and other key information to connect with businesses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741192664746.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The directory is free for our readers.Hays businesses who wish to purchase a listing on the directory can contact Jordan Schaeffer at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;sca_esv=aebc663c531febdd&amp;rls=en&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zrmZbrAzvKjxVChGRNtowTajxHLQA:1741210424019&amp;q=eagle+media+hays+phone+number&amp;spell=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj587Wm8vOLAxX6HDQIHU-zKIkQBSgAegQICxAB&amp;biw=1750&amp;bih=918&amp;dpr=1#">785-301-2211</a>&nbsp;or your local Eagle marketing representative.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741192995197.png" alt="An example of a listing with video on the Hays Place directory." />
 <figcaption>An example of a listing with video on the Hays Place directory.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Victoria's Herzogfest announces entertainment

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission discussed with city of Ellis officials the replacement of the 10th Street bridge in Ellis, which has fallen into disrepair.

The commissioners went on a road tour, led by the Ellis County Public Works Department, on Wednesday to personally assess the county's roads and bridges that require attention.

The day began near the city of Ellis's 10th Street bridge, which was the center of discussion for replacement designs, and how costs and responsibilities would be divided.

"The bridge is wider than what normal bridges are,"&nbsp;Ellis County administrator Darin Myers said. "Most likely that's due to the way it was designed back in the day for the city of Ellis."

Ellis County Public Works Director Brendan Mackay informed attendees the bridge, including its road surface, is aging and deteriorating structurally.&nbsp;

"There's asphalt over it. The bridge looks fine, but it's not fine. [The image] shows the delamination of the layers underneath the asphalt. That's hollow areas," he said.

Mackay outlined three options: replacing just the deck, replacing the entire superstructure or fully rebuilding the bridge, including the piers.

City of Ellis council members emphasized the importance of collaborating to ensure the bridge is rebuilt correctly, cost-effectively and in a manner that benefits the community.

While the county owns the bridge, its location within city limits has prompted discussions about sharing costs if the design exceeds standard specifications.

Myers said the county would cover the cost of a standard-width bridge, but any additional features, such as sidewalks or bike lanes, would fall under the City of Ellis’ financial responsibility.

Mackay mentioned the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program grant as a potential funding source for the county and city. A complete bridge replacement is estimated to cost about $2.5 million.

Myers said the best choice is to fully replace the bridge, while the second option—repairing only the structure above the piers—may be less expensive upfront, but is not a viable long-term solution.

"If we leave the piers but put a whole new steel structure... that may get you 40 to 50 years and then you now have a 100-year bridge sitting on top of a pier that's only worth 40 years," he said. "Yes, it's cheaper, but it could be something that costs us more in the years ahead."

County officials agreed to continue collaborating with the city of Ellis, but emphasized the city needs to decide on sidewalk and width preferences to direct engineers and avoid unnecessary expenses.

The Ellis County Commission also visited Catherine Road, where reconstruction is underway to address deteriorating asphalt. Crews are rebuilding the road base in preparation for a new asphalt overlay.

Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway is a collaborative project between the Ellis County Commission and the city of Hays. The road base has been rebuilt, and ditches have been installed for improved drainage. An asphalt overlay is scheduled for later this summer.

The county commission toured multiple areas of Old Highway 40, including east of Walker Avenue and the interchange at Old Highway 40 and Eighth Street.

Mackay said plans are in place to repair cracked panels at the interchange later this year and to redesign the crossovers at the location.

Toulon Avenue has developed pavement ruts that create noticeable wobbling, especially for larger and heavier vehicles. The scheduled overlay was moved up from 2026 to 2025.

Mackay said the county also plans to seek grants to widen the road and add shoulders.

Other locations the Ellis County road tour visited included:

• 210th Avenue • Vineyard Avenue • Little Creek Addition • Leiker Addition • Stonewood Estates North Addition • Ellis County Landfill • Stonewood Estates • Canterbury Road • Reservation Road and developments • 280th Avenue

