My name is Diane Schminke, and I’m an elementary school teacher of Sacred Heart Catholic School of Dodge City, Kansas. 

Over the past year, my family and I have experienced firsthand the exceptional care and compassion that HaysMed provides. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was terrified, but HaysMed immediately became a source of strength and hope for me. There was no question that I would continue my care here—their world-class experience and extraordinary team have made all the difference in my journey.

I travel over 100 miles one-way for my radiation treatments because I believe in the providers and the care I receive at HaysMed. This is not just about receiving care; it’s about trusting a team that makes me feel safe, supported, and deeply valued. From the moment I walk through the doors, every interaction reassures me that I’m in the best hands. The staff who greet me, the nurses who guide me, and the heartfelt doctors who patiently listen—they all create an environment where I can focus on healing.

When my breast cancer diagnosis came, it felt overwhelming. But the care and attention I received at HaysMed transformed that fear into confidence. My journey with breast cancer started with my annual well-women’s visit with Felecia Minyard, APRN at the HaysMed Dodge City Multispecialty Clinic, then soon after with a mammogram at HaysMed in Hays. 

When the imaging revealed something concerning, the staff went above and beyond. Knowing I was heading back to Dodge City, they managed to schedule advanced mammography the same day. Within 20 minutes, I was seen, and the swift action of the team gave me immense peace of mind. This commitment to patient-centered care has been a constant throughout my experience.

Dr. Issac Chambers, my HaysMed oncologist called me personally to discuss my treatment plan. He made sure my husband and children could be part of those conversations, so we were all informed and empowered. My treatment includes 20 radiation sessions—I’m currently on visit number three—as well as hormonal therapy for the next 5-7 years. Knowing I have this team beside me every step of the way makes the journey feel possible.

The compassion of the providers at HaysMed is unparalleled. Dr. Brandon Cunningham performed my lumpectomy, patiently explaining every detail and ensuring I felt cared for at every step. Sara, my nurse navigator, has been an incredible source of guidance and comfort as she guides me between the different departments and procedures. HaysMed radiation Physician Assistant, Teal Sander and Dr. Lyle Harrison have both provided outstanding support, always treating me with kindness and respect. They’ve all gone above and beyond to make sure I feel seen, heard, and cared for.

HaysMed’s care extends beyond just me. My husband, Eric, has faced significant health challenges, including COPD and heart issues, and the providers here have consistently delivered exceptional care for him as well. Dr. Gulraiz Cheema in Orthopedics, Dr. Kalyan Wagle in Cardiology, and the Pulmonology team have cared for him with the same warmth, compassion, and expertise that I’ve been fortunate to experience myself.

The personal touches at HaysMed set them apart. Whether it’s a staff member stopping in the hallway to offer assistance or a provider explaining complex medical terms in ways my family and I can understand, they consistently show genuine kindness and humanity. The portal has been an invaluable tool, giving us access to pathology reports and allowing us to communicate directly with our providers. As a family with many healthcare workers, including an ER nurse and a pharmacist, we deeply appreciate this transparency and accessibility.

Even as I balance my teaching schedule, HaysMed accommodates my needs, arranging appointments as the last of the day to minimize disruptions. Their efforts to coordinate with Felecia Minyard, APRN and the Dodge City Multispecialty Clinic have been remarkable, reducing our travel burden and making care seamless. The clinic’s staff responds promptly, works around pre-scheduled commitments, and ensures I’m never left waiting for answers or care.

There’s a reason we keep coming back to HaysMed. It’s not just the exceptional medical care—it’s the unwavering support, kindness, and humanity they bring to every interaction. They’ve been a cornerstone of our healthcare journey, and I cannot thank them enough for walking with me through this challenging chapter of my life. HaysMed is more than a hospital; it’s a place of hope, healing, and heart.

Diane Schminke Dodge City, Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>My name is Diane Schminke, and I’m an elementary school teacher of Sacred Heart Catholic School of Dodge City, Kansas. Over the past year, my family and I have experienced firsthand the exceptional care and compassion that HaysMed provides. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was terrified, but HaysMed immediately became a source of strength and hope for me. There was no question that I would continue my care here—their world-class experience and extraordinary team have made all the difference in my journey.I travel over 100 miles one-way for my radiation treatments because I believe in the providers and the care I receive at HaysMed. This is not just about receiving care; it’s about trusting a team that makes me feel safe, supported, and deeply valued. From the moment I walk through the doors, every interaction reassures me that I’m in the best hands. The staff who greet me, the nurses who guide me, and the heartfelt doctors who patiently listen—they all create an environment where I can focus on healing.When my breast cancer diagnosis came, it felt overwhelming. But the care and attention I received at HaysMed transformed that fear into confidence. My journey with breast cancer started with my annual well-women’s visit with Felecia Minyard, APRN at the HaysMed Dodge City Multispecialty Clinic, then soon after with a mammogram at HaysMed in Hays. When the imaging revealed something concerning, the staff went above and beyond. Knowing I was heading back to Dodge City, they managed to schedule advanced mammography the same day. Within 20 minutes, I was seen, and the swift action of the team gave me immense peace of mind. This commitment to patient-centered care has been a constant throughout my experience.Dr. Issac Chambers, my HaysMed oncologist called me personally to discuss my treatment plan. He made sure my husband and children could be part of those conversations, so we were all informed and empowered. My treatment includes 20 radiation sessions—I’m currently on visit number three—as well as hormonal therapy for the next 5-7 years. Knowing I have this team beside me every step of the way makes the journey feel possible.The compassion of the providers at HaysMed is unparalleled. Dr. Brandon Cunningham performed my lumpectomy, patiently explaining every detail and ensuring I felt cared for at every step. Sara, my nurse navigator, has been an incredible source of guidance and comfort as she guides me between the different departments and procedures. HaysMed radiation Physician Assistant, Teal Sander and Dr. Lyle Harrison have both provided outstanding support, always treating me with kindness and respect. They’ve all gone above and beyond to make sure I feel seen, heard, and cared for.HaysMed’s care extends beyond just me. My husband, Eric, has faced significant health challenges, including COPD and heart issues, and the providers here have consistently delivered exceptional care for him as well. Dr. Gulraiz Cheema in Orthopedics, Dr. Kalyan Wagle in Cardiology, and the Pulmonology team have cared for him with the same warmth, compassion, and expertise that I’ve been fortunate to experience myself.The personal touches at HaysMed set them apart. Whether it’s a staff member stopping in the hallway to offer assistance or a provider explaining complex medical terms in ways my family and I can understand, they consistently show genuine kindness and humanity. The portal has been an invaluable tool, giving us access to pathology reports and allowing us to communicate directly with our providers. As a family with many healthcare workers, including an ER nurse and a pharmacist, we deeply appreciate this transparency and accessibility.Even as I balance my teaching schedule, HaysMed accommodates my needs, arranging appointments as the last of the day to minimize disruptions. Their efforts to coordinate with Felecia Minyard, APRN and the Dodge City Multispecialty Clinic have been remarkable, reducing our travel burden and making care seamless. The clinic’s staff responds promptly, works around pre-scheduled commitments, and ensures I’m never left waiting for answers or care.There’s a reason we keep coming back to HaysMed. It’s not just the exceptional medical care—it’s the unwavering support, kindness, and humanity they bring to every interaction. They’ve been a cornerstone of our healthcare journey, and I cannot thank them enough for walking with me through this challenging chapter of my life. HaysMed is more than a hospital; it’s a place of hope, healing, and heart.Diane Schminke Dodge City, Kansas

LETTER: HaysMed place of hope, healing, heart

By&nbsp; JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

HAYS -&nbsp;The TMP-Marian Monarchs earned a doubleheader split of a pair of non-league games Tuesday night in Hays.

GIRLS: TMP 41, Great Bend 32 TMP (7-5) outscored Great Bend 11-2 to end the first quarter and open the second quarter on their way to a 41-32 victory.

Great Bend (4-9) held on to a 5-2 lead in the first quarter but the Monarchs closed the first quarter and opened the second quarter on a &nbsp;12-4 run taking a 13-7 lead with 1:46.

Hannah Rose and Claire Schippers each connecting on a three-pointers capping off the Monarchs’ run.

The Monarchs led by as many as six in the second quarter and eight in the third quarter before Great Bend trimmed the lead to three, on back-to-back threes and pulled themselves within 25-22 in the final minutes of the third quarter.

In the final frame the Monarchs’ Gracyn Schippers scored 10 of her game-high 12 points as Monarchs closed out a 41-32 win.

BOYS: Great Bend 68, TMP 41 The Great Bend Panthers (12-1) outscored the Monarchs 13-0 over the first 3 minutes and 45 seconds of the first quarter and maintained the double digit lead on their way to the 68-41 victory.

It took the Monarchs (5-7) until the 3:35 mark of the first quarter to break onto the scoreboard when Will Eck hit the first of nine three pointers on the night for the Monarchs.

Ty Schmeidler added a pair of free throws and a three of his own in the first quarter making it 17-8 but the Panthers quickly extended their lead once again. Great Bend led 25-9 after the first quarter.

Great Bend used a 6-0 run to end the first half and outscored TMP 14-6 to open the second half, for a 20-6 run the put the game out-of-reach for the Monarchs.

Great Bend would go on to secure a 68-41 victory.

TMP’s Caden Dinkel scored nine on three three pointers. Schmeidler added eight points.&nbsp;

Great Bend’s Ian Premer scored a game-high 25 points.

TMP will host Larned on Friday and Great Bend hosts Hays.

