GOODLAND—TMP softball continued its unbeaten streak Tuesday,
running it to 14 straight games, in a sweep of the Goodland Cowgirls on the
road: 3-1 and 23-0.

In the first game of the day, the Monarchs rallied from down
1-0, scoring two runs in the sixth and one more in the seventh to win 3-1.

The two teams played to a 0-0 draw through the first two
innings before Goodland took advantage of an error in the bottom of the third
inning, taking a 1-0 lead.

Despite both teams threatening through the next two innings,
neither team was able to break through on the scoreboard until TMP pushed
across two runs in the top of the sixth inning. 

Brooke Koenigsman tripled home the tying run with one out in
the top of the sixth inning, and then two hitters later, she scored on an error
by the Goodland second baseman, putting TMP up 2-1.

Brynn Rebel added an RBI double in the seventh inning, lifting
TMP to the 3-1 win.

Rebel and Koenigsman each collected a pair of hits and an
RBI.

Rebel also earned the win in the circle, allowing just one
unearned run, on three hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings.

In the second game of the day, every Monarch but one collected
at least one hit, and all but two recorded an RBI.

The Monarchs got the offense going early, scoring five runs
in the first two innings and then putting the game away with 13 runs in the top
of the third inning. 

Brooke Koenigsman doubled in a pair of runs in the first
inning, putting TMP up 2-0.

The Monarchs also scored runs on a sacrifice fly, an error,
and a Brynn Schoepf double in the first inning for a 5-0 lead.

In the Monarchs' five-run second inning, Goodland committed
five errors, resulting in a TMP run. They added a Koenigsman two-run double and
scored on a fielder’s choice and a passed ball for a 10-0 lead in the second
inning.

With TMP leading 10-0 in the top of the third inning, Rebel
and Bria Windholz both homered, Paige Koenigsman doubled, and Nicole Schumacher,
Molly Helget and Brooke Koenigsman singled to drive in runs. TMP scored on three
Goodland errors in the inning in a 23-0 victory.

Brooke Koenigsman finished 4-for-4 with 6 RBIs and 4 runs
scored. Paige Koenigsman added 4 RBIs.

Bria Windholz earned the win in the circle. She allowed just
one hit with three strikeouts in three shutout innings.

TMP travels to Pratt to face Skyline on Tuesday, April 22. 

Hays Post SportsGOODLAND—TMP softball continued its unbeaten streak Tuesday,
running it to 14 straight games, in a sweep of the Goodland Cowgirls on the
road: 3-1 and 23-0.GAME 1: TMP 3, Goodland 1In the first game of the day, the Monarchs rallied from down
1-0, scoring two runs in the sixth and one more in the seventh to win 3-1.The two teams played to a 0-0 draw through the first two
innings before Goodland took advantage of an error in the bottom of the third
inning, taking a 1-0 lead.Despite both teams threatening through the next two innings,
neither team was able to break through on the scoreboard until TMP pushed
across two runs in the top of the sixth inning. Brooke Koenigsman tripled home the tying run with one out in
the top of the sixth inning, and then two hitters later, she scored on an error
by the Goodland second baseman, putting TMP up 2-1.Brynn Rebel added an RBI double in the seventh inning, lifting
TMP to the 3-1 win.Rebel and Koenigsman each collected a pair of hits and an
RBI.Rebel also earned the win in the circle, allowing just one
unearned run, on three hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings.GAME 2: TMP 23, Goodland 0In the second game of the day, every Monarch but one collected
at least one hit, and all but two recorded an RBI.The Monarchs got the offense going early, scoring five runs
in the first two innings and then putting the game away with 13 runs in the top
of the third inning. Brooke Koenigsman doubled in a pair of runs in the first
inning, putting TMP up 2-0.The Monarchs also scored runs on a sacrifice fly, an error,
and a Brynn Schoepf double in the first inning for a 5-0 lead.In the Monarchs' five-run second inning, Goodland committed
five errors, resulting in a TMP run. They added a Koenigsman two-run double and
scored on a fielder’s choice and a passed ball for a 10-0 lead in the second
inning.With TMP leading 10-0 in the top of the third inning, Rebel
and Bria Windholz both homered, Paige Koenigsman doubled, and Nicole Schumacher,
Molly Helget and Brooke Koenigsman singled to drive in runs. TMP scored on three
Goodland errors in the inning in a 23-0 victory.Brooke Koenigsman finished 4-for-4 with 6 RBIs and 4 runs
scored. Paige Koenigsman added 4 RBIs.Bria Windholz earned the win in the circle. She allowed just
one hit with three strikeouts in three shutout innings.TMP travels to Pratt to face Skyline on Tuesday, April 22.

🥎TMP-Marian picks up two wins over Goodland

Great Bend, KS - Hays High (6-2, 5-1) split with Great Bend (9-2, 4-2) on Tuesday to take the season series over the state ranked Panthers two games to one.

Game 1 - Hays High 4, Great Bend 2

Carter Graham hit a three run homerun on the top of the seventh inning to lift Hays High to a 4-2 lead over Great Bend in the first game of the doubleheader.

Each team tallied a single run in the fourth inning. Graham led off with a single and moved to second in a single by Trace Jacobs. Jalen Smith loaded the bases with a third single in the inning. Graham gave Hays a 1-0 lead on a passed ball.

Great Bend got the run back with a walk, double, and ground out. The Panthers then took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning with a run scoring double. Tiger Johnson got out of a bases loaded jam to limit the damage.

Johnny Cano was hit by a pitch with two outs in the top of the seventh. Johnson followed that up with a single before Graham's heroics gave the Indians a 4-2 lead.

Graham then took over with a runner aboard in the seventh to earn the save with a double play and fly out. Johnson (2-0) took the victory allowing two runs on four hits over six innings. He walked four and struck out one.&nbsp;

The second game started well for Hays High but they couldn't continue the momentum from game one. Jonny Cano and Landon Hardman scored in the top of the first inning. Great Bend countered with three in the home half of the same inning and three more in the second for a 6-2 lead.

The Panthers added four in the bottom of the sixth for a 10-2 score. Hays added their only other run in the top of the seventh.&nbsp;

Hays had five hits in the second game. Graham (1-1) took the loss. He allowed six runs, five earned, on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts in just an inning and two thirds. Brett Rhoades pitched the remainder of the game giving up four runs on one hit. He struck out six and walked two.

