The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has released their first regular season rankings for 2025.

Despite a road win over state-ranked Manhattan before the Christmas break, the Hays High girls' drop two spots to No. 7 in Class 5A. Manhattan jumps two to No. 8 in Class 6A.

The Hoxie girls are ranked 7th in class 2A.

The Logan-Palco boys are ranked third and Otis-Bison ninth in 1A Division 2.

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

5A Girls 1. Topeka Seaman 2. Andover 3. St. Thomas Aquinas 4. St. James&nbsp;Academy 5. DeSoto 6. Kansas City Piper 7. Hays 8. Bishop Carroll 8. Blue Valley SW 10. Maize South

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

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

2A Girls&nbsp; 1. St. Mary’s Colgan&nbsp; 2. Eureka&nbsp; Hillsboro &nbsp; 3. Moundridge 4. Wichita County&nbsp; 5. Inman 6. Ellinwood 7. Hoxie&nbsp; 8.&nbsp; Berean Academy&nbsp; 9. Doniphan West&nbsp; 10. Hillsboro

1A Div. 1 Girls 1. Little River&nbsp; 2. Centralia&nbsp; 3. South Gray &nbsp; 4. Clifton Clyde&nbsp; 5. St. John - Hudson&nbsp; 6. Rawlins County&nbsp; 7. Central Plains&nbsp; 8. Madison-Hamilton&nbsp; 9. Troy 10. Olpe&nbsp;

1A Div. 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2. Wallace County 3. South Haven 4. Lebo 5. Marias des Cygnes 6. Hodgeman County 7. Hartford 8. Cheylin 9. Attica 10. Ingalls&nbsp;

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

5A Boys 1. Highland Park 2. Andover Central 3. Kansas City -Piper 4. Shawnee Heights 5. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 6.&nbsp; Valley Center 7. Topeka Seaman 8. St. Thomas Aquinas 9. Topeka West 10. Great Bend

4A Boys 1. Baldwin 2. Ottawa 3. McPherson 4. Rock Creek 5. Concordia 6. Atchison 7. Augusta 8. Abilene 9. Clay Center 10. Bishop Miege

3A Boys 1. Wichita Collegiate 2. Goodland 3. Hesston 4. Cheney 5. Haven 6. Lakin 7. Scott City 8. Wellsville 9. Burlington&nbsp; 10.&nbsp;Holcomb

2A Boys 1. Moundridge 2. Sterling 3. Ell-Saline 4. Salina-Sacred Heart 5. Rossville 6. Whitewater-Remington 7. Bennington 8. Pitt-Colgan 9. Berean Academy 10. Medicine Lodge

1A Div. 1 Boys 1. South Central 2. South Gray 3. Lawrence-Bishop Seabury 4. Oxford 5. Central Plains 6. Olpe 7. Macksville 8. Central Burden 9. Frankfort 10. Clifton-Clyde

1A Div. 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Axtell 3. Logan-Palco 4. Elyria Christian 5. Weskan 6. Hodgeman Co 7. Hanover 8. Dighton 9. Otis-Bison 10. St. John’s Tipton

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has released their first regular season rankings for 2025.Despite a road win over state-ranked Manhattan before the Christmas break, the Hays High girls' drop two spots to No. 7 in Class 5A. Manhattan jumps two to No. 8 in Class 6A.The Hoxie girls are ranked 7th in class 2A.The Logan-Palco boys are ranked third and Otis-Bison ninth in 1A Division 2.6A Girls 1. Blue Valley North 2. Wichita Heights 3. Washburn Rural 4. Derby 5. Olathe South 6. Shawnee Mission South 7. Shawnee Mission Northwest| 8. Manhattan 9. Blue Valley NW 10. Olathe North5A Girls 1. Topeka Seaman 2. Andover 3. St. Thomas Aquinas 4. St. James&nbsp;Academy 5. DeSoto 6. Kansas City Piper 7. Hays 8. Bishop Carroll 8. Blue Valley SW 10. Maize South4A Girls 1. Wellington 2. Bishop Miege 3. Topeka Hayden 4. Eudora 5. Clay Center 6. Labette County 7. Fort Scott 8. Baldwin 9. Buhler 10. Rock Creek3A Girls 1. Hesston 2. Halstead 3. Haven 4. Colby 5. Silver Lake 6. Girard 7. Goodland 8. Osage City 9. Holcomb 10. Cheney2A Girls&nbsp; 1. St. Mary’s Colgan&nbsp; 2. Eureka&nbsp; Hillsboro &nbsp; 3. Moundridge 4. Wichita County&nbsp; 5. Inman 6. Ellinwood 7. Hoxie&nbsp; 8.&nbsp; Berean Academy&nbsp; 9. Doniphan West&nbsp; 10. Hillsboro1A Div. 1 Girls 1. Little River&nbsp; 2. Centralia&nbsp; 3. South Gray &nbsp; 4. Clifton Clyde&nbsp; 5. St. John - Hudson&nbsp; 6. Rawlins County&nbsp; 7. Central Plains&nbsp; 8. Madison-Hamilton&nbsp; 9. Troy 10. Olpe&nbsp;1A Div. 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2. Wallace County 3. South Haven 4. Lebo 5. Marias des Cygnes 6. Hodgeman County 7. Hartford 8. Cheylin 9. Attica 10. Ingalls&nbsp;6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission Northwest 2. Wichita Heights 3. Wichita Northwest 4. Olathe North 5.&nbsp; Shawnee Mission South 6. Mill Valley 7. Junction City 8. Blue Valley North 9. Derby 10. Blue Valley Northwest5A Boys 1. Highland Park 2. Andover Central 3. Kansas City -Piper 4. Shawnee Heights 5. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 6.&nbsp; Valley Center 7. Topeka Seaman 8. St. Thomas Aquinas 9. Topeka West 10. Great Bend4A Boys 1. Baldwin 2. Ottawa 3. McPherson 4. Rock Creek 5. Concordia 6. Atchison 7. Augusta 8. Abilene 9. Clay Center 10. Bishop Miege3A Boys 1. Wichita Collegiate 2. Goodland 3. Hesston 4. Cheney 5. Haven 6. Lakin 7. Scott City 8. Wellsville 9. Burlington&nbsp; 10.&nbsp;Holcomb2A Boys 1. Moundridge 2. Sterling 3. Ell-Saline 4. Salina-Sacred Heart 5. Rossville 6. Whitewater-Remington 7. Bennington 8. Pitt-Colgan 9. Berean Academy 10. Medicine Lodge1A Div. 1 Boys 1. South Central 2. South Gray 3. Lawrence-Bishop Seabury 4. Oxford 5. Central Plains 6. Olpe 7. Macksville 8. Central Burden 9. Frankfort 10. Clifton-Clyde1A Div. 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Axtell 3. Logan-Palco 4. Elyria Christian 5. Weskan 6. Hodgeman Co 7. Hanover 8. Dighton 9. Otis-Bison 10. St. John’s Tipton

🏀 Kansas Basketball Coaches Association rankings (Jan. 7)

&nbsp;Jane (Kronewitter) Kisner -age 94,
passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Via Christi Village Care Center,
Hays, Kansas.

