Wednesday, February 19
 none

Thursday, February 20
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Missouri Southern State, 5:30pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Friday, February 21
 KKQY: Trego MWBKB at
Smith Center, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Garden City, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Norton, 5:40pm

Saturday, February 22
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Oklahoma State, 1:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Pittsburg State, 1:35pm

Sunday, February 23

 none

Wednesday, February 19
 noneThursday, February 20
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Missouri Southern State, 5:30pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, February 21
 KKQY: Trego MWBKB at
Smith Center, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Garden City, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Norton, 5:40pmSaturday, February 22
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Oklahoma State, 1:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Pittsburg State, 1:35pmSunday, February 23

 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The 7th-ranked Fort Hays State women wrap-up their in-state road trip against Newman on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Fugate Gymnasium in Wichita, Kan.

The 7th-ranked Fort Hays State women wrap-up their in-state road trip against Newman on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Fugate Gymnasium in Wichita, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB at Newman" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dtk4d-180bf0b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB at Newman

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

The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association has released the
girls pre-state and boys pre-regional rankings. The Hays High girls are fourth in
the 5A team rankings and have six individuals ranked. 

Dalton Meyers and Johnny Rigler remain the only Hays boys
ranked.

The Oakley girls are No. 1 in 321A, Norton is second
followed by Plainville, Russell and Stockton. Trego is ranked ninth.

GIRLS
 Class 5A Team
 1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel
 2. Basehor Linwood
 3. Shawnee Heights
 4. Hays
 5. Newton
 6. Great Bend
 7. Emporia
 8. Pittsburg
 9. Kansas City Piper
 10. Bonner Springs

HHS Individual
 120: 3. Kenlee Vehige
 135: 5. Tionna Napue
 140: 6. Ava Ruiz
 145: 3. Timber Lovewell
 155: 2. Lexi Barnett
 190: 2. Eleanor Stoffel

321A Team
 1. Oakley
 2. Norton
 3. Plainville
 4. Russell
 5. Stockton
 6. Ellinwood
 7. West Franklin
 8. Douglass
 9. Trego
 10. Remington

321A Individual
 100: 1. Carolina Northrup, Stockton; 4. Kaeleigh Klein, Plainville
 105: 1. Keleigh Ochoa, Smith Center; 6. Kya Bell, Hill City
 110: 5. Kia Mader, Ellis
 115: 3. Kallan Rothchild, Trego
 130: 1. Ashlyn Hahn, Stockton; 5. Annika Dietz, Trego
 135: 6. Layla Magano, Trego
 140: 4. Ella Normandin, Plainville
 145: 3. Lillian Garcia, Plainville
 155: 2. Zoe Brown, Plainville
 190: 2. Caydence Carter, Plainville

BOYS
 HHS Individual
 175: 3. Dalton Meyers
 190: 4. Johnny Rigler

321A Team
 1. Hoxie
 2. Norton
 3. ACCHS
 4. Phillipsburg
 5. Russell
 6. Southeast of Saline
 7. Council Grove
 8. Hill City
 9. Jayhawk Linn
 10. Beloit

321A Individual
 113: 2. Tate Blackwill, Quinter
 132: 3. Kaden Sisson, Phillipsburg
 138: 6. Will Donley, Ellis
 144: 5. Seth Keaton, Phillipsburg
 150: 2. Cole Keeten, Phillipsburg; 4. Skylar Rohr, Hill City
 157: 2. Blake Buresh, Phillipsburg; 5. Jaxson Smith, Hill City; 6. Emerson
Lowry, Stockton
 175: 2. Dayton Stephen, Hill City; 6. Kayden Hudson, Philipsburg
 190: 5. Keegan Urbanek, Ellis

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association has released the
girls pre-state and boys pre-regional rankings. The Hays High girls are fourth in
the 5A team rankings and have six individuals ranked. Dalton Meyers and Johnny Rigler remain the only Hays boys
ranked.The Oakley girls are No. 1 in 321A, Norton is second
followed by Plainville, Russell and Stockton. Trego is ranked ninth.GIRLS
 Class 5A Team
 1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel
 2. Basehor Linwood
 3. Shawnee Heights
 4. Hays
 5. Newton
 6. Great Bend
 7. Emporia
 8. Pittsburg
 9. Kansas City Piper
 10. Bonner SpringsHHS Individual
 120: 3. Kenlee Vehige
 135: 5. Tionna Napue
 140: 6. Ava Ruiz
 145: 3. Timber Lovewell
 155: 2. Lexi Barnett
 190: 2. Eleanor Stoffel321A Team
 1. Oakley
 2. Norton
 3. Plainville
 4. Russell
 5. Stockton
 6. Ellinwood
 7. West Franklin
 8. Douglass
 9. Trego
 10. Remington321A Individual
 100: 1. Carolina Northrup, Stockton; 4. Kaeleigh Klein, Plainville
 105: 1. Keleigh Ochoa, Smith Center; 6. Kya Bell, Hill City
 110: 5. Kia Mader, Ellis
 115: 3. Kallan Rothchild, Trego
 130: 1. Ashlyn Hahn, Stockton; 5. Annika Dietz, Trego
 135: 6. Layla Magano, Trego
 140: 4. Ella Normandin, Plainville
 145: 3. Lillian Garcia, Plainville
 155: 2. Zoe Brown, Plainville
 190: 2. Caydence Carter, PlainvilleBOYS
 HHS Individual
 175: 3. Dalton Meyers
 190: 4. Johnny Rigler321A Team
 1. Hoxie
 2. Norton
 3. ACCHS
 4. Phillipsburg
 5. Russell
 6. Southeast of Saline
 7. Council Grove
 8. Hill City
 9. Jayhawk Linn
 10. Beloit321A Individual
 113: 2. Tate Blackwill, Quinter
 132: 3. Kaden Sisson, Phillipsburg
 138: 6. Will Donley, Ellis
 144: 5. Seth Keaton, Phillipsburg
 150: 2. Cole Keeten, Phillipsburg; 4. Skylar Rohr, Hill City
 157: 2. Blake Buresh, Phillipsburg; 5. Jaxson Smith, Hill City; 6. Emerson
Lowry, Stockton
 175: 2. Dayton Stephen, Hill City; 6. Kayden Hudson, Philipsburg
 190: 5. Keegan Urbanek, Ellis

🤼‍♀️ KWCA releases latest state rankings

Thomas (Tom) E. Casey, 75, of Hays, Kansas, passed away
peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on February 17, 2025 just five
days shy of his 76th birthday. He was born on February 22, 1949 and
was raised on a farm northwest of Natoma, Kansas, where he developed a strong
work ethic, his love of God, and his sharp wit. 