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746121141967.jpeg" alt="The Ellis County road tour makes a stop in the city of Ellis to speak with locals and city officials. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Ellis County road tour makes a stop in the city of Ellis to speak with locals and city officials. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission discussed with city of Ellis officials the replacement of the 10th Street bridge in Ellis, which has fallen into disrepair.The commissioners went on a road tour, led by the Ellis County Public Works Department, on Wednesday to personally assess the county's roads and bridges that require attention.The day began near the city of Ellis's 10th Street bridge, which was the center of discussion for replacement designs, and how costs and responsibilities would be divided."The bridge is wider than what normal bridges are,"&nbsp;Ellis County administrator Darin Myers said. "Most likely that's due to the way it was designed back in the day for the city of Ellis."Ellis County Public Works Director Brendan Mackay informed attendees the bridge, including its road surface, is aging and deteriorating structurally.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746121171628.jpeg" alt="The city of Ellis' 10th Street bridge. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The city of Ellis' 10th Street bridge. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746121897096.png" alt="A top view photo of the 10th Street bridge in the city of Ellis showing delamination on its surface. The hatch lines show areas where the road surface has deteriorated." />
 <figcaption>A top view photo of the 10th Street bridge in the city of Ellis showing delamination on its surface. The hatch lines show areas where the road surface has deteriorated.</figcaption>
 </figure>"There's asphalt over it. The bridge looks fine, but it's not fine. [The image] shows the delamination of the layers underneath the asphalt. That's hollow areas," he said.Mackay outlined three options: replacing just the deck, replacing the entire superstructure or fully rebuilding the bridge, including the piers.City of Ellis council members emphasized the importance of collaborating to ensure the bridge is rebuilt correctly, cost-effectively and in a manner that benefits the community.While the county owns the bridge, its location within city limits has prompted discussions about sharing costs if the design exceeds standard specifications.Myers said the county would cover the cost of a standard-width bridge, but any additional features, such as sidewalks or bike lanes, would fall under the City of Ellis’ financial responsibility.Mackay mentioned the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program grant as a potential funding source for the county and city. A complete bridge replacement is estimated to cost about $2.5 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746121209930.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers speaking to city of Ellis officials and residents during the road tour. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers speaking to city of Ellis officials and residents during the road tour. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Myers said the best choice is to fully replace the bridge, while the second option—repairing only the structure above the piers—may be less expensive upfront, but is not a viable long-term solution."If we leave the piers but put a whole new steel structure... that may get you 40 to 50 years and then you now have a 100-year bridge sitting on top of a pier that's only worth 40 years," he said. "Yes, it's cheaper, but it could be something that costs us more in the years ahead."County officials agreed to continue collaborating with the city of Ellis, but emphasized the city needs to decide on sidewalk and width preferences to direct engineers and avoid unnecessary expenses.<h2>Catherine Road</h2>The Ellis County Commission also visited Catherine Road, where reconstruction is underway to address deteriorating asphalt. Crews are rebuilding the road base in preparation for a new asphalt overlay.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746121265133.jpeg" alt="Catherine Road construction in Ellis County. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Catherine Road construction in Ellis County. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway</h2>Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway is a collaborative project between the Ellis County Commission and the city of Hays. The road base has been rebuilt, and ditches have been installed for improved drainage. An asphalt overlay is scheduled for later this summer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746121303675.jpeg" alt="The intersection of Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway in Ellis County. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The intersection of Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway in Ellis County. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Old Highway 40</h2>The county commission toured multiple areas of Old Highway 40, including east of Walker Avenue and the interchange at Old Highway 40 and Eighth Street.Mackay said plans are in place to repair cracked panels at the interchange later this year and to redesign the crossovers at the location.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746127753992.jpeg" alt="The interchange of Old Highway 40 and Eighth Street in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The interchange of Old Highway 40 and Eighth Street in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Toulon Avenue</h2>Toulon Avenue has developed pavement ruts that create noticeable wobbling, especially for larger and heavier vehicles. The scheduled overlay was moved up from 2026 to 2025.Mackay said the county also plans to seek grants to widen the road and add shoulders.Other locations the Ellis County road tour visited included:• 210th Avenue • Vineyard Avenue • Little Creek Addition • Leiker Addition • Stonewood Estates North Addition • Ellis County Landfill • Stonewood Estates • Canterbury Road • Reservation Road and developments • 280th Avenue

Ellis County Commission discuss bridge replacement in city of Ellis

Local land developer, Western Plains Service Corporation, a subsidiary of Golden Belt Bank, is excited to announce further lot development in Victoria, Kansas.

In 2010, Western Plains partnered with USD 432 and the City of Victoria to develop the previous site of a 9-hole golf course located directly North of the high school. The development, known as the Knights Addition, was to add a total of 40 lots, developed in three separate phases. Phase 1 was completed and 12 new homes were added to the Victoria landscape.

