EMPORIA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams delivered several standout performances this Friday at the Midwest Classic in Emporia, Kan.&nbsp;The Tigers were highlighted by multiple event wins, personal bests, and a national-level mark from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>.

The women's team turned in a dominant showing on the track and in the field, earning five event victories.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/8402">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;was a highlight of the meet, sprinting her way to a first-place finish in the 400m with a time of 56.10, a personal best that now ranks third all-time in the FHSU NCAA Division II record book. She also took sixth in the 200m with a time of 25.58.In the mid-distance events,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/eden-bathurst/8441">Eden Bathurst</a>&nbsp;captured a title in the 800m with a time of 2:20.26, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emily-diercks/8393">Emily Diercks</a>&nbsp;ran to a third-place finish in the 1500m, clocking in at 4:41.53.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emma-weiner/8448">Emma Weiner</a>&nbsp;earned a 1st-place finish in the 5000m and added a top-10 time in the 1500m as well.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/makenzie-premer/8447">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;continued her strong season, winning the 3000m in 11:43.13, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/abbye-hudson/8399">Abbye Hudson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/arely-maldonado/8445">Arely Maldonado</a>&nbsp;followed Weiner in the 5000m with second and fourth place finishes.

In the field,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>&nbsp;posted a huge performance in the pole vault, winning with a height of 13-2.50, a provisional mark that adds her name to the national qualifying list. In throws,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/liberty-booker/8390">Liberty Booker</a>&nbsp;launched a new personal best in the hammer throw at 170-06, placing 7th overall and moving to fourth in the DII program record book.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jessica-saunders/8407">Jessica Saunders</a>&nbsp;was able to earn a top-five finish in the discus at 138-01.

On the men's side,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/drew-tolar/8535">Drew Tolar</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/8507">Toby Wahlmeier</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;packed the podium in the 100m dash, finishing second, third and fourth. Wahlmeier returned to the track for the 200m, grabbing second, just ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nakari-morrical-palmer/8496">Nakari Morrical-Palmer</a>&nbsp;in third. In the 400m,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/avrey-albright/8476">Avrey Albright</a>&nbsp;and Morrical-Palmer each earned top-five finishes, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/mayan-paz/8498">Mayan Paz</a>&nbsp;crossed sixth in the 400m hurdles with a time of 56.91.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/christian-darrah/8512">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;had a strong meet as well, finishing third in the 1500m. The Tigers also placed four runners in the top six of the 5000m, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/carsyn-turpin/8505">Carsyn Turpin</a>&nbsp;in third place.

The pole vault crew stole the show, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/josiah-ball/8526">Josiah Ball</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-deges/8485">Brady Deges</a>&nbsp;each clearing 15-8.25 to tie the first&nbsp;place mark, showcasing the Tigers' elite talent in the pole vault.

The Tigers will now split their squad between two meets this next week. Some athletes will compete at the Jo Meaker Classic &amp; Multis in Canyon, Texas, while others will head to the K.T. Woodman Classic in Wichita, Kan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743875340753.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEMPORIA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams delivered several standout performances this Friday at the Midwest Classic in Emporia, Kan.&nbsp;The Tigers were highlighted by multiple event wins, personal bests, and a national-level mark from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>.The women's team turned in a dominant showing on the track and in the field, earning five event victories.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/8402">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;was a highlight of the meet, sprinting her way to a first-place finish in the 400m with a time of 56.10, a personal best that now ranks third all-time in the FHSU NCAA Division II record book. She also took sixth in the 200m with a time of 25.58.In the mid-distance events,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/eden-bathurst/8441">Eden Bathurst</a>&nbsp;captured a title in the 800m with a time of 2:20.26, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emily-diercks/8393">Emily Diercks</a>&nbsp;ran to a third-place finish in the 1500m, clocking in at 4:41.53.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emma-weiner/8448">Emma Weiner</a>&nbsp;earned a 1st-place finish in the 5000m and added a top-10 time in the 1500m as well.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/makenzie-premer/8447">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;continued her strong season, winning the 3000m in 11:43.13, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/abbye-hudson/8399">Abbye Hudson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/arely-maldonado/8445">Arely Maldonado</a>&nbsp;followed Weiner in the 5000m with second and fourth place finishes.In the field,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/8389">Annabeth Baalmann</a>&nbsp;posted a huge performance in the pole vault, winning with a height of 13-2.50, a provisional mark that adds her name to the national qualifying list. In throws,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/liberty-booker/8390">Liberty Booker</a>&nbsp;launched a new personal best in the hammer throw at 170-06, placing 7th overall and moving to fourth in the DII program record book.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jessica-saunders/8407">Jessica Saunders</a>&nbsp;was able to earn a top-five finish in the discus at 138-01.On the men's side,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/drew-tolar/8535">Drew Tolar</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/8507">Toby Wahlmeier</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/8477">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;packed the podium in the 100m dash, finishing second, third and fourth. Wahlmeier returned to the track for the 200m, grabbing second, just ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nakari-morrical-palmer/8496">Nakari Morrical-Palmer</a>&nbsp;in third. In the 400m,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/avrey-albright/8476">Avrey Albright</a>&nbsp;and Morrical-Palmer each earned top-five finishes, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/mayan-paz/8498">Mayan Paz</a>&nbsp;crossed sixth in the 400m hurdles with a time of 56.91.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/christian-darrah/8512">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;had a strong meet as well, finishing third in the 1500m. The Tigers also placed four runners in the top six of the 5000m, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/carsyn-turpin/8505">Carsyn Turpin</a>&nbsp;in third place.The pole vault crew stole the show, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/josiah-ball/8526">Josiah Ball</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-deges/8485">Brady Deges</a>&nbsp;each clearing 15-8.25 to tie the first&nbsp;place mark, showcasing the Tigers' elite talent in the pole vault.The Tigers will now split their squad between two meets this next week. Some athletes will compete at the Jo Meaker Classic &amp; Multis in Canyon, Texas, while others will head to the K.T. Woodman Classic in Wichita, Kan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃‍♀️ Tigers have good showing at Midwest Classic in Emporia

On Friday, the Kansas State High School Activities
Association released the postseason host sites for the upcoming baseball season,
and TMP-Marian is a host site for 2-1A.

The Monarchs will be joined by area teams Ellis and
Plainville.

Here is a complete list of the eight-team regional: Belleville-Republic County HS Bennington HS Brookville-Ell-Saline HS Ellinwood HS Ellis HS Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Oberlin-Decatur Community HS Plainville HS Salina-Sacred Heart HS

In class 3A, Russell/Victoria is part of the Colby regional.

Seeding for 3A and 2-1A is May 10. The quarterfinal round
will take place from May 14 to 16. The semifinals and finals will be held
between May 19 and 22.