Tom graduated from Natoma High School as Valedictorian of his
class and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Hackerott, on December 27,
1969. He continued his education at Fort Hays State University with a degree in
Business Administration. His professional career spanned several companies,
including First National Bank of Natoma, National Supply, Red Tiger and
Frontier Oil, and thirty-four years as manager of Express Well Service and
Supply. He had a passion for sales and truly cared for his customers and
employees.&nbsp; He was an advocate for the
oil industry, speaking both locally and in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness
of safety standards and regulations. He was both an officer and a member of
Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association and Association of Energy Service
Companies. 

Throughout his life, Tom continued to support and work on the
family farm, alongside his father and his son. He always said “God gave us the
land, we have to take care of it”.&nbsp; He
loved his Catholic faith and was a third degree member of the Knights of
Columbus and Marked Men for Christ, eucharistic minister, catechism teacher,
and lector.&nbsp; He never gave up his pursuit
in strengthening his relationship with our Lord. 

Tom was a loyal Kansas State University fan.&nbsp; For many years, he spent Saturdays in the
fall treating family and friends to Wildcat football games as a season ticket
holder. Most recently, he loved watching his grandson wear Wildcat purple as
#97 on his big screen TV. Tom loved being a “Papa” to all ten of his
grandchildren and drove many, many miles to attend their events. 

Tom is survived by his mother, Doris Casey, his loving wife,
Mary (Hackerott) Casey; his children, Amy (Paul) Matlack, Spencer (Michelle)
Casey, Kim (Frank) Musalek, and Robyn (Brandon) Crichton; as well as his ten
beloved grandchildren: Laura Casey, Nate Matlack, Hailey (Garret) Rounsley,
Nick Matlack, Abbey Musalek, Ryan Casey, Ella Musalek, Lexi Casey, Luke
Musalek, and Colin Crichton. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald M. Casey.

Tom’s legacy will live on through his grandchildren by all he
taught them through his living and dying. He will be deeply missed by all who
had the privilege of knowing him. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday,
February, 22, 2025, Tom’s 76th birthday, at Immaculate Heart of Mary
Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. Michael the
Archangel Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be
from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all
at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A
vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a St. Mary’s Council #6984 Knights
of Columbus rosary on Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp;

Memorials are suggested to CurePSP (<a href="http://www.psp.org/">psp.org</a>) or to the St. Thomas More Society
at TMP-M High School.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Tom may be shared with his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com/">www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;
</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739909904791.jpeg" alt="Thomas (Tom) E. Casey" />
 <figcaption>Thomas (Tom) E. Casey</figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas (Tom) E. Casey, 75, of Hays, Kansas, passed away
peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on February 17, 2025 just five
days shy of his 76th birthday. He was born on February 22, 1949 and
was raised on a farm northwest of Natoma, Kansas, where he developed a strong
work ethic, his love of God, and his sharp wit. Tom graduated from Natoma High School as Valedictorian of his
class and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Hackerott, on December 27,
1969. He continued his education at Fort Hays State University with a degree in
Business Administration. His professional career spanned several companies,
including First National Bank of Natoma, National Supply, Red Tiger and
Frontier Oil, and thirty-four years as manager of Express Well Service and
Supply. He had a passion for sales and truly cared for his customers and
employees.&nbsp; He was an advocate for the
oil industry, speaking both locally and in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness
of safety standards and regulations. He was both an officer and a member of
Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association and Association of Energy Service
Companies. Throughout his life, Tom continued to support and work on the
family farm, alongside his father and his son. He always said “God gave us the
land, we have to take care of it”.&nbsp; He
loved his Catholic faith and was a third degree member of the Knights of
Columbus and Marked Men for Christ, eucharistic minister, catechism teacher,
and lector.&nbsp; He never gave up his pursuit
in strengthening his relationship with our Lord. Tom was a loyal Kansas State University fan.&nbsp; For many years, he spent Saturdays in the
fall treating family and friends to Wildcat football games as a season ticket
holder. Most recently, he loved watching his grandson wear Wildcat purple as
#97 on his big screen TV. Tom loved being a “Papa” to all ten of his
grandchildren and drove many, many miles to attend their events. Tom is survived by his mother, Doris Casey, his loving wife,
Mary (Hackerott) Casey; his children, Amy (Paul) Matlack, Spencer (Michelle)
Casey, Kim (Frank) Musalek, and Robyn (Brandon) Crichton; as well as his ten
beloved grandchildren: Laura Casey, Nate Matlack, Hailey (Garret) Rounsley,
Nick Matlack, Abbey Musalek, Ryan Casey, Ella Musalek, Lexi Casey, Luke
Musalek, and Colin Crichton. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald M. Casey.Tom’s legacy will live on through his grandchildren by all he
taught them through his living and dying. He will be deeply missed by all who
had the privilege of knowing him. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday,
February, 22, 2025, Tom’s 76th birthday, at Immaculate Heart of Mary
Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. Michael the
Archangel Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be
from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all
at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A
vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a St. Mary’s Council #6984 Knights
of Columbus rosary on Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to CurePSP (<a href="http://www.psp.org/">psp.org</a>) or to the St. Thomas More Society
at TMP-M High School.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Tom may be shared with his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com/">www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;
</a>&nbsp;

Thomas (Tom) E. Casey

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

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

The undefeated Hays High girls’ basketball team remains
fourth in the final Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Class 5A rankings released
Tuesday afternoon. The top six spots remain unchanged with undefeated Topeka
Seaman atop the 5A poll.