By&nbsp; JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostHAYS -&nbsp;The TMP-Marian Monarchs earned a doubleheader split of a pair of non-league games Tuesday night in Hays.GIRLS: TMP 41, Great Bend 32 TMP (7-5) outscored Great Bend 11-2 to end the first quarter and open the second quarter on their way to a 41-32 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/2020746613&color=%23ff5500&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/john-linn-postgame-interview-1" title="John Linn Postgame interview vs Great Bend (Jan 28th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">John Linn Postgame interview vs Great Bend (Jan 28th 25)</a></div></div>Great Bend (4-9) held on to a 5-2 lead in the first quarter but the Monarchs closed the first quarter and opened the second quarter on a &nbsp;12-4 run taking a 13-7 lead with 1:46.Hannah Rose and Claire Schippers each connecting on a three-pointers capping off the Monarchs’ run.The Monarchs led by as many as six in the second quarter and eight in the third quarter before Great Bend trimmed the lead to three, on back-to-back threes and pulled themselves within 25-22 in the final minutes of the third quarter.In the final frame the Monarchs’ Gracyn Schippers scored 10 of her game-high 12 points as Monarchs closed out a 41-32 win.<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/2020747617&color=%23ff5500&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-wbkb-highlights-vs-great-bend-jan-28th-25" title="TMP WBKB Highlights Vs Great Bend (Jan 28th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP WBKB Highlights Vs Great Bend (Jan 28th 25)</a></div></div>BOYS: Great Bend 68, TMP 41 The Great Bend Panthers (12-1) outscored the Monarchs 13-0 over the first 3 minutes and 45 seconds of the first quarter and maintained the double digit lead on their way to the 68-41 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/2020746053&color=%23ff5500&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/bill-meagher-postgame" title="Bill Meagher postgame interview vs Great bend (jan 28th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Bill Meagher postgame interview vs Great bend (jan 28th 25)</a></div></div>It took the Monarchs (5-7) until the 3:35 mark of the first quarter to break onto the scoreboard when Will Eck hit the first of nine three pointers on the night for the Monarchs.Ty Schmeidler added a pair of free throws and a three of his own in the first quarter making it 17-8 but the Panthers quickly extended their lead once again. Great Bend led 25-9 after the first quarter.Great Bend used a 6-0 run to end the first half and outscored TMP 14-6 to open the second half, for a 20-6 run the put the game out-of-reach for the Monarchs.Great Bend would go on to secure a 68-41 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/2020747313&color=%23ff5500&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-mbkb-highlights-vs-great" title="TMP MBKB Highlights vs Great Bend (jan 28th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP MBKB Highlights vs Great Bend (jan 28th 25)</a></div></div>TMP’s Caden Dinkel scored nine on three three pointers. Schmeidler added eight points.&nbsp;Great Bend’s Ian Premer scored a game-high 25 points.TMP will host Larned on Friday and Great Bend hosts Hays.

🏀 Monarchs split non-league games with Great Bend

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State remained among the receiving votes section of the NABC Top 25 Poll for the fifth-straight week on Tuesday. The Tigers currently own a 13-5 overall record for the season and sit in second place in the MIAA standings.

Washburn remained the No. 1 team in the nation in both the NABC and D2CSC Top 25 Polls for a third-straight week. The Ichabods are off to a 19-0 start to the season, one of only two undefeated teams remaining in NCAA Division II. Fort Hays State is the only other MIAA program referenced in the latest NABC poll. The Tigers are the fifth-highest listed team among schools in the Central Region, with four currently in the Top 25 and one joining FHSU in the receiving votes section.

The Tigers get a chance to play the nation's top ranked team on Thursday in Topeka in the second meeting with the Ichabods this season. Washburn won the first meeting of the season in Hays 71-57 back on December 7.It has not been very long since FHSU last faced an NABC No. 1 ranked team. The last occurrence was against Northwest Missouri State during the 2022-23 season. All five previous occurrences of FHSU playing the NABC No. 1 ranked team in its NCAA Division II history have been on the road, picking up a win in one of the contests. That win was at No. 1 ranked Central Missouri during the 2009-10 season in Warrensburg when FHSU held the No. 13 ranking in the NABC Poll. Three of the five meetings against No. 1 teams on the road were at Northwest Missouri State, and the other was at Metro State (now MSU Denver) during the 2003-04 season.

Two of Fort Hays State's losses this season were to current NABC Top 25 ranked teams. The Tigers fell to Washburn back on December 7 when the Ichabods were ranked No. 3 and to Southwest Minnesota State (currently No. 13) in the season opener back on November 8. Southwest Minnesota State began the season receiving votes, while FHSU was ranked No. 16 in the preseason poll. FHSU also has a win over a current NABC Top 25 team in MSU Denver, which holds the No. 23 ranking this week.

Following its contest at No. 1 ranked Washburn on Thursday night, FHSU will also play at Central Missouri on Saturday to round out its weekly schedule. 

NABC Top 25 Poll for January 28, 2025 Rank - School - Record - Points - Prev. 1 - Washburn, Kan. (15) - 19-0 - 399 - 1 2 - Daemen, N.Y. (1) - 18-0 - 382 - 2 3 - Nova Southeastern, Fla. - 17-1 - 370 - 3 4 - Alabama Huntsville - 17-1 - 353 - 4 5 - Missouri S&amp;T - 16-1 - 332 - 9 6 - Valdosta State, Ga. - 16-2 - 294 - 11 7 - Fairmont State, W.Va. - 16-2 - 288 - 10 8 - Dallas Baptist, Texas - 19-3 - 266 - 12 9 - Findlay, Ohio - 17-2 - 259 - 5 10 - Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. - 14-3 - 232 - 6 11 - Lake Superior State, Mich. - 17-3 - 229 - 14 12 - Colorado School of Mines - 15-3 - 228 - 7 13 - Southwest Minnesota State - 17-3 - 211 - 14 14 - West Liberty, W.Va. - 15-3 - 199 - 16 15 - Ferris State, Mich. - 18-3 - 181 - 8 16 - Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C. - 16-3 - 163 - 18 17 - Columbus State, Ga. - 15-2 - 151 - 19 18 - Pace, N.Y. - 17-3 - 112 - 21 19 - Florida Southern - 17-4 - 104 - 20 20 0 Minot State, N.D. - 20-3 - 102 - 22 21 - Southern Nazarene, Okla. - 14-2 - 81 - 25 22 - Point Loma, Calif. - 18-4 - 58 - NR 23 - MSU Denver, Colo. - 14-4 - 48 - 13 24 - Chico State, Calif. - 15-3 - 45 - 17 25 - Saint Martin's, Wash. - 18-4 - 32 - NR

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Gannon (Pa.) 13, Hillsdale (Mich.) 10, West Chester (Pa.) 10, Adelphi (N.Y.) 9,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 8, Midwestern State (Texas) 8, St. Mary's (Texas) 8, Cal State Dominguez Hills 7, Upper Iowa 2, USC Aiken (S.C.) 2, Winona State (Minn.) 2, Michigan Tech 1, Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738159107276.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State remained among the receiving votes section of the NABC Top 25 Poll for the fifth-straight week on Tuesday. The Tigers currently own a 13-5 overall record for the season and sit in second place in the MIAA standings.Washburn remained the No. 1 team in the nation in both the NABC and D2CSC Top 25 Polls for a third-straight week. The Ichabods are off to a 19-0 start to the season, one of only two undefeated teams remaining in NCAA Division II. Fort Hays State is the only other MIAA program referenced in the latest NABC poll. The Tigers are the fifth-highest listed team among schools in the Central Region, with four currently in the Top 25 and one joining FHSU in the receiving votes section.The Tigers get a chance to play the nation's top ranked team on Thursday in Topeka in the second meeting with the Ichabods this season. Washburn won the first meeting of the season in Hays 71-57 back on December 7.It has not been very long since FHSU last faced an NABC No. 1 ranked team. The last occurrence was against Northwest Missouri State during the 2022-23 season. All five previous occurrences of FHSU playing the NABC No. 1 ranked team in its NCAA Division II history have been on the road, picking up a win in one of the contests. That win was at No. 1 ranked Central Missouri during the 2009-10 season in Warrensburg when FHSU held the No. 13 ranking in the NABC Poll. Three of the five meetings against No. 1 teams on the road were at Northwest Missouri State, and the other was at Metro State (now MSU Denver) during the 2003-04 season.Two of Fort Hays State's losses this season were to current NABC Top 25 ranked teams. The Tigers fell to Washburn back on December 7 when the Ichabods were ranked No. 3 and to Southwest Minnesota State (currently No. 13) in the season opener back on November 8. Southwest Minnesota State began the season receiving votes, while FHSU was ranked No. 16 in the preseason poll. FHSU also has a win over a current NABC Top 25 team in MSU Denver, which holds the No. 23 ranking this week.Following its contest at No. 1 ranked Washburn on Thursday night, FHSU will also play at Central Missouri on Saturday to round out its weekly schedule. NABC Top 25 Poll for January 28, 2025 Rank - School - Record - Points - Prev. 1 - Washburn, Kan. (15) - 19-0 - 399 - 1 2 - Daemen, N.Y. (1) - 18-0 - 382 - 2 3 - Nova Southeastern, Fla. - 17-1 - 370 - 3 4 - Alabama Huntsville - 17-1 - 353 - 4 5 - Missouri S&amp;T - 16-1 - 332 - 9 6 - Valdosta State, Ga. - 16-2 - 294 - 11 7 - Fairmont State, W.Va. - 16-2 - 288 - 10 8 - Dallas Baptist, Texas - 19-3 - 266 - 12 9 - Findlay, Ohio - 17-2 - 259 - 5 10 - Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. - 14-3 - 232 - 6 11 - Lake Superior State, Mich. - 17-3 - 229 - 14 12 - Colorado School of Mines - 15-3 - 228 - 7 13 - Southwest Minnesota State - 17-3 - 211 - 14 14 - West Liberty, W.Va. - 15-3 - 199 - 16 15 - Ferris State, Mich. - 18-3 - 181 - 8 16 - Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C. - 16-3 - 163 - 18 17 - Columbus State, Ga. - 15-2 - 151 - 19 18 - Pace, N.Y. - 17-3 - 112 - 21 19 - Florida Southern - 17-4 - 104 - 20 20 0 Minot State, N.D. - 20-3 - 102 - 22 21 - Southern Nazarene, Okla. - 14-2 - 81 - 25 22 - Point Loma, Calif. - 18-4 - 58 - NR 23 - MSU Denver, Colo. - 14-4 - 48 - 13 24 - Chico State, Calif. - 15-3 - 45 - 17 25 - Saint Martin's, Wash. - 18-4 - 32 - NRReceiving Votes:&nbsp;Gannon (Pa.) 13, Hillsdale (Mich.) 10, West Chester (Pa.) 10, Adelphi (N.Y.) 9,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 8, Midwestern State (Texas) 8, St. Mary's (Texas) 8, Cal State Dominguez Hills 7, Upper Iowa 2, USC Aiken (S.C.) 2, Winona State (Minn.) 2, Michigan Tech 1, Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger men still receiving votes in NABC poll

NEW ORLEANS – The Fort Hays State men's track and field team is ranked 24th in the first USTFCCCA NCAA Division II National Rating Index of the season, released Tuesday by the United States Track &amp; Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Fort Hays State currently ranks fifth in the Central Region and fourth in the MIAA. The Tigers also feature two event squads ranked in the top five nationally: the pole vault squad sits second, while the 200-meter squad is ranked fourth.