Hays heads to Clay Center on Thursday for a doubleheader.&nbsp;

Hays Post SportsGreat Bend, KS - Hays High (6-2, 5-1) split with Great Bend (9-2, 4-2) on Tuesday to take the season series over the state ranked Panthers two games to one.Game 1 - Hays High 4, Great Bend 2Carter Graham hit a three run homerun on the top of the seventh inning to lift Hays High to a 4-2 lead over Great Bend in the first game of the doubleheader.Each team tallied a single run in the fourth inning. Graham led off with a single and moved to second in a single by Trace Jacobs. Jalen Smith loaded the bases with a third single in the inning. Graham gave Hays a 1-0 lead on a passed ball.Great Bend got the run back with a walk, double, and ground out. The Panthers then took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning with a run scoring double. Tiger Johnson got out of a bases loaded jam to limit the damage.Johnny Cano was hit by a pitch with two outs in the top of the seventh. Johnson followed that up with a single before Graham's heroics gave the Indians a 4-2 lead.Graham then took over with a runner aboard in the seventh to earn the save with a double play and fly out. Johnson (2-0) took the victory allowing two runs on four hits over six innings. He walked four and struck out one.&nbsp;Game 2 - Great Bend 10, Hays 3The second game started well for Hays High but they couldn't continue the momentum from game one. Jonny Cano and Landon Hardman scored in the top of the first inning. Great Bend countered with three in the home half of the same inning and three more in the second for a 6-2 lead.The Panthers added four in the bottom of the sixth for a 10-2 score. Hays added their only other run in the top of the seventh.&nbsp;Hays had five hits in the second game. Graham (1-1) took the loss. He allowed six runs, five earned, on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts in just an inning and two thirds. Brett Rhoades pitched the remainder of the game giving up four runs on one hit. He struck out six and walked two.Hays heads to Clay Center on Thursday for a doubleheader.&nbsp;

⚾ Hays splits with Great Bend; takes season series

Hays, KS - Hays High (8-1, 4-1) split their Western Athletic Conference doubleheader with Garden City (5-1, 1-1) on Tuesday. The two will finish their season series in Garden City on May 13th with a single game.

Game 1 - Garden City 6, Hays High 5

Three errors over the first two innings by Hays High helped Garden City produce a 5-0 lead. The Buffaloes sent fourteen to the plate through the second inning.&nbsp;

Hays scratched a run across in the bottom of the third inning when Brynlee Rupp doubled and later scored on a passed ball for a 5-1 score. The Indians gave themselves a chance to win in the later innings.

Lauren Klein and Riley Dreher led the bottom of the fifth inning off with a pair of singles. Brynlee Brous drove in Klein on a ground out and Lanie Becker brought home Dreher with a single and a 5-3 score. Avery Solida then lifted a 3-2 pitch to centerfield for a game tying home run.

Garden City broke the tie with the first two batters of the seventh inning on a double and single for the final of 6-5.

Lanie Becker (2-1) took the loss in a relief role in game one. She pitched an inning and a third allowing one run on three hits. Riley Dreher pitched the first five innings and then the final two-thirds giving up five runs on six hits.

Game 2 - Hays High 13, Garden City 6

Hays High scored in five of six innings on their way to a split on the day.

Jaylee Summers (2-0) opened the game by retiring the side in the top of the first. The first five Indians that went to the plate in the bottom of the first reached and scored for a 5-0 advantage. Like Hays in the first game, Garden City errors played a role in the proceedings. Two of the five errors by the Buffaloes occurred in the five run first.

Garden City plated a run in the top of the second. That was answered by Alyse Zimmerman scored one of her three runs in the game on a Brynlee Brous single in the bottom of the second.

The Buffaloes did make the game close with a three run top of the third for a 6-4 game. Hays got the runs back in the bottom of the fourth. Lauren Klein drove in Summers and Zimmerman. Dreher scored her second of three runs on a Lanie Becker single and a 9-4 lead.

Shea Augustine singled and scored in the bottom of the fifth. She scored on a Summers single. The Indians then added three more runs in the sixth. The final runs came on a two run double by Brynlee Rupp.

Garden City did manage two runs in the top of the seventh before Hays closed the game with a 13-6 victory.

Jaylee Summers had pitched seven and third innings in three prior appearances total. She went seven full innings for the victory, allowing nine hits, striking out four and walking three.

Each team had five errors in the second game.&nbsp;

Hays will be in the Dodge City Softball Classic on Thursday and Friday. The Indians will face Wichita Northwest and Derby on Thursday then Goddard-Eisenhower and Maize South on Friday.

Hays Post SportsHays, KS - Hays High (8-1, 4-1) split their Western Athletic Conference doubleheader with Garden City (5-1, 1-1) on Tuesday. The two will finish their season series in Garden City on May 13th with a single game.Game 1 - Garden City 6, Hays High 5Three errors over the first two innings by Hays High helped Garden City produce a 5-0 lead. The Buffaloes sent fourteen to the plate through the second inning.&nbsp;Hays scratched a run across in the bottom of the third inning when Brynlee Rupp doubled and later scored on a passed ball for a 5-1 score. The Indians gave themselves a chance to win in the later innings.Lauren Klein and Riley Dreher led the bottom of the fifth inning off with a pair of singles. Brynlee Brous drove in Klein on a ground out and Lanie Becker brought home Dreher with a single and a 5-3 score. Avery Solida then lifted a 3-2 pitch to centerfield for a game tying home run.Garden City broke the tie with the first two batters of the seventh inning on a double and single for the final of 6-5.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2079530130&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-sbdh-highlights-vs-garden" title="HHS SBDH Highlights Vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25) game 1" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS SBDH Highlights Vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25) game 1</a></div></div>Lanie Becker (2-1) took the loss in a relief role in game one. She pitched an inning and a third allowing one run on three hits. Riley Dreher pitched the first five innings and then the final two-thirds giving up five runs on six hits.Game 2 - Hays High 13, Garden City 6Hays High scored in five of six innings on their way to a split on the day.Jaylee Summers (2-0) opened the game by retiring the side in the top of the first. The first five Indians that went to the plate in the bottom of the first reached and scored for a 5-0 advantage. Like Hays in the first game, Garden City errors played a role in the proceedings. Two of the five errors by the Buffaloes occurred in the five run first.Garden City plated a run in the top of the second. That was answered by Alyse Zimmerman scored one of her three runs in the game on a Brynlee Brous single in the bottom of the second.The Buffaloes did make the game close with a three run top of the third for a 6-4 game. Hays got the runs back in the bottom of the fourth. Lauren Klein drove in Summers and Zimmerman. Dreher scored her second of three runs on a Lanie Becker single and a 9-4 lead.Shea Augustine singled and scored in the bottom of the fifth. She scored on a Summers single. The Indians then added three more runs in the sixth. The final runs came on a two run double by Brynlee Rupp.Garden City did manage two runs in the top of the seventh before Hays closed the game with a 13-6 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2079530277&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-sbdh-highlights-vs-1" title="HHS SBDH Highlights Vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25) game 2" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS SBDH Highlights Vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25) game 2</a></div></div>Jaylee Summers had pitched seven and third innings in three prior appearances total. She went seven full innings for the victory, allowing nine hits, striking out four and walking three.Each team had five errors in the second game.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2079529983&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/abby-gillan-postgame-1" title="Abby Gillan Postgame Interview vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Abby Gillan Postgame Interview vs Garden City (Apr 15th 25)</a></div></div>Hays will be in the Dodge City Softball Classic on Thursday and Friday. The Indians will face Wichita Northwest and Derby on Thursday then Goddard-Eisenhower and Maize South on Friday.

🥎 Hays High splits with Garden City

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays man was arrested after his roommate attempted to pay fines with cash that allegedly smelled like marijuana.

Hays Police Deputy Chief Tim Greenwood said the investigation began Monday after a records clerk reportedly smelled marijuana on the cash and alerted an officer, who confirmed the odor.