“We were seeing an increase in demand from people wanting to build a home, and decided it was the right time to move forward with our next phase of development in Victoria,” stated Chris Wente, President and CEO of Golden Belt Bank. Phase 2 is slated to begin this summer along an extended 13th Street East of Squires Avenue. Once complete, there will be 11 new lots available for purchase. After the 11 lots in Phase 2 are sold, Western Plains will proceed with Phase 3, developing the final 11 lots to be known as Knights Circle.

Sales prices for the lots will range from $20,000 - $21,000 and buyers must commit to beginning construction on their new home within 2 years. Thanks to a partnership with the City of Victoria, these lots will not have special assessments. Additionally, new construction on these lots will be eligible for the City of Victoria’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP). Under the program, qualified owners will be refunded approximately 70% of their real estate taxes during their first 10 years of ownership. “This unique structure provides a truly affordable path to building your own home, and we are excited to be playing a part in this story,” expressed Wente.

Over the past 50 years, Western Plains has completed many land developments in Ellis County. Across the over 450 acres that Western Plains has developed sits 1,000 single family homes, 50 duplexes, 10 apartment buildings and 20 businesses. One of its most recognizable and newest developments is the Smoky Hill Addition located at 41st Street and Smoky Hill Drive in Hays.

Reservations are currently being accepted for Phase 2 lots. If you are interested, please contact Chris Dreiling or Chris Wente at Golden Belt Bank in Hays at 785-625-7345.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744903282133.jpeg" alt="Knights Addition Phase II Lot Plat" />
 <figcaption>Knights Addition Phase II Lot Plat</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLocal land developer, Western Plains Service Corporation, a subsidiary of Golden Belt Bank, is excited to announce further lot development in Victoria, Kansas.In 2010, Western Plains partnered with USD 432 and the City of Victoria to develop the previous site of a 9-hole golf course located directly North of the high school. The development, known as the Knights Addition, was to add a total of 40 lots, developed in three separate phases. Phase 1 was completed and 12 new homes were added to the Victoria landscape.“We were seeing an increase in demand from people wanting to build a home, and decided it was the right time to move forward with our next phase of development in Victoria,” stated Chris Wente, President and CEO of Golden Belt Bank. Phase 2 is slated to begin this summer along an extended 13th Street East of Squires Avenue. Once complete, there will be 11 new lots available for purchase. After the 11 lots in Phase 2 are sold, Western Plains will proceed with Phase 3, developing the final 11 lots to be known as Knights Circle.Sales prices for the lots will range from $20,000 - $21,000 and buyers must commit to beginning construction on their new home within 2 years. Thanks to a partnership with the City of Victoria, these lots will not have special assessments. Additionally, new construction on these lots will be eligible for the City of Victoria’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP). Under the program, qualified owners will be refunded approximately 70% of their real estate taxes during their first 10 years of ownership. “This unique structure provides a truly affordable path to building your own home, and we are excited to be playing a part in this story,” expressed Wente.Over the past 50 years, Western Plains has completed many land developments in Ellis County. Across the over 450 acres that Western Plains has developed sits 1,000 single family homes, 50 duplexes, 10 apartment buildings and 20 businesses. One of its most recognizable and newest developments is the Smoky Hill Addition located at 41st Street and Smoky Hill Drive in Hays.Reservations are currently being accepted for Phase 2 lots. If you are interested, please contact Chris Dreiling or Chris Wente at Golden Belt Bank in Hays at 785-625-7345.

Local land developer brings new residential lots to Victoria

The county commission approved scholarships for 15 recipients for the upcoming fall semester. 

These scholarships assist local high school seniors planning to attend Fort Hays Tech North Central, Fort Hays State University or Hays Academy of Hair Design.

The initiative aims to retain young residents in Ellis County and support county employees’ families as a recruitment and retention tool.