The Tigers have posted 15 provisional marks so far this season, with two athletes earning top-10 national rankings. Pole vaulter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/8482">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;ranks third in Division II after clearing 17-2.75 feet, while sprinter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;holds the ninth-best time in the 200-meter dash with a mark of 21.39 seconds.

Next up, the Tigers will split their squad for competition this weekend. Some athletes will travel to Kearney, Neb., for the Charlie Foster Classic on Friday (Jan. 31), while others will head to Topeka, Kan., for the Washburn Open, which runs Friday (Jan. 31) through Saturday (Feb. 1).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738159587708.png" alt="2025-01-29 (1).png" />
 <figcaption>2025-01-29 (1).png</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNEW ORLEANS – The Fort Hays State men's track and field team is ranked 24th in the first USTFCCCA NCAA Division II National Rating Index of the season, released Tuesday by the United States Track &amp; Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Fort Hays State currently ranks fifth in the Central Region and fourth in the MIAA. The Tigers also feature two event squads ranked in the top five nationally: the pole vault squad sits second, while the 200-meter squad is ranked fourth.The Tigers have posted 15 provisional marks so far this season, with two athletes earning top-10 national rankings. Pole vaulter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/8482">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;ranks third in Division II after clearing 17-2.75 feet, while sprinter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;holds the ninth-best time in the 200-meter dash with a mark of 21.39 seconds.Next up, the Tigers will split their squad for competition this weekend. Some athletes will travel to Kearney, Neb., for the Charlie Foster Classic on Friday (Jan. 31), while others will head to Topeka, Kan., for the Washburn Open, which runs Friday (Jan. 31) through Saturday (Feb. 1).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃‍♂️ Tiger men ranked 24th in first national poll

Debra S. (Engler) Erb, 71, passed away on January 27, 2025
at Residence Begonia II at Crestview Senior Living in Wichita, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born July 11, 1953, in Garden City,
Kansas the daughter of Herman and Colleen (Salmans) Engler.&nbsp; 

Debra was a 1971 graduate of Ness City High School.&nbsp; Following graduation, she married Paul
Schwien, on May 29, 1971.&nbsp; To this union,
they had twin boys, (Cory and Barry), that she loved dearly.&nbsp; They later divorced.&nbsp; 

On December 15, 1995, she married Rod Erb in Hays,
Kansas.&nbsp; They later moved to Ransom,
Kansas.

Debra enjoyed working at the Ransom Library, where she loved
reading books and playing games with all of the children, especially her
grandchildren.&nbsp; She made the best
mulberry dumplings and butterball soup, and she loved sharing it with her
family.&nbsp; She spoiled the grandchildren
with an endless supply of Dr. Thunder, and a freezer full of Uncrustables.&nbsp; She had a passion for Kansas University
Basketball, and caring for her two dogs, Mollie and Sammy.

Debra is survived by husband Rod Erb, of Ransom; her
children, Cory (Tracee) Schwien of Ness City, and Barry (Sharla) Schwien of
Bazine; a sister Mary (Fred) Erb of Longmont, Colorado; a brother Jeff
(Jennifer) Smith of Ness City; as well as 9 grandchildren and 5
great-grandchildren.&nbsp; She was preceded in
death by her parents, and her sister Patty (Neil) Meckfessel of Rozel, Kansas.

Funeral Service will be on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 10:30
a.m., at the Ness City Methodist Church, Ness City, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial in the Ness City Cemetery, Ness City,
Kansas.&nbsp; Friends may call at Fitzgerald
Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m
to 7:00 p.m., with the family present from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Ransom Library.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by
writing in the guest book at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738100893492.jpeg" alt="Debra S. (Engler) Erb" />
 <figcaption>Debra S. (Engler) Erb</figcaption>
 </figure>Debra S. (Engler) Erb, 71, passed away on January 27, 2025
at Residence Begonia II at Crestview Senior Living in Wichita, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born July 11, 1953, in Garden City,
Kansas the daughter of Herman and Colleen (Salmans) Engler.&nbsp; Debra was a 1971 graduate of Ness City High School.&nbsp; Following graduation, she married Paul
Schwien, on May 29, 1971.&nbsp; To this union,
they had twin boys, (Cory and Barry), that she loved dearly.&nbsp; They later divorced.&nbsp; On December 15, 1995, she married Rod Erb in Hays,
Kansas.&nbsp; They later moved to Ransom,
Kansas.Debra enjoyed working at the Ransom Library, where she loved
reading books and playing games with all of the children, especially her
grandchildren.&nbsp; She made the best
mulberry dumplings and butterball soup, and she loved sharing it with her
family.&nbsp; She spoiled the grandchildren
with an endless supply of Dr. Thunder, and a freezer full of Uncrustables.&nbsp; She had a passion for Kansas University
Basketball, and caring for her two dogs, Mollie and Sammy.Debra is survived by husband Rod Erb, of Ransom; her
children, Cory (Tracee) Schwien of Ness City, and Barry (Sharla) Schwien of
Bazine; a sister Mary (Fred) Erb of Longmont, Colorado; a brother Jeff
(Jennifer) Smith of Ness City; as well as 9 grandchildren and 5
great-grandchildren.&nbsp; She was preceded in
death by her parents, and her sister Patty (Neil) Meckfessel of Rozel, Kansas.Funeral Service will be on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 10:30
a.m., at the Ness City Methodist Church, Ness City, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial in the Ness City Cemetery, Ness City,
Kansas.&nbsp; Friends may call at Fitzgerald
Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m
to 7:00 p.m., with the family present from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.Memorial contributions may be given to the Ransom Library.Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by
writing in the guest book at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com

Debra S. (Engler) Erb

<a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu">By Jacob Klaudt</a> K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Non-irrigated cropland prices in Kansas rose 3.8% last year, while pasture and hay ground increased by approximately 2.7%, according to information in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/land-leasing/land-buying-valuing/kansas-land-values-book-2024">2024 Kansas Agricultural Land Values and Trends publication</a>&nbsp;released earlier this year.

Kansas State University farm economist Robin Reid said these figures point to land prices tapering off after many years of rapid growth, as much as 24% per year in some areas. With some regions of the state seeing decreases compared to 2023, Reid notes that land values may lower even more considering tightening margins and decreasing farm income.

“If we look at the state level, we are up just a little bit,” she said. “You will see in the book there are regions that have come down, but overall, I would say the market is starting to flatten and that land values are stabilizing, not continuing to increase at the rapid, unsustainable pace that they have in recent years.”

The cause of this stabilization: a lower profitability environment in the farm economy. Apart from cattle, producers are seeing lower commodity prices after a period of really high ones.

“Add that to relatively high input costs, and specifically, when you're looking at financing and interest rates, we're just at a point where the difference between income and expenses are super tight, creating difficulty for our farmers,” Reid said.

Regarding non-irrigated crop ground, Reid said there is drastic variation in land value between different areas. In southwest Kansas, for example, prices jumped 11-12%, likely influenced by the dairies and feedyards located in that area. Yet, the north-central region of Kansas experienced a drop.

“That was due to a large increase last year,” Reid said. “The north central region had the largest increase in land value in 2023, and then turn around in 2024 and have dropped off the most. I would say that's more of a balancing.”

On the other hand, eastern Kansas continues to grow in land value both for non-irrigated crop ground and pastureland, which can be attributed to such factors as urbanization, hunting pressure and the quality of ground compared to the rest of the state, Reid said.

“The northeast region had a 16% increase,” she said. “The average per acre value for non-irrigated ground is at $7,479 – the highest average value and most rapidly increasing in the state.”

Looking ahead, economic assistance will affect the land market in 2025, according to Reid. A continuing resolution passed through both sides of the U.S. legislature at the end of 2024 will afford producers $10 billion in direct payments, with additional payments possible in the name of disaster assistance in drought-impacted areas

“Those get based on planted acres that a farmer had in 2024, and farmers can look at anywhere from $30 to $40 an acre that is coming in the name of economic assistance,” Reid said. “Those will influence the land market and the cash rental rates in 2025. If we didn't have those support payments, I think we would see things coming down more than we probably will.”