Hays Post SportsOn Friday, the Kansas State High School Activities
Association released the postseason host sites for the upcoming baseball season,
and TMP-Marian is a host site for 2-1A.The Monarchs will be joined by area teams Ellis and
Plainville.Here is a complete list of the eight-team regional: Belleville-Republic County HS Bennington HS Brookville-Ell-Saline HS Ellinwood HS Ellis HS Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Oberlin-Decatur Community HS Plainville HS Salina-Sacred Heart HSIn class 3A, Russell/Victoria is part of the Colby regional.Seeding for 3A and 2-1A is May 10. The quarterfinal round
will take place from May 14 to 16. The semifinals and finals will be held
between May 19 and 22.

⚾ TMP set to host 2-1A regional

SENECA, Kan. (AP) — An Oklahoma man has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting a Catholic priest at a church rectory in northeast Kansas, authorities said Friday.

Officers called to the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca on Thursday afternoon found Arul Carasala with gunshot wounds outside the rectory, the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NemahaSO/#">a Facebook post</a>. The 57-year-old priest was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died.

Sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Seneca Police Department later arrested Gary Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hermesch, 66, was charged Friday and held in the Nemaha County Jail in lieu of $1 million bond, County Attorney Brad Lippert said Friday in a written statement.

The charging complaint says that Hermesch “intentionally and with premeditation” killed Carasala, Lippert said. Lippert did not return phone and email messages Friday seeking more information.

Authorities have not released a possible motive for the shooting or said whether the suspect and the priest knew each other.

Kris Anderson, the parish’s director of religious education, told the AP on Thursday through tears that she knew few details.

“From what we know, an older man walked up to him (Carasala) and shot him three times,” she said.

The priest's death left people in shock in Seneca, a city of about 2,100 where Carasala had been the pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church since 2011,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saintspeterandpaul-seneca.com/meet-our-pastor/">according to his profile</a>&nbsp;on the parish website.

Carasala was ordained as a priest in 1994 for the Diocese of Cuddapah, located on the southeast coast of his native India. He had served in Kansas since 2004, including as pastor of five Kansas parishes, after he was invited to visit by Archbishop James P. Keleher. Carasala became a U.S. citizen in 2011, while retaining his status as an overseas citizen of India.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/archkck">said in a Facebook post</a>&nbsp;that there was no ongoing threat to the community, but that he recognized the “pain and shock” the priest’s death had brought to the community.

“This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend,” he wrote.

Seneca is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of Topeka, about 90 miles&nbsp; northwest of Kansas City and about 300 miles north of Tulsa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743787979111.png" alt="Outside the church in Seneca-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Outside the church in Seneca-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SENECA, Kan. (AP) — An Oklahoma man has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting a Catholic priest at a church rectory in northeast Kansas, authorities said Friday.Officers called to the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca on Thursday afternoon found Arul Carasala with gunshot wounds outside the rectory, the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NemahaSO/#">a Facebook post</a>. The 57-year-old priest was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743796540386.png" alt="Hermesch photo Nemaha Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hermesch photo Nemaha Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Seneca Police Department later arrested Gary Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hermesch, 66, was charged Friday and held in the Nemaha County Jail in lieu of $1 million bond, County Attorney Brad Lippert said Friday in a written statement.The charging complaint says that Hermesch “intentionally and with premeditation” killed Carasala, Lippert said. Lippert did not return phone and email messages Friday seeking more information.Authorities have not released a possible motive for the shooting or said whether the suspect and the priest knew each other.Kris Anderson, the parish’s director of religious education, told the AP on Thursday through tears that she knew few details.“From what we know, an older man walked up to him (Carasala) and shot him three times,” she said.The priest's death left people in shock in Seneca, a city of about 2,100 where Carasala had been the pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church since 2011,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saintspeterandpaul-seneca.com/meet-our-pastor/">according to his profile</a>&nbsp;on the parish website.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743721682115.png" alt="-Father Arul Carasala-photo courtesy Saints Peter &amp; Paul Parish" />
 <figcaption>-Father Arul Carasala-photo courtesy Saints Peter &amp; Paul Parish</figcaption>
 </figure>Carasala was ordained as a priest in 1994 for the Diocese of Cuddapah, located on the southeast coast of his native India. He had served in Kansas since 2004, including as pastor of five Kansas parishes, after he was invited to visit by Archbishop James P. Keleher. Carasala became a U.S. citizen in 2011, while retaining his status as an overseas citizen of India.Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/archkck">said in a Facebook post</a>&nbsp;that there was no ongoing threat to the community, but that he recognized the “pain and shock” the priest’s death had brought to the community.“This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend,” he wrote.Seneca is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of Topeka, about 90 miles&nbsp; northwest of Kansas City and about 300 miles north of Tulsa.

Suspect charged with murder in shooting of a beloved Kansas priest

DODGE CITY – The Hays High baseball team raced out to an
early lead and beat Dodge City 10-0 Saturday. The Indians are now 3-1 overall
and 2-0 in Western Athletic Conference play.

The Indians wasted no time getting on the board. Cooper Johnson
singled with one out and scored on a Carter Graham sacrifice fly in the top of
the first. They would add three more runs in the second. Ian McGuire walked,
stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch then stole home to push the lead
to 2-0. Graham tripled which scored Jonathan Cano. Brett Rhoades added a double
which scored Graham. Trace Jacobs followed with a single which scored Rhoades
which pushed the lead to 5-0.

Johnson added an RBI single in the fourth and Jalen Smith an
RBI double in the fifth to push the lead to 7-0.

HHS added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh.
Landon Hardman drove in the first run on a fielder’s choice. The last two runs
scored on bases loaded walks to Graham and Rhoades.

Hays Post SportsDODGE CITY – The Hays High baseball team raced out to an
early lead and beat Dodge City 10-0 Saturday. The Indians are now 3-1 overall
and 2-0 in Western Athletic Conference play.The Indians wasted no time getting on the board. Cooper Johnson
singled with one out and scored on a Carter Graham sacrifice fly in the top of
the first. They would add three more runs in the second. Ian McGuire walked,
stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch then stole home to push the lead
to 2-0. Graham tripled which scored Jonathan Cano. Brett Rhoades added a double
which scored Graham. Trace Jacobs followed with a single which scored Rhoades
which pushed the lead to 5-0.Johnson added an RBI single in the fourth and Jalen Smith an
RBI double in the fifth to push the lead to 7-0.HHS added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh.
Landon Hardman drove in the first run on a fielder’s choice. The last two runs
scored on bases loaded walks to Graham and Rhoades.

⚾ Indians cruise past Dodge City

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released
the postseason host sites for the upcoming softball season this week. 

In class 2- 1A, the TMP-Marian Monarchs will take part in
the Spearville Regional, May 19-22, in Spearville.

The Monarchs will join Ellis and Ness City/Hodgeman County
from the area in Spearville.

Here is a complete list of the teams: Elkhart HS Ellis HS Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Johnson-Stanton County HS Medicine Lodge HS Ness City/Hodgeman County Pratt-Skyline HS Spearville HS

Russell/Victoria and Plainville/Stockton will take part in
the 3A Minneapolis Regional.

Seedings for both classifications will take place on May 14.