She was born March 1, 1930, in Schoenchen, Kansas to Joseph and Julia
(Gottschalk) Kronewitter.&nbsp; She married Stephen “Steve” Kisner Jr. on
August 1, 1949, at Pfeifer, Kansas. He preceded her in death on May 6, 2022.

Jane was a farmer’s wife, a mother, and a homemaker.&nbsp; She worked at
Travenol Labs., the Coke plant in Victoria, and Saint John’s Rest Home in
Victoria.&nbsp; She grew up on the family farm at Schoenchen, attended
Schoenchen Grade School and Wheatland School, and was a 1947 graduate of
Schoenchen High School. 

She was a former member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church, the Altar Society
both of Pfeifer, and member of St. Nicholas of Myra Prayer Group for over 20
years.

&nbsp;Jane is survived by her children, Gloria Dinkel, Hays, KS; Wanda Pfannenstiel
and husband, Steve, Hays, KS; Linda Goetz and husband, Bruce, Hays, KS, Thomas
Kisner and wife, Cindy, Hays, KS, Brenda Erbert, Hays, KS; Myrna Hoffman and
husband, Jeff, Hays, KS; David Kisner and wife, Ronda, Derby, KS; Jeff Kisner
and wife, Janine, Victoria, KS; her sister, Carol Legleiter, Hays, KS; her
sisters-in-law, Pat Kronewitter, Hays, KS; Lucille Huser-Knoll, Hays, KS,
Florine Kisner, Hays KS; Marlene Lang-Sarver and husband, Larry, Natoma, KS;
her 21 grandchildren and her 30 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Julia Kronewitter; her
granddaughters, Jami Goetz and Lori Dinkel; her son-in-law, Allan Dinkel; her
brother, Jim Kronewitter; her sisters, Berneice Werth; Ruth Zimmerman; and
Betty Rajewski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 11, 2025, at
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Pfeifer, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Fred
Gatschet.

&nbsp;Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of
Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday at Holy Cross Catholic Church in
Pfeifer.

A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday, at Clines-Keithley
Mortuary of Hays.

The family suggests memorial made payable to: Holy Cross Charities, INC or
Masses in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or left by
guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736209246888.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Jane (Kronewitter) Kisner" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Jane (Kronewitter) Kisner</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Jane (Kronewitter) Kisner -age 94,
passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Via Christi Village Care Center,
Hays, Kansas.She was born March 1, 1930, in Schoenchen, Kansas to Joseph and Julia
(Gottschalk) Kronewitter.&nbsp; She married Stephen “Steve” Kisner Jr. on
August 1, 1949, at Pfeifer, Kansas. He preceded her in death on May 6, 2022.Jane was a farmer’s wife, a mother, and a homemaker.&nbsp; She worked at
Travenol Labs., the Coke plant in Victoria, and Saint John’s Rest Home in
Victoria.&nbsp; She grew up on the family farm at Schoenchen, attended
Schoenchen Grade School and Wheatland School, and was a 1947 graduate of
Schoenchen High School. She was a former member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church, the Altar Society
both of Pfeifer, and member of St. Nicholas of Myra Prayer Group for over 20
years.&nbsp;Jane is survived by her children, Gloria Dinkel, Hays, KS; Wanda Pfannenstiel
and husband, Steve, Hays, KS; Linda Goetz and husband, Bruce, Hays, KS, Thomas
Kisner and wife, Cindy, Hays, KS, Brenda Erbert, Hays, KS; Myrna Hoffman and
husband, Jeff, Hays, KS; David Kisner and wife, Ronda, Derby, KS; Jeff Kisner
and wife, Janine, Victoria, KS; her sister, Carol Legleiter, Hays, KS; her
sisters-in-law, Pat Kronewitter, Hays, KS; Lucille Huser-Knoll, Hays, KS,
Florine Kisner, Hays KS; Marlene Lang-Sarver and husband, Larry, Natoma, KS;
her 21 grandchildren and her 30 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Julia Kronewitter; her
granddaughters, Jami Goetz and Lori Dinkel; her son-in-law, Allan Dinkel; her
brother, Jim Kronewitter; her sisters, Berneice Werth; Ruth Zimmerman; and
Betty Rajewski.A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 11, 2025, at
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Pfeifer, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Fred
Gatschet.&nbsp;Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of
Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday at Holy Cross Catholic Church in
Pfeifer.A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday, at Clines-Keithley
Mortuary of Hays.The family suggests memorial made payable to: Holy Cross Charities, INC or
Masses in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or left by
guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Jane (Kronewitter) Kisner

INDIANAPOLIS – Fort Hays State was one of 22 institutions from NCAA Division II selected as a finalist for the 2025 Division II Award of Excellence, an accolade recognizing initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement and student-athlete leadership. Four finalists were picked as at-large honorees for submitting a strong nomination not chosen as the finalist for their conference.

Fort Hays State was chosen for the Tigers for IDD Sports and Fitness Night. Fort Hays State student-athletes hosted the events for local Special Olympic athletes through a campus partnership with a Physical Activity for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities class. Over 200 student-athletes, along with students from the class, provided instruction to over 60 Special Olympic athletes. The event aimed to foster inclusion and demonstrate the importance of movement and physical activity. Fort Hays State hosted an event for this in both the spring and fall of 2024.

Division II honors its members each year for conducting events that promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities or on their campuses. A committee of athletics administrators determined this year's finalists, and the national Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee selected the top three finalists, who will be announced at the Division II business session on Jan. 17 at the 2025 NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

Each finalist will receive $750. In addition, the winner will receive $3,000, the first runner-up will receive $1,750 and the second runner-up will receive $1,500. All prize money is intended to be used for future SAAC initiatives or community engagement events.

Below is the list of finalists for the award.

Academy of Art (Pacific West Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;ART U Hoops With the Troops:&nbsp;Now in its fourth year, ART U Hoops With the Troops is a basketball clinic hosted by the Academy of Art men's and women's basketball teams in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Marines during San Francisco Fleet Week, which celebrates America's sea services. The event, held on the USS Tripoli, involved over 160 inner-city youth and included a tour of the ship. The clinic exposed youth to the collegiate student-athlete experience, military life, basketball fundamentals and new career possibilities.

Alabama Huntsville (Gulf South Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Sleep in Heavenly Peace:&nbsp;On a day off during the season, Alabama Huntsville men's and women's basketball teams partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and local volunteers to build beds for local children in need. This was the second consecutive year the teams partnered with the organizations. Participants built a total of 33 beds, surpassing last year's total of 25.

American International (Northeast-10 Conference) - Home Run for the Hungry Campaign:&nbsp;The American International baseball team's annual Home Run for the Hungry campaign collected 4,000 pounds of food and $500 worth of diapers for a local pantry and Square One, which provides a range of family-friendly education and support services. Over seven years, the campaign has donated 15,900 pounds of food, making a significant impact on the greater Springfield, Massachusetts, area.