<a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu">By Jacob Klaudt</a> K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – Non-irrigated cropland prices in Kansas rose 3.8% last year, while pasture and hay ground increased by approximately 2.7%, according to information in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/land-leasing/land-buying-valuing/kansas-land-values-book-2024">2024 Kansas Agricultural Land Values and Trends publication</a>&nbsp;released earlier this year.Kansas State University farm economist Robin Reid said these figures point to land prices tapering off after many years of rapid growth, as much as 24% per year in some areas. With some regions of the state seeing decreases compared to 2023, Reid notes that land values may lower even more considering tightening margins and decreasing farm income.“If we look at the state level, we are up just a little bit,” she said. “You will see in the book there are regions that have come down, but overall, I would say the market is starting to flatten and that land values are stabilizing, not continuing to increase at the rapid, unsustainable pace that they have in recent years.”The cause of this stabilization: a lower profitability environment in the farm economy. Apart from cattle, producers are seeing lower commodity prices after a period of really high ones.“Add that to relatively high input costs, and specifically, when you're looking at financing and interest rates, we're just at a point where the difference between income and expenses are super tight, creating difficulty for our farmers,” Reid said.Regarding non-irrigated crop ground, Reid said there is drastic variation in land value between different areas. In southwest Kansas, for example, prices jumped 11-12%, likely influenced by the dairies and feedyards located in that area. Yet, the north-central region of Kansas experienced a drop.“That was due to a large increase last year,” Reid said. “The north central region had the largest increase in land value in 2023, and then turn around in 2024 and have dropped off the most. I would say that's more of a balancing.”On the other hand, eastern Kansas continues to grow in land value both for non-irrigated crop ground and pastureland, which can be attributed to such factors as urbanization, hunting pressure and the quality of ground compared to the rest of the state, Reid said.“The northeast region had a 16% increase,” she said. “The average per acre value for non-irrigated ground is at $7,479 – the highest average value and most rapidly increasing in the state.”Looking ahead, economic assistance will affect the land market in 2025, according to Reid. A continuing resolution passed through both sides of the U.S. legislature at the end of 2024 will afford producers $10 billion in direct payments, with additional payments possible in the name of disaster assistance in drought-impacted areas“Those get based on planted acres that a farmer had in 2024, and farmers can look at anywhere from $30 to $40 an acre that is coming in the name of economic assistance,” Reid said. “Those will influence the land market and the cash rental rates in 2025. If we didn't have those support payments, I think we would see things coming down more than we probably will.”

Land market starting to flatten, says K-State economist

The Hays High girls dropped one spot to No. 4 in the latest
Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association 5A rankings out Tuesday afternoon. Shawnee
Heights remains at the top with Basehor-Linwood second and Newton third.

Hays continues to have six wrestlers ranked individually. 

Senior
Tionna Napue and freshman Eleanor Stoppel are second at 135 and 190
respectively. Timber Lovewell is third at 145, Lexi Barnett third at 155,
Kenlee Vihige fourth at 120 and Emersyn Copper sixth at 100.

Dalton Meyers is ranked third at 175 in 5A boys and Johnny
Rigler fourth at 190.

Norton tops the 321A girls poll with Oakley second,
Russell third, Plainville fourth, and Stockton fifth.

The Hoxie boys are ranked No. 1 in 321A with Norton second,
Phillipsburg fourth, Russell fifth and Hill City eighth.

Area 321A girls individual rankings 100:&nbsp;3. Kaeleigh Klein – Plainville,&nbsp;5. Carolina Nortrup – Stockton 105:&nbsp;2. Keleigh Ochoa – Smith Center,&nbsp;5. Kya Bell – Hill City 110:&nbsp;5. Kia Mader – Ellis 115:&nbsp;3. Kallan Rothchild – Trego 130:&nbsp;1. Ashlyn Hahn – Stockton,&nbsp;4. Annika Dietz – Trego 140:&nbsp;3. Ella Normandin – Plainville,&nbsp;6. Khloe Padilla – Smith Center 145:&nbsp;2. Lillian Garcia – Plainville 155:&nbsp;2. Zoe Brown – Plainville,&nbsp;6. Johnna Ebner – Phillipsburg 190:&nbsp;1. Caydence Carter – Plainville,&nbsp;4. Kaitlyn McCreery – Phillipsburg 235:&nbsp;3. Rivver Long – Stockton

Area 321A boys individual rankings 113:&nbsp;2. Tate Blackwill – Quinter 132:&nbsp;6. Kaden Sisson – Phillipsburg 138:&nbsp;5. Hunter Sisson – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;6. Ashton Wynn – Trego 144:&nbsp;5. Seth Keeten – Phillipsburg 150:&nbsp;1. Cole Keeten – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;2. Dayton Stephen – Hill City,&nbsp;6. Kayden Hudson – Phillipsburg 157:&nbsp;2. Blake Buresch – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;5. Jaxson Smith – Hill City 175:&nbsp;2. Dayton Stephen – Hill City,&nbsp;6. Kayden Hudson – Phillipsburg 285:&nbsp;1. Kharson Montgomery – Smith Center

BOYS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Boys%20Week%208.pdf">All Class Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Boys%20Week%208.pdf">5A Rankings&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Boys%20Week%208.pdf">321A Rankings</a>

GIRLS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Girls%20Week%208.pdf">All Class Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Girls%20Week%208.pdf">5A Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Girls%20Week%208.pdf">321A Rankings</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays High girls dropped one spot to No. 4 in the latest
Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association 5A rankings out Tuesday afternoon. Shawnee
Heights remains at the top with Basehor-Linwood second and Newton third.Hays continues to have six wrestlers ranked individually. Senior
Tionna Napue and freshman Eleanor Stoppel are second at 135 and 190
respectively. Timber Lovewell is third at 145, Lexi Barnett third at 155,
Kenlee Vihige fourth at 120 and Emersyn Copper sixth at 100.Dalton Meyers is ranked third at 175 in 5A boys and Johnny
Rigler fourth at 190.Norton tops the 321A girls poll with Oakley second,
Russell third, Plainville fourth, and Stockton fifth.The Hoxie boys are ranked No. 1 in 321A with Norton second,
Phillipsburg fourth, Russell fifth and Hill City eighth.Area 321A girls individual rankings 100:&nbsp;3. Kaeleigh Klein – Plainville,&nbsp;5. Carolina Nortrup – Stockton 105:&nbsp;2. Keleigh Ochoa – Smith Center,&nbsp;5. Kya Bell – Hill City 110:&nbsp;5. Kia Mader – Ellis 115:&nbsp;3. Kallan Rothchild – Trego 130:&nbsp;1. Ashlyn Hahn – Stockton,&nbsp;4. Annika Dietz – Trego 140:&nbsp;3. Ella Normandin – Plainville,&nbsp;6. Khloe Padilla – Smith Center 145:&nbsp;2. Lillian Garcia – Plainville 155:&nbsp;2. Zoe Brown – Plainville,&nbsp;6. Johnna Ebner – Phillipsburg 190:&nbsp;1. Caydence Carter – Plainville,&nbsp;4. Kaitlyn McCreery – Phillipsburg 235:&nbsp;3. Rivver Long – StocktonArea 321A boys individual rankings 113:&nbsp;2. Tate Blackwill – Quinter 132:&nbsp;6. Kaden Sisson – Phillipsburg 138:&nbsp;5. Hunter Sisson – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;6. Ashton Wynn – Trego 144:&nbsp;5. Seth Keeten – Phillipsburg 150:&nbsp;1. Cole Keeten – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;2. Dayton Stephen – Hill City,&nbsp;6. Kayden Hudson – Phillipsburg 157:&nbsp;2. Blake Buresch – Phillipsburg,&nbsp;5. Jaxson Smith – Hill City 175:&nbsp;2. Dayton Stephen – Hill City,&nbsp;6. Kayden Hudson – Phillipsburg 285:&nbsp;1. Kharson Montgomery – Smith CenterBOYS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Boys%20Week%208.pdf">All Class Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Boys%20Week%208.pdf">5A Rankings&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Boys%20Week%208.pdf">321A Rankings</a>GIRLS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Girls%20Week%208.pdf">All Class Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Girls%20Week%208.pdf">5A Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Girls%20Week%208.pdf">321A Rankings</a>

🤼‍♀️ HHS girls drop a spot on latest 5A KWCA rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State men's track and field senior Jacob Clark&nbsp;has earned a third-consecutive MIAA Field Athlete of the Week honor, announced Tuesday by the league office. The Nottingham, England native has earned the distinction all three times it has been awarded by the league this season.

Clark continued his undefeated season in the pole vault last Friday (Jan. 24), winning the Rumble in the Jungle Invitational with a top clearance of 16-8 (5.08m). That national-qualifying performance would be the best in the conference during the 2024-25 season were it not for his season-best mark of 17-2.75 (5.25m) achieved in December.

The five-time All-American has surpassed the five-meter mark in all four of his competitions this season, a threshold reached by any other MIAA competitor only once this season.

Clark is the first Tiger to earn at least three MIAA weekly honors in a single season since&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/coaches/brett-meyer/1379">Brett Meyer</a>&nbsp;did the same during the 2018-19 indoor campaign.

Fort Hays State will continue its indoor season this weekend (Jan. 31-Feb. 1) at a pair of meets, with select athletes heading to Topeka, Kan. for the Washburn Open Friday and Saturday and some traveling north to Kearney, Neb. for the Charlie Foster Classic on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738098588655.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State men's track and field senior Jacob Clark&nbsp;has earned a third-consecutive MIAA Field Athlete of the Week honor, announced Tuesday by the league office. The Nottingham, England native has earned the distinction all three times it has been awarded by the league this season.Clark continued his undefeated season in the pole vault last Friday (Jan. 24), winning the Rumble in the Jungle Invitational with a top clearance of 16-8 (5.08m). That national-qualifying performance would be the best in the conference during the 2024-25 season were it not for his season-best mark of 17-2.75 (5.25m) achieved in December.The five-time All-American has surpassed the five-meter mark in all four of his competitions this season, a threshold reached by any other MIAA competitor only once this season.Clark is the first Tiger to earn at least three MIAA weekly honors in a single season since&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/coaches/brett-meyer/1379">Brett Meyer</a>&nbsp;did the same during the 2018-19 indoor campaign.Fort Hays State will continue its indoor season this weekend (Jan. 31-Feb. 1) at a pair of meets, with select athletes heading to Topeka, Kan. for the Washburn Open Friday and Saturday and some traveling north to Kearney, Neb. for the Charlie Foster Classic on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃‍♂️ FHSU's Clark earns 3rd-straight MIAA Field Athlete of the Week honor

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team jumped back into the top 10 in the latest WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll released Tuesday, with the Tigers now slotted eighth in the country. The Tigers also moved back into the top 25 of this week's D2CSC Media Poll, with FHSU sitting in 22nd in that top 25.The Tigers picked up 397 points in the balloting process of the coaches poll this week, up 91 points from 306 last Tuesday when FHSU was 11th in the country.