Hays Post SportsThe Kansas State High School Activities Association released
the postseason host sites for the upcoming softball season this week. In class 2- 1A, the TMP-Marian Monarchs will take part in
the Spearville Regional, May 19-22, in Spearville.The Monarchs will join Ellis and Ness City/Hodgeman County
from the area in Spearville.Here is a complete list of the teams: Elkhart HS Ellis HS Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian HS Johnson-Stanton County HS Medicine Lodge HS Ness City/Hodgeman County Pratt-Skyline HS Spearville HSRussell/Victoria and Plainville/Stockton will take part in
the 3A Minneapolis Regional.Seedings for both classifications will take place on May 14.

🥎 KSHSAA announces postseason sites

McPHERSON – The Hays high girls’ soccer team lost 2-1 to
Newton in the fifth-place match of the 19th McPherson Soccer Invitational
Friday.

Kinslee Newell scored the lone goal for the Indians who went
1-2 and finished sixth in the tournament. They are now 3-2 on the season.

Annie Humphrey was named to the all-tournament team. &nbsp;

Hays Post SportsMcPHERSON – The Hays high girls’ soccer team lost 2-1 to
Newton in the fifth-place match of the 19th McPherson Soccer Invitational
Friday.Kinslee Newell scored the lone goal for the Indians who went
1-2 and finished sixth in the tournament. They are now 3-2 on the season.Annie Humphrey was named to the all-tournament team. &nbsp;

⚽ HHS girls fall in final game in McPherson Invitational

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The <a href="https://hayschamber.com/child-care-task-force-of-ellis-county">Child Care Task Force of Ellis County</a>&nbsp;is asking Ellis County residents to complete a survey on child care by April 15.

A link can be found on <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">the Chamber in Hays website</a> or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChildCareTaskForceOfEllisCounty">Ellis County Child Care Task Force's Facebook page</a>.

During a strategic planning session in January, the task force decided to try to better understand the county's child care needs as new centers have opened.

"We really wanted to become internally focused on what we do to support providers," Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said.&nbsp; "The word professional kept coming up and helping you guys and gals be elevated and seen as professionals."

The task force sees child care providers as important in cultivating the community's next generation of workforce, Wasinger said.

The introductory question will take you to different subsections of the survey. The task force is looking for responses from • Parents, guardians or caregivers • Child care providers • Businesses/employers • Residents interested in supporting child care initiatives

Parents and guardians will be asked about their child care needs.

Wasinger said the survey is also self-serving because the task force is seeking how to better serve child care providers in the community.

"We need to know what you all need," Wasinger said at a recent task force meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737585359699.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe <a href="https://hayschamber.com/child-care-task-force-of-ellis-county">Child Care Task Force of Ellis County</a>&nbsp;is asking Ellis County residents to complete a survey on child care by April 15.A link can be found on <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">the Chamber in Hays website</a> or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChildCareTaskForceOfEllisCounty">Ellis County Child Care Task Force's Facebook page</a>.During a strategic planning session in January, the task force decided to try to better understand the county's child care needs as new centers have opened."We really wanted to become internally focused on what we do to support providers," Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said.&nbsp; "The word professional kept coming up and helping you guys and gals be elevated and seen as professionals."The task force sees child care providers as important in cultivating the community's next generation of workforce, Wasinger said.The introductory question will take you to different subsections of the survey. The task force is looking for responses from • Parents, guardians or caregivers • Child care providers • Businesses/employers • Residents interested in supporting child care initiativesParents and guardians will be asked about their child care needs.Wasinger said the survey is also self-serving because the task force is seeking how to better serve child care providers in the community."We need to know what you all need," Wasinger said at a recent task force meeting.

Ellis County Child Care Task Force conducting survey

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Fort Hays State University student was arrested March 27 for allegedly pointing and fired a pellet gun at students inside a residence hall.

FHSU Chief of Police Terrance Pierce said campus police responded at 11:21 p.m. to a report of someone allegedly brandishing a firearm in the lounge on the third floor of Victor E. Village.

The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Jay Alan Johnson, who had left the scene before officers arrived, according to Pierce.

In the lounge, officers spoke with witnesses who said the suspect allegedly appeared to be intoxicated and had what looked like a semi-automatic handgun in his waistband.

Witnesses reported the suspect allegedly pulled what appeared to be a handgun from his waistband and aimed it at the students before pulling the trigger. According to Pierce, they described hearing a clicking sound as what the students thought was a handgun's action cycled.

Several witnesses said Johnson's actions frightened them. No one was injured.

When Johnson returned, the officer interviewed him and asked about the firearm. He denied possessing a firearm and refused to give consent to search his room. A FHSU residential life assistant director provided security camera footage.

Pierce said the footage appeared to show the suspect with what looked like a silver semi-automatic pistol. University officers arrested the suspect at about 11:55 p.m. and transported him to the Ellis County Jail.

According to Pierce, a search warrant was obtained and carried out. A pellet gun, which looked like the device in the security video, was found in the suspect's room inside a backpack and was seized.

The suspect was released on bond. FHSU has removed the individual from University Housing and banned him from all FHSU property until the outcome of the criminal case, Pierce said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Fort Hays State University student was arrested March 27 for allegedly pointing and fired a pellet gun at students inside a residence hall.FHSU Chief of Police Terrance Pierce said campus police responded at 11:21 p.m. to a report of someone allegedly brandishing a firearm in the lounge on the third floor of Victor E. Village.The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Jay Alan Johnson, who had left the scene before officers arrived, according to Pierce.In the lounge, officers spoke with witnesses who said the suspect allegedly appeared to be intoxicated and had what looked like a semi-automatic handgun in his waistband.Witnesses reported the suspect allegedly pulled what appeared to be a handgun from his waistband and aimed it at the students before pulling the trigger. According to Pierce, they described hearing a clicking sound as what the students thought was a handgun's action cycled.Several witnesses said Johnson's actions frightened them. No one was injured.When Johnson returned, the officer interviewed him and asked about the firearm. He denied possessing a firearm and refused to give consent to search his room. A FHSU residential life assistant director provided security camera footage.Pierce said the footage appeared to show the suspect with what looked like a silver semi-automatic pistol. University officers arrested the suspect at about 11:55 p.m. and transported him to the Ellis County Jail.According to Pierce, a search warrant was obtained and carried out. A pellet gun, which looked like the device in the security video, was found in the suspect's room inside a backpack and was seized.The suspect was released on bond. FHSU has removed the individual from University Housing and banned him from all FHSU property until the outcome of the criminal case, Pierce said.

FHSU student allegedly threatens students with pellet gun in student housing

&nbsp;The U.S. now has more than double the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles cases</a>&nbsp;it saw in all of 2024, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas</a>&nbsp;reporting another large jump in cases and hospitalizations on Friday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">Other states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— defined as three or more cases — include New Mexico,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>, Ohio and Oklahoma. The virus has been spreading in undervaccinated communities, and since February, two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.

The multi-state outbreak confirms health experts' fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">could stretch on for a year</a>. The World Health Organization said last week that cases in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561">Mexico</a>&nbsp;are linked to the Texas outbreak.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.

Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a>

How many measles cases are there in Texas and New Mexico?

Texas' outbreak began more than two months ago. State health officials said Friday there were 59 new cases of measles since Tuesday, bringing the total to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">481 across 19 counties</a>&nbsp;— most of them in West Texas. The state also logged 14 new hospitalizations, for a total of 56 throughout the outbreak.

More than 65% of Texas' cases are in Gaines County, population 22,892, where the virus stated spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county now has logged 315 cases since late January — just over 1% of the county's residents.

New Mexico announced six new cases Friday, bringing the state’s total to 54. New Mexico health officials say the cases are linked to Texas' outbreak based on genetic testing. Most are in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, and two are in Eddy County.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">school-age child died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February, and New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;on March 6.

Kansas has 24 cases in six counties in the southwest part of the state as of Wednesday. Kiowa and Stevens counties have six cases each, while Grant, Morton, Haskell and Gray counties have five or fewer.

The state's first reported case, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing, a state health department spokesperson said. But health officials have not determined how the person was exposed.

Cases in Oklahoma remained steady Friday: eight confirmed and two probable cases. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.

A state health department spokesperson said measles exposures were confirmed in Tulsa and Rogers counties, but wouldn't say which counties had cases.

Ohio reported one new measles case Thursday in west-central Allen County. Last week, there were 10 in Ashtabula County in the northeast corner of the state. The first case was in an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.

In central Ohio, Knox County officials reported two new measles cases in international visitors, for three cases in international visitors total. Those cases are not included in the state's official count because they are not in Ohio residents. A measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85 in 2022.

Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?

Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. The agency counted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/">six clusters</a>&nbsp;that qualified as outbreaks in 2025 as of Friday.

In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are generally traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles. So far in 2025, the CDC's count is 607.

The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;(MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.

People at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.

Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or being born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.

A doctor can order a lab test called an MMR titer to check your levels of measles antibodies, but health experts don't always recommend this route and insurance coverage can vary.

Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says.

People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.

Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.

The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.

Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.

There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.

In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called “herd immunity.”

But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.

The U.S. saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-cdc-outbreak-chicago-mmr-vaccine-7ecdfef41e6dbd659c7ac8b80d5de38f">a rise in measles cases in 2024</a>, including an outbreak in Chicago that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60.</a>

AP Science Writer Laura Ungar contributed to this report.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740584009532.png" alt="A sign warning of measles is posted on a glass door as a patient checks in for an appointment in the family medicine wing of at the Texas Tech Physicians of the Permian Basin Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Odessa, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>A sign warning of measles is posted on a glass door as a patient checks in for an appointment in the family medicine wing of at the Texas Tech Physicians of the Permian Basin Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Odessa, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DEVI SHASTRI AP Health Writer&nbsp;The U.S. now has more than double the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles cases</a>&nbsp;it saw in all of 2024, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas</a>&nbsp;reporting another large jump in cases and hospitalizations on Friday.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">Other states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— defined as three or more cases — include New Mexico,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>, Ohio and Oklahoma. The virus has been spreading in undervaccinated communities, and since February, two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.The multi-state outbreak confirms health experts' fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">could stretch on for a year</a>. The World Health Organization said last week that cases in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561">Mexico</a>&nbsp;are linked to the Texas outbreak.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a><h2>How many measles cases are there in Texas and New Mexico?</h2>Texas' outbreak began more than two months ago. State health officials said Friday there were 59 new cases of measles since Tuesday, bringing the total to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">481 across 19 counties</a>&nbsp;— most of them in West Texas. The state also logged 14 new hospitalizations, for a total of 56 throughout the outbreak.More than 65% of Texas' cases are in Gaines County, population 22,892, where the virus stated spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county now has logged 315 cases since late January — just over 1% of the county's residents.New Mexico announced six new cases Friday, bringing the state’s total to 54. New Mexico health officials say the cases are linked to Texas' outbreak based on genetic testing. Most are in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, and two are in Eddy County.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">school-age child died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February, and New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;on March 6.<h2>How many cases are there in Kansas?</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743609889238.png" alt="Image Kansas Department of Health" />
 <figcaption>Image Kansas Department of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas has 24 cases in six counties in the southwest part of the state as of Wednesday. Kiowa and Stevens counties have six cases each, while Grant, Morton, Haskell and Gray counties have five or fewer.The state's first reported case, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing, a state health department spokesperson said. But health officials have not determined how the person was exposed.<h2>How many cases are there in Oklahoma?</h2>Cases in Oklahoma remained steady Friday: eight confirmed and two probable cases. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.A state health department spokesperson said measles exposures were confirmed in Tulsa and Rogers counties, but wouldn't say which counties had cases.<h2>How many cases are there in Ohio?</h2>Ohio reported one new measles case Thursday in west-central Allen County. Last week, there were 10 in Ashtabula County in the northeast corner of the state. The first case was in an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.In central Ohio, Knox County officials reported two new measles cases in international visitors, for three cases in international visitors total. Those cases are not included in the state's official count because they are not in Ohio residents. A measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85 in 2022.<h2>Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?</h2>Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. The agency counted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/">six clusters</a>&nbsp;that qualified as outbreaks in 2025 as of Friday.In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are generally traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles. So far in 2025, the CDC's count is 607.<h2>Do you need an MMR booster?</h2>The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;(MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.People at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or being born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.A doctor can order a lab test called an MMR titer to check your levels of measles antibodies, but health experts don't always recommend this route and insurance coverage can vary.Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says.People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.<h2>What are the symptoms of measles?</h2>Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.<h2>How can you treat measles?</h2>There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.<h2>Why do vaccination rates matter?</h2>In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called “herd immunity.”But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.The U.S. saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-cdc-outbreak-chicago-mmr-vaccine-7ecdfef41e6dbd659c7ac8b80d5de38f">a rise in measles cases in 2024</a>, including an outbreak in Chicago that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60.</a>___AP Science Writer Laura Ungar contributed to this report.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

US has twice as many measles cases so far this year than in all of 2024

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday said is signing an executive order to keep TikTok running in the U.S. for another 75 days to give his administration more time to broker a deal to bring the social media platform under American ownership.

Congress had mandated that the platform be divested from China by Jan. 19 or barred in the U.S. on national security grounds, but Trump moved unilaterally to extend the deadline to this weekend, as he sought to negotiate an agreement to keep it running. Trump has recently entertained an array of offers from U.S. businesses seeking to buy a share of the popular social media site, but China’s ByteDance, which owns TikTok and its closely-held algorithm, has insisted the platform is not for sale.

“My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress,” Trump posted on his social media platform. “The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days.”

Trump added: “We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal.”