The Hoxie girls remain at No. 5 in Class 2A with
Phillipsburg in at No. 10. The Quinter girls remain seventh in 1A Division 1.
Wheatland-Grinnell holds at No. 8 in 1A Division 2.

Great Bend remains fourth in 5A, Goodland stays atop the 4A
poll, Logan-Palco moves up a spot to No. 2 in 1A Division 2 while Victoria
remains ranked 10th.

6A Girls
 1. Blue Valley North
 2. Derby
 3. Olathe South
 4. Wichita Heights
 5. Washburn Rural
 6. Olathe North
 7. Blue Valley Northwest
 8. Olathe West
 9. Wichita East
 10. Shawnee Mission South

5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman
 2. St. James Academy
 3. Andover
 4. Hays
 5. Kansas City Piper
 6. Maize South
 7. Arkansas City
 8. Spring Hill
 9. De Soto
 10. Kapaun Mt. Carmel

4A Girls
 1. Wellington
 2. Topeka Hayden
 3. Eudora
 4. Bishop Miege
 5. Fort Scott
 6. Labette County
 7. Clay Center
 8. Rock Creek
 9. Buhler
 10. Clearwater

3A Girls
 1. Hesston
 2. Halstead
 3. Osage City
 4. Colby
 5. Riley County
 6. Silver Lake
 7. Girard
 8. Neodesha
 9. Holcomb
 10. Haven

2A Girls
 1. Pittsburg-Colgan
 2. Moundridge
 3. Wichita County
 4. Inman
 5. Hoxie
 6. Ellinwood
 7. Bennington
 8. Doniphan West
 9. Chase County
 10. Phillipsburg

1A Division 1
 1. Little River
 2. Centralia
 3. South Gray
 4. Clifton Clyde
 5. Central Plains
 6. Troy
 7. Quinter
 8. St. John
 9. Rock Hills
 10. Rawlins County

1A Division 2
 1. Lebo
 2. Hanover
 3. South Haven
 4. Bucklin
 5. Wallace County
 6. Attica
 7. Hodgeman County
 8. Wheatland-Grinnell
 9. Hartford
 10. Cheylin

6A Boys
 1. Shawnee Mission Northwest
 2. Shawnee Mission South
 3. Derby 4. Wichita Heights
 5. Mill Valley
 6. Blue Valley
 7. Wichita Northwest
 8. Olathe North
 9. Blue Valley North
 10. Olathe Northwest

5A Boys
 1. Highland Park
 2. Kansas City Piper
 3. Kapaun Mt. Carmel
 4. Great Bend
 5. Andover
 6. Shawnee Heights
 7. Bonner Springs
 8. Topeka Seaman
 9. Emporia
 10. St. Thomas Aquinas

4A Boys
 1. Ottawa
 2. McPherson
 3. Rock Creek
 4. Baldwin
 5. Chanute
 6. Andale
 7. Topeka Hayden
 8. Pratt
 9. Coffeyville-Field Kinley
 10. Clay Center

3A Boys
 1. Goodland
 2. Haven
 3. Lakin
 4. Cheney
 5. Wichita Collegiate
 T6. Hesston
 T6. Galena
 8. Nemaha Central
 9. Scott City
 10. Holcomb

2A Boys
 1. Moundridge
 2. Sterling
 3. Salina-Sacred Heart
 4. Ell-Saline
 5. Maur Hill Mount Academy
 6. Rossville
 7. Berean Academy
 8. Bennington
 9. Hillsboro
 10. Valley Falls

1A Division 1 Boys
 1. South Central
 2. Olpe
 3. Lawrence-Seabury Academy
 4. South Gray
 5. Burden-Central
 6. Burlington
 7. Oxford
 8. Central Plains
 9. Macksville
 10. Kowa County

&nbsp;1A&nbsp; Division 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Logan-Palco 3. Axtell 4. Elyria Christian 5. Dighton 6. Hanover 7. Weskan 8. Hodgeman County 9. St. John-Tipton 10. Victoria