This is the fourth time in program history that the Tigers have been ranked eighth in the coaches poll and the first since February 16, 2021. The Tigers are 4-0 all-time when ranked eighth in the coaches poll, including home wins over Lincoln and #16 Central Missouri in 2021 and home wins over Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri State in 2019. The Tigers were also ranked eighth in the final poll of the 2014-15 season.

Fort Hays State is 173-45 all-time when ranked in the coaches poll, including a 120-26 mark when ranked inside the top 10. The Tigers have now been listed in the poll 114 times, including 74 appearances in the top 10.The Tigers are back into the top 25 of the media poll after spending last week in the top spot of the receiving votes category. This is the second time FHSU has been 22nd in the media ranks after being in the same position during the 2024-25 preseason poll.

Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA program recognized in either poll, with the Gorillas now sixth in the coaches rankings and fifth in the media poll.

The Tigers will be on the road again this week beginning Thursday when they take on Washburn in Topeka, Kan.

WBCA NCAA DII Coaches Poll - January 28, 2025 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (22) - 20-1 - 574 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 19-1 - 548 - 2 3 - Cal State Dominguez Hills (1) - 20-0 - 526 - 3 4 - Bentley - 18-1 - 508 - 4 5 - North Georgia - 16-1 - 446 - 7 6 - Pittsburg State - 17-2 - 425 - 8 7 - Texas-Tyler - 17-2 - 409 - 9 8 - Fort Hays State - 16-2 - 397 - 11 9 - Azusa Pacific - 17-2 - 347 - 13 10 - Seton Hill - 17-2 - 346 - 5 11 - Ashland - 18-3 - 315 - 12 12 - Coker - 17-1 - 302 - 14 13 - Gannon - 18-3 - 293 - 15 14 - Minnesota State Mankato - 17-3 - 287 - 6 15 - Cal Poly Pomona - 16-2 - 249 - 16 16 - Embry-Riddle - 16-2 - 236 - 10 17 - Lubbock Christian - 18-3 - 202 - 18 18 - Union (Tenn.) - 17-3 - 161 - 19 19 - Concordia-St. Paul - 18-2 - 160 - 22 20 - Montana State Billings - 18-4 - 155 - 20 21 - Nova Southeastern - 15-3 - 137 - 17 22 - Southwest Minnesota State - 18-2 - 131 - 23 23 - Tampa - 17-4 - 62 - 24 24 - Belmont Abbey - 16-3 - 45 - 21 25 - Fairmont State - 15-3 - 37 - RV

Dropped Out:&nbsp;No. 25 Carson-Newman (15-5).

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Harding (15-3) 34; Chowan (11-2) 22; Alaska Anchorage (17-3) 20; Carson-Newman (15-5) 20; Lewis (15-2) 18; Malone (16-2) 15; Indiana (Pa.) (15-3) 14; UNC Pembroke (15-4) 7.

D2CSC Media Poll - January 28, 2025 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (13) - 20-1 - 373 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 19-1 - 354 - 2 3 - Cal State-Dominguez Hills (2) - 20-0 - 350 - 3 4 - Bentley - 18-1 - 321 - 4 5 - Pittsburg State - 17-2 - 304 - T8 6 - Texas Tyler - 17-2 - 282 - T8 7 - Gannon - 18-3 - 266 - 12 T8 - Ashland - 18-3 - 254 - 11 T8 - Coker - 17-1 - 248 - 15 10 - Embry-Riddle - 16-2 - 245 - 7 11 - North Georgia - 16-1 - 209 - 10 12 - Minnesota State-Mankato - 17-3 - 202 - 6 13 - Seton Hill - 17-2 - 200 - 5 14 - Cal Poly- Pomona - 16-2 - 191 - 16 15 - Lubbock Christian - 18-3 - 176 - 14 16 - Union - 17-3 - 154 - 20 17 - Concordia-St. Paul - 18-2 - 140 - 17 18 - Azusa Pacific - 17-2 - 119 - 19 19 - Holy Family - 16-3 - 117 - 18 20 - Nova Southeastern - 15-3 - 86 - 13 21 - Malone - 16-2 - 71 - 23 22 - Fort Hays State - 16-2 - 61 - RV 23 - Belmont Abbey - 16-3 - 37 - 21 24 - Fairmont State - 15-3 - 30 - RV 25 - Southwest Minnesota St. - 18-2 - 28 - 22

Dropped Out:&nbsp;(24) Alaska-Anchorage; (25) Southern Connecticut State

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Montana State-Billings (27); Southern Connecticut State (18); Tampa (7); Colorado Mesa (4); Alaska Anchorage (1)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738098345407.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsThe Fort Hays State women's basketball team jumped back into the top 10 in the latest WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll released Tuesday, with the Tigers now slotted eighth in the country. The Tigers also moved back into the top 25 of this week's D2CSC Media Poll, with FHSU sitting in 22nd in that top 25.The Tigers picked up 397 points in the balloting process of the coaches poll this week, up 91 points from 306 last Tuesday when FHSU was 11th in the country.This is the fourth time in program history that the Tigers have been ranked eighth in the coaches poll and the first since February 16, 2021. The Tigers are 4-0 all-time when ranked eighth in the coaches poll, including home wins over Lincoln and #16 Central Missouri in 2021 and home wins over Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri State in 2019. The Tigers were also ranked eighth in the final poll of the 2014-15 season.Fort Hays State is 173-45 all-time when ranked in the coaches poll, including a 120-26 mark when ranked inside the top 10. The Tigers have now been listed in the poll 114 times, including 74 appearances in the top 10.The Tigers are back into the top 25 of the media poll after spending last week in the top spot of the receiving votes category. This is the second time FHSU has been 22nd in the media ranks after being in the same position during the 2024-25 preseason poll.Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA program recognized in either poll, with the Gorillas now sixth in the coaches rankings and fifth in the media poll.The Tigers will be on the road again this week beginning Thursday when they take on Washburn in Topeka, Kan.WBCA NCAA DII Coaches Poll - January 28, 2025 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (22) - 20-1 - 574 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 19-1 - 548 - 2 3 - Cal State Dominguez Hills (1) - 20-0 - 526 - 3 4 - Bentley - 18-1 - 508 - 4 5 - North Georgia - 16-1 - 446 - 7 6 - Pittsburg State - 17-2 - 425 - 8 7 - Texas-Tyler - 17-2 - 409 - 9 8 - Fort Hays State - 16-2 - 397 - 11 9 - Azusa Pacific - 17-2 - 347 - 13 10 - Seton Hill - 17-2 - 346 - 5 11 - Ashland - 18-3 - 315 - 12 12 - Coker - 17-1 - 302 - 14 13 - Gannon - 18-3 - 293 - 15 14 - Minnesota State Mankato - 17-3 - 287 - 6 15 - Cal Poly Pomona - 16-2 - 249 - 16 16 - Embry-Riddle - 16-2 - 236 - 10 17 - Lubbock Christian - 18-3 - 202 - 18 18 - Union (Tenn.) - 17-3 - 161 - 19 19 - Concordia-St. Paul - 18-2 - 160 - 22 20 - Montana State Billings - 18-4 - 155 - 20 21 - Nova Southeastern - 15-3 - 137 - 17 22 - Southwest Minnesota State - 18-2 - 131 - 23 23 - Tampa - 17-4 - 62 - 24 24 - Belmont Abbey - 16-3 - 45 - 21 25 - Fairmont State - 15-3 - 37 - RVDropped Out:&nbsp;No. 25 Carson-Newman (15-5).Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Harding (15-3) 34; Chowan (11-2) 22; Alaska Anchorage (17-3) 20; Carson-Newman (15-5) 20; Lewis (15-2) 18; Malone (16-2) 15; Indiana (Pa.) (15-3) 14; UNC Pembroke (15-4) 7.D2CSC Media Poll - January 28, 2025 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (13) - 20-1 - 373 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 19-1 - 354 - 2 3 - Cal State-Dominguez Hills (2) - 20-0 - 350 - 3 4 - Bentley - 18-1 - 321 - 4 5 - Pittsburg State - 17-2 - 304 - T8 6 - Texas Tyler - 17-2 - 282 - T8 7 - Gannon - 18-3 - 266 - 12 T8 - Ashland - 18-3 - 254 - 11 T8 - Coker - 17-1 - 248 - 15 10 - Embry-Riddle - 16-2 - 245 - 7 11 - North Georgia - 16-1 - 209 - 10 12 - Minnesota State-Mankato - 17-3 - 202 - 6 13 - Seton Hill - 17-2 - 200 - 5 14 - Cal Poly- Pomona - 16-2 - 191 - 16 15 - Lubbock Christian - 18-3 - 176 - 14 16 - Union - 17-3 - 154 - 20 17 - Concordia-St. Paul - 18-2 - 140 - 17 18 - Azusa Pacific - 17-2 - 119 - 19 19 - Holy Family - 16-3 - 117 - 18 20 - Nova Southeastern - 15-3 - 86 - 13 21 - Malone - 16-2 - 71 - 23 22 - Fort Hays State - 16-2 - 61 - RV 23 - Belmont Abbey - 16-3 - 37 - 21 24 - Fairmont State - 15-3 - 30 - RV 25 - Southwest Minnesota St. - 18-2 - 28 - 22Dropped Out:&nbsp;(24) Alaska-Anchorage; (25) Southern Connecticut StateReceiving Votes:&nbsp;Montana State-Billings (27); Southern Connecticut State (18); Tampa (7); Colorado Mesa (4); Alaska Anchorage (1)&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger women back in the top 10 of WBCA poll, 22nd in media ranks

After winning the Colby Orange &amp; Black Classic which included
a pair of victories over ranked opponents, the Hays High girls moved up six spots
to No. 2 in the latest Kansas Basketball Coaches Association 5A rankings released
Tuesday. The Indians had dropped in the poll after their last win over a ranked
team.