TikTok, which has headquarters in Singapore and Los Angeles, has said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-bytedance-shou-zi-chew-8d8a6a9694357040d484670b7f4833be">prioritizes user safety</a>, and China’s Foreign Ministry has said China’s government has never and will not ask companies to “collect or provide data, information or intelligence” held in foreign countries.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday said is signing an executive order to keep TikTok running in the U.S. for another 75 days to give his administration more time to broker a deal to bring the social media platform under American ownership.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Statement from <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on TikTok: <a href="https://t.co/71SYdM1SfS">pic.twitter.com/71SYdM1SfS</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1908212019712450952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Congress had mandated that the platform be divested from China by Jan. 19 or barred in the U.S. on national security grounds, but Trump moved unilaterally to extend the deadline to this weekend, as he sought to negotiate an agreement to keep it running. Trump has recently entertained an array of offers from U.S. businesses seeking to buy a share of the popular social media site, but China’s ByteDance, which owns TikTok and its closely-held algorithm, has insisted the platform is not for sale.“My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress,” Trump posted on his social media platform. “The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days.”Trump added: “We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal.”TikTok, which has headquarters in Singapore and Los Angeles, has said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-bytedance-shou-zi-chew-8d8a6a9694357040d484670b7f4833be">prioritizes user safety</a>, and China’s Foreign Ministry has said China’s government has never and will not ask companies to “collect or provide data, information or intelligence” held in foreign countries.

Trump extends TikTok deadline to find a US buyer

TOPEKA&nbsp;— Kansas Legislature completed the regular portion of the 2025 session on Thursday, March 27, 2025, passing the budget and many bills. The legislature will return on April 10 for a three-day “veto session.”

The House and Senate both adopted the budget when it passed SB125. SB125 is a fiscally responsible budget that fully funds K-12 education including more money for special education, and provides a salary increase for state employees, including a reduction in the State General Fund from the prior fiscal year.

The budget now heads to the Governor who can sign or veto the whole budget or sign the budget while using her line-item veto power on provisions she doesn’t approve.

SB35 passed the House and the Senate and has been passed to the Governor. SB35 provides property tax relief and removes the state of Kansas from the property tax business by eliminating the statewide mill levies of 1.0 mills for state educational buildings and 0.5 mills for state institution buildings.

Those buildings would be funded via demand transfers from the State General Fund to the Kansas Educational Fund and to the State Institutions Building Fund. The transfer to the EBF would be $56.0 million in FY 2027 and would be adjusted in future years to reflect the average percentage change in taxable value of all property in the state of the preceding 10 years. The transfer to the SIBF would be $25.0 million in FY 2027 and would increase by 2 percent of $25.0 million in each future year.

Most Americans believe that only citizens should vote in our elections. However, progressive jurisdictions around the country have discussed allowing non-citizens to vote. 

To ensure this doesn’t happen in Kansas, the legislature adopted HCR5004, which if approved by voters, on the ballot in November of 2026, would amend Section 1 of Article 5 of the Kansas Constitution to clarify that no person shall be deemed a qualified elector unless such person is a citizen of the United States, has attained the age of 18, and, unless a residency exception applies to such person, resides in the voting area in which such person seeks to vote.

The Senate re-adopted HCR5011 which, if adopted by a two-thirds majority of each chamber of the Kansas Legislature and approved by voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to generally limit, for property tax purposes, the growth of taxable value of any real property or residential mobile home personal property to 3 percent per year.

The Senate reaffirmed its support of the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act by passing SB250. The bill would authorize a manufacturer operating in an eligible facility to make available individualized investigative treatments and allow individuals with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to request an individualized investigational&nbsp;drug, biologic product, or device from such manufacturers. This bill is now on the Governor’s desk.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;— Kansas Legislature completed the regular portion of the 2025 session on Thursday, March 27, 2025, passing the budget and many bills. The legislature will return on April 10 for a three-day “veto session.”The House and Senate both adopted the budget when it passed SB125. SB125 is a fiscally responsible budget that fully funds K-12 education including more money for special education, and provides a salary increase for state employees, including a reduction in the State General Fund from the prior fiscal year. The budget now heads to the Governor who can sign or veto the whole budget or sign the budget while using her line-item veto power on provisions she doesn’t approve.SB35 passed the House and the Senate and has been passed to the Governor. SB35 provides property tax relief and removes the state of Kansas from the property tax business by eliminating the statewide mill levies of 1.0 mills for state educational buildings and 0.5 mills for state institution buildings. Those buildings would be funded via demand transfers from the State General Fund to the Kansas Educational Fund and to the State Institutions Building Fund. The transfer to the EBF would be $56.0 million in FY 2027 and would be adjusted in future years to reflect the average percentage change in taxable value of all property in the state of the preceding 10 years. The transfer to the SIBF would be $25.0 million in FY 2027 and would increase by 2 percent of $25.0 million in each future year.Most Americans believe that only citizens should vote in our elections. However, progressive jurisdictions around the country have discussed allowing non-citizens to vote. To ensure this doesn’t happen in Kansas, the legislature adopted HCR5004, which if approved by voters, on the ballot in November of 2026, would amend Section 1 of Article 5 of the Kansas Constitution to clarify that no person shall be deemed a qualified elector unless such person is a citizen of the United States, has attained the age of 18, and, unless a residency exception applies to such person, resides in the voting area in which such person seeks to vote.The Senate re-adopted HCR5011 which, if adopted by a two-thirds majority of each chamber of the Kansas Legislature and approved by voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to generally limit, for property tax purposes, the growth of taxable value of any real property or residential mobile home personal property to 3 percent per year.The Senate reaffirmed its support of the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act by passing SB250. The bill would authorize a manufacturer operating in an eligible facility to make available individualized investigative treatments and allow individuals with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to request an individualized investigational&nbsp;drug, biologic product, or device from such manufacturers. This bill is now on the Governor’s desk.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate Update April 4, 2025

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Two days after sending the economy reeling by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">announcing widespread tariffs</a>, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;insisted his trade policies will never change as he remained ensconced in a bubble of wealth and power in Florida.

He woke up on Friday morning at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, and headed to his nearby golf course a few miles away after writing on social media that “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH."

Several supporters stood on the sidewalk as Trump, wearing his signature red “Make America Great Again” hat and white polo shirt, glided down a street lined with palm trees. They waved to him and he waved back,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-florida-supporters-glimpse-motorcade-flags-086a4f9a1659de959750a4c29fa5a443">part of a ritual</a>&nbsp;that plays out every weekend that he's in town.

The Republican president was not expected to appear publicly, although he's scheduled to attend a candlelit dinner for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-florida-donald-trump-campaigns-b3cca05169fa51ca5a996df61b3dfcbf">MAGA Inc.</a>, an allied political organization, on Friday evening. He spent Thursday in Miami at a different one of his golf courses, where he attended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-golf-liv-tour-pga-ab77d9aafb22c33e859fd6541b417836">a Saudi-funded tournament</a>. He landed in Marine One and was picked up in a golf cart driven by his son Eric.