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe undefeated Hays High girls’ basketball team remains
fourth in the final Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Class 5A rankings released
Tuesday afternoon. The top six spots remain unchanged with undefeated Topeka
Seaman atop the 5A poll.The Hoxie girls remain at No. 5 in Class 2A with
Phillipsburg in at No. 10. The Quinter girls remain seventh in 1A Division 1.
Wheatland-Grinnell holds at No. 8 in 1A Division 2.Great Bend remains fourth in 5A, Goodland stays atop the 4A
poll, Logan-Palco moves up a spot to No. 2 in 1A Division 2 while Victoria
remains ranked 10th.6A Girls
 1. Blue Valley North
 2. Derby
 3. Olathe South
 4. Wichita Heights
 5. Washburn Rural
 6. Olathe North
 7. Blue Valley Northwest
 8. Olathe West
 9. Wichita East
 10. Shawnee Mission South5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman
 2. St. James Academy
 3. Andover
 4. Hays
 5. Kansas City Piper
 6. Maize South
 7. Arkansas City
 8. Spring Hill
 9. De Soto
 10. Kapaun Mt. Carmel4A Girls
 1. Wellington
 2. Topeka Hayden
 3. Eudora
 4. Bishop Miege
 5. Fort Scott
 6. Labette County
 7. Clay Center
 8. Rock Creek
 9. Buhler
 10. Clearwater3A Girls
 1. Hesston
 2. Halstead
 3. Osage City
 4. Colby
 5. Riley County
 6. Silver Lake
 7. Girard
 8. Neodesha
 9. Holcomb
 10. Haven2A Girls
 1. Pittsburg-Colgan
 2. Moundridge
 3. Wichita County
 4. Inman
 5. Hoxie
 6. Ellinwood
 7. Bennington
 8. Doniphan West
 9. Chase County
 10. Phillipsburg1A Division 1
 1. Little River
 2. Centralia
 3. South Gray
 4. Clifton Clyde
 5. Central Plains
 6. Troy
 7. Quinter
 8. St. John
 9. Rock Hills
 10. Rawlins County1A Division 2
 1. Lebo
 2. Hanover
 3. South Haven
 4. Bucklin
 5. Wallace County
 6. Attica
 7. Hodgeman County
 8. Wheatland-Grinnell
 9. Hartford
 10. Cheylin6A Boys
 1. Shawnee Mission Northwest
 2. Shawnee Mission South
 3. Derby 4. Wichita Heights
 5. Mill Valley
 6. Blue Valley
 7. Wichita Northwest
 8. Olathe North
 9. Blue Valley North
 10. Olathe Northwest5A Boys
 1. Highland Park
 2. Kansas City Piper
 3. Kapaun Mt. Carmel
 4. Great Bend
 5. Andover
 6. Shawnee Heights
 7. Bonner Springs
 8. Topeka Seaman
 9. Emporia
 10. St. Thomas Aquinas4A Boys
 1. Ottawa
 2. McPherson
 3. Rock Creek
 4. Baldwin
 5. Chanute
 6. Andale
 7. Topeka Hayden
 8. Pratt
 9. Coffeyville-Field Kinley
 10. Clay Center3A Boys
 1. Goodland
 2. Haven
 3. Lakin
 4. Cheney
 5. Wichita Collegiate
 T6. Hesston
 T6. Galena
 8. Nemaha Central
 9. Scott City
 10. Holcomb2A Boys
 1. Moundridge
 2. Sterling
 3. Salina-Sacred Heart
 4. Ell-Saline
 5. Maur Hill Mount Academy
 6. Rossville
 7. Berean Academy
 8. Bennington
 9. Hillsboro
 10. Valley Falls1A Division 1 Boys
 1. South Central
 2. Olpe
 3. Lawrence-Seabury Academy
 4. South Gray
 5. Burden-Central
 6. Burlington
 7. Oxford
 8. Central Plains
 9. Macksville
 10. Kowa County&nbsp;1A&nbsp; Division 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Logan-Palco 3. Axtell 4. Elyria Christian 5. Dighton 6. Hanover 7. Weskan 8. Hodgeman County 9. St. John-Tipton 10. Victoria

🏀 Hays girls remain 4th, Victoria boys 10th in final KBCA poll

Sharon Sue McLaughlin, 69, of Zurich, Kansas, passed away
on February 15, 2025, at HaysMed in Hays, Kansas. She was born on July 13,
1955, to Delwin and Velma (Meitler) Mendenhall at Plainville Rural Hospital in
Plainville, Kansas. She married Rick McLaughlin on October 21, 1978, at the
United Methodist Church in Plainville.

Sharon grew up in Zurich and graduated from Palco High
School in 1973. She dedicated 26 years of her life as a bookkeeper at Mr. K's
and spent another 14 years as a secretary at World Pest Control, where she was
a valued colleague and friend to many.

Sharon had a deep passion for life and always put others
first. She loved to cook, and her world-famous macaroni and cheese will be
remembered by all who had the privilege of enjoying it. Sharon also had a love
for music, particularly classic rock, and as a talented pianist, she generously
shared her musical gifts with family and friends. 

Playing cards with her loved ones was one of Sharon’s
favorite pastimes, and there was nothing she cherished more than spending quality
time with her family. She took great pride in her sons and grandchildren and could
always be found cheering them on at their sporting events, exuding her
trademark enthusiasm. 

Sharon’s playful spirit was one of her most defining
qualities - she was a prankster with a great sense of humor who brought
laughter to all who knew her. In addition to her mischievous side, Sharon was
also the ultimate organizer, ensuring that everything ran smoothly, and
everyone was taken care of.

Sharon’s presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of
laughter, love, and joy will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Rick of Zurich, KS;
sons, Chad (Aimee) McLaughlin of Zurich, J.T. (June) McLaughlin of Abilene, KS;
sister, Jeanie (Mark) Cameron of Abilene, KS; brothers, Randy (Sonja)
Mendenhall of Liberal, KS, Rocky (Deb) Mendenhall of Salina, KS, Rick (Rita)
Mendenhall of Garden City, KS, and Reggie (Cheryl) Mendenhall of Pratt, KS; eight
grandchildren: Zack, Alex, Vincent, Allissa, Jesseca, Courtney, Seirra,
Cameron; and five great-grandchildren: Lynlee, Leah, Derrick, Dawson and Miri. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delwin and Velma;
and granddaughter, Tesla. 

A Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday,
February 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at the First Christian Church in Plainville.
Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Zurich Cemetery. 

Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Health Center and
may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd,
Plainville, Kansas 67663. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739900075548.jpeg" alt="Sharon Sue McLaughlin" />
 <figcaption>Sharon Sue McLaughlin</figcaption>
 </figure>Sharon Sue McLaughlin, 69, of Zurich, Kansas, passed away
on February 15, 2025, at HaysMed in Hays, Kansas. She was born on July 13,
1955, to Delwin and Velma (Meitler) Mendenhall at Plainville Rural Hospital in
Plainville, Kansas. She married Rick McLaughlin on October 21, 1978, at the
United Methodist Church in Plainville.Sharon grew up in Zurich and graduated from Palco High
School in 1973. She dedicated 26 years of her life as a bookkeeper at Mr. K's
and spent another 14 years as a secretary at World Pest Control, where she was
a valued colleague and friend to many.Sharon had a deep passion for life and always put others
first. She loved to cook, and her world-famous macaroni and cheese will be
remembered by all who had the privilege of enjoying it. Sharon also had a love
for music, particularly classic rock, and as a talented pianist, she generously
shared her musical gifts with family and friends. Playing cards with her loved ones was one of Sharon’s
favorite pastimes, and there was nothing she cherished more than spending quality
time with her family. She took great pride in her sons and grandchildren and could
always be found cheering them on at their sporting events, exuding her
trademark enthusiasm. Sharon’s playful spirit was one of her most defining
qualities - she was a prankster with a great sense of humor who brought
laughter to all who knew her. In addition to her mischievous side, Sharon was
also the ultimate organizer, ensuring that everything ran smoothly, and
everyone was taken care of.Sharon’s presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of
laughter, love, and joy will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.Sharon is survived by her husband, Rick of Zurich, KS;
sons, Chad (Aimee) McLaughlin of Zurich, J.T. (June) McLaughlin of Abilene, KS;
sister, Jeanie (Mark) Cameron of Abilene, KS; brothers, Randy (Sonja)
Mendenhall of Liberal, KS, Rocky (Deb) Mendenhall of Salina, KS, Rick (Rita)
Mendenhall of Garden City, KS, and Reggie (Cheryl) Mendenhall of Pratt, KS; eight
grandchildren: Zack, Alex, Vincent, Allissa, Jesseca, Courtney, Seirra,
Cameron; and five great-grandchildren: Lynlee, Leah, Derrick, Dawson and Miri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delwin and Velma;
and granddaughter, Tesla. A Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday,
February 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at the First Christian Church in Plainville.
Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Zurich Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Health Center and
may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd,
Plainville, Kansas 67663. Online condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Sharon Sue McLaughlin

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team will wait one extra day to open its MIAA schedule in 2025, with the Tigers' trip to Fort Smith, Ark. to take on league newcomer Arkansas-Fort Smith pushed back one day, announced Tuesday.

Due to the winter weather and low temperatures, the Tigers and Lions will now play in a three-game set beginning on Saturday (Feb. 22). First pitch is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday and 1 p.m. on Monday.

Both the Tigers and Lions are 5-4 thus far in non-conference action. Fort Hays State is 4-1 all-time against UAFS, including a 2-1 record in Arkansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739899712589.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team will wait one extra day to open its MIAA schedule in 2025, with the Tigers' trip to Fort Smith, Ark. to take on league newcomer Arkansas-Fort Smith pushed back one day, announced Tuesday.Due to the winter weather and low temperatures, the Tigers and Lions will now play in a three-game set beginning on Saturday (Feb. 22). First pitch is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday and 1 p.m. on Monday.Both the Tigers and Lions are 5-4 thus far in non-conference action. Fort Hays State is 4-1 all-time against UAFS, including a 2-1 record in Arkansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ First conference series pushed back one day for Tigers

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

There are a variety of ways of measuring top team performances in sporting events.

Take, for example, the Hays High School boys’ swim team.

The Indians finished second in team scoring at last week’s Western Athletic Conference Championships while fielding the smallest roster in the meet.

But the team trophy is about the only top award the Indians didn’t bring home.

The HHS squad of 10 swimmers won eight of the 11 events and recorded four other top-three finishes.

The Indians powered their way through the meet, recording first-place times in the first seven events, then winning the meet finale (the 400-yard freestyle relay).

However, Hays High ultimately couldn’t keep up with Garden City’s roster depth. The Buffaloes were able to enter numerous swimmers whose points in lower placings added to their team score.

In the end, the Indians finished second to Garden City in team points (390-346.5) but still came home with 14 gold medals – more than twice as many as Garden City.

Following that impressive performance, Hays High coach Tyler Stein was voted WAC Coach of the Year, and HHS senior Marshall Sook earned WAC swimmer-of-the-year honors.

“Having my old coach there and other coaches I’ve gotten to know through the years was cool,” said Stein, a former all-state swimmer at Great Bend High School. “It was rewarding to see that they felt I had done a good job this year.”

Sook won both his individual events – the 50- and 100-yard freestyle – and also was a member of the Indians’ two gold-medal relay teams (the 200-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle).

Juniors Karsen Flaska and Chase Zadina also each won four golds.

Both swam on those championship relay teams with Sook, while Flaska also won the 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle, and Zadina won the 100-yard butterfly and tied for first in the 200-yard freestyle.

The final member of the championship 200-yard medley relay team was junior Noah Schaeffer, who also was fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Schaeffer also helped the Indians’ 200-yard freestyle relay team finish third along with seniors Christian Miller, Bryton Unsworth and Justin Reeves. Those three seniors completed their prep careers in style by winning WAC medals while also scoring valuable points in other races along with junior Levi Crisenberry.

“I was really proud of all the guys, and I made sure they knew that,” Stein said. “I wanted them to know how grateful I am how hard they worked this year, and that hard work paid off.”

Sophomore Cedric Durr won two medals – a gold in the 400-yard freestyle relay and a silver in the 100-yard butterfly.&nbsp;

Completing the Indians’ list of individual WAC medalists was junior Jude Hileman, the runner-up in the 100y backstroke.

Next up for the Indians is this weekend’s Class 5-1A Swimming and Diving State Championships in Lenexa.

Hays High has qualified for state in five events – five more automatic qualifications than a year ago.

“I am so proud of this team, especially with them only making a state consideration time last year,” Stein said. “The improvement this year individually and in the relays has been phenomenal.”

Sook will compete at state in his two freestyle specialties as well as the 200-yard and 400-yard freestyle relays.