Another officer traced the cash to the woman’s residence in the 400 block of West Eighth Street.

Greenwood said an officer knocked on the door, where 28-year-old James Washington answered and admitted to possessing a small amount of marijuana, which he allegedly presented to the officer.

Washington denied the officer entry until a search warrant was obtained. Once executed, authorities allegedly discovered more than a pound of marijuana, THC vape cartridges and liquid wax, and two handguns, Greenwood said.

Washington was arrested on suspected charges of possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Greenwood said the woman who paid the fine was not arrested or charged at that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744751863517.png" alt="Washington photo Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Washington photo Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays man was arrested after his roommate attempted to pay fines with cash that allegedly smelled like marijuana.Hays Police Deputy Chief Tim Greenwood said the investigation began Monday after a records clerk reportedly smelled marijuana on the cash and alerted an officer, who confirmed the odor.Another officer traced the cash to the woman’s residence in the 400 block of West Eighth Street.Greenwood said an officer knocked on the door, where 28-year-old James Washington answered and admitted to possessing a small amount of marijuana, which he allegedly presented to the officer.Washington denied the officer entry until a search warrant was obtained. Once executed, authorities allegedly discovered more than a pound of marijuana, THC vape cartridges and liquid wax, and two handguns, Greenwood said.Washington was arrested on suspected charges of possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Greenwood said the woman who paid the fine was not arrested or charged at that time.

Hays man arrested after roommate pays fine with marijuana-scented cash

The Hutchinson Fire Department rescued two people from an afternoon house fire on Monday. &nbsp;

Initial units on the scene found heavy smoke coming out of the residence and two female victims self-evacuating out of windows on the second story.  One of the victims was rescued via a ground ladder and the second via a fire apparatus.  The victims were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

Due to the conditions, a request was made to bring all available fire units to the scene. Two cats were later found while searching the residence and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. They were taken by animal control for observation. &nbsp;

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Hutchinson Fire Department Fire Marshals Office&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744727635016.jpeg" alt="Plum Street Fire - Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Plum Street Fire - Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;The Hutchinson Fire Department rescued two people from an afternoon house fire on Monday. &nbsp;Initial units on the scene found heavy smoke coming out of the residence and two female victims self-evacuating out of windows on the second story. One of the victims was rescued via a ground ladder and the second via a fire apparatus. The victims were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.Due to the conditions, a request was made to bring all available fire units to the scene. Two cats were later found while searching the residence and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. They were taken by animal control for observation. &nbsp;The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Hutchinson Fire Department Fire Marshals Office&nbsp;

Two hospitalized after rescued from Kansas house fire

"Stay Strong Stay Healthy" is an evidence-based strength training program for older adults offered by the K-State Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, family and community wellness agent about the benefits of strength training and an upcoming eight-week program starting April 28.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Stay strong. Stay healthy." 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=r34vv-1876f7c-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>"Stay Strong Stay Healthy" is an evidence-based strength training program for older adults offered by the K-State Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, family and community wellness agent about the benefits of strength training and an upcoming eight-week program starting April 28.

🎙 Post Podcast: Stay strong. Stay healthy.

The Hays Post was honored with nine 2025 Kansas Press Association awards.

The Hays Post staff won three first-place awards.

Tony Guerrero won first place for Best Story Originating From a Public Notice on a story about a proposed hog farm near Plainville. Guerrero won a third-place award for&nbsp;Best Online Photo Series/Gallery for a photo gallery of the FHSU Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in 2024

Cristina Janney was awarded first place for select episodes of the Hays Post Podcast, and second place for&nbsp;Best Online Photo Series/Gallery for a photo gallery of the 2024 Wild West Festival.

Jordan Schaffer, Hays Post graphic designer and videographer, swept the Best Online Ad (Motion) category, winning first, second and third places. Two of those ads were for Stone House Spirit and Cigar. The other was for an ad for Firearms Accessory and Supply.

He also won a second-place award for Best Online Promotion for a video on Hays Post sports streaming.

Diane Gasper-O'Brien, Hays Post contributor, won a third-place award in the senior story category for "NWester: Sunny Cycling pedals sunshine into lives of the homebound."

The awards were announced last week. The awards will be presented on June 6 at the annual Kansas Press Association Convention in Salina.

Hays Post, one of a handful of digital-only KPA members, competes against the largest publications in the state of Kansas, including the Wichita Eagle, Kansas City Star, the Kansas Reflector and Topeka Capital Journal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744665201221.png" alt="Awards of Excellence Award Winner" />
 <figcaption>Awards of Excellence Award Winner</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays Post was honored with nine 2025 Kansas Press Association awards.The Hays Post staff won three first-place awards.Tony Guerrero won first place for Best Story Originating From a Public Notice on a story about a proposed hog farm near Plainville. Guerrero won a third-place award for&nbsp;Best Online Photo Series/Gallery for a photo gallery of the FHSU Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in 2024Cristina Janney was awarded first place for select episodes of the Hays Post Podcast, and second place for&nbsp;Best Online Photo Series/Gallery for a photo gallery of the 2024 Wild West Festival.Jordan Schaffer, Hays Post graphic designer and videographer, swept the Best Online Ad (Motion) category, winning first, second and third places. Two of those ads were for Stone House Spirit and Cigar. The other was for an ad for Firearms Accessory and Supply.He also won a second-place award for Best Online Promotion for a video on Hays Post sports streaming.Diane Gasper-O'Brien, Hays Post contributor, won a third-place award in the senior story category for "NWester: Sunny Cycling pedals sunshine into lives of the homebound."The awards were announced last week. The awards will be presented on June 6 at the annual Kansas Press Association Convention in Salina.Hays Post, one of a handful of digital-only KPA members, competes against the largest publications in the state of Kansas, including the Wichita Eagle, Kansas City Star, the Kansas Reflector and Topeka Capital Journal.

Hays Post honored with 9 Kansas Press Association awards

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A second U.S. aircraft carrier is operating in Mideast waters ahead of the next round of talks between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">Iran</a>&nbsp;and the United States over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-us-tensions-explains-25acc4bfbbe165a374a58ebfa6a4ab41">Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>, satellite photos analyzed Tuesday by The Associated Press showed.

The operation of the USS Carl Vinson and its strike group in the Arabian Sea comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-airstrikes-israel-hamas-war-f37d6c5e878045efd48d3790fe69aef7">suspected U.S. airstrikes pounded parts of Yemen controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;overnight into Tuesday. American officials repeatedly have linked the U.S.' monthlong campaign against the Houthis under President Donald Trump as a means to pressure Iran in the negotiations.

Questions remain over where the weekend talks between the countries will be held after officials initially identified Rome as hosting the negotiations, only for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-talks-italy-77b07a31957b2cb64bd2c37a9d47dad5">Iran to insist early Tuesday they would return to Oman</a>. American officials so far haven't said where the talks will be held.