Arkansas-Monticello (Great American Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;SAAC Make-A-Wish text-a-thon:&nbsp; Arkansas-Monticello's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee partnered with Make-A-Wish Mid-South to raise $10,000 through a text-a-thon. Student-athletes sent texts to their contacts asking for $10 donations, and within 10 days, they surpassed their goal of $10,000. The funds will be used to grant a wish for a local child, with the wish day planned for February at a basketball game.

Augusta University (Peach Belt Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Education Day Games:&nbsp;Augusta University student-athletes hosted more than 4,500 fifth graders from the community for annual Education Day Games focused on community, learning and collegiate experiences. The events also included financial literacy education and interactive experiences. The goal was to expose students to college life and introduce them to life as student-athletes.

Caldwell (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Tunnel to Towers:&nbsp;The Caldwell Student-Athlete Advisory Committee presented a check for $1,525 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation during the annual Super Saturday Basketball Event. The funds were raised through a charity volleyball game involving 38 student-athletes who took on various roles such as players, announcers and officials. The event, attended by around 165 people, included food donations from local restaurants and faculty, with meal tickets sold to raise additional funds. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families and builds specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association&nbsp;-&nbsp;Student-Athlete Empowerment Program:&nbsp;The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's Student-Athlete Empowerment Program is focused on developing student-athletes as leaders. Launched during the 2024 CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament in Baltimore, the program includes sessions on personal branding, financial fitness, career exploration and leading with impact. It was facilitated by representatives from the NCAA office of inclusion, U.S. Army, Wells Fargo, FBI and Wendy's. The program also featured community engagement activities, such as distributing shoes to those in need. It continued with the CIAA SAAC Summer Summit, which included workshops, panels and discussions on leadership, career readiness, mental health awareness and civic engagement.

Conference Carolinas&nbsp;-&nbsp;Leading the Way — Champions in Body, Mind, and Soul — SAAC Retreat:&nbsp;Conference Carolinas held its annual Student-Athlete Advisory Committee retreat in Greeneville, South Carolina. It included a visit to the Boys &amp; Girls Club, a special dinner event that honored community impacts of campus SAACs, and leadership training sessions. The retreat aimed to develop student-athletes as leaders and included presentations on professional communication, networking and handling interviews. The event also inspired student-athletes to create events on their campuses to help Hurricane Helene victims and organize additional canned food drives.

Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference&nbsp;-&nbsp;Play4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness Event:&nbsp;The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference hosted the Play4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness event across all campuses, uniting athletes, staff, students and community members to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer. Named in honor of the late basketball coach Kay Yow, this event celebrated resilience, community support and empowerment for those affected by breast cancer. Each campus held special activities and ceremonies, allowing fans and participants to engage in meaningful ways, from wearing pink gear to participating in halftime recognition ceremonies. The theme "United for a Cure" was central to each campus' approach, creating a visually unified atmosphere with pink decor, custom jerseys and commemorative banners. The event raised significant funds for breast cancer research and awareness initiatives through ticket proceeds, donations and merchandise sales.

Florida Southern (Sunshine State Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Light &amp; Life Park Relief:&nbsp;Florida Southern helped the Light &amp; Life Park senior community recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton. The athletics department logged 792 community engagement hours, assisting with cleanup, debris removal and repairs.

Fort Hays State (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association)&nbsp;- Tigers for IDD Sports and Fitness Night:&nbsp;Fort Hays State student-athletes hosted an event for local Special Olympic athletes through a campus partnership with a Physical Activity for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities class. Over 200 student-athletes, along with students from the class, provided instruction to over 60 Special Olympic athletes. The event aimed to foster inclusion and demonstrate the importance of movement and physical activity.

Gannon (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;PALS Camp:&nbsp;Gannon hosted its PALS Camp in collaboration with the Erie Police Athletic League, providing a chance for underserved youth to build connections with police officers through sports. The camp hosted more than 300 children and included various sporting events, social interactions and educational sessions. The camp aimed to reduce crime, promote positive character development and improve educational outcomes for children.

Mars Hill (South Atlantic Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Hurricane Helene relief:&nbsp;Mars Hill student-athletes played a vital role in helping their campus and surrounding communities with relief efforts after Hurricane Helene. They provided over 200 combined hours of community engagement, including preparing meals, cleaning up from the storm and organizing supplies.

Missouri Southern State (At-large selection) - Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat:&nbsp;The Missouri Southern State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosted its annual Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat campaign in October, collecting a record 8,618 nonperishable items for Soul's Harbor, a human services and homeless shelter. Student-athletes spent over 200 hours distributing flyers and collecting donations. The donations helped keep the pantry stocked well into the spring.

Molloy (At-large selection)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Campus Walk:&nbsp; Molloy partnered with the Molloy Student Counseling Center and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to hold the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Campus Walk. Over 100 student-athletes and dozens of other students and staff participated, raising $1,120 to support suicide prevention efforts. The event included resources and giveaways provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Montana State Billings (Great Northwest Athletic Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Game:&nbsp;The Montana State Billings men's and women's basketball teams partnered with the MSU Billings Native American Achievement Center to hold their first-ever Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Game. The event aimed to raise awareness and educate the community about the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Montana. The game included a halftime ceremony where participants walked silently carrying photos and mementos of those they wished to honor, and a performance by Native American artist Shakira Glenn. The event promoted community engagement and student-athlete development, fostering a deeper connection between the athletic department and the Native American Achievement Center.

Northwest Nazarene (At-large selection)&nbsp;- All-Abilities Clinics:&nbsp;Northwest Nazarene student-athletes hosted two all-abilities clinics, which served as both a community outreach and an at-home mission trip. Volunteers received education and training on interacting with individuals with intellectual disabilities and on adapted sports. The clinics featured various sports stations, including flag football, cornhole, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and a speed and agility course. Over 120 volunteers participated, assisting athletes throughout the day and ensuring a positive and inclusive environment. The event also included a breakout session for parents and families, where they discussed the challenges and joys of raising children with intellectual disabilities. The clinics aimed to foster inclusion, promote physical activity and provide valuable experience for student-athletes.

Oklahoma Baptist (At-large selection)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children:&nbsp;Oklahoma Baptist student-athletes worked with the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children to create relationships with the kids and raise money to renovate living spaces for single moms and their children. Over the summer, the athletics department donated over $3,000 to the organization and hosted a camp attended by 83 children that exposed them to various sports.

Roberts Wesleyan (East Coast Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Pirate Toy Fund:&nbsp;Roberts Wesleyan continued its support of the Pirate Toy Fund, which distributes toys year-round to children in need. Student-athletes contributed more than 300 community engagement hours at distribution events, toy drives and fundraising efforts like benefit games. Their collective efforts included setting up a new warehouse, sorting toys and raising awareness through social media campaigns. The Redhawks' contributions saved the Pirate Toy Fund over $12,000 in billable hours. They collected thousands of toys.