The 2025 Ellis County budget set aside $10,000 to support the following students:

$1,000 scholarship for Kamden Keller in Fort Hays Tech general business

$500 scholarship for Alyssa Rome in FHSU health and human performance

$500 scholarship for Chance Jimenez in Fort Hays Tech business technology 

$1,000 scholarship for Kiera Dealy in FHSU accounting

$1,000 scholarship for Morgan Munsch in FHSU nursing

$500 Scholarship for Dalton Meyers in FHSU Education

$500 scholarship for Chancellor Cullins in Fort Hays Tech automotive technology

$500 scholarship for Kyla Schmidt in FHSU nursing

$500 scholarship for Camdyn Copper in Fort Hays Tech automotive technology

$1,000 scholarship for Tessa Wentling in FHSU nursing

$500 scholarship for Ella Bain in FHSU psychology

$500 scholarship for Riley Frank in FHSU informatics 

$1,000 scholarship for Jillian Schmidt in Hays Hair Academy cosmetology

$500 scholarship for Brody Nowak in FHSU finance

$500 scholarship for Leeya Martinez in Hays Hair Academy cosmetology

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744738902644.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe county commission approved scholarships for 15 recipients for the upcoming fall semester. These scholarships assist local high school seniors planning to attend Fort Hays Tech North Central, Fort Hays State University or Hays Academy of Hair Design.The initiative aims to retain young residents in Ellis County and support county employees’ families as a recruitment and retention tool.The 2025 Ellis County budget set aside $10,000 to support the following students:<h2>Ellis High School</h2>$1,000 scholarship for Kamden Keller in Fort Hays Tech general business$500 scholarship for Alyssa Rome in FHSU health and human performance$500 scholarship for Chance Jimenez in Fort Hays Tech business technology <h2>Hays High School</h2>$1,000 scholarship for Kiera Dealy in FHSU accounting$1,000 scholarship for Morgan Munsch in FHSU nursing$500 Scholarship for Dalton Meyers in FHSU Education$500 scholarship for Chancellor Cullins in Fort Hays Tech automotive technology$500 scholarship for Kyla Schmidt in FHSU nursing$500 scholarship for Camdyn Copper in Fort Hays Tech automotive technology<h2>Thomas More Prep-Marian</h2>$1,000 scholarship for Tessa Wentling in FHSU nursing$500 scholarship for Ella Bain in FHSU psychology$500 scholarship for Riley Frank in FHSU informatics <h2>Victoria High School</h2>$1,000 scholarship for Jillian Schmidt in Hays Hair Academy cosmetology$500 scholarship for Brody Nowak in FHSU finance$500 scholarship for Leeya Martinez in Hays Hair Academy cosmetology

Ellis County Commission approves scholarships

VICTORIA — The Victoria Knights of Columbus will be hosting their Lenten Fish Fries on March 14, March 28, and April 11, 2025 at the Victoria VFW Hall. 

 We will be serving fried Alaskan Pollock, fried noodles, beans, baked potatoes, coleslaw, and sliced bread.

Adults-$15, Children 6-12, $5, Children 5 and under, free.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582047194813.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedVICTORIA — The Victoria Knights of Columbus will be hosting their Lenten Fish Fries on March 14, March 28, and April 11, 2025 at the Victoria VFW Hall. Each fry will begin at 5:00 p.m. We will be serving fried Alaskan Pollock, fried noodles, beans, baked potatoes, coleslaw, and sliced bread.Adults-$15, Children 6-12, $5, Children 5 and under, free.

Victoria K of C Lenten fish fries start in March

No school for Hays USD 489, Hays Catholic schools, FHSU and Victoria for Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739826346652.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>No school for Hays USD 489, Hays Catholic schools, FHSU and Victoria for Tuesday.

No school Hays, Victoria, TMP, Holy Family, FHSU

VICTORIA — The Victoria Knights of Columbus Council #1867 will be conducting their Lenten Fish Fries on March 14, March 28, and April 11, 2025 at the Victoria VFW Hall.&nbsp; 

Prices are: Adults $15, Children 6-12 $5, Children 5 and under are free.&nbsp; 

We will be serving deep-fried Alaskan pollock, fried noodles and beans, baked potatoes, coleslaw and bread.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583868129243.jpeg" alt="Fish fry. Photo courtesy Grainfield American Legion" />
 <figcaption>Fish fry. Photo courtesy Grainfield American Legion</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedVICTORIA — The Victoria Knights of Columbus Council #1867 will be conducting their Lenten Fish Fries on March 14, March 28, and April 11, 2025 at the Victoria VFW Hall.&nbsp; Prices are: Adults $15, Children 6-12 $5, Children 5 and under are free.&nbsp; We will be serving deep-fried Alaskan pollock, fried noodles and beans, baked potatoes, coleslaw and bread.&nbsp; Doors will open at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp; Please help us help our communities.