Wellington, who the Indians defeated in the Orange &amp;
Black semifinals, falls one spot to No. 2 in Class 4A. Colby, who Hays beat in the
title game, remains fifth in Class 3A.

The Hoxie girls drop a spot to No. 6 in Class 2A. Quinter is
seventh in 1A Division 1.

Logan-Palco holds at No. 3 in the 1A Division 2 boys
rankings.

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

5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman 2. Hays 3. Andover 4. Kansas City Piper 5. Maize South 6. Wichita - Bishop Carroll 7. De Soto 8. OP -&nbsp; St. Thomas Aquinas 9. St. James Academy 10. Arkansas City

4A Girls 1. Topeka Hayden 2. Wellington 3. Roeland Park - Bishop Miege 4. Eudora 5. Altamont - Labette County 6. Buhler 7. St. George - Rock Creek 8. Fort Scott 9. Clay Center 10. Ottawa

3A Girls 1. Hesston 2. Halstead 3. Silver Lake 4. Osage City 5. Colby 6. Girard 7. Cheney 8. Haven 9. Kismet - Southwestern Heights 10. Neodesha

2A Girls 1. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 2. Moundridge 3. Leoti - Wichita County 4. Eureka 5. Inman 6. Highland - Doniphan West 7. Hoxie 8. Bennington 9. Ellinwood 10. Elbing - Berean Academy

1A Division 1 Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Montezuma&nbsp; -&nbsp; South Gray 4. Clyde&nbsp; - Clifton Clyde 5. Claflin - Central Plains 6. Troy 7. Quinter 8. Atwood - Rawlins County 9. Olpe 10. St. John – Hudson

1A Division 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Wallace County - Sharon Springs 4. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 5. South Haven 6. Bucklin 7. Cheylin 8. Hartford 9. Marais des Cygnes Valley 10. Attica

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

5A Boys 1. Topeka - Highland Park 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Wichita - Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4. Great Bend 5. Bonner Springs 5. Topeka West 7. Andover 8. Topeka Seaman 9. Tecumseh - Shawnee Heights 10. Kansas City - Washington

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

3A Boys 1. Wichita Collegiate 2. Goodland 3. Haven 4. Nemaha Central 5. Cheney 6. Hesston 7. Lakin 8. Galena 9. St. Mary's 10. Scott City - Scott Community

2A Boys 1. Moundridge 2. Salina - Sacred Heart 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Sterling 5. Rossville 6. Elbing - Berean Academy 7. Atchison - Maur Hill Mount Academy 8. Whitewater - Remington 9. Horton 10. Johnson - Stanton County

1A Division 1 Boys 1. Coldwater - South Central 2. Lawrence - Seabury Academy 3. Olpe 4. Claflin - Central Plains 5. Macksville 6. Oxford 7. Burlingame 8. Burden - Central 9. Montezuma - South Gray 10. Lincoln

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostAfter winning the Colby Orange &amp; Black Classic which included
a pair of victories over ranked opponents, the Hays High girls moved up six spots
to No. 2 in the latest Kansas Basketball Coaches Association 5A rankings released
Tuesday. The Indians had dropped in the poll after their last win over a ranked
team.Wellington, who the Indians defeated in the Orange &amp;
Black semifinals, falls one spot to No. 2 in Class 4A. Colby, who Hays beat in the
title game, remains fifth in Class 3A.The Hoxie girls drop a spot to No. 6 in Class 2A. Quinter is
seventh in 1A Division 1.Logan-Palco holds at No. 3 in the 1A Division 2 boys
rankings.6A Girls
 1. Wichita Heights
 2. Derby 3. Blue Valley North 4. Shawnee Mission South 5. Topeka - Washburn Rural
 6. Olathe South
 7. Wichita East 8. Olathe West 9. Olathe North &nbsp;10. Blue Valley Northwest 5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman 2. Hays 3. Andover 4. Kansas City Piper 5. Maize South 6. Wichita - Bishop Carroll 7. De Soto 8. OP -&nbsp; St. Thomas Aquinas 9. St. James Academy 10. Arkansas City 4A Girls 1. Topeka Hayden 2. Wellington 3. Roeland Park - Bishop Miege 4. Eudora 5. Altamont - Labette County 6. Buhler 7. St. George - Rock Creek 8. Fort Scott 9. Clay Center 10. Ottawa 3A Girls 1. Hesston 2. Halstead 3. Silver Lake 4. Osage City 5. Colby 6. Girard 7. Cheney 8. Haven 9. Kismet - Southwestern Heights 10. Neodesha 2A Girls 1. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 2. Moundridge 3. Leoti - Wichita County 4. Eureka 5. Inman 6. Highland - Doniphan West 7. Hoxie 8. Bennington 9. Ellinwood 10. Elbing - Berean Academy 1A Division 1 Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Montezuma&nbsp; -&nbsp; South Gray 4. Clyde&nbsp; - Clifton Clyde 5. Claflin - Central Plains 6. Troy 7. Quinter 8. Atwood - Rawlins County 9. Olpe 10. St. John – Hudson1A Division 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Wallace County - Sharon Springs 4. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 5. South Haven 6. Bucklin 7. Cheylin 8. Hartford 9. Marais des Cygnes Valley 10. Attica6A Boys
 1. Shawnee Mission Northwest 2. Shawnee Mission South 3. Derby 4. Wichita Heights 5. Shawnee - Mill Valley 6. Olathe North 7. Blue Valley North 8. Blue Valley Northwest 9. Wichita Northwest 10. Blue Valley High 5A Boys 1. Topeka - Highland Park 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Wichita - Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4. Great Bend 5. Bonner Springs 5. Topeka West 7. Andover 8. Topeka Seaman 9. Tecumseh - Shawnee Heights 10. Kansas City - Washington 4A Boys 1. Ottawa 2. McPherson 3. St. George - Rock Creek 4. Topeka - Hayden 5. Baldwin 6. Chanute 7. Pratt 8. Andale 9. Clay Center 10. Atchison 3A Boys 1. Wichita Collegiate 2. Goodland 3. Haven 4. Nemaha Central 5. Cheney 6. Hesston 7. Lakin 8. Galena 9. St. Mary's 10. Scott City - Scott Community 2A Boys 1. Moundridge 2. Salina - Sacred Heart 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Sterling 5. Rossville 6. Elbing - Berean Academy 7. Atchison - Maur Hill Mount Academy 8. Whitewater - Remington 9. Horton 10. Johnson - Stanton County 1A Division 1 Boys 1. Coldwater - South Central 2. Lawrence - Seabury Academy 3. Olpe 4. Claflin - Central Plains 5. Macksville 6. Oxford 7. Burlingame 8. Burden - Central 9. Montezuma - South Gray 10. Lincoln1A Division 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Axtell 3. Logan - Palco 4. McPherson - Elyria Christian 5. Hanover 6. Weskan 7. Dighton 8. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 9. St. John/Tipton 10.&nbsp;&nbsp; Hutchinson - Central Christian

🏀 HHS girls take big jump in latest KBCA rankings

Norman
Joseph Robben, age 70, of Walker, Kansas, passed away surrounded by loved ones
at his home in Walker on Saturday, January 25, 2025.



Norman was born on June 8, 1954, in Hays, Kansas, to Wilfred and Viola
(Hammerschmidt) Robben. A proud graduate of Victoria High School in 1972, he
pursued his passion for mechanics at Goodland Vo-Tech, earning a degree in Auto
Body Mechanics in 1974. On October 9, 1976, he married the love of his life,
Linda Staab, in Hays, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span
nearly five decades.



Throughout his life, Norman wore many hats, but his heart belonged to farming
and ranching. He dedicated his hands to various roles in the workforce,
including stints at Herb Lungren Chevrolet, Chapman Auto Glass, Don Pratt
Farms, Raines and Williams, Edsco Drilling, King of the Road manufacturing, and
Enersys. However, it was on the farm that he found his true fulfillment.



A devoted member of St. Ann’s Church in Walker and a 3rd degree member of the
Victoria Council Knights of Columbus, Norman served his communities with love
and dedication. His contributions as a board member for St. Ann’s Parish, the
Victoria School Board, the Walker Water District and Water District #5 boards
reflected his commitment to those around him.

Norman was a man of many interests; he delighted in sports, cherished the
companionship of his beloved dogs, and found joy in fishing and, of course,
farming. But above all, he reveled in the company of his grandchildren, who
brought him immeasurable pride. Known for his larger-than-life personality and
his penchant for humor, Norman touched the hearts of all he met, embodying a
spirit of kindness and hard work.



Norman's legacy lives on in his beloved wife, Linda; his son, Jason Robben of
Victoria, Kansas; daughter Christina Sramek and husband Ryan of Hays; and
grandchildren, including Haley Gagnon and husband Connor of Walker, along with
their children Whitten, Wilkes, and Banks, as well as Talyn Robben of Victoria.
He is also survived by his brothers, Leroy Robben and wife Karen, and Melvin
Robben and wife Patty, all of Salina.



He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Virgil and Wilma Staab;
brother, James Robben and wife Jane; grandson, Landry Robben;
great-granddaughter, Blakely Gagnon; and nephew, Kevin Staab.



Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Friday, January 31, 2025 at St. Ann's
Catholic Church in Walker with Fr. Jim Moster officiating. Inurnment will
follow in the church cemetery.



Memorial visitation will be Thursday 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM until
service time all at the church.