Rockhurst (Great Lakes Valley Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Mental health initiative:&nbsp;Rockhurst student-athletes, led by its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, launched a yearlong mental health awareness initiative that aimed to spread awareness about mental health stigmas and guide people toward resources. Each team had a mental health awareness game where players wore green accessories, the color of mental health awareness. The initiative included starting a chapter of Morgan's Message, which seeks to eliminate mental health stigma in athletics; forming partnerships with the counseling center, sports medicine and athletic performance departments; and creating educational sessions, a social media campaign and a mental health library in the weight room.

Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference - Crossover for Change:&nbsp;A group of Colorado School of Mines student-athletes raised money for Crossover for Change, whose mission is fostering confidence, empowerment and leadership for young women in Uganda through the sport of basketball. The student-athletes hosted local basketball camps and 5K races to contribute to the organization's efforts to build basketball courts, hold sports camps and conduct virtual sessions on confidence, nutrition and career goals.

San Francisco State (California Collegiate Athletic Association)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Building Connections:&nbsp;The San Francisco State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's primary goal focused on expanding community engagement efforts across athletics teams to support local groups and communities. The results included each athletics team contributing to the community through various events, charities and community engagement activities. These included youth sports clinics, charity walks for those with intellectual and development disabilities, food distribution for homeless shelters and trash cleanup on a beach.&nbsp;

Southwest Minnesota State (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Game Day Roundup:&nbsp;For the second year, Southwest Minnesota State has hosted Game Day Roundup, a community-focused pregame football event that includes inflatables for kids, food trucks, a live DJ, vendor tents and tailgating. It has enhanced relationships with local businesses and the community, creating an atmosphere that encourages Mustangs of all ages to be on campus for home football Saturdays.

Texas Woman's University (Lone Star Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Be the Match:&nbsp;Texas Woman's University student-athletes hosted a campuswide community engagement event in partnership with the National Marrow Donor Program, formerly known as Be the Match. The event aimed to register individuals as potential donors for patients with blood cancers and disorders. With the encouragement of Texas Woman's University student-athletes, 217 individuals registered, far surpassing the baseline goal of 100 registrants. The event included personal stories of experiences with transplants, inspiring participants and highlighting the impact of their contributions.

Walsh (Great Midwest Athletic Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Cavalier Commitment:&nbsp;Walsh student-athletes launched "The Cavalier Commitment" to appreciate and support sports officials. The initiative focused on creating a culture of appreciation, educating the community about officiating and forming partnerships with local high schools and the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Activities included writing thank you cards to officials, hosting educational sessions with officials like longtime NFL and NCAA official Gene Steratore, and promoting officiating through social media and community events.