The stakes of the negotiations couldn’t be higher for the two nations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-timeline-nuclear-program-uranium-tehran-118ab7924978559857cceb5a39f711f5">closing in on half a century of enmity</a>. Trump repeatedly has threatened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-trump-nuclear-weapons-program-702e7dfa4c3609f8cefdcb9f67b8117a">to unleash airstrikes</a>&nbsp;targeting Iran’s nuclear program if a deal isn’t reached. Iranian officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-iran-dubai-nuclear-d96093efcf1e6b8581138b9db48cbedc">increasingly warn that they could pursue a nuclear weapon</a>&nbsp;with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.

But even Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly described the first round of talks as going “well,” even while still couching his remarks Tuesday.

<a href="https://koff-special-envoy-russia-ukraine-mideast-d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e/">U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff</a>, who represented America in last weekend's talks in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-talks-oman-nuclear-program-5813e0814efcd99616428086de6ba0be">Oman</a>, separately signaled that the Trump administration may be looking at terms of the 2015 nuclear deal that the president unilaterally withdrew from in 2018 as a basis for these negotiations. He described the talks last weekend as “positive, constructive, compelling.”

“This is going to be much about verification on the enrichment program, and then ultimately verification on weaponization,” Witkoff told Fox News on Monday night. “That includes missiles, the type of missiles that they have stockpiled there. And it includes the trigger for a bomb.”

He added: “We’re here to see if we can solve this situation diplomatically and with dialogue.”

Vinson joins Truman as second US aircraft carrier in Mideast

Satellite photos taken Monday by the European Union's Copernicus program showed the Vinson, which is based out of San Diego, California, operating northeast of Socotra, an island off Yemen that sits near the mouth of the Gulf of Aden. The Vinson is accompanied by the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton and two Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, the USS Sterett and the USS William P. Lawrence.

The U.S. ordered the Vinson to the Mideast to back up the USS Harry S. Truman, which has been launching airstrikes against the Houthis since the American campaign started March 15. Footage released by the Navy showed the Vinson preparing ordinance and launching F-35 and F/A-18 fighter jets off its deck in recent days.

The U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, which oversees the Mideast, declined to discuss details of the Vinson's operations. However, hours after the AP's report, the U.S. military's Central Command posted videos from the two carriers on the social platform X saying there had been “24/7 strikes” on the Houthis by the two carriers.

The Vinson's arrival came as Khamenei, while speaking to high-ranking government officials in Tehran on Tuesday, endorsed the progress of the talks.

“We shouldn’t be overly optimistic about this dialogue, nor overly pessimistic," the 85-year-old Khamenei said. "The first steps have been taken well and executed properly. From here on, the process should be followed carefully. The red lines are clear — both for the other side and for us. We may or may not reach a result, but either way, it’s worth pursuing.”

He also urged officials “not to tie the country’s affairs” to the talks, which are scheduled to have a second round on Saturday.

“Of course, we don’t fully trust them — we know who we’re dealing with,” Khamenei added. “But we are optimistic about our own capabilities.”

Witkoff suggests 3.67% uranium enrichment for Iran

Meanwhile, Witkoff offered for the first time a specific enrichment level he'd like to see for Iran's nuclear program. Today, Tehran enriches uranium to up to 60% — a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%.

“They do not need to enrich past 3.67%,” Witkoff told Fox News. "In some circumstances, they’re at 60%, in other circumstances, 20%. That cannot be.

“And you do not need to run, as they claim, a civil nuclear program where you’re enriching past 3.67%. So this is going to be much about verification on the enrichment program, and then ultimately verification on weaponization.”

The 2015 nuclear deal Iran agreed to with world powers under President Barack Obama saw Tehran agree to drastically reduce its stockpile of uranium and only enrich up to 3.67% — enough for its nuclear power plant at Bushehr. Iran in exchange received access to frozen funds around the world, and sanctions were lifted on its crucial oil industry and other sectors.

Iran's Javan newspaper, which is believed to be close to its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, suggested in an editorial Tuesday that Tehran would be open to reducing its enrichment.

“Something that we have done before, why should we not carry it again and reach a deal?” the editorial asked. "This is not called a withdrawal by Islamic Republic from its ideals anywhere in the world.”

When Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018, however, he pointed at Iran's ballistic missile stockpile as one reason to leave the deal. Witkoff said any deal with Iran would have to include “missiles, the type of missiles that they have stockpiled there and it includes the trigger for a bomb.”

Iran relies on its ballistic missiles as a hedge against regional nations armed with advanced fighter jets and other American weaponry. Getting it to abandon its missile program likely will be difficult in negotiations.

Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report. ___

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carnegie.org/">the Carnegie Corporation of New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://outrider.org/">Outrider Foundation</a>. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744712636526.png" alt="This photograph released by the U.S. Navy shows a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter hovering over the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier while operating in the Middle East on April 12, 2025. (Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Jordan/U.S. Navy via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This photograph released by the U.S. Navy shows a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter hovering over the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier while operating in the Middle East on April 12, 2025. (Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Jordan/U.S. Navy via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A second U.S. aircraft carrier is operating in Mideast waters ahead of the next round of talks between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">Iran</a>&nbsp;and the United States over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-us-tensions-explains-25acc4bfbbe165a374a58ebfa6a4ab41">Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>, satellite photos analyzed Tuesday by The Associated Press showed.The operation of the USS Carl Vinson and its strike group in the Arabian Sea comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-airstrikes-israel-hamas-war-f37d6c5e878045efd48d3790fe69aef7">suspected U.S. airstrikes pounded parts of Yemen controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;overnight into Tuesday. American officials repeatedly have linked the U.S.' monthlong campaign against the Houthis under President Donald Trump as a means to pressure Iran in the negotiations.Questions remain over where the weekend talks between the countries will be held after officials initially identified Rome as hosting the negotiations, only for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-talks-italy-77b07a31957b2cb64bd2c37a9d47dad5">Iran to insist early Tuesday they would return to Oman</a>. American officials so far haven't said where the talks will be held.The stakes of the negotiations couldn’t be higher for the two nations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-timeline-nuclear-program-uranium-tehran-118ab7924978559857cceb5a39f711f5">closing in on half a century of enmity</a>. Trump repeatedly has threatened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-trump-nuclear-weapons-program-702e7dfa4c3609f8cefdcb9f67b8117a">to unleash airstrikes</a>&nbsp;targeting Iran’s nuclear program if a deal isn’t reached. Iranian officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-iran-dubai-nuclear-d96093efcf1e6b8581138b9db48cbedc">increasingly warn that they could pursue a nuclear weapon</a>&nbsp;with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.But even Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly described the first round of talks as going “well,” even while still couching his remarks Tuesday.<a href="https://koff-special-envoy-russia-ukraine-mideast-d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e/">U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff</a>, who represented America in last weekend's talks in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-talks-oman-nuclear-program-5813e0814efcd99616428086de6ba0be">Oman</a>, separately signaled that the Trump administration may be looking at terms of the 2015 nuclear deal that the president unilaterally withdrew from in 2018 as a basis for these negotiations. He described the talks last weekend as “positive, constructive, compelling.”“This is going to be much about verification on the enrichment program, and then ultimately verification on weaponization,” Witkoff told Fox News on Monday night. “That includes missiles, the type of missiles that they have stockpiled there. And it includes the trigger for a bomb.”He added: “We’re here to see if we can solve this situation diplomatically and with dialogue.”<h2>Vinson joins Truman as second US aircraft carrier in Mideast</h2>Satellite photos taken Monday by the European Union's Copernicus program showed the Vinson, which is based out of San Diego, California, operating northeast of Socotra, an island off Yemen that sits near the mouth of the Gulf of Aden. The Vinson is accompanied by the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton and two Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, the USS Sterett and the USS William P. Lawrence.The U.S. ordered the Vinson to the Mideast to back up the USS Harry S. Truman, which has been launching airstrikes against the Houthis since the American campaign started March 15. Footage released by the Navy showed the Vinson preparing ordinance and launching F-35 and F/A-18 fighter jets off its deck in recent days.The U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, which oversees the Mideast, declined to discuss details of the Vinson's operations. However, hours after the AP's report, the U.S. military's Central Command posted videos from the two carriers on the social platform X saying there had been “24/7 strikes” on the Houthis by the two carriers.<h2>Khamenei responds</h2>The Vinson's arrival came as Khamenei, while speaking to high-ranking government officials in Tehran on Tuesday, endorsed the progress of the talks.“We shouldn’t be overly optimistic about this dialogue, nor overly pessimistic," the 85-year-old Khamenei said. "The first steps have been taken well and executed properly. From here on, the process should be followed carefully. The red lines are clear — both for the other side and for us. We may or may not reach a result, but either way, it’s worth pursuing.”He also urged officials “not to tie the country’s affairs” to the talks, which are scheduled to have a second round on Saturday.“Of course, we don’t fully trust them — we know who we’re dealing with,” Khamenei added. “But we are optimistic about our own capabilities.”<h2>Witkoff suggests 3.67% uranium enrichment for Iran</h2>Meanwhile, Witkoff offered for the first time a specific enrichment level he'd like to see for Iran's nuclear program. Today, Tehran enriches uranium to up to 60% — a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%.“They do not need to enrich past 3.67%,” Witkoff told Fox News. "In some circumstances, they’re at 60%, in other circumstances, 20%. That cannot be.“And you do not need to run, as they claim, a civil nuclear program where you’re enriching past 3.67%. So this is going to be much about verification on the enrichment program, and then ultimately verification on weaponization.”The 2015 nuclear deal Iran agreed to with world powers under President Barack Obama saw Tehran agree to drastically reduce its stockpile of uranium and only enrich up to 3.67% — enough for its nuclear power plant at Bushehr. Iran in exchange received access to frozen funds around the world, and sanctions were lifted on its crucial oil industry and other sectors.Iran's Javan newspaper, which is believed to be close to its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, suggested in an editorial Tuesday that Tehran would be open to reducing its enrichment.“Something that we have done before, why should we not carry it again and reach a deal?” the editorial asked. "This is not called a withdrawal by Islamic Republic from its ideals anywhere in the world.”When Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018, however, he pointed at Iran's ballistic missile stockpile as one reason to leave the deal. Witkoff said any deal with Iran would have to include “missiles, the type of missiles that they have stockpiled there and it includes the trigger for a bomb.”Iran relies on its ballistic missiles as a hedge against regional nations armed with advanced fighter jets and other American weaponry. Getting it to abandon its missile program likely will be difficult in negotiations.___Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report. ___The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carnegie.org/">the Carnegie Corporation of New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://outrider.org/">Outrider Foundation</a>. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Another show of US force in Mideast ahead of second round of Iran nuclear talks

Kinley Doonan, a Fort Hays State University freshman, wanted to help others even if it meant flying far from her comfort zone. Her motivation is her Catholic upbringing.

"I've always wanted to go on a mission trip. I went to Catholic school my whole life. ... I thought it would be really cool to go help people, and when the opportunity came up, I just thought that I'd take it," Doonan said.

Through hands-on service and faith-centered outreach, the FHSU Comeau Catholic Campus Center left a lasting impression on the heart of Peru.

Lizzie Brisnehan is a first-year missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), a nonprofit that shares the gospel with young adults nationwide through various initiatives.

"Our main mission as FOCUS missionaries is to know Jesus and share his message with others, specifically to teach college students how to do that," she said.

While many students spent spring break with family, 16 Catholic Tigers journeyed to the mountainous community of Pamplona on the outskirts of Lima, Peru’s capital, to serve those in need.

Alongside Fr. Father Andy Hammeke and other FOCUS missionaries, Brisnehan guided students on a life-changing journey that left a lasting impact on the people they served.

FHSU freshman Hadley Ohl joined the mission for her first international service experience, helping with road maintenance in an area marked by extreme poverty.

"[Their homes] were like shacks. No running water, no AC, and their bathrooms were just a toilet with no toilet paper," Ohl said. "It was very, very different from what I thought it was going to be like. Most places didn't have windows or roofs. Some of them were caved in."

"It was very much outdoors," Doonan said. "It was dusty because the mountains were just rock and dirt. ... The kids were dusty, and there was a decent amount of trash blowing around everywhere."

The students spent about five hours each day working with local men, learning how to mix concrete and build a retaining wall along the mountainside to keep falling rocks from damaging nearby homes.

While manual labor was a key part of the trip, connecting with the people of Lima was just as meaningful. Despite language barriers and early doubts about her spiritual impact, Doonan built strong relationships with local children and fellow students.

"There was this one girl who, on the first day, I really bonded with. She introduced me to her family, and she introduced me as her friend. It was really sweet," she said.

Although the students spent time preparing for their trip to Peru, Ohl said she still wasn’t fully ready for the conditions they would encounter.

"I feel like mentally I was not prepared to see how they lived in those conditions," Ohl said. "They were so happy just to see us. I feel like they were happier than some of us back here who have a lot."

Doonan said she was mentally and physically prepared for the week of work, but there were moments when she did not feel her efforts to help were genuinely making a difference.

"I thought it would feel like I was doing more the first day there, especially since I couldn't speak to them because of the language barrier. I felt like I couldn't give them anything," she said. "Through the Lord's grace, I was able to feel like I was giving them myself."

Though Doonan questioned her ability to make a difference, the experience ultimately deepened her faith, strengthened her gratitude and shifted how she envisions her future.

Ohl said the trip opened her eyes to how much she has and often takes for granted, especially compared to the daily struggles many in Peru face to meet basic needs.

She also said the experience brought her close to Jesus and deepened her spiritual connection.

"I feel so much closer to Jesus after the trip. I'm filled with joy whenever I think about him, go to Mass, go to adoration and say the Rosary. ... I feel like I should take advantage of those things because those people down there don't have that every day," Ohl said.

Brisnehan said the group helped fulfill spiritual needs in an area where access to formal religious services was limited or nonexistent.

"We brought Jesus in the eucharist up the mountain through this big procession, and then we had a makeshift chapel for people to pray in all day before bringing it back to the community," she said.

Brisnehan said the students formed stronger bonds with one another and have become more engaged in campus religious activities since returning.

Alongside their service work, the students spent a day on pilgrimage, exploring cultural and spiritual landmarks in Peru's capital.

The group toured a grand cathedral and monastery, viewing the remains of hundreds of Dominican priests and several saints, including St. Martin de Porres and&nbsp;St. Rose of Lima, the first saint from the Americas.