Flaska, Zadina and Durr will make up three-fourths of both those relays as well as the 200-yard medley relay. Schaeffer will complete the foursome in the medley relay, and Hileman will accompany the team to state as an alternate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739896495238.jpeg" alt="Hays High swim coach Tyler Stein talks strategy with HHS senior standout Marshall Sook before the 100-yard freestyle race at last week’s Western Athletic Conference meet in Garden City. That duo was named WAC coach and swimmer of the year following the meet. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays High swim coach Tyler Stein talks strategy with HHS senior standout Marshall Sook before the 100-yard freestyle race at last week’s Western Athletic Conference meet in Garden City. That duo was named WAC coach and swimmer of the year following the meet. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostThere are a variety of ways of measuring top team performances in sporting events.Take, for example, the Hays High School boys’ swim team.The Indians finished second in team scoring at last week’s Western Athletic Conference Championships while fielding the smallest roster in the meet.But the team trophy is about the only top award the Indians didn’t bring home.The HHS squad of 10 swimmers won eight of the 11 events and recorded four other top-three finishes.The Indians powered their way through the meet, recording first-place times in the first seven events, then winning the meet finale (the 400-yard freestyle relay).However, Hays High ultimately couldn’t keep up with Garden City’s roster depth. The Buffaloes were able to enter numerous swimmers whose points in lower placings added to their team score.In the end, the Indians finished second to Garden City in team points (390-346.5) but still came home with 14 gold medals – more than twice as many as Garden City.Following that impressive performance, Hays High coach Tyler Stein was voted WAC Coach of the Year, and HHS senior Marshall Sook earned WAC swimmer-of-the-year honors.“Having my old coach there and other coaches I’ve gotten to know through the years was cool,” said Stein, a former all-state swimmer at Great Bend High School. “It was rewarding to see that they felt I had done a good job this year.”Sook won both his individual events – the 50- and 100-yard freestyle – and also was a member of the Indians’ two gold-medal relay teams (the 200-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle).Juniors Karsen Flaska and Chase Zadina also each won four golds.Both swam on those championship relay teams with Sook, while Flaska also won the 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle, and Zadina won the 100-yard butterfly and tied for first in the 200-yard freestyle.The final member of the championship 200-yard medley relay team was junior Noah Schaeffer, who also was fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke.Schaeffer also helped the Indians’ 200-yard freestyle relay team finish third along with seniors Christian Miller, Bryton Unsworth and Justin Reeves. Those three seniors completed their prep careers in style by winning WAC medals while also scoring valuable points in other races along with junior Levi Crisenberry.“I was really proud of all the guys, and I made sure they knew that,” Stein said. “I wanted them to know how grateful I am how hard they worked this year, and that hard work paid off.”Sophomore Cedric Durr won two medals – a gold in the 400-yard freestyle relay and a silver in the 100-yard butterfly.&nbsp;Completing the Indians’ list of individual WAC medalists was junior Jude Hileman, the runner-up in the 100y backstroke.<h2>Not finished yet</h2>Next up for the Indians is this weekend’s Class 5-1A Swimming and Diving State Championships in Lenexa.Hays High has qualified for state in five events – five more automatic qualifications than a year ago.“I am so proud of this team, especially with them only making a state consideration time last year,” Stein said. “The improvement this year individually and in the relays has been phenomenal.”Sook will compete at state in his two freestyle specialties as well as the 200-yard and 400-yard freestyle relays.Flaska, Zadina and Durr will make up three-fourths of both those relays as well as the 200-yard medley relay. Schaeffer will complete the foursome in the medley relay, and Hileman will accompany the team to state as an alternate.

🏊 Golden day at WAC for Hays High swimmers

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.

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.

Traffic lights at Canterbury Drive and Old Highway 40 intersection

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.

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.

<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.

Ellis County Commission discussed 48th Street repair plans

FHSU University Communications

The Strategic Affiliation between Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays Tech | Northwest officially launched in July of 2024, and the close collaboration that has been the hallmark of this initiative has yielded successes in five key areas:

&nbsp; &nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Charting new academic pathways. &nbsp; &nbsp; 2.&nbsp; Creating powerful professional relationships. &nbsp; &nbsp; 3.&nbsp; Reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles for students. &nbsp; &nbsp; 4. Sharing resources. &nbsp; &nbsp; 5.&nbsp; Engaging with regional business and industry

What follows is a summary of these early successes.

&nbsp; &nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Charting new academic pathways between the technical colleges to &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fort Hays State University&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Several Affiliation Implementation Teams (AITs) are mapping academic program pathways from the technical colleges to FHSU. The pathways will allow students to smoothly and efficiently progress in their educational journey, expand their education and training experiences, and, for many, earn an advanced degree. 

Students in two nine-month certificate programs at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, Welding and Construction Technology, can study for two additional semesters at FHSU and reverse transfer credits to earn from North Central, respectively, the AAS in Building/Construction Site Management and Welding Engineering Technology.

Students with an AAS in Respiratory Therapy from Fort Hays Tech | Northwest or an AAS in Medical Assistance can get two years of credit at FHSU toward a BS in Health Studies.

A program pathway will be finalized within weeks for students with an AAS in Precision Agriculture at Northwest and an AAS in Agricultural Equipment Technology at North Central to get a BS in Agricultural Business from FHSU.

&nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Creating powerful professional relationships among faculty and &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;staff at all three institutions &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

There are 14 Affiliation Implementation Teams (AITs) comprised of faculty and staff from the three partner institutions. Shortly after their first meeting, the members of each AIT took a tour of all three affiliate campuses and exchanged detailed information about one another’s programs and resources. They meet biweekly, and the chairs and vice-chairs of each AIT meet semi-annually at day-long “Affiliation Summits” held in rotation at Beloit, Goodland, and Hays.

A consequence of this frequent contact is the growth of new professional relationships across institutions – relationships that many faculty and staff, especially those in small programs or isolated roles, describe as highly gratifying. 

These relationships, in turn, have given rise to collaborations that serve students. Students at the technical colleges have been invited to career fairs in applied technology, informatics, agriculture, nursing, and allied health at FHSU.

The student success teams at each of the affiliates are coordinating their orientation programs and collaboratively reviewing their new student seminars. The Institutional Research staff at the three partners are creating new protocols to track students as they move among the affiliated institutions.