A combined parish vigil service followed by a Victoria council 3rd degree
Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 7:00 PM on Thursday at the church.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Norman's name be made
to St. Ann's Church, HaysMed Hospice, or Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).


The family invites all to share memories and words of comfort on Norman's
Tribute Page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>


Arrangements under the care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s
Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738090634989.jpeg" alt="Norman Joseph Robben" />
 <figcaption>Norman Joseph Robben</figcaption>
 </figure>Norman
Joseph Robben, age 70, of Walker, Kansas, passed away surrounded by loved ones
at his home in Walker on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Norman was born on June 8, 1954, in Hays, Kansas, to Wilfred and Viola
(Hammerschmidt) Robben. A proud graduate of Victoria High School in 1972, he
pursued his passion for mechanics at Goodland Vo-Tech, earning a degree in Auto
Body Mechanics in 1974. On October 9, 1976, he married the love of his life,
Linda Staab, in Hays, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span
nearly five decades.

Throughout his life, Norman wore many hats, but his heart belonged to farming
and ranching. He dedicated his hands to various roles in the workforce,
including stints at Herb Lungren Chevrolet, Chapman Auto Glass, Don Pratt
Farms, Raines and Williams, Edsco Drilling, King of the Road manufacturing, and
Enersys. However, it was on the farm that he found his true fulfillment.

A devoted member of St. Ann’s Church in Walker and a 3rd degree member of the
Victoria Council Knights of Columbus, Norman served his communities with love
and dedication. His contributions as a board member for St. Ann’s Parish, the
Victoria School Board, the Walker Water District and Water District #5 boards
reflected his commitment to those around him.

Norman was a man of many interests; he delighted in sports, cherished the
companionship of his beloved dogs, and found joy in fishing and, of course,
farming. But above all, he reveled in the company of his grandchildren, who
brought him immeasurable pride. Known for his larger-than-life personality and
his penchant for humor, Norman touched the hearts of all he met, embodying a
spirit of kindness and hard work.

Norman's legacy lives on in his beloved wife, Linda; his son, Jason Robben of
Victoria, Kansas; daughter Christina Sramek and husband Ryan of Hays; and
grandchildren, including Haley Gagnon and husband Connor of Walker, along with
their children Whitten, Wilkes, and Banks, as well as Talyn Robben of Victoria.
He is also survived by his brothers, Leroy Robben and wife Karen, and Melvin
Robben and wife Patty, all of Salina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Virgil and Wilma Staab;
brother, James Robben and wife Jane; grandson, Landry Robben;
great-granddaughter, Blakely Gagnon; and nephew, Kevin Staab.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Friday, January 31, 2025 at St. Ann's
Catholic Church in Walker with Fr. Jim Moster officiating. Inurnment will
follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial visitation will be Thursday 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM until
service time all at the church.

A combined parish vigil service followed by a Victoria council 3rd degree
Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 7:00 PM on Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Norman's name be made
to St. Ann's Church, HaysMed Hospice, or Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

The family invites all to share memories and words of comfort on Norman's
Tribute Page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Arrangements under the care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s
Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Norman Joseph Robben

Larry
Michael Dinkel, aged 78, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away on January 18, 2025, at
HaysMed. He was born on July 9, 1946, in Hays, Kansas, to Nicholas and Lioba
(Geist) Dinkel.



Larry honorably served in the US Army and had a diverse working career that
began in farming, transitioned into oilfield work, and ultimately settled
predominantly in construction. He brought joy and passion to his life through
gardening and cooking, playing cards with his friends, hunting and he held a
special place in his heart for the Denver Broncos and LA Dodgers. In Larry's
younger days he had a strong resemblance to Elvis Presley and Larry truly
enjoyed his music. &nbsp; As a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in
Ellis, Larry was always ready to lend a hand to friends and family, which
highlighted his caring personality.



Larry is survived by his daughters, Holly Dinkel of Salina, KS, and Sheila
Culver of Norton, KS; his beloved grandchildren, including Shelby Dinkel and
Colton Sanchez of Salina, KS, LaNae Dial of Goodland, KS, and Monica and Sierra
Dial of Norton, KS. He is also remembered by his brothers, LeRoy (Helen) Dinkel
of Golden, CO; Verlin Dinkel of Henderson, NV; and Pat (Doris) Dinkel of
Broomfield, CO; and his sisters, Florence Honas of Chanute, KS, and Bernice
(Kenneth) Klaus of Salina, KS.



He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Lioba Dinkel; as well as
siblings Mark, an infant brother Marvin, Marvin, Allen, LaVerne, Kenneth,
infant Verlin, Paul and sister Mary Ann Legleiter.



A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00
PM, which will include a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 6:00 PM at
St. Mary's Church.



Funeral services will be 10:00 AM on Friday, January 31, 2025, also at St.
Mary’s Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. Dana Clark.



Inurnment with Military Honors provided by the Hays VFW Honor Guard at the
Kansas State Veterans' Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas will follow the funeral
mass.


Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church or EWTN.

Share memories on Larry’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.



Arrangements are in the care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, located at 400 E. 17th
Street, Ellis, KS 67637.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737497185474.jpeg" alt="Larry M. Dinkel" />
 <figcaption>Larry M. Dinkel</figcaption>
 </figure>Larry
Michael Dinkel, aged 78, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away on January 18, 2025, at
HaysMed. He was born on July 9, 1946, in Hays, Kansas, to Nicholas and Lioba
(Geist) Dinkel.

Larry honorably served in the US Army and had a diverse working career that
began in farming, transitioned into oilfield work, and ultimately settled
predominantly in construction. He brought joy and passion to his life through
gardening and cooking, playing cards with his friends, hunting and he held a
special place in his heart for the Denver Broncos and LA Dodgers. In Larry's
younger days he had a strong resemblance to Elvis Presley and Larry truly
enjoyed his music. &nbsp; As a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in
Ellis, Larry was always ready to lend a hand to friends and family, which
highlighted his caring personality.

Larry is survived by his daughters, Holly Dinkel of Salina, KS, and Sheila
Culver of Norton, KS; his beloved grandchildren, including Shelby Dinkel and
Colton Sanchez of Salina, KS, LaNae Dial of Goodland, KS, and Monica and Sierra
Dial of Norton, KS. He is also remembered by his brothers, LeRoy (Helen) Dinkel
of Golden, CO; Verlin Dinkel of Henderson, NV; and Pat (Doris) Dinkel of
Broomfield, CO; and his sisters, Florence Honas of Chanute, KS, and Bernice
(Kenneth) Klaus of Salina, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Lioba Dinkel; as well as
siblings Mark, an infant brother Marvin, Marvin, Allen, LaVerne, Kenneth,
infant Verlin, Paul and sister Mary Ann Legleiter.

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00
PM, which will include a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 6:00 PM at
St. Mary's Church.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM on Friday, January 31, 2025, also at St.
Mary’s Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. Dana Clark.

Inurnment with Military Honors provided by the Hays VFW Honor Guard at the
Kansas State Veterans' Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas will follow the funeral
mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church or EWTN.

Share memories on Larry’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.

Arrangements are in the care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, located at 400 E. 17th
Street, Ellis, KS 67637.

Larry M. Dinkel

Hays USD 489 Early Childhood Connections is starting enrollments for Head Start Pre-School for the 2025-26 school year at the Early Childhood Complex, 2501 E. 13th, Hays.&nbsp;

They're having a pre-school open house Thursday, March 13 from 5 to 6 p.m.

The open house is come and go. Attendees may tour the facility and ask questions.&nbsp;

The Early Head Start program has options year-round for families who are prenatal to children age 3.

Early Childhood Connections serves Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Rush counties and is free for qualifying families.

Visit <a href="https://www.usd489connections.com/">usd489connections.com</a> and click on enrollment inquiries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738085365703.jpeg" alt="Early Childhood Connections" />
 <figcaption>Early Childhood Connections</figcaption>
 </figure>ECCHays USD 489 Early Childhood Connections is starting enrollments for Head Start Pre-School for the 2025-26 school year at the Early Childhood Complex, 2501 E. 13th, Hays.&nbsp; They're having a pre-school open house Thursday, March 13 from 5 to 6 p.m.The open house is come and go. Attendees may tour the facility and ask questions.&nbsp;The Early Head Start program has options year-round for families who are prenatal to children age 3.Early Childhood Connections serves Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Rush counties and is free for qualifying families.Visit <a href="https://www.usd489connections.com/">usd489connections.com</a> and click on enrollment inquiries.

Enrollment underway for Head Start Pre-School for 2025-26 year

Your response to Community Assistance Center food drives fills the pantry shelves that fill our food boxes. Your donations of clothing and household items provide serviceable clothing and household goods.

Your monetary gifts purchase food between drives when supplies run low.

In 2024, your generosity supported 684 families, 428 individuals and 1,177 children.

Since 1984, the citizens of Ellis County have supported those in need.

Organized by a group of concerned citizens, it continues today with a staff of two and 40 part-time volunteers. 

The Center is open between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays to serve clients and receive donations.

The staff and volunteers receive and sort donations, filling the shelves and closets with food and used items in good condition.

On the first and third Tuesdays of each month, the CAC has a garage sale open to the public. The proceeds from these sales help cover the cost of building maintenance and utilities.

The CAC's mission is to assist Ellis County residents in need. It is a grassroots effort made possible by the concern and generosity of the citizens of Ellis County. Without you, we would not exist. 

Thank you, Ellis County, for supporting our mission.

The staff and volunteers at the Community Assistance Center 1108 Oak Street Hays, Kansas

Visit our website at <a href="http://hayscac.com">hayscac.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayscac">Facebook</a>.