Trump has often proved impervious to the kind of scandals or gaffes that would damage another politician, but his decision to spend the weekend at his gilded properties could test Americans' patience at a time when their retirement savings are evaporating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/market-rates-trump-tariffs-d86db525c370e9da834e6dfb76e23b86">along with the stock market.</a>&nbsp;The tariffs are expected to increase prices by thousands of dollars per year and slow economic growth, and there are fears about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/financial-markets-tariffs-trump-trade-cea98013c677e5b9bd6ce6166f4ce659">a potential recession</a>.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Friday that the tariffs were “significantly larger than expected” and are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-inflation-economy-trump-powell-490417656971634592bbeb3b2ade3593">“highly likely”</a>&nbsp;to cause more inflation — at least in the short term but possibly in the long term as well.

However, Trump has described his policies as a painful yet necessary step to encourage companies to relocate their operations to the United States, and he spent the morning defending himself on Truth Social, his social media platform, vowing he is sticking with his policies.

Although experts have harshly criticized Trump's tariffs, he's found some support on TikTok. He shared a video that said “Trump is crashing the stock market” and “he’s doing it on purpose” as part of a “secret game he’s playing, and it could make you rich.”

The goal, the video said, is to push the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, something that Trump explicitly called for later in the morning.

“This would be a PERFECT time" for Powell to cut interest rates, he wrote. “CUT INTEREST RATES, JEROME, AND STOP PLAYING POLITICS!”

With foreign leaders scrambling in response to Trump's announcement this week, the president lashed out and looked to cut deals.

He said he spoke with Vietnamese leader To Lam and claimed Vietnam wants to eliminate its tariffs on U.S. goods if it can make a deal with the U.S.

He also criticized China for announcing its own tariffs on U.S. imports.

“CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED - THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!” he wrote.

Republicans suggested that Trump's policies would be the start of a parley with foreign countries.

“The president is a dealmaker if nothing else, and he’s going to continue to deal country by country with each of them,” said Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming. He added that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had told Senate Republicans this week that the tariffs would be a “high level mark with the ultimate goal of getting them reduced” unless other countries retaliate.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York called Trump’s tariffs “a brutal pincer move with American families trapped in the middle.”

Meanwhile, Trump also celebrated a new report showing the U.S. added&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-inflation-federal-reserve-trump-d43b08bda57cb5d90b5bac1f092e1f3d">228,000 jobs in March</a>, beating expectations. Although the numbers were a snapshot of the economy before the tariff announcement, Trump claimed vindication, saying they already show his moves are working.

“HANG TOUGH," he wrote. "WE CAN’T LOSE!!!”

WASHINGTON (AP) —Although experts have harshly criticized the president’s economic policies, he’s finding support on TikTok.

He shared a video on Friday morning that said “Trump is crashing the stock market” and “he’s doing it on purpose” as part of “secret game he’s playing, and it could make you rich.”

Trump is at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Florida, for the weekend. In another all-caps post, Trump said he would stay the course despite fears about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/financial-markets-tariffs-trump-trade-cea98013c677e5b9bd6ce6166f4ce659">a potential recession</a>.

“TO THE MANY INVESTORS COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES AND INVESTING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF MONEY, MY POLICIES WILL NEVER CHANGE. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH, RICHER THAN EVER BEFORE!!!” he wrote.

Later Friday morning, Trump criticized China's decision to match his tariffs with a 34% tariff on U.S. imports.

“CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED - THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!” he wrote in a social media post

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743779999264.png" alt="President Trump upon his arrival in Florida Thursday evening- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump upon his arrival in Florida Thursday evening- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Two days after sending the economy reeling by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">announcing widespread tariffs</a>, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;insisted his trade policies will never change as he remained ensconced in a bubble of wealth and power in Florida.He woke up on Friday morning at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, and headed to his nearby golf course a few miles away after writing on social media that “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH."Several supporters stood on the sidewalk as Trump, wearing his signature red “Make America Great Again” hat and white polo shirt, glided down a street lined with palm trees. They waved to him and he waved back,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-florida-supporters-glimpse-motorcade-flags-086a4f9a1659de959750a4c29fa5a443">part of a ritual</a>&nbsp;that plays out every weekend that he's in town.The Republican president was not expected to appear publicly, although he's scheduled to attend a candlelit dinner for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-florida-donald-trump-campaigns-b3cca05169fa51ca5a996df61b3dfcbf">MAGA Inc.</a>, an allied political organization, on Friday evening. He spent Thursday in Miami at a different one of his golf courses, where he attended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-golf-liv-tour-pga-ab77d9aafb22c33e859fd6541b417836">a Saudi-funded tournament</a>. He landed in Marine One and was picked up in a golf cart driven by his son Eric.Trump has often proved impervious to the kind of scandals or gaffes that would damage another politician, but his decision to spend the weekend at his gilded properties could test Americans' patience at a time when their retirement savings are evaporating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/market-rates-trump-tariffs-d86db525c370e9da834e6dfb76e23b86">along with the stock market.</a>&nbsp;The tariffs are expected to increase prices by thousands of dollars per year and slow economic growth, and there are fears about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/financial-markets-tariffs-trump-trade-cea98013c677e5b9bd6ce6166f4ce659">a potential recession</a>.Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Friday that the tariffs were “significantly larger than expected” and are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-inflation-economy-trump-powell-490417656971634592bbeb3b2ade3593">“highly likely”</a>&nbsp;to cause more inflation — at least in the short term but possibly in the long term as well.However, Trump has described his policies as a painful yet necessary step to encourage companies to relocate their operations to the United States, and he spent the morning defending himself on Truth Social, his social media platform, vowing he is sticking with his policies.Although experts have harshly criticized Trump's tariffs, he's found some support on TikTok. He shared a video that said “Trump is crashing the stock market” and “he’s doing it on purpose” as part of a “secret game he’s playing, and it could make you rich.”The goal, the video said, is to push the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, something that Trump explicitly called for later in the morning.“This would be a PERFECT time" for Powell to cut interest rates, he wrote. “CUT INTEREST RATES, JEROME, AND STOP PLAYING POLITICS!”With foreign leaders scrambling in response to Trump's announcement this week, the president lashed out and looked to cut deals.He said he spoke with Vietnamese leader To Lam and claimed Vietnam wants to eliminate its tariffs on U.S. goods if it can make a deal with the U.S.He also criticized China for announcing its own tariffs on U.S. imports.“CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED - THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!” he wrote.Republicans suggested that Trump's policies would be the start of a parley with foreign countries.“The president is a dealmaker if nothing else, and he’s going to continue to deal country by country with each of them,” said Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming. He added that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had told Senate Republicans this week that the tariffs would be a “high level mark with the ultimate goal of getting them reduced” unless other countries retaliate.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York called Trump’s tariffs “a brutal pincer move with American families trapped in the middle.”Meanwhile, Trump also celebrated a new report showing the U.S. added&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-inflation-federal-reserve-trump-d43b08bda57cb5d90b5bac1f092e1f3d">228,000 jobs in March</a>, beating expectations. Although the numbers were a snapshot of the economy before the tariff announcement, Trump claimed vindication, saying they already show his moves are working.“HANG TOUGH," he wrote. "WE CAN’T LOSE!!!”------------WASHINGTON (AP) —Although experts have harshly criticized the president’s economic policies, he’s finding support on TikTok.He shared a video on Friday morning that said “Trump is crashing the stock market” and “he’s doing it on purpose” as part of “secret game he’s playing, and it could make you rich.”Trump is at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Florida, for the weekend. In another all-caps post, Trump said he would stay the course despite fears about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/financial-markets-tariffs-trump-trade-cea98013c677e5b9bd6ce6166f4ce659">a potential recession</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/2LMCM0HJRB">pic.twitter.com/2LMCM0HJRB</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1908143673755263005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“TO THE MANY INVESTORS COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES AND INVESTING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF MONEY, MY POLICIES WILL NEVER CHANGE. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH, RICHER THAN EVER BEFORE!!!” he wrote.Later Friday morning, Trump criticized China's decision to match his tariffs with a 34% tariff on U.S. imports.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/NduyAYedVK">pic.twitter.com/NduyAYedVK</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1908149633160757495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED - THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!” he wrote in a social media post

Trump hits the golf course as stock market plummets for 2nd day over tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Thursday endorsed a proposal that would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy, rather than in person.