Close collaborations between the higher education professionals at the three institutions are driving innovation. To cite just one example, the Agriculture AIT is planning a new series of summer courses based on the expertise of each affiliate. This year, the course will take place in Goodland and focus on precision agriculture, but the AIT aspires to take courses on different topics on the Beloit and Hays campuses in subsequent years.

&nbsp; &nbsp; 3.&nbsp; Reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles for students taking&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; courses at or transferring among multiple affiliate institutions

Improving the experience of students, as well as supporting regional communities and businesses, is the “north star” of the affiliation, and many early affiliation initiatives serve that end. 

Starting in January 2025, the technical colleges will be transitioning to the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) so that students who study at more than one affiliate institution will not have to master a new LMS. Students who have completed a course at one of the affiliates will no longer have to pay an application fee to study at any of the others.

To further encourage cost savings and to facilitate exchange among the affiliates, one of the AITs recently completed a guide called “Fast Track to FHSU” to show high school students in the tech colleges’ service areas how they can complete most of their Fort Hays State University general education requirements through concurrent enrollment courses at the technical colleges.

&nbsp; &nbsp; 4.&nbsp; Shared resources

The affiliation partners are committed to sharing knowledge, technology, resources, and spaces. The Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) will be provided to the technical colleges through FHSU at no additional cost. FHSU is also investigating the possibility of offering the technical colleges access to online library databases.

The Student Success teams at the three partners coordinate their student activities and work on a “menu” of additional resources, such as access to remote mental health, for the technical colleges. Fort Hays Tech | North Central is running its carpentry program in FHSU space this year while a new building is under construction.

&nbsp; &nbsp; 5.&nbsp; Engagement with regional business and industry

Each academic Affiliation Implementation team (AIT) has representation from local businesses to provide an outside perspective on the team’s goals. The contributions of those outside representatives have been extremely valuable in guiding the teams’ work in the near and longer term.

A representative of the Kansas Hospital System serving on the AIT working on opportunities in nursing/allied health surveyed regional health care center professional needs that will inform the development of new programs by the affiliates. A roundtable of businesspeople catalyzed the AIT working on opportunities in business to develop additional training for students and employers offering internships.

The representatives on the AIT working on opportunities in agriculture have kept the team apprised of grants of potential interest to all three institutions.

A recent project of the affiliation, part of a FORGE grant awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is creating a new website that will serve as a virtual “front door” to the affiliate partners for regional businesses and industry. In addition to illuminating the resources present at each institution – and whom to contact to access them – the site will also provide links to other organizations that can assist with economic and workforce development issues.

For more information on this historic affiliation, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0fQUH1buDyV4loUqNVHEPb30u1RDsTqsIo-2BNGJUV-2FqWY28wMjTOu7h6hv-2BaFq02-2FyQ-3D-3DUoe9_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOgYh-2FVlnDVj-2FeMzvbyBEXW5GzMqr8jtMvqWiPPfTVE50myWEDP2XmgXB-2FLBJA378SNWnw9R8PEvJxw1IC8-2BtERVsSrtsSxBbHFor-2Bq92H0JFd0WUYxEc4OTON5D7U3H9IxL6g-2B8U5lbHd3C7aM5l8o39GsLmOXRUZWJ4NUrZRKBjrwEM63GeYiiXxoqdjfvB-2FBwOe0EwBNJBlU3-2B0bUi2wPe7U5H7FISGXYKWAonn7P2E2jc-2FmvbSOUEyxqZsioLr">https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739890898306.jpeg" alt="Strategic affiliations between Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. Photo by FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Strategic affiliations between Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. Photo by FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University Communications The Strategic Affiliation between Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays Tech | Northwest officially launched in July of 2024, and the close collaboration that has been the hallmark of this initiative has yielded successes in five key areas:&nbsp; &nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Charting new academic pathways. &nbsp; &nbsp; 2.&nbsp; Creating powerful professional relationships. &nbsp; &nbsp; 3.&nbsp; Reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles for students. &nbsp; &nbsp; 4. Sharing resources. &nbsp; &nbsp; 5.&nbsp; Engaging with regional business and industryWhat follows is a summary of these early successes.&nbsp; &nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Charting new academic pathways between the technical colleges to &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fort Hays State University&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Several Affiliation Implementation Teams (AITs) are mapping academic program pathways from the technical colleges to FHSU. The pathways will allow students to smoothly and efficiently progress in their educational journey, expand their education and training experiences, and, for many, earn an advanced degree. Students in two nine-month certificate programs at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, Welding and Construction Technology, can study for two additional semesters at FHSU and reverse transfer credits to earn from North Central, respectively, the AAS in Building/Construction Site Management and Welding Engineering Technology.Students with an AAS in Respiratory Therapy from Fort Hays Tech | Northwest or an AAS in Medical Assistance can get two years of credit at FHSU toward a BS in Health Studies.A program pathway will be finalized within weeks for students with an AAS in Precision Agriculture at Northwest and an AAS in Agricultural Equipment Technology at North Central to get a BS in Agricultural Business from FHSU.&nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Creating powerful professional relationships among faculty and &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;staff at all three institutions &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;There are 14 Affiliation Implementation Teams (AITs) comprised of faculty and staff from the three partner institutions. Shortly after their first meeting, the members of each AIT took a tour of all three affiliate campuses and exchanged detailed information about one another’s programs and resources. They meet biweekly, and the chairs and vice-chairs of each AIT meet semi-annually at day-long “Affiliation Summits” held in rotation at Beloit, Goodland, and Hays.A consequence of this frequent contact is the growth of new professional relationships across institutions – relationships that many faculty and staff, especially those in small programs or isolated roles, describe as highly gratifying. These relationships, in turn, have given rise to collaborations that serve students. Students at the technical colleges have been invited to career fairs in applied technology, informatics, agriculture, nursing, and allied health at FHSU.The student success teams at each of the affiliates are coordinating their orientation programs and collaboratively reviewing their new student seminars. The Institutional Research staff at the three partners are creating new protocols to track students as they move among the affiliated institutions.Close collaborations between the higher education professionals at the three institutions are driving innovation. To cite just one example, the Agriculture AIT is planning a new series of summer courses based on the expertise of each affiliate. This year, the course will take place in Goodland and focus on precision agriculture, but the AIT aspires to take courses on different topics on the Beloit and Hays campuses in subsequent years.&nbsp; &nbsp; 3.&nbsp; Reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles for students taking&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; courses at or transferring among multiple affiliate institutionsImproving the experience of students, as well as supporting regional communities and businesses, is the “north star” of the affiliation, and many early affiliation initiatives serve that end. Starting in January 2025, the technical colleges will be transitioning to the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) so that students who study at more than one affiliate institution will not have to master a new LMS. Students who have completed a course at one of the affiliates will no longer have to pay an application fee to study at any of the others.To further encourage cost savings and to facilitate exchange among the affiliates, one of the AITs recently completed a guide called “Fast Track to FHSU” to show high school students in the tech colleges’ service areas how they can complete most of their Fort Hays State University general education requirements through concurrent enrollment courses at the technical colleges.&nbsp; &nbsp; 4.&nbsp; Shared resourcesThe affiliation partners are committed to sharing knowledge, technology, resources, and spaces. The Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) will be provided to the technical colleges through FHSU at no additional cost. FHSU is also investigating the possibility of offering the technical colleges access to online library databases.The Student Success teams at the three partners coordinate their student activities and work on a “menu” of additional resources, such as access to remote mental health, for the technical colleges. Fort Hays Tech | North Central is running its carpentry program in FHSU space this year while a new building is under construction.&nbsp; &nbsp; 5.&nbsp; Engagement with regional business and industryEach academic Affiliation Implementation team (AIT) has representation from local businesses to provide an outside perspective on the team’s goals. The contributions of those outside representatives have been extremely valuable in guiding the teams’ work in the near and longer term.A representative of the Kansas Hospital System serving on the AIT working on opportunities in nursing/allied health surveyed regional health care center professional needs that will inform the development of new programs by the affiliates. A roundtable of businesspeople catalyzed the AIT working on opportunities in business to develop additional training for students and employers offering internships.The representatives on the AIT working on opportunities in agriculture have kept the team apprised of grants of potential interest to all three institutions.A recent project of the affiliation, part of a FORGE grant awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is creating a new website that will serve as a virtual “front door” to the affiliate partners for regional businesses and industry. In addition to illuminating the resources present at each institution – and whom to contact to access them – the site will also provide links to other organizations that can assist with economic and workforce development issues.For more information on this historic affiliation, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0fQUH1buDyV4loUqNVHEPb30u1RDsTqsIo-2BNGJUV-2FqWY28wMjTOu7h6hv-2BaFq02-2FyQ-3D-3DUoe9_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOgYh-2FVlnDVj-2FeMzvbyBEXW5GzMqr8jtMvqWiPPfTVE50myWEDP2XmgXB-2FLBJA378SNWnw9R8PEvJxw1IC8-2BtERVsSrtsSxBbHFor-2Bq92H0JFd0WUYxEc4OTON5D7U3H9IxL6g-2B8U5lbHd3C7aM5l8o39GsLmOXRUZWJ4NUrZRKBjrwEM63GeYiiXxoqdjfvB-2FBwOe0EwBNJBlU3-2B0bUi2wPe7U5H7FISGXYKWAonn7P2E2jc-2FmvbSOUEyxqZsioLr">https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation/</a>.