West Virginia State (Mountain East Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Charleston Public Courts Tennis Tournament:&nbsp;West Virginia State has been leading community engagement through the Charleston Public Courts Tennis Tournament the past three years. The tournament promotes intergenerational interaction and active lifestyles, reinforcing West Virginia State's commitment to community involvement and athletic accessibility. The event, which was revived by the athletics department after being paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, attracted 245 participants across 30 events, with competitors ranging in age from 12 to 83.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736335578442.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsINDIANAPOLIS – Fort Hays State was one of 22 institutions from NCAA Division II selected as a finalist for the 2025 Division II Award of Excellence, an accolade recognizing initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement and student-athlete leadership. Four finalists were picked as at-large honorees for submitting a strong nomination not chosen as the finalist for their conference.Fort Hays State was chosen for the Tigers for IDD Sports and Fitness Night. Fort Hays State student-athletes hosted the events for local Special Olympic athletes through a campus partnership with a Physical Activity for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities class. Over 200 student-athletes, along with students from the class, provided instruction to over 60 Special Olympic athletes. The event aimed to foster inclusion and demonstrate the importance of movement and physical activity. Fort Hays State hosted an event for this in both the spring and fall of 2024.Division II honors its members each year for conducting events that promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities or on their campuses. A committee of athletics administrators determined this year's finalists, and the national Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee selected the top three finalists, who will be announced at the Division II business session on Jan. 17 at the 2025 NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.Each finalist will receive $750. In addition, the winner will receive $3,000, the first runner-up will receive $1,750 and the second runner-up will receive $1,500. All prize money is intended to be used for future SAAC initiatives or community engagement events.Below is the list of finalists for the award.Academy of Art (Pacific West Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;ART U Hoops With the Troops:&nbsp;Now in its fourth year, ART U Hoops With the Troops is a basketball clinic hosted by the Academy of Art men's and women's basketball teams in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Marines during San Francisco Fleet Week, which celebrates America's sea services. The event, held on the USS Tripoli, involved over 160 inner-city youth and included a tour of the ship. The clinic exposed youth to the collegiate student-athlete experience, military life, basketball fundamentals and new career possibilities.Alabama Huntsville (Gulf South Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Sleep in Heavenly Peace:&nbsp;On a day off during the season, Alabama Huntsville men's and women's basketball teams partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and local volunteers to build beds for local children in need. This was the second consecutive year the teams partnered with the organizations. Participants built a total of 33 beds, surpassing last year's total of 25.American International (Northeast-10 Conference) - Home Run for the Hungry Campaign:&nbsp;The American International baseball team's annual Home Run for the Hungry campaign collected 4,000 pounds of food and $500 worth of diapers for a local pantry and Square One, which provides a range of family-friendly education and support services. Over seven years, the campaign has donated 15,900 pounds of food, making a significant impact on the greater Springfield, Massachusetts, area.Arkansas-Monticello (Great American Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;SAAC Make-A-Wish text-a-thon:&nbsp; Arkansas-Monticello's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee partnered with Make-A-Wish Mid-South to raise $10,000 through a text-a-thon. Student-athletes sent texts to their contacts asking for $10 donations, and within 10 days, they surpassed their goal of $10,000. The funds will be used to grant a wish for a local child, with the wish day planned for February at a basketball game.Augusta University (Peach Belt Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Education Day Games:&nbsp;Augusta University student-athletes hosted more than 4,500 fifth graders from the community for annual Education Day Games focused on community, learning and collegiate experiences. The events also included financial literacy education and interactive experiences. The goal was to expose students to college life and introduce them to life as student-athletes.Caldwell (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Tunnel to Towers:&nbsp;The Caldwell Student-Athlete Advisory Committee presented a check for $1,525 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation during the annual Super Saturday Basketball Event. The funds were raised through a charity volleyball game involving 38 student-athletes who took on various roles such as players, announcers and officials. The event, attended by around 165 people, included food donations from local restaurants and faculty, with meal tickets sold to raise additional funds. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families and builds specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association&nbsp;-&nbsp;Student-Athlete Empowerment Program:&nbsp;The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's Student-Athlete Empowerment Program is focused on developing student-athletes as leaders. Launched during the 2024 CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament in Baltimore, the program includes sessions on personal branding, financial fitness, career exploration and leading with impact. It was facilitated by representatives from the NCAA office of inclusion, U.S. Army, Wells Fargo, FBI and Wendy's. The program also featured community engagement activities, such as distributing shoes to those in need. It continued with the CIAA SAAC Summer Summit, which included workshops, panels and discussions on leadership, career readiness, mental health awareness and civic engagement.Conference Carolinas&nbsp;-&nbsp;Leading the Way — Champions in Body, Mind, and Soul — SAAC Retreat:&nbsp;Conference Carolinas held its annual Student-Athlete Advisory Committee retreat in Greeneville, South Carolina. It included a visit to the Boys &amp; Girls Club, a special dinner event that honored community impacts of campus SAACs, and leadership training sessions. The retreat aimed to develop student-athletes as leaders and included presentations on professional communication, networking and handling interviews. The event also inspired student-athletes to create events on their campuses to help Hurricane Helene victims and organize additional canned food drives.Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference&nbsp;-&nbsp;Play4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness Event:&nbsp;The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference hosted the Play4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness event across all campuses, uniting athletes, staff, students and community members to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer. Named in honor of the late basketball coach Kay Yow, this event celebrated resilience, community support and empowerment for those affected by breast cancer. Each campus held special activities and ceremonies, allowing fans and participants to engage in meaningful ways, from wearing pink gear to participating in halftime recognition ceremonies. The theme "United for a Cure" was central to each campus' approach, creating a visually unified atmosphere with pink decor, custom jerseys and commemorative banners. The event raised significant funds for breast cancer research and awareness initiatives through ticket proceeds, donations and merchandise sales.Florida Southern (Sunshine State Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Light &amp; Life Park Relief:&nbsp;Florida Southern helped the Light &amp; Life Park senior community recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton. The athletics department logged 792 community engagement hours, assisting with cleanup, debris removal and repairs.Fort Hays State (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association)&nbsp;- Tigers for IDD Sports and Fitness Night:&nbsp;Fort Hays State student-athletes hosted an event for local Special Olympic athletes through a campus partnership with a Physical Activity for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities class. Over 200 student-athletes, along with students from the class, provided instruction to over 60 Special Olympic athletes. The event aimed to foster inclusion and demonstrate the importance of movement and physical activity.Gannon (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;PALS Camp:&nbsp;Gannon hosted its PALS Camp in collaboration with the Erie Police Athletic League, providing a chance for underserved youth to build connections with police officers through sports. The camp hosted more than 300 children and included various sporting events, social interactions and educational sessions. The camp aimed to reduce crime, promote positive character development and improve educational outcomes for children.Mars Hill (South Atlantic Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Hurricane Helene relief:&nbsp;Mars Hill student-athletes played a vital role in helping their campus and surrounding communities with relief efforts after Hurricane Helene. They provided over 200 combined hours of community engagement, including preparing meals, cleaning up from the storm and organizing supplies.Missouri Southern State (At-large selection) - Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat:&nbsp;The Missouri Southern State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosted its annual Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat campaign in October, collecting a record 8,618 nonperishable items for Soul's Harbor, a human services and homeless shelter. Student-athletes spent over 200 hours distributing flyers and collecting donations. The donations helped keep the pantry stocked well into the spring.Molloy (At-large selection)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Campus Walk:&nbsp; Molloy partnered with the Molloy Student Counseling Center and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to hold the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Campus Walk. Over 100 student-athletes and dozens of other students and staff participated, raising $1,120 to support suicide prevention efforts. The event included resources and giveaways provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.Montana State Billings (Great Northwest Athletic Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Game:&nbsp;The Montana State Billings men's and women's basketball teams partnered with the MSU Billings Native American Achievement Center to hold their first-ever Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Game. The event aimed to raise awareness and educate the community about the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Montana. The game included a halftime ceremony where participants walked silently carrying photos and mementos of those they wished to honor, and a performance by Native American artist Shakira Glenn. The event promoted community engagement and student-athlete development, fostering a deeper connection between the athletic department and the Native American Achievement Center.Northwest Nazarene (At-large selection)&nbsp;- All-Abilities Clinics:&nbsp;Northwest Nazarene student-athletes hosted two all-abilities clinics, which served as both a community outreach and an at-home mission trip. Volunteers received education and training on interacting with individuals with intellectual disabilities and on adapted sports. The clinics featured various sports stations, including flag football, cornhole, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and a speed and agility course. Over 120 volunteers participated, assisting athletes throughout the day and ensuring a positive and inclusive environment. The event also included a breakout session for parents and families, where they discussed the challenges and joys of raising children with intellectual disabilities. The clinics aimed to foster inclusion, promote physical activity and provide valuable experience for student-athletes.Oklahoma Baptist (At-large selection)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children:&nbsp;Oklahoma Baptist student-athletes worked with the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children to create relationships with the kids and raise money to renovate living spaces for single moms and their children. Over the summer, the athletics department donated over $3,000 to the organization and hosted a camp attended by 83 children that exposed them to various sports.Roberts Wesleyan (East Coast Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Pirate Toy Fund:&nbsp;Roberts Wesleyan continued its support of the Pirate Toy Fund, which distributes toys year-round to children in need. Student-athletes contributed more than 300 community engagement hours at distribution events, toy drives and fundraising efforts like benefit games. Their collective efforts included setting up a new warehouse, sorting toys and raising awareness through social media campaigns. The Redhawks' contributions saved the Pirate Toy Fund over $12,000 in billable hours. They collected thousands of toys.Rockhurst (Great Lakes Valley Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Mental health initiative:&nbsp;Rockhurst student-athletes, led by its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, launched a yearlong mental health awareness initiative that aimed to spread awareness about mental health stigmas and guide people toward resources. Each team had a mental health awareness game where players wore green accessories, the color of mental health awareness. The initiative included starting a chapter of Morgan's Message, which seeks to eliminate mental health stigma in athletics; forming partnerships with the counseling center, sports medicine and athletic performance departments; and creating educational sessions, a social media campaign and a mental health library in the weight room.Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference - Crossover for Change:&nbsp;A group of Colorado School of Mines student-athletes raised money for Crossover for Change, whose mission is fostering confidence, empowerment and leadership for young women in Uganda through the sport of basketball. The student-athletes hosted local basketball camps and 5K races to contribute to the organization's efforts to build basketball courts, hold sports camps and conduct virtual sessions on confidence, nutrition and career goals.San Francisco State (California Collegiate Athletic Association)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Building Connections:&nbsp;The San Francisco State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's primary goal focused on expanding community engagement efforts across athletics teams to support local groups and communities. The results included each athletics team contributing to the community through various events, charities and community engagement activities. These included youth sports clinics, charity walks for those with intellectual and development disabilities, food distribution for homeless shelters and trash cleanup on a beach.&nbsp;Southwest Minnesota State (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Game Day Roundup:&nbsp;For the second year, Southwest Minnesota State has hosted Game Day Roundup, a community-focused pregame football event that includes inflatables for kids, food trucks, a live DJ, vendor tents and tailgating. It has enhanced relationships with local businesses and the community, creating an atmosphere that encourages Mustangs of all ages to be on campus for home football Saturdays.Texas Woman's University (Lone Star Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Be the Match:&nbsp;Texas Woman's University student-athletes hosted a campuswide community engagement event in partnership with the National Marrow Donor Program, formerly known as Be the Match. The event aimed to register individuals as potential donors for patients with blood cancers and disorders. With the encouragement of Texas Woman's University student-athletes, 217 individuals registered, far surpassing the baseline goal of 100 registrants. The event included personal stories of experiences with transplants, inspiring participants and highlighting the impact of their contributions.Walsh (Great Midwest Athletic Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Cavalier Commitment:&nbsp;Walsh student-athletes launched "The Cavalier Commitment" to appreciate and support sports officials. The initiative focused on creating a culture of appreciation, educating the community about officiating and forming partnerships with local high schools and the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Activities included writing thank you cards to officials, hosting educational sessions with officials like longtime NFL and NCAA official Gene Steratore, and promoting officiating through social media and community events.West Virginia State (Mountain East Conference)&nbsp;-&nbsp;Charleston Public Courts Tennis Tournament:&nbsp;West Virginia State has been leading community engagement through the Charleston Public Courts Tennis Tournament the past three years. The tournament promotes intergenerational interaction and active lifestyles, reinforcing West Virginia State's commitment to community involvement and athletic accessibility. The event, which was revived by the athletics department after being paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, attracted 245 participants across 30 events, with competitors ranging in age from 12 to 83.