Ohl and Doonan encourage anyone considering a mission trip or service work to trust their inner calling and follow where it leads.

"I think God would not put that in your heart or mind if you weren't meant to do it," Ohl said.

"There was some sacrifice; I couldn't go home and see my family, but it was so worth it and I would do it again," Doonan said.

The Catholic Tigers partnered with Bridges, a Peru-based nonprofit, and longtime missionaries who have spent years serving the needy.

You can follow the Comeau Catholic Campus Center on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/www.catholictigers.org">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744129998866.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University Catholic Tigers on their Peru mission trip over spring break. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University Catholic Tigers on their Peru mission trip over spring break. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostKinley Doonan, a Fort Hays State University freshman, wanted to help others even if it meant flying far from her comfort zone. Her motivation is her Catholic upbringing."I've always wanted to go on a mission trip. I went to Catholic school my whole life. ... I thought it would be really cool to go help people, and when the opportunity came up, I just thought that I'd take it," Doonan said.Through hands-on service and faith-centered outreach, the FHSU Comeau Catholic Campus Center left a lasting impression on the heart of Peru.Lizzie Brisnehan is a first-year missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), a nonprofit that shares the gospel with young adults nationwide through various initiatives."Our main mission as FOCUS missionaries is to know Jesus and share his message with others, specifically to teach college students how to do that," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744130167539.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University Catholic Tigers at Pamplona, Peru. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University Catholic Tigers at Pamplona, Peru. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>While many students spent spring break with family, 16 Catholic Tigers journeyed to the mountainous community of Pamplona on the outskirts of Lima, Peru’s capital, to serve those in need.Alongside Fr. Father Andy Hammeke and other FOCUS missionaries, Brisnehan guided students on a life-changing journey that left a lasting impact on the people they served.FHSU freshman Hadley Ohl joined the mission for her first international service experience, helping with road maintenance in an area marked by extreme poverty."[Their homes] were like shacks. No running water, no AC, and their bathrooms were just a toilet with no toilet paper," Ohl said. "It was very, very different from what I thought it was going to be like. Most places didn't have windows or roofs. Some of them were caved in.""It was very much outdoors," Doonan said. "It was dusty because the mountains were just rock and dirt. ... The kids were dusty, and there was a decent amount of trash blowing around everywhere."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744130213346.jpeg" alt="Volunteers and Fort Hays State University students mixing concrete for a retaining wall to prevent loose rocks from falling on houses and water trucks passing through. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers and Fort Hays State University students mixing concrete for a retaining wall to prevent loose rocks from falling on houses and water trucks passing through. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744130260158.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University students Grace Eck, Kinley Doonan, Aspen Buessing and Riley Schmidtlein (left to right) mixing up concrete by hand for a retaining wall. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University students Grace Eck, Kinley Doonan, Aspen Buessing and Riley Schmidtlein (left to right) mixing up concrete by hand for a retaining wall. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The students spent about five hours each day working with local men, learning how to mix concrete and build a retaining wall along the mountainside to keep falling rocks from damaging nearby homes.While manual labor was a key part of the trip, connecting with the people of Lima was just as meaningful. Despite language barriers and early doubts about her spiritual impact, Doonan built strong relationships with local children and fellow students."There was this one girl who, on the first day, I really bonded with. She introduced me to her family, and she introduced me as her friend. It was really sweet," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744646342698.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University freshman Kinley Doonan with a little girl she bonded with in Pamplona. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University freshman Kinley Doonan with a little girl she bonded with in Pamplona. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Although the students spent time preparing for their trip to Peru, Ohl said she still wasn’t fully ready for the conditions they would encounter."I feel like mentally I was not prepared to see how they lived in those conditions," Ohl said. "They were so happy just to see us. I feel like they were happier than some of us back here who have a lot."Doonan said she was mentally and physically prepared for the week of work, but there were moments when she did not feel her efforts to help were genuinely making a difference."I thought it would feel like I was doing more the first day there, especially since I couldn't speak to them because of the language barrier. I felt like I couldn't give them anything," she said. "Through the Lord's grace, I was able to feel like I was giving them myself."Though Doonan questioned her ability to make a difference, the experience ultimately deepened her faith, strengthened her gratitude and shifted how she envisions her future.Ohl said the trip opened her eyes to how much she has and often takes for granted, especially compared to the daily struggles many in Peru face to meet basic needs.She also said the experience brought her close to Jesus and deepened her spiritual connection."I feel so much closer to Jesus after the trip. I'm filled with joy whenever I think about him, go to Mass, go to adoration and say the Rosary. ... I feel like I should take advantage of those things because those people down there don't have that every day," Ohl said.Brisnehan said the group helped fulfill spiritual needs in an area where access to formal religious services was limited or nonexistent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744130558982.jpeg" alt="Fr. Andy Hammeke carrying Jesus in the Eucharist at the base of the mountain for a Eucharistic Procession with FOCUS missionary Anthony Kowal, FOCUS missionary Donovan Heard and Fort Hays State senior Elias Ovelar Semeniuk (left to right). Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fr. Andy Hammeke carrying Jesus in the Eucharist at the base of the mountain for a Eucharistic Procession with FOCUS missionary Anthony Kowal, FOCUS missionary Donovan Heard and Fort Hays State senior Elias Ovelar Semeniuk (left to right). Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744130456115.jpeg" alt="FOCUS missionary Donovan Heard, Fort Hays State University senior Elias Ovelar Semeniuk and Fr. Andy (left to right) with their group hiking up a mountain to visit the locals in Pamplona. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>FOCUS missionary Donovan Heard, Fort Hays State University senior Elias Ovelar Semeniuk and Fr. Andy (left to right) with their group hiking up a mountain to visit the locals in Pamplona. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744130486332.jpeg" alt="The Fort Hays State University Catholic students hiking back down the mountain at the end of their work day. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>The Fort Hays State University Catholic students hiking back down the mountain at the end of their work day. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"We brought Jesus in the eucharist up the mountain through this big procession, and then we had a makeshift chapel for people to pray in all day before bringing it back to the community," she said.Brisnehan said the students formed stronger bonds with one another and have become more engaged in campus religious activities since returning.Alongside their service work, the students spent a day on pilgrimage, exploring cultural and spiritual landmarks in Peru's capital.The group toured a grand cathedral and monastery, viewing the remains of hundreds of Dominican priests and several saints, including St. Martin de Porres and&nbsp;St. Rose of Lima, the first saint from the Americas.Ohl and Doonan encourage anyone considering a mission trip or service work to trust their inner calling and follow where it leads."I think God would not put that in your heart or mind if you weren't meant to do it," Ohl said."There was some sacrifice; I couldn't go home and see my family, but it was so worth it and I would do it again," Doonan said.The Catholic Tigers partnered with Bridges, a Peru-based nonprofit, and longtime missionaries who have spent years serving the needy.You can follow the Comeau Catholic Campus Center on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/www.catholictigers.org">Facebook</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744130595286.jpeg" alt="Lizzie Brisnehan with 4-year-old Valeria, who loved to be swung around. The photo was taken before the Fort Hays State University group gathered to do prayer and Eucharistic Benediction with all the kids. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Lizzie Brisnehan with 4-year-old Valeria, who loved to be swung around. The photo was taken before the Fort Hays State University group gathered to do prayer and Eucharistic Benediction with all the kids. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744130651785.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University senior Riley Schmidtlein with a local girl from Pamplona. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University senior Riley Schmidtlein with a local girl from Pamplona. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744130690540.jpeg" alt="FOCUS missionary Donovan Heard carrying Tomas, a local boy, on his shoulders. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>FOCUS missionary Donovan Heard carrying Tomas, a local boy, on his shoulders. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744647468624.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University senior Paige Rau with Jackie. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University senior Paige Rau with Jackie. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU Catholic students bring service, faith to Peru

Hays Post Sports HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs extended their win streak to
10 straight to open the season Monday. They completed a doubleheader sweep of
the Ellis Railroaders in Hays, winning 10-0 and 14-4.