Victoria K of C Lenten fish fries start March 14

Fridays at Victoria Jr./Sr. High School are redefining traditional education. Through learning labs, students gain practical life skills that reach far beyond the classroom.

Dan Rogers, Victoria High assistant principal and athletic director, said the concept stemmed from a workshop he attended at Peabody-Burns High School.

"We have to think differently in terms of learning and what education is to have the kids feel relevant in school because that's a huge problem in today's society," Rogers said.

The effort aims to offer life skills training every Friday for students in grades 7-12, efficiently using the limited resources available in a small school setting.

The learning labs rotate every nine weeks and offer students diverse practical skills, including hunter safety, equine management, culinary arts, guitar and drum lessons, archery, mentorship, German, chess, and plumbing and electrical basics.

"It's been really cool. The vibe is so much better on Friday. The energy is there. Staff are excited to share what they know," he said.

Rogers leads a dance learning lab focused on two-step and swing dance, inspired by students’ interest in learning how to dance.

Teachers are encouraged to share their unique hobbies, skills and passions. Some even provide personal resources to support their workshops, with additional materials supplied by the community.

"Victoria is very willing to support our kids," he said. "The ultimate goal is for our kids to learn skills and then help them out in the process."

Community members can coordinate donations by contacting Victoria High's main office. Previous contributions have included fishing poles and a toilet for plumbing labs.

Additional learning labs include genealogy research, conversational German, creative writing, calligraphy, golf, volunteering at the Humane Society, and knitting and crocheting.

Rogers said the learning labs at Victoria High have brought about a positive shift in the school environment, strengthening relationships between students and staff.

"Our custodians and maintenance staff are teaching labs, building relationships with students in ways we've never seen before," he said.&nbsp;

"We have seniors in the same learning lab as seventh graders. I was a little nervous about how that would go, but it's been great. The whole dynamic of the building has changed," Rogers said.

Since September, the workshops have attracted interest from other schools in the area, which recognize the program as a model for reimagining education.

Rogers said he hopes to develop the labs so students can create and sell goods or services, benefiting the community while helping to fund future labs.

In the meantime, Rogers aims to support students as they request skills the school cannot readily provide, such as auto body and dent removal.

"If there's business owners or retired people in these trades who can donate or give hours of your time a week to teach our students these skills, that would benefit them," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464182348.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School students working on a homemade electrical contraption during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School students working on a homemade electrical contraption during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFridays at Victoria Jr./Sr. High School are redefining traditional education. Through learning labs, students gain practical life skills that reach far beyond the classroom.Dan Rogers, Victoria High assistant principal and athletic director, said the concept stemmed from a workshop he attended at Peabody-Burns High School."We have to think differently in terms of learning and what education is to have the kids feel relevant in school because that's a huge problem in today's society," Rogers said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465339806.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School students cooking during learning labs. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School students cooking during learning labs. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465386640.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School students playing the guitar during learning labs. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School students playing the guitar during learning labs. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The effort aims to offer life skills training every Friday for students in grades 7-12, efficiently using the limited resources available in a small school setting.The learning labs rotate every nine weeks and offer students diverse practical skills, including hunter safety, equine management, culinary arts, guitar and drum lessons, archery, mentorship, German, chess, and plumbing and electrical basics."It's been really cool. The vibe is so much better on Friday. The energy is there. Staff are excited to share what they know," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464308805.jpeg" alt="Pairs of Victoria High School students dancing during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Pairs of Victoria High School students dancing during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464442227.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School students dancing during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School students dancing during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464254993.jpeg" alt="Dan Rogers, Victoria High's assistant principal and athletic director, teaches Victoria High School students to dance during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dan Rogers, Victoria High's assistant principal and athletic director, teaches Victoria High School students to dance during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Rogers leads a dance learning lab focused on two-step and swing dance, inspired by students’ interest in learning how to dance.Teachers are encouraged to share their unique hobbies, skills and passions. Some even provide personal resources to support their workshops, with additional materials supplied by the community."Victoria is very willing to support our kids," he said. "The ultimate goal is for our kids to learn skills and then help them out in the process."Community members can coordinate donations by contacting Victoria High's main office. Previous contributions have included fishing poles and a toilet for plumbing labs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464572405.jpeg" alt="A Victoria High School student embroidering during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A Victoria High School student embroidering during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465194092.jpeg" alt="Two Victoria High School students playing chess during learning labs. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Two Victoria High School students playing chess during learning labs. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464610486.jpeg" alt="Several Victoria High School students practicing&nbsp;calligraphy during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Several Victoria High School students practicing&nbsp;calligraphy during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737464534988.jpeg" alt="Several Victoria High School students learning to cook pizza during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Several Victoria High School students learning to cook pizza during learning labs. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Additional learning labs include genealogy research, conversational German, creative writing, calligraphy, golf, volunteering at the Humane Society, and knitting and crocheting.Rogers said the learning labs at Victoria High have brought about a positive shift in the school environment, strengthening relationships between students and staff."Our custodians and maintenance staff are teaching labs, building relationships with students in ways we've never seen before," he said.&nbsp;"We have seniors in the same learning lab as seventh graders. I was a little nervous about how that would go, but it's been great. The whole dynamic of the building has changed," Rogers said.Since September, the workshops have attracted interest from other schools in the area, which recognize the program as a model for reimagining education.Rogers said he hopes to develop the labs so students can create and sell goods or services, benefiting the community while helping to fund future labs.In the meantime, Rogers aims to support students as they request skills the school cannot readily provide, such as auto body and dent removal."If there's business owners or retired people in these trades who can donate or give hours of your time a week to teach our students these skills, that would benefit them," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465587399.jpeg" alt="Three Victoria High School students prepare meals during learning labs. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Three Victoria High School students prepare meals during learning labs. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465654721.jpeg" alt="Three Victoria High School students working on a deer during learning labs. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Three Victoria High School students working on a deer during learning labs. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737465844188.jpeg" alt="A Victoria High School student's graphic design created in a Canva learning lab for a thank you card. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A Victoria High School student's graphic design created in a Canva learning lab for a thank you card. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Victoria High's learning labs redefine Fridays with life skills workshops