Fort Hays State finalist for NCAA Division II Award of Excellence

The Thursday, January 9, 2025 Hays City Commission meeting has been canceled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Thursday, January 9, 2025 Hays City Commission meeting has been canceled.

Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting canceled

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Hays public water supply system.&nbsp; This advisory also includes customers of Countryside Estates Mobile Home Park.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on January 21 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp;

Two waterline breaks occurred in Hays Monday, Jeff Crispin, water resources department director, told Hays Post. &nbsp;"Due to difficulty shutting down one of them to make the repair, we lost system pressure," Crispin said.

The two breaks were at 1240 Vine and the 400 block of West 18th.

Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-628-7380, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. 

For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019487cc70b7-7ad0ff7a-077f-4c35-af9b-42baa08c0333-000000/CSKKU2U0twCYT6SeRqz5zRztKdaNMmHTfXjY9ahykTY=388">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737445278089.jpeg" alt="City workers on the site a water main break at 1240 Vine, one of two water main breaks Monday in Hays.&nbsp; A boil water advisory has been issued for Hays by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Photo courtesy Hays Dept. of Water Resources" />
 <figcaption>City workers on the site a water main break at 1240 Vine, one of two water main breaks Monday in Hays.&nbsp; A boil water advisory has been issued for Hays by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Photo courtesy Hays Dept. of Water Resources</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Hays public water supply system.&nbsp; This advisory also includes customers of Countryside Estates Mobile Home Park.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on January 21 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp;Two waterline breaks occurred in Hays Monday, Jeff Crispin, water resources department director, told Hays Post. &nbsp;"Due to difficulty shutting down one of them to make the repair, we lost system pressure," Crispin said.The two breaks were at 1240 Vine and the 400 block of West 18th.Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-628-7380, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019487cc70b7-7ad0ff7a-077f-4c35-af9b-42baa08c0333-000000/CSKKU2U0twCYT6SeRqz5zRztKdaNMmHTfXjY9ahykTY=388">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Hays is under boil water advisory from KDHE

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

United Way of Ellis County's 71st-annual fundraising campaign has raised about $211,000 of its $350,000 goal to fund local programs.

The nonprofit focuses on key pillars that foster a good quality of life and strengthen the community.

United Way Executive Director Erica Berges said the organization's mission is to support funding for essential programs.

"We base those programs on four criteria: youth opportunity, community resiliency, healthy community and financial security," she said.

Berges said she anticipates more donations in the weeks ahead.

Campaign donations are accepted <a href="https://liveunited.harnessgiving.org/donate/?selected-method=one-time&amp;amount=50&amp;campaign_id=0">online </a>until Jan. 31, by phone at 785-628-8281, and in person at the United Way of Ellis County office, 1200 Main Street, Suite 102.

United Way will continue to accept donations after Jan. 31 as the deadline helps facilitate the Care Council's funding decisions.

Giving options include payroll deductions, monthly contributions and rounding up purchases to support programs such as rent assistance, utility aid and physical therapy for children.

"The nice thing about donating to United Way is it's going to multiple agencies and programs across every demographic," Berges said. "From birth to our senior citizens and everybody in between."

Donors can designate their contributions to specific agencies or allow United Way of Ellis County to allocate them to an agency they select.

"You can always give us a call. I'm more than happy to talk to individuals to let them know what their donation dollars are going to," Berges said.

The Care Council consists of 12 community volunteers who review agency funding requests and recommend United Way allocations.

The council strives to ensure funded programs and agencies deliver essential community services.

"Unfortunately, the ask is always more than we can give, and we always want to give out as much as we can," Berges said. "That's why our annual campaign is so important."

United Way of Ellis County will host a Chamber Chat at 9 a.m. on Jan. 24 at its offices at  1200 Main St., Suite 102, to allow the public to learn about the group.

The organization is hosting a Dueling Pianos event at 6 p.m. on Feb. 8 at the Schenk Community Building. The event will include food, drinks and music. Tickets are $50 each.

You can visit the United Way of Ellis County <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">website </a>and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty/events">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687976834535.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostUnited Way of Ellis County's 71st-annual fundraising campaign has raised about $211,000 of its $350,000 goal to fund local programs.The nonprofit focuses on key pillars that foster a good quality of life and strengthen the community.United Way Executive Director Erica Berges said the organization's mission is to support funding for essential programs."We base those programs on four criteria: youth opportunity, community resiliency, healthy community and financial security," she said.Berges said she anticipates more donations in the weeks ahead.Campaign donations are accepted <a href="https://liveunited.harnessgiving.org/donate/?selected-method=one-time&amp;amount=50&amp;campaign_id=0">online </a>until Jan. 31, by phone at 785-628-8281, and in person at the United Way of Ellis County office, 1200 Main Street, Suite 102.United Way will continue to accept donations after Jan. 31 as the deadline helps facilitate the Care Council's funding decisions.Giving options include payroll deductions, monthly contributions and rounding up purchases to support programs such as rent assistance, utility aid and physical therapy for children."The nice thing about donating to United Way is it's going to multiple agencies and programs across every demographic," Berges said. "From birth to our senior citizens and everybody in between."Donors can designate their contributions to specific agencies or allow United Way of Ellis County to allocate them to an agency they select."You can always give us a call. I'm more than happy to talk to individuals to let them know what their donation dollars are going to," Berges said.The Care Council consists of 12 community volunteers who review agency funding requests and recommend United Way allocations.The council strives to ensure funded programs and agencies deliver essential community services."Unfortunately, the ask is always more than we can give, and we always want to give out as much as we can," Berges said. "That's why our annual campaign is so important."United Way of Ellis County will host a Chamber Chat at 9 a.m. on Jan. 24 at its offices at 1200 Main St., Suite 102, to allow the public to learn about the group.The organization is hosting a Dueling Pianos event at 6 p.m. on Feb. 8 at the Schenk Community Building. The event will include food, drinks and music. Tickets are $50 each.You can visit the United Way of Ellis County <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">website </a>and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty/events">Facebook</a>.