The Monarchs scored in four of five innings in a 10-0
run-rule victory in game one.

Following a scoreless first inning, the Monarchs pushed
across the game's first runs, scoring four runs in the bottom of the second
inning.

Grant Nehls scored the game’s first run when he scored on a
passed ball. 

Ian Nehls added a two-run single for a 3-0 TMP lead, and
then Jacob Seib scored on a passed ball, making it 4-0.

TMP loaded the bases to open the bottom of the third inning
before pushing for more run across in the inning.

The Monarchs' first run of the inning came on a wild pitch.
They added a second run on a Connor Breit RBI single. A third run scored on an
Austin Gilbert RBI single and the final run scored on a Ian Nehls RBI ground out
putting TMP up 8-0.

A Gilbert sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fourth gave TMP
a 9-0 lead.

In the fifth, Caden Dinkel singled home a run in the bottom
of the fifth leading TMP to the 10-0 run rule&nbsp;
victory.

Dinkel finished 3-for-4 and Ian Nehls drove in three runs.

Carson Liles earned the victory with four shutout innings.
He allowed just three hits with two walks and two strikeouts. 

GAME 2: TMP 14, Ellis 4 In the day's final game, the Monarchs scored in every inning
on their way to a 14-4 victory.

Ellis opened the scoring with a pair of runs in the top of
the first. 

The Monarchs answered with two runs in the bottom of the
first on a two-run Grant Nehls double.

The Railers tied the game with a single run in the top of
the second.

Ian Nehls put the Monarchs back on top, in the bottom of the
second, on a sacrifice fly to center field, making it 3-2.

A Connor Breit sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third,
putting TMP up 4-2.

The Monarchs broke free with five runs in the bottom of the fourth.

Ty Schmeidler and Caden Dinkel drove in two runs with
back-to-back RBI singles.

An Adler Brown two-run double makes it 8-2 TMP. TMP also
added a run on an error for a 9-2 through four innings.

TMP pushed two more runs across when Grant Nehls tripled and
scored on an error, putting TMP up 11-2.

After Ellis scored two runs in the top of the sixth, the
Monarchs took advantage of three walks, two errors, and a single in the bottom
of the sixth inning as they scored three runs, securing the 14-4 run-rule
victory.

Jacob Seib finished 3-for-5 and scored three runs. Grant Nehls finished 2-for-2 with four RBI's and 3 walks.

Caden Dinkel earned the win. He allowed just two runs on four hits over four innings.&nbsp;

Hays Post Sports HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs extended their win streak to
10 straight to open the season Monday. They completed a doubleheader sweep of
the Ellis Railroaders in Hays, winning 10-0 and 14-4.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2078793356&color=%232b009a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-bsb-coach-post-v-ellis-apr" title="TMP BSB Coach Aaron Breit v Ellis Apr 14, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP BSB Coach Aaron Breit v Ellis Apr 14, 2025</a></div></div>GAME 1: TMP 10, Ellis 0The Monarchs scored in four of five innings in a 10-0
run-rule victory in game one.Following a scoreless first inning, the Monarchs pushed
across the game's first runs, scoring four runs in the bottom of the second
inning.Grant Nehls scored the game’s first run when he scored on a
passed ball. Ian Nehls added a two-run single for a 3-0 TMP lead, and
then Jacob Seib scored on a passed ball, making it 4-0.TMP loaded the bases to open the bottom of the third inning
before pushing for more run across in the inning.The Monarchs' first run of the inning came on a wild pitch.
They added a second run on a Connor Breit RBI single. A third run scored on an
Austin Gilbert RBI single and the final run scored on a Ian Nehls RBI ground out
putting TMP up 8-0.A Gilbert sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fourth gave TMP
a 9-0 lead.In the fifth, Caden Dinkel singled home a run in the bottom
of the fifth leading TMP to the 10-0 run rule&nbsp;
victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2078731020&color=%232b009a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-bsb-highlights-game-1-v" title="TMP BSB Highlights Game 1 v Ellis Apr 14, 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP BSB Highlights Game 1 v Ellis Apr 14, 2024</a></div></div>Dinkel finished 3-for-4 and Ian Nehls drove in three runs.Carson Liles earned the victory with four shutout innings.
He allowed just three hits with two walks and two strikeouts. GAME 2: TMP 14, Ellis 4 In the day's final game, the Monarchs scored in every inning
on their way to a 14-4 victory.Ellis opened the scoring with a pair of runs in the top of
the first. The Monarchs answered with two runs in the bottom of the
first on a two-run Grant Nehls double.The Railers tied the game with a single run in the top of
the second.Ian Nehls put the Monarchs back on top, in the bottom of the
second, on a sacrifice fly to center field, making it 3-2.A Connor Breit sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third,
putting TMP up 4-2.The Monarchs broke free with five runs in the bottom of the fourth.Ty Schmeidler and Caden Dinkel drove in two runs with
back-to-back RBI singles.An Adler Brown two-run double makes it 8-2 TMP. TMP also
added a run on an error for a 9-2 through four innings.TMP pushed two more runs across when Grant Nehls tripled and
scored on an error, putting TMP up 11-2.After Ellis scored two runs in the top of the sixth, the
Monarchs took advantage of three walks, two errors, and a single in the bottom
of the sixth inning as they scored three runs, securing the 14-4 run-rule
victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2078799420&color=%232b009a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-bsb-highlights-game-2-v" title="TMP BSB Highlights Game 2 v Ellis April 14, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP BSB Highlights Game 2 v Ellis April 14, 2025</a></div></div>Jacob Seib finished 3-for-5 and scored three runs. Grant Nehls finished 2-for-2 with four RBI's and 3 walks.Caden Dinkel earned the win. He allowed just two runs on four hits over four innings.&nbsp;

⚾Monarchs complete sweep of Ellis Railroaders

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will hear an informational session about infrastructure costs for new housing during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts, a Kansas Department of Commerce program, have been used in nearby cities but could be used for the first time in rural Ellis County.

Dominic Eck of Gillmore &amp; Bell will provide an overview of the process if it were to proceed.

Darin Myers, county administrator,  will meet with commissioners to begin the 2026 budget process. Commissioners will be asked to provide direction on financial objectives, mill levy targets, staffing and project priorities.