This story is the fourth in a four-part series on the life and death of Hays resident Karen Schumacher, who died at the hands of her husband in 2022.

Part 1:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f6fb5eb0-494c-4518-992a-6bffdf7c38c9">A Voice for Karen: Living behind a curtain of silence</a> Part 2:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/83db8380-36ef-4fae-998f-19d47159e964">A Voice for Karen: Leaving and going back</a> Part 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a1a463f9-45a3-424b-86b8-1445e2bf2959">A Voice for Karen: He took her away from us; hope for others</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3af7a093-f0d8-4c2e-a1e3-4a31be6c0e7e">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays man who killed wife sentenced to 10 years in prison</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/277704cd-f369-48f7-bfca-bdbdba1e8959">If you are a victim of domestic violence, find help here</a>

On April 5, more than two years after Karen Schumacher's death, Jay Schumacher, her husband, entered into a plea agreement on three felony charges in connection to her death.

Although Jay had been originally arrested on a charge of first-degree murder, he agreed to plea no contest to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated battery and mistreatment of a dependent adult.

On all three charges, Jay entered an Alford plea. Under an Alford plea, the defendant does not have to admit to the criminal act and can maintain innocence.&nbsp;

Schumacher was sentenced on Thursday to the maximum allowed under the plea agreement—122 months in prison with credit for almost three years of time served.

Schumacher’s attorneys requested he be placed in custody of the Larned State Correctional Facility for mental health treatment.

Schumacher was evaluated and found to not have a mental illness and did not qualify to serve any of his sentences at Larned.

Jay Schumacher's sister testified at his sentencing, saying his brother was "not a monster."

Jay Schumacher declined to speak on his own behalf during the sentencing. He expressed no emotion during the proceedings.

When the plea agreement was announced, Jeremiah Schumacher, Karen’s son, called the recommended sentence a “slap in the face.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3606211c-9893-40e3-b0bf-e1036909f17d">SEE RELATED STORY: Son of woman killed by her husband says plea agreement 'slap in face'</a>

"He beat my mom for 40 years, and you're gonna give him this," Jeremiah told a Hays Post reporter days after the plea agreement was announced. "What he did was not accidental. What he did was quite deliberate. Did he snap? Maybe. Sure. But it wasn't manslaughter."

Jeremiah said the courts should have considered his father’s pattern of violence.&nbsp;

“You would do this for a serial killer, but you won’t do this for a one-off,” Jeremiah said.