United Way of Ellis County short of fundraising campaign goal

Hays Police Department arrest log, Dec. 29, 2024 - Jan. 4, 2025

Hays Police Department activity log, Dec. 29, 2024 - Jan. 4, 2025

Wednesday, January 8
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Arizona State, 6:30pm

Thursday, January 9
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Emporia State, 5:05pm

Friday, January 10
 KKQY: Smith Center
MWBKB at Ellis, 5:15 *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Emporia, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Salina Sacred Heart, 5:40pm

Saturday, January 11
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Cincinnati, 11:30am

Tuesday, January 7
 noneWednesday, January 8
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Arizona State, 6:30pmThursday, January 9
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Emporia State, 5:05pmFriday, January 10
 KKQY: Smith Center
MWBKB at Ellis, 5:15 *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Emporia, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Salina Sacred Heart, 5:40pmSaturday, January 11
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Cincinnati, 11:30amSunday,
1/12 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The Fort Hays State men look for their first win over NW Missouri State in Maryville since 2013 when they take on the Bearcats on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Bearcat Arena.

The Fort Hays State men look for their first win over NW Missouri State in Maryville since 2013 when they take on the Bearcats on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Bearcat Arena.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB at NW Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)" 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=9x3x8-17a030d-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 NW Missouri State

Due to the conditions from the winter storm and heavy amounts of snow that fell over the weekend, recycling is not guaranteed to be collected this week. This only applies to the recycling materials – regular trash will be collected as normal.  Please note that the exact time of collection of the regular trash may be delayed. Please make sure your polycarts are out by 7:00 AM and keep in mind the trucks have no set time schedule. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our customers.

City of Hays customers who have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734690570482.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the conditions from the winter storm and heavy amounts of snow that fell over the weekend, recycling is not guaranteed to be collected this week. This only applies to the recycling materials – regular trash will be collected as normal. Please note that the exact time of collection of the regular trash may be delayed. Please make sure your polycarts are out by 7:00 AM and keep in mind the trucks have no set time schedule. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our customers.City of Hays customers who have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 628-7350.

Recycling collection for Hays not guaranteed this week

USD 489 Hays will be closed Tuesday and will have a two-hour delay on Wednesday.

SubmittedUSD 489 Hays will be closed Tuesday and will have a two-hour delay on Wednesday.

No school in Hays on Tuesday, delayed start Wednesday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The K-State Ag Research Center reported 9 inches of snow in Hays as of Monday morning.

Bitter cold is forecast to linger over the area for the next two days. Highs are forecast in the low 20s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Wind chill values are forecast to be as low as -7 overnight.

Temperatures are forecast to barely break freezing on Thursday and the rest of the week.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe K-State Ag Research Center reported 9 inches of snow in Hays as of Monday morning.Sunday's high was 15. The low was -7.Bitter cold is forecast to linger over the area for the next two days. Highs are forecast in the low 20s Tuesday and Wednesday.Wind chill values are forecast to be as low as -7 overnight.Temperatures are forecast to barely break freezing on Thursday and the rest of the week.

Hays receives heavy snowfall Sunday

HAYS, Kan. - The men's and women's basketball contests between Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney originally scheduled for Tuesday have been postponed to Wednesday, February 26 due to continuing travel concerns created by Winter Storm Blair.

Tip times will remain as scheduled, with the women opening the evening at 5:30 p.m. and the men to follow at 7:30 p.m. Tickets dated January 7 will still be accepted on the new game day.

The Tigers are now scheduled to return to action on Thursday when they host Emporia State beginning at 5:30 p.m. for the women and 7:30 p.m. for the men.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736181655719.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The men's and women's basketball contests between Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney originally scheduled for Tuesday have been postponed to Wednesday, February 26 due to continuing travel concerns created by Winter Storm Blair.Tip times will remain as scheduled, with the women opening the evening at 5:30 p.m. and the men to follow at 7:30 p.m. Tickets dated January 7 will still be accepted on the new game day.The Tigers are now scheduled to return to action on Thursday when they host Emporia State beginning at 5:30 p.m. for the women and 7:30 p.m. for the men.

🏀 Tuesday's FHSU games postponed to Feb. 26

Please be advised that City of Hays crews will be removing snow from the downtown area from Oak to Fort streets and 7th to 13th streets, Main Street from 6th to 16th streets, and West 9th and 10th streets in the 100 and 200 blocks, tonight, Monday, January 6, 2025, starting at approximately 10 p.m.  City crews request that cars be removed from these areas to allow the crews the ability to completely plow the street and the on-street parking areas.

If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Service Division at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736180639737.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysPlease be advised that City of Hays crews will be removing snow from the downtown area from Oak to Fort streets and 7th to 13th streets, Main Street from 6th to 16th streets, and West 9th and 10th streets in the 100 and 200 blocks, tonight, Monday, January 6, 2025, starting at approximately 10 p.m. City crews request that cars be removed from these areas to allow the crews the ability to completely plow the street and the on-street parking areas.If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Service Division at 785-628-7350.

Snow removal in downtown area for Hays

Monday, January 6
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Bill Self, 6pm

Tuesday, January 7
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 5:05pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Wichita Independent, 5:40pm
 KKQY: Quinter MWBKB at Hill City, approx. 5:45pm

Monday, January 6
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Bill Self, 6pm Tuesday, January 7
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 5:05pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Wichita Independent, 5:40pm
 KKQY: Quinter MWBKB at Hill City, approx. 5:45pmWednesday, January 8
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Arizona State, 6:30pmThursday, January 9
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Emporia State, 5:05pmFriday, January 10
 KKQY: Smith Center
MWBKB at Ellis, 5:15 *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Emporia, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Salina Sacred Heart, 5:40pmSaturday, January 11
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Cincinnati, 11:30amSunday,
1/12 none

The 3rd-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens 2025 against Northwest Missouri State on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Bearcat Arena in Maryville,&nbsp; Mo.

The 3rd-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens 2025 against Northwest Missouri State on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Bearcat Arena in Maryville,&nbsp; Mo.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind: WBB at NW Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2024)" 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=2jatk-1799d67-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB at NW Missouri State

Eddy DeBoer, a former Phillipsburg resident, passed away on
Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the Via Christi Village in Hays, KS, at the age
of 85. Born on July 7, 1939, in Prairie View, KS, he was the son of John Edward
and Esther Eunice (Nonhof) DeBoer.

Eddy married Anita Louise Jansonius on December 19, 1959, in
Bethany, MO. He dedicated his career to the Phillips County Road and Bridge
Department in Phillipsburg, where he was recognized as having the best oiled
roads in Kansas, eventually retiring as the Road and Bridge Supervisor in
2001—a role he deeply cherished. He spent countless weekends and evenings
working alongside his children in the Grader, creating sand rows and performing
various tasks.