FHSU/Fort Hays Tech strategic affiliation initiative update

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Less snow than predicted fell in Hays Monday night. 

The official measurement at 8 a.m. from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town was 2 inches. 

Flurries will continue throughout the day with accumulations of 1 to 2 more inches, according to the National Weather Service in Dodge City. A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Moisture was at 0.10, most of which came from the snow melt from last week's snowfall. Month-to-date moisture measures 0.30. with snowfall so far in February at 7 inches.

Monday's high temperature was 28 degrees. The overnight low was a -5 degrees. The temperature continued to fall after 8 a.m.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f0e300e1-180c-418a-b9c5-2962e65b5fbb">three-day weather forecast</a> calls continued cold with highs in the single digits and overnight lows in the negative double digits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739125382013.jpg" alt="Picture by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Picture by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostLess snow than predicted fell in Hays Monday night. The official measurement at 8 a.m. from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town was 2 inches. Flurries will continue throughout the day with accumulations of 1 to 2 more inches, according to the National Weather Service in Dodge City. A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday.Moisture was at 0.10, most of which came from the snow melt from last week's snowfall. Month-to-date moisture measures 0.30. with snowfall so far in February at 7 inches.Monday's high temperature was 28 degrees. The overnight low was a -5 degrees. The temperature continued to fall after 8 a.m.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f0e300e1-180c-418a-b9c5-2962e65b5fbb">three-day weather forecast</a> calls continued cold with highs in the single digits and overnight lows in the negative double digits..

Two of inches snow falls in Hays; bitterly cold temps remain

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about President Trump's recent tariffs and inflation and the effects they might have on the local economy on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays: Inflation and Tariffs" 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=935fz-17fdfbc-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>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about President Trump's recent tariffs and inflation and the effects they might have on the local economy on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses tariffs, inflation

Tuesday, February 18
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at BYU, 6:30pm

Wednesday, February 19
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm

Tuesday, February 18
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at BYU, 6:30pmWednesday, February 19
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pmThursday, February 20
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Missouri Southern State, 5:30pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, February 21
 KKQY: Trego MWBKB at
Smith Center, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Garden City, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Norton, 5:40pmSaturday, February 22
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Oklahoma State, 1:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Pittsburg State, 1:35pmSunday, February 23

 none

The Fort Hays State men head to Emporia to take on rival Emporia State on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at White Auditorium.

The Fort Hays State men head to Emporia to take on rival Emporia State on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at White Auditorium.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB at Emporia State" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cyejn-18086e0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>