“I can tell you how he beat me, beat my mom was a bouncer and beat the hell out of people just at random, and none of that matters?” he said. “None of the things that we witnessed matters.”

“It’s just what happened that day and only that day. That’s not right,” Jeremiah said. “That doesn’t give a victim of 40 years any kind of justice.”

Jay was never arrested or convicted for violence or threats against Karen, Jeremiah or violations of the Karen’s protection from abuse order.

Had Jay been convicted of any prior bad acts, that could have resulted in a longer sentence based on Kansas sentencing guidelines. As the case stands, he had no criminal record before his arrest in connection with Karen's death.

Jeremiah said he felt the systems that were supposed to protect him and his mother had let them down.

“I think the judicial system would have handled my mom’s case better had law enforcement done their jobs,” Jeremiah said.

Kayci, Jeremiah's wife, sat knee to knee with her husband.&nbsp;

“I guarantee if someone did that to a family member of yours, you would want justice. This isn’t OK. It’s wrong,” Kayci said, crying.

Jeremiah; Kayci; Sue, Karen sister; and Scarlett Deutscher,&nbsp;Karen's long-time friend, all gave victim impact statements at the sentencing.

All four said they hoped Jay would be sentenced to more than the 10 years allowed in the plea agreement. They detailed some of the horrors that Karen shared with them about her life with Jay.

Leaving the courtroom after hearing the 10-year sentence, Jeremiah looked physically and emotionally defeated as friends and family attempted to comfort him.

Judge Glenn Braun sentenced Schumacher to the maximum sentence allowed by law based on the charges that Jay Schumacher pleaded to.

Judge Braun, who is set to retire as a full-time judge today, spoke at length about his frustration about how the system failed Karen, who he regarded as a personal friend.

The two met when Karen was a dispatcher and Braun was the Hays city prosecutor.

"She was as she was described here today," Braun said. "She was friendly. She was engaging. She was cooperative. She was hard-working. ... It was a joy and pleasure to know her."

Braun said he heard the words failure of the system.

"They're right," he said. "The system fails victims of domestic abuse all of the time. Why? Because we as a society have not accepted the idea that spouses beat other spouses."

He said every Wednesday, he deals with domestic violence cases in which no contact orders are lifted.

"Repeatedly, I hear 'I want to go back home. It wasn't that bad. It's the cops' fault,'" Braun said.

Police are mandated to arrest and jail offenders because "society is finally starting to recognize that this is a disease, a problem, and it's more pervasive than we ever wanted to believe," Braun said.&nbsp;

He said the O.J. Simpson trial prompted action in America to protect domestic violence victims.

He said two things happened in California after that case hit the news. Domestic violence helplines were flooded, which might be expected.

What was not expected was women leaving domestic shelters and returning to their abusive spouses, saying, 'I can live with being beaten, but my children can't live without me. It's better for my kids to take the beating than to die at the hands of my abuser,'" Braun said.

Braun said people are asking why Karen didn't leave.

"Because when you live in a life of abuse, emotional, physical — when loved ones are threatened, or you believe they are threatened, you do what you have to do to protect them," Braun said.

Braun addressed Jay Schumahcer, saying he bares responsibility for Karen's death, but so does society.

"Did the system fail? Yeah, it did," Braun said. "All these people who stood up here today, they failed too. Could they have done more? Could law enforcement have done more? Maybe. If they had more information. Society failed, and that's what brought us here today."

Braun also addressed the issue of the plea agreement.

He said the judicial system can't function without plea agreements. The courts do not have enough attorneys, prosecutors and judges to take all cases to trial, and the taxpayers aren't willing to pay for the courts to be staffed to do so.

"If every case went to trial, the system would paralyzed, and justice would never be served," Braun said.

He added, "People will walk out and want to blame Mr. Cunningham. They'll want to blame the police officers. They'll want to blame me. Fine. They better look in the mirror, but they share in that blame just like society in general shares in a little bit of the responsibility and blame for the loss of Karen."

Jennifer Hecker, executive director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, said domestic violence needs to be considered a community health epidemic. Until it is addressed this way, it will be a problem without a solution, she said.

She said domestic violence is not strictly a personal choice.&nbsp;

"When we think strictly about what's legal and not legal in terms of domestic violence, then all of that responsibility falls on law enforcement or the court system," Hecker said. "There are a lot of elements of domestic violence that are not illegal. The physical violence is illegal, but the many other [aspects] are not."