THANK YOU ELLIS COUNTY CITIZENSYour response to Community Assistance Center food drives fills the pantry shelves that fill our food boxes. Your donations of clothing and household items provide serviceable clothing and household goods.Your monetary gifts purchase food between drives when supplies run low.In 2024, your generosity supported 684 families, 428 individuals and 1,177 children.Since 1984, the citizens of Ellis County have supported those in need.Organized by a group of concerned citizens, it continues today with a staff of two and 40 part-time volunteers. The Center is open between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays to serve clients and receive donations.The staff and volunteers receive and sort donations, filling the shelves and closets with food and used items in good condition.On the first and third Tuesdays of each month, the CAC has a garage sale open to the public. The proceeds from these sales help cover the cost of building maintenance and utilities.The CAC's mission is to assist Ellis County residents in need. It is a grassroots effort made possible by the concern and generosity of the citizens of Ellis County. Without you, we would not exist. Thank you, Ellis County, for supporting our mission.The staff and volunteers at the Community Assistance Center 1108 Oak Street Hays, KansasVisit our website at <a href="http://hayscac.com">hayscac.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayscac">Facebook</a>.

LETTER: Community Assistance Center thanks Ellis County

The Fort Hays State men try for a fourth-straight win as they open a four-game road swing at Rogers State on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Claremore Expo Center in Claremore, Oklahoma.

The Fort Hays State men try for a fourth-straight win as they open a four-game road swing at Rogers State on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Claremore Expo Center in Claremore, Oklahoma.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB at Rogers 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=9gt7a-17d5eba-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-MBB at Rogers State

Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis,
89, of Russell Kansas, died Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Russell Regional
Hospital.

Gerald was born on August 4, 1935,
in Catherine, Kansas and was the son of Aegedius Meis and Celestina (Karlin)
Meis.&nbsp; He grew up in Catherine and
attended school there and later in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He worked in the dairy business in his early
years before joining the Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Mechanic.&nbsp; He was joined in marriage to Gracia Ostrom
(Rassette) on September 5th, 1956, in St. Mary's Church in Russell,
Kansas.&nbsp; From this union, they were
blessed with 4 children - Randy, Rick, Shelley and Tessa.&nbsp; They were divorced in 1973.

During his life he worked on the
freight docks in Denver, Colorado at Red Ball Motor Freight and afterwards
moving to Houston, Texas, he worked at Con-Tech Engineering as a purchasing
manager until retirement.&nbsp; After this, he
moved to Russell, Kansas and started a pipeline construction and maintenance
business with his son, Rick.

He was born and baptized into the
Catholic Church.&nbsp; He was a member of the
Teamsters Union and Elks Lodge.&nbsp; He
enjoyed his work, spending time with his loved ones, and time with his friends.

Surviving family includes his son
Rick Meis, of Russell, Kansas, daughter Tessa Meis (Joe Ernst) of Wilson,
Kansas, sister Darlene Booth (Ronnie Booth) of Larned, Kansas, brother Dan Meis
of Yuma, Arizona, sister Fran Amidon (Mike Amidon) of Junction City, Kansas,
along with 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and
nephews. 

He was proceeded in death by his
parents, his son Randy, his daughter Shelley, his brother Ken Meis (Dolly
Meis), and his great granddaughter, Randi Rene Casper.

Cremation has been selected by the
family and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be announced at a
later date.&nbsp; 

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of
Russell, Kansas, is in charge of memorial service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738076886086.jpeg" alt="Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis" />
 <figcaption>Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis</figcaption>
 </figure>Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis,
89, of Russell Kansas, died Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Russell Regional
Hospital.Gerald was born on August 4, 1935,
in Catherine, Kansas and was the son of Aegedius Meis and Celestina (Karlin)
Meis.&nbsp; He grew up in Catherine and
attended school there and later in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He worked in the dairy business in his early
years before joining the Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Mechanic.&nbsp; He was joined in marriage to Gracia Ostrom
(Rassette) on September 5th, 1956, in St. Mary's Church in Russell,
Kansas.&nbsp; From this union, they were
blessed with 4 children - Randy, Rick, Shelley and Tessa.&nbsp; They were divorced in 1973.During his life he worked on the
freight docks in Denver, Colorado at Red Ball Motor Freight and afterwards
moving to Houston, Texas, he worked at Con-Tech Engineering as a purchasing
manager until retirement.&nbsp; After this, he
moved to Russell, Kansas and started a pipeline construction and maintenance
business with his son, Rick.He was born and baptized into the
Catholic Church.&nbsp; He was a member of the
Teamsters Union and Elks Lodge.&nbsp; He
enjoyed his work, spending time with his loved ones, and time with his friends.Surviving family includes his son
Rick Meis, of Russell, Kansas, daughter Tessa Meis (Joe Ernst) of Wilson,
Kansas, sister Darlene Booth (Ronnie Booth) of Larned, Kansas, brother Dan Meis
of Yuma, Arizona, sister Fran Amidon (Mike Amidon) of Junction City, Kansas,
along with 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and
nephews. He was proceeded in death by his
parents, his son Randy, his daughter Shelley, his brother Ken Meis (Dolly
Meis), and his great granddaughter, Randi Rene Casper.Cremation has been selected by the
family and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be announced at a
later date.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of
Russell, Kansas, is in charge of memorial service arrangements.

Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis

Tuesday, January 28
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UCF, 5:30pm &nbsp;KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KKQY: Plainville MWBKB at Ellsworth, approx. 5:45pm

Wednesday, January 29
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm

Thursday, January 30
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Washburn, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Friday, January 31
 KKQY: Wheatland-Grinnell
MWBKB at Ness City, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Larned, 5:40pm

Saturday, February 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Central Missouri, 12:35pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Baylor, 1:30pm

Tuesday, January 28
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UCF, 5:30pm &nbsp;KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KKQY: Plainville MWBKB at Ellsworth, approx. 5:45pmWednesday, January 29
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pmThursday, January 30
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Washburn, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, January 31
 KKQY: Wheatland-Grinnell
MWBKB at Ness City, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Larned, 5:40pmSaturday, February 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Central Missouri, 12:35pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Baylor, 1:30pmSunday, February 2

 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County is taking steps to help providers be better prepared in cases of emergency.

The state of Kansas has recently updated its licensing requirements for in-home child care providers. The providers must have updated first-aid kits and detailed written crisis plans.

The task force was awarded a $30,000 grant from Child Care Aware of Kansas to, among other things, support the purchase of new first-aid kits for in-home child care providers in Ellis County.

The grant will also fund the task force's professional development events, a provider appreciation event, some support for the annual child care training conference and paying someone a small stipend to keep the group's social media updated.&nbsp;

The Child Care Capacity Grant must be spent by May 1, but Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said at the last child care task force meeting on Jan. 14 that the task force would pay for some of its professional development and training expenses.

Tori Ruder, in-home child care provider and task force member, has worked to create a template for the crisis plan based on her child care's plan.

"For current and new providers, it's one less step for them to say, 'How do I get that? How do I make that?'" Ruder said.&nbsp;

Ruder said she is working to develop a flip book for the crisis plan. Instead of shuffling through pages, she could flip to the section on fire or off-site evacuation to quickly find the plan notes.

Schools in the community provide local emergency responders with pre-emergency plans, which include information about their structures. This ensures that first responders have key information in case of fire, evacuation or an intruder.

Wasinger said copies of the forms are kept in all the local fire engines.

Hays has 72 in-home child care providers.

Wasinger has discussed with Lyle Pantle, Ellis County emergency manager, making those forms available to child care providers on a voluntary basis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737585359699.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Child Care Task Force of Ellis County is taking steps to help providers be better prepared in cases of emergency.The state of Kansas has recently updated its licensing requirements for in-home child care providers. The providers must have updated first-aid kits and detailed written crisis plans.The task force was awarded a $30,000 grant from Child Care Aware of Kansas to, among other things, support the purchase of new first-aid kits for in-home child care providers in Ellis County.The grant will also fund the task force's professional development events, a provider appreciation event, some support for the annual child care training conference and paying someone a small stipend to keep the group's social media updated.&nbsp;The Child Care Capacity Grant must be spent by May 1, but Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said at the last child care task force meeting on Jan. 14 that the task force would pay for some of its professional development and training expenses.Tori Ruder, in-home child care provider and task force member, has worked to create a template for the crisis plan based on her child care's plan."For current and new providers, it's one less step for them to say, 'How do I get that? How do I make that?'" Ruder said.&nbsp;Ruder said she is working to develop a flip book for the crisis plan. Instead of shuffling through pages, she could flip to the section on fire or off-site evacuation to quickly find the plan notes.Schools in the community provide local emergency responders with pre-emergency plans, which include information about their structures. This ensures that first responders have key information in case of fire, evacuation or an intruder.Wasinger said copies of the forms are kept in all the local fire engines.Hays has 72 in-home child care providers.Wasinger has discussed with Lyle Pantle, Ellis County emergency manager, making those forms available to child care providers on a voluntary basis.Wasinger said she saw members of the task force volunteering time to work with child care providers to fill out the forms.Wasigner gave the example of a question on the form. She said a truss in a house's construction can affect how long firefighters have to evacuate a home.A provider could indicate the home's tornado shelter or shelter-in-place location in case of an evacuation or rescue."It just gives emergency services a little more data to use," Wasinger said. "Not only to get the kiddos out safe but the provider out safe and to keep their people safe, as well."Wasinger anticipated inviting Pantle to present at a future child care professional development event.<h2>Task force goals</h2>At its meeting on Jan. 14, the task force also revised its goals for 2025.The task force set the following goals:• Updated survey – The task force will use a sub-committee to review survey questions before its February meeting. • Funding crisis kits • Crisis handbook generation • Connecting more families with providers • Shared services through the task force • Resources for providers to continue their development with programs like Level Up Kansas. They have a navigator tool. • Communicating and marketing what resources are available to providers for professional development offered outside of the task force • Advancing quality of care through continued education and professional development offered by the task force and&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center • Develop pay-to-play for businesses • Adding Child Development Associate Credential track for high school students • Host a provider resource fair and provider in-service • Share documentation that outlines the requirements of being a provider and the rules and regulations that need followed • Share resources from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that outline good questions for caregivers to ask prospective providers for their children • Update resources on the Chamber in Hays website for the task force