Trump’s position, articulated to reporters on Air Force One on Thursday, put him at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/proxy-voting-discharge-petition-moms-anna-paulina-luna-118e3ff0fb12137714862c99a6bc92dd">odds with House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>, who mounted an aggressive push to kill that effort this week but was foiled by nine of his own members, along with all Democrats.

Though the president said he would defer to Johnson on the operations of the House, he also said, “I don’t know why it’s controversial.” Trump said he had spoken to Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the leading Republican proponent of the effort.

“If you’re having a baby, I think you should be able to call in and vote,” Trump told reporters Thursday as he traveled to Florida. “I’m in favor of that.”

In a post late Thursday on X, Luna said Johnson called her after Trump's remarks “and we discussed limiting the vote to just new moms who cannot physically travel in event of emergency etc. This is smart.”

Luna and Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado have led an effort that would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy for 12 weeks as they care for their newborns. It has the support of the majority of the House, with 218 lawmakers signing on to a so-called discharge petition that would force the measure on the House floor for consideration.

But Johnson is an adamant opponent of casting votes by proxy, saying that doing so is an affront to the Constitution and invoked similar efforts instituted by then-House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“It was quickly abused. Republicans put an end to it then, and we cannot allow it again,” Johnson said in a lengthy social media post this week. The speaker says he is working on “every possible accommodation” aside from being able to vote by proxy to aid new mothers in Congress.

Johnson attempted to squash the proxy effort in a dramatic floor vote earlier this week, but nine of his own Republicans joined all Democrats in rejecting his plan, 206-222. The speaker canceled House votes for the rest of the week while supporters of the proxy voting plan were undeterred and vowed to continue to push for it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743537969784.png" alt="Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado with her baby spoke in the House Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado with her baby spoke in the House Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Thursday endorsed a proposal that would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy, rather than in person.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump on proxy voting in House of Representatives: &quot;I don’t know why it’s controversial...going to let the speaker make the decision, but I like the idea of being able to, if you’re having a baby, I think you should be able to call in and vote. I’m in favor of that.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MWocen5X4R">pic.twitter.com/MWocen5X4R</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1907947685631430987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump’s position, articulated to reporters on Air Force One on Thursday, put him at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/proxy-voting-discharge-petition-moms-anna-paulina-luna-118e3ff0fb12137714862c99a6bc92dd">odds with House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>, who mounted an aggressive push to kill that effort this week but was foiled by nine of his own members, along with all Democrats.Though the president said he would defer to Johnson on the operations of the House, he also said, “I don’t know why it’s controversial.” Trump said he had spoken to Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the leading Republican proponent of the effort.“If you’re having a baby, I think you should be able to call in and vote,” Trump told reporters Thursday as he traveled to Florida. “I’m in favor of that.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Parental Proxy Resolution author <a href="https://twitter.com/RepPettersen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepPettersen</a> speaks while holding her nine month old son, Sam: &quot;It is unfathomable that in 2025 we have not modernized Congress to address these very unique challenges that members face, these life events.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Hxg5BZIeBn">pic.twitter.com/Hxg5BZIeBn</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1907114967800668534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a post late Thursday on X, Luna said Johnson called her after Trump's remarks “and we discussed limiting the vote to just new moms who cannot physically travel in event of emergency etc. This is smart.”Luna and Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado have led an effort that would allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy for 12 weeks as they care for their newborns. It has the support of the majority of the House, with 218 lawmakers signing on to a so-called discharge petition that would force the measure on the House floor for consideration.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: After less than a day in session, the House is DONE for the week, Speaker Johnson says. This comes after a handful of Republicans joined all the Democrats to allow certain members to vote from their couches instead of coming in to work. Infuriating. “That rule… <a href="https://t.co/1eCtbtJsWk">pic.twitter.com/1eCtbtJsWk</a>&mdash; Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/1907142417037336992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But Johnson is an adamant opponent of casting votes by proxy, saying that doing so is an affront to the Constitution and invoked similar efforts instituted by then-House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.“It was quickly abused. Republicans put an end to it then, and we cannot allow it again,” Johnson said in a lengthy social media post this week. The speaker says he is working on “every possible accommodation” aside from being able to vote by proxy to aid new mothers in Congress.Johnson attempted to squash the proxy effort in a dramatic floor vote earlier this week, but nine of his own Republicans joined all Democrats in rejecting his plan, 206-222. The speaker canceled House votes for the rest of the week while supporters of the proxy voting plan were undeterred and vowed to continue to push for it.

🎥Trump and House Speaker at odds over proxy voting for new parents in Congress

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays Recreation Commission plans to build a new facility at the southwest corner of 13th Street and Canterbury Drive.

A sales contract for the 3.1 acres has been signed and is expected to close April 21, said Roger Bixenman, commission superintendent. 

The $275,000 cost of the land, owned by IP Management, LLC, Hays, will be paid by the Hays Recreation Commission Foundation.

Board members and staff have been discussing the need for expansion for several years, Bixenman said, specifically for more gyms and multi-purpose space.

The plan was shared with Hays city commissioners and city staff members during a joint meeting Wednesday night to talk about future collaborative efforts between the two entities.

"Our mission is to provide quality facilities and recreational activities for all ages, and this space we have right now has been sufficient for a long time and still is," Bixenman said.&nbsp;

However, staff anticipate a large influx of after-school users and patrons when the new high school opens and the middle school moves into the former high school on East 13th Street, said Roy Inlow, board member. 

The new Hays High School is scheduled to open in August. The current high school will be remodeled as the new Hays Middle School and open in January 2026. The schools will be within easy walking distance of the planned new recreation facility.

Several conceptual designs are still being considered. The new space would likely house two gyms with a couple of dedicated pickleball courts, locker rooms, multi-purpose rooms and some office space. The estimated cost of the 25,800-square-foot building is $11.5 million.

"It would provide the opportunity for more open gym time — pickleball, basketball, volleyball players — and possibly provide more space for tournaments down the road, to help out the community," Bixenman said.