Budget requests from departments and agencies are due in May.

Commissioners will also review the monthly reports submitted by various departments, such as calls for emergency services and on-scene time for incident responses.

Myers will discuss several reports, including those from Ellis County Communications, Environmental Services, EMS and the Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;

Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun will ask commissioners to approve the use of about $800 from the Opioid Settlement Fund to cover the travel costs of a retired narcotics detective.

The detective will teach a class for local law enforcement on fentanyl and opioid overdose death investigations.

The county commission will consider approving 15 scholarship 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.

$10,000 has been set aside in the 2025 Ellis County budget for this project.

The commission will be asked to authorize the purchase of asphalt emulsion oils from Ergon Asphalt &amp; Emulsions to support the 2025 Asphalt Maintenance Plan.

The total cost of the materials is&nbsp;$882,837.

The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission chairman and the Environmental Services director will ask the commission to take action on a permit to authorize equipment sales, storage and rental on county property.

Myers will also discuss the potential sale of a brush truck to another governmental agency.

The 2024 County Engineer's annual report will summarize the previous year's projects and timesheets. It will then be submitted to KDOT for inclusion in the Kansas local infrastructure planning.

<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 Commission will hear an informational session about infrastructure costs for new housing during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts, a Kansas Department of Commerce program, have been used in nearby cities but could be used for the first time in rural Ellis County.Dominic Eck of Gillmore &amp; Bell will provide an overview of the process if it were to proceed.<h2>2026 budget direction</h2>Darin Myers, county administrator, will meet with commissioners to begin the 2026 budget process. Commissioners will be asked to provide direction on financial objectives, mill levy targets, staffing and project priorities.Budget requests from departments and agencies are due in May.<h2>Monthly departmental reports</h2>Commissioners will also review the monthly reports submitted by various departments, such as calls for emergency services and on-scene time for incident responses.Myers will discuss several reports, including those from Ellis County Communications, Environmental Services, EMS and the Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;<h2>Opioid funds for travel expenses</h2>Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun will ask commissioners to approve the use of about $800 from the Opioid Settlement Fund to cover the travel costs of a retired narcotics detective.The detective will teach a class for local law enforcement on fentanyl and opioid overdose death investigations.<h2>Ellis County Commission scholarships</h2>The county commission will consider approving 15 scholarship 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.$10,000 has been set aside in the 2025 Ellis County budget for this project.<h2>Asphalt maintenance materials</h2>The commission will be asked to authorize the purchase of asphalt emulsion oils from Ergon Asphalt &amp; Emulsions to support the 2025 Asphalt Maintenance Plan.The total cost of the materials is&nbsp;$882,837.<h2>Other business</h2>The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission chairman and the Environmental Services director will ask the commission to take action on a permit to authorize equipment sales, storage and rental on county property.Myers will also discuss the potential sale of a brush truck to another governmental agency.The 2024 County Engineer's annual report will summarize the previous year's projects and timesheets. It will then be submitted to KDOT for inclusion in the Kansas local infrastructure planning.

Ellis County Commission to hear report on housing incentives

Photos by Tony Guerrero Hays Post

Dogs got a head start on Easter this year with a fun-filled egg hunt packed with treats just for them. The Hays Recreation Commission hosted the sixth annual Doggie Day Egg Hunt on Sunday for an afternoon of fun for local pet owners.

Photos by Tony Guerrero Hays PostDogs got a head start on Easter this year with a fun-filled egg hunt packed with treats just for them. The Hays Recreation Commission hosted the sixth annual Doggie Day Egg Hunt on Sunday for an afternoon of fun for local pet owners.<figure>
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Photo Gallery: 2025 Doggie Day Egg Hunt in Hays

From Arctic research to academic recognition, the 20th annual John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days honors the lasting legacy of a beloved Fort Hays State University professor.

The daylong public celebration of academic and creative work by students, faculty, and staff is set for April 24. An online showcase will run April 21–25.

Kaley Schnack, FHSU Grants Coordinator, said the event is also an effort to build familiarity within the community and spotlight the university's work.

"We continue to host this event to allow staff to be able to meet all our community members... contuning to really hone in on all of our research that we're doing at the university," she said.

Hosted by FHSU, the in-person event will feature poster presentations, author showcases, art exhibits and musical performances at various locations across campus.

Free parking, refreshments, games and open exhibits make the event welcoming and enjoyable for the public.

"We have people from all over coming to campus for a variety of events that day. It's an awesome way for everybody to see the hard work that's going into the academics and showing off the amazing and talented faculty, staff and students," Schnack said.

The John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days showcase academic and creative projects across various fields at FHSU, honoring a late academic mentor.

"Dr. Heinrichs was a well-loved and respected geoscience professor at Fort Hays State," FHSU Alumni Director Kim Cebula said. "It's a great way to honor him and all that he did at the university and for our students."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744294013626.png" alt="2024 FHSU John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days. Photo by FHSU&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>2024 FHSU John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days. Photo by FHSU&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: FHSU Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days set for April 24" 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=n8htj-1878809-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>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFrom Arctic research to academic recognition, the 20th annual John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days honors the lasting legacy of a beloved Fort Hays State University professor.The daylong public celebration of academic and creative work by students, faculty, and staff is set for April 24. An online showcase will run April 21–25.Kaley Schnack, FHSU Grants Coordinator, said the event is also an effort to build familiarity within the community and spotlight the university's work."We continue to host this event to allow staff to be able to meet all our community members... contuning to really hone in on all of our research that we're doing at the university," she said.Hosted by FHSU, the in-person event will feature poster presentations, author showcases, art exhibits and musical performances at various locations across campus.Free parking, refreshments, games and open exhibits make the event welcoming and enjoyable for the public."We have people from all over coming to campus for a variety of events that day. It's an awesome way for everybody to see the hard work that's going into the academics and showing off the amazing and talented faculty, staff and students," Schnack said.The John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days showcase academic and creative projects across various fields at FHSU, honoring a late academic mentor."Dr. Heinrichs was a well-loved and respected geoscience professor at Fort Hays State," FHSU Alumni Director Kim Cebula said. "It's a great way to honor him and all that he did at the university and for our students."Heinrichs taught at FHSU from 1957 until his passing in 2014 and was widely recognized for his strong dedication to academic excellence and student achievement.He was an internationally recognized Arctic researcher whose passion for scholarly and creative work made him a strong supporter of faculty and student research at FHSU. Cebula said his enthusiasm helped spark the launch of SACAD 20 years ago.The times and locations for the celebration are as follows:• Academic posters: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (presenters 1–3 p.m.), Memorial Union• Community projects: 9–11:30 a.m., Memorial Union Ballroom• Art displays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (some artists 3–4 p.m.), Schmidt Foundation Center for Art &amp; Design• Applied tech projects: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (creators 9 a.m.–noon), Center for Applied Technology• Meet the Authors: 1–3 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom• Music performances: various times in Memorial Union Sunset Atrium; Spring Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m., Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center"Show up on campus on the 24th, come to the union and you will definitely be able to see so much of the amazing work our students are doing," Cebula said.