Cash reserves available for capital improvement projects would be used to help finance the new building. The board is also talking about a possible leaseback agreement, which was done with the fitness center and paid back within three years instead of 10, saving some interest.

The selected design could be built in phases to add amenities as needed and funds allow.

Another extensive $15 million, 38,500-square-foot design features an upper-floor indoor walking track. That's where a partnership with the city might come in.

"Get everything you dream about on the table," Mayor Sandy Jacobs said, "then look at your best revenue sources and start scaling back. That's how we'll know what we can do on a long-term basis."

"Recreation facilities enhance the quality of life in Hays," she said, while pointing out that the city is on a tight budget.

Bixenman said, "Having the city's backing and help on something like this would sure be helpful. We collaborate on a lot of things like the sports complex and the swimming pools."

Shaun Musil, city commissioner, said, "I'd like to see us partner with you."

The Hays Recreation Commission board will meet in a special meeting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 at the rec center to further discuss the building project.

Bixenman hopes to have a design finalized and out to bids within a year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743708501124.png" alt="Land at 13th and Canterbury, where the Hays&nbsp;Recreation Commission plans to build a new facility." />
 <figcaption>Land at 13th and Canterbury, where the Hays&nbsp;Recreation Commission plans to build a new facility.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays Recreation Commission plans to build a new facility at the southwest corner of 13th Street and Canterbury Drive.A sales contract for the 3.1 acres has been signed and is expected to close April 21, said Roger Bixenman, commission superintendent. The $275,000 cost of the land, owned by IP Management, LLC, Hays, will be paid by the Hays Recreation Commission Foundation.Board members and staff have been discussing the need for expansion for several years, Bixenman said, specifically for more gyms and multi-purpose space.The plan was shared with Hays city commissioners and city staff members during a joint meeting Wednesday night to talk about future collaborative efforts between the two entities."Our mission is to provide quality facilities and recreational activities for all ages, and this space we have right now has been sufficient for a long time and still is," Bixenman said.&nbsp;However, staff anticipate a large influx of after-school users and patrons when the new high school opens and the middle school moves into the former high school on East 13th Street, said Roy Inlow, board member. The new Hays High School is scheduled to open in August. The current high school will be remodeled as the new Hays Middle School and open in January 2026. The schools will be within easy walking distance of the planned new recreation facility.Several conceptual designs are still being considered. The new space would likely house two gyms with a couple of dedicated pickleball courts, locker rooms, multi-purpose rooms and some office space. The estimated cost of the 25,800-square-foot building is $11.5 million."It would provide the opportunity for more open gym time — pickleball, basketball, volleyball players — and possibly provide more space for tournaments down the road, to help out the community," Bixenman said.Cash reserves available for capital improvement projects would be used to help finance the new building. The board is also talking about a possible leaseback agreement, which was done with the fitness center and paid back within three years instead of 10, saving some interest.The selected design could be built in phases to add amenities as needed and funds allow.Another extensive $15 million, 38,500-square-foot design features an upper-floor indoor walking track. That's where a partnership with the city might come in."Get everything you dream about on the table," Mayor Sandy Jacobs said, "then look at your best revenue sources and start scaling back. That's how we'll know what we can do on a long-term basis.""Recreation facilities enhance the quality of life in Hays," she said, while pointing out that the city is on a tight budget.Bixenman said, "Having the city's backing and help on something like this would sure be helpful. We collaborate on a lot of things like the sports complex and the swimming pools."Shaun Musil, city commissioner, said, "I'd like to see us partner with you."The Hays Recreation Commission board will meet in a special meeting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 at the rec center to further discuss the building project.Bixenman hopes to have a design finalized and out to bids within a year.&nbsp;

Hays Recreation Commission plans to build new facility

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement across Kansas continue to encounter drivers traveling far above the posted speed limit.

Last week, a sheriff's deputy stopped a motorcycle traveling 102mhp in a 55mhp zone near 47th St. South and Rock Road, just north of Derby, according to a social media report from the Sedgwick County Sheriff.

"This happened at 4:00 in the afternoon—a time when traffic is heavy, people are heading home from work, and yes, school buses are on the road."

"This kind of speed isn’t just illegal—it’s dangerous and irresponsible. A crash at that speed could have been catastrophic for the rider and everyone around them."

"We can’t stress this enough: Slow down, stay alive. Respect the lives of those who share the road with you."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743701339144.png" alt="Photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement across Kansas continue to encounter drivers traveling far above the posted speed limit.Last week, a sheriff's deputy stopped a motorcycle traveling 102mhp in a 55mhp zone near 47th St. South and Rock Road, just north of Derby, according to a social media report from the Sedgwick County Sheriff."This happened at 4:00 in the afternoon—a time when traffic is heavy, people are heading home from work, and yes, school buses are on the road.""This kind of speed isn’t just illegal—it’s dangerous and irresponsible. A crash at that speed could have been catastrophic for the rider and everyone around them.""We can’t stress this enough: Slow down, stay alive. Respect the lives of those who share the road with you."

Motorcyclist clocked at 102mph in a 55mph zone on Kansas street

RUSSELL
– The TMP-Marian track and field team opened their 2025 season on a chilly
afternoon at the Russell Invitational. The girls finished fourth and the
boys ninth. 

Hoxie won the girls meet with Russell second, Ellis third and
Plainville sixth. Hutchinson Trinity Catholic won the boys meet with Hoxie
second, Plainville fourth and Ellis eighth.

The
Monarchs had three first place finishes. Piper Simpson won the girls pole vault
(9-0), they won the girls 4x100 relay (54.72) and Jackson Gillespie won the boys
200 (23.53). Gillespie finished second in the 100. 

The
Ellis girls won five events. Evelyn Merriman the 200 (26.86), Avery Boydston the
1600 (5:35.98) and 3200 (12:18.90) and Natalie North the discus (130-6) and the
shot put (38-11.5).

Hays Post SportsRUSSELL
– The TMP-Marian track and field team opened their 2025 season on a chilly
afternoon at the Russell Invitational. The girls finished fourth and the
boys ninth. Hoxie won the girls meet with Russell second, Ellis third and
Plainville sixth. Hutchinson Trinity Catholic won the boys meet with Hoxie
second, Plainville fourth and Ellis eighth.The
Monarchs had three first place finishes. Piper Simpson won the girls pole vault
(9-0), they won the girls 4x100 relay (54.72) and Jackson Gillespie won the boys
200 (23.53). Gillespie finished second in the 100. The
Ellis girls won five events. Evelyn Merriman the 200 (26.86), Avery Boydston the
1600 (5:35.98) and 3200 (12:18.90) and Natalie North the discus (130-6) and the
shot put (38-11.5).Plainville’s
Tucker Rudman finished first in the boys shot put (46-9).<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/669481-russell-invitational-2025/teams/21889">TMP-Marian
Results
</a> <a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/669481-russell-invitational-2025/teams/21990">Ellis Resu</a>lts
 <a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/669481-russell-invitational-2025/teams/22020">Plainville Results</a>