Outside of work, Eddy was a devoted family man, maybe a little
strict at times, but he traveled far and wide to support his children in their
numerous sporting events. He was also a man of faith, regularly attending
church with his family. &nbsp;Above all, his pride and joy were his
grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Esther;
stepmother Winifred; sister Joan McLeod; brother's-in-law Wally Schmeichel and
John Jansonius; sister and brother-in-law Keith and Georgia Brown;
parents-in-law William and Vivian Jansonius; and nephews Jared DeBoer and
Stephen Brown.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Anita of Hays, KS; son
Jerol DeBoer and wife Denise of Hays, KS; daughters Cindy Vink and husband
Kenny of Ellinwood, KS, Tammy Slayton of Hays, Rhonda Kellerman and husband
Kerry of Phillipsburg, Lisa Thummel and husband Jeff of Hays, and Lori Bogart
of Hays; 14 grandchildren: Lyndsae Schoenthaler and husband Derek, Gavin Vink,
Briana DeBoer, Brooke Slayton, Jordan Imel and husband Lucas, Jaron Kellerman,
Jacey Kellerman, Kelsee Walker and husband Austin, Taylor DeBoer, Kaiden Grieve
and wife Shelby, Megan Stouffer and husband Lucas, Kali DeBey and husband
Damon, Alex Bogart, and Kambri Bogart; 14 great grandchildren (with one on the
way): Josey, Canon, Luke, Maggie, Blakely, Brecklyn, Barrett, Emerie, Renlie,
Alita, Anika, Jeremiah, Noah, and Abel; a brother Dennis DeBoer and wife
Bernita of Kearney, NE; a sister Jean Schmeichel of Fitchburg, WI;
brother-in-law Van Jansonius and wife Cay; several nieces, nephews, cousins,
and friends.

Funeral services will be
held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2025 at the United Methodist Church in
Phillipsburg with Pastor Gary Simon officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055272974764">The
services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook
page.</a>&nbsp; Burial will
follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Mr. DeBoer will lie in
state from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday at the
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. &nbsp;The family will receive
friends Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for visitation at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions
may be made to the Brookdale Senior Living and the Hospice at Hays Med c/o
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661.

Online condolences may
be left at www.olliffboeve.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736129105813.jpeg" alt="Eddy DeBoer" />
 <figcaption>Eddy DeBoer</figcaption>
 </figure>Eddy DeBoer, a former Phillipsburg resident, passed away on
Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the Via Christi Village in Hays, KS, at the age
of 85. Born on July 7, 1939, in Prairie View, KS, he was the son of John Edward
and Esther Eunice (Nonhof) DeBoer.Eddy married Anita Louise Jansonius on December 19, 1959, in
Bethany, MO. He dedicated his career to the Phillips County Road and Bridge
Department in Phillipsburg, where he was recognized as having the best oiled
roads in Kansas, eventually retiring as the Road and Bridge Supervisor in
2001—a role he deeply cherished. He spent countless weekends and evenings
working alongside his children in the Grader, creating sand rows and performing
various tasks.Outside of work, Eddy was a devoted family man, maybe a little
strict at times, but he traveled far and wide to support his children in their
numerous sporting events. He was also a man of faith, regularly attending
church with his family. &nbsp;Above all, his pride and joy were his
grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents John and Esther;
stepmother Winifred; sister Joan McLeod; brother's-in-law Wally Schmeichel and
John Jansonius; sister and brother-in-law Keith and Georgia Brown;
parents-in-law William and Vivian Jansonius; and nephews Jared DeBoer and
Stephen Brown.Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Anita of Hays, KS; son
Jerol DeBoer and wife Denise of Hays, KS; daughters Cindy Vink and husband
Kenny of Ellinwood, KS, Tammy Slayton of Hays, Rhonda Kellerman and husband
Kerry of Phillipsburg, Lisa Thummel and husband Jeff of Hays, and Lori Bogart
of Hays; 14 grandchildren: Lyndsae Schoenthaler and husband Derek, Gavin Vink,
Briana DeBoer, Brooke Slayton, Jordan Imel and husband Lucas, Jaron Kellerman,
Jacey Kellerman, Kelsee Walker and husband Austin, Taylor DeBoer, Kaiden Grieve
and wife Shelby, Megan Stouffer and husband Lucas, Kali DeBey and husband
Damon, Alex Bogart, and Kambri Bogart; 14 great grandchildren (with one on the
way): Josey, Canon, Luke, Maggie, Blakely, Brecklyn, Barrett, Emerie, Renlie,
Alita, Anika, Jeremiah, Noah, and Abel; a brother Dennis DeBoer and wife
Bernita of Kearney, NE; a sister Jean Schmeichel of Fitchburg, WI;
brother-in-law Van Jansonius and wife Cay; several nieces, nephews, cousins,
and friends.Funeral services will be
held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2025 at the United Methodist Church in
Phillipsburg with Pastor Gary Simon officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055272974764">The
services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook
page.</a>&nbsp; Burial will
follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.Mr. DeBoer will lie in
state from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday at the
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. &nbsp;The family will receive
friends Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for visitation at the funeral chapel.Memorial contributions
may be made to the Brookdale Senior Living and the Hospice at Hays Med c/o
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661.Online condolences may
be left at www.olliffboeve.com.

Eddy DeBoer

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is now just a tap away with its innovative new app, designed to keep the community informed and more connected than ever.

The Sheriff's app aims to enhance communication with residents by providing news, alerts and real-time updates.

Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said the mobile app will fill a critical gap in distributing information to the area.

"I'm excited to provide this to the community. It's something we have been missing and will give information that our community needs," he said.

The app allows users to submit crime tips, access live inmate information, view an offender watch map, explore cyber safety resources and receive weather updates.

You can download the app on <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.a1327">Google Play</a> and <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ellis-county-sheriffs-office/id6737206397">iOS</a>.

The app was inspired by the sheriff's office's need to deliver urgent information to the community during critical events. Sheriff Scott Braun said relying on third-party platforms can cause communication delays.

"We were having to close highway 40 like seven times when a dust storm was coming through. We didn't have an adequate way of being able to push that information ourselves," he said.

The app allows the sheriff's office to communicate directly with the public when necessary.

Tips for ongoing investigations can be submitted directly from the app's homepage. However, Braun emphasizes that 911 should always be used in emergencies as the app can be vulnerable to technical issues.

The app features a live tracker for inmates at the Ellis County Jail, providing information such as current inmate names, alleged charges and physical descriptions.

The app also includes a registered offenders map to view the locations of violent, drug and sex offenders within their area.

"It will pin the location and where they live," Braun said. "If you're a next-door neighbor to somebody you didn't know [were registered], you can be fully aware of that by going to the sheriff app."

Even though the holiday season has ended, the sheriff's app covers you for keeping your home secure if you're out of town.

The vacation patrol request button lets residents inform the sheriff's office of their absence and submit details to add their property to a patrol checklist for routine checks.

Businesses can also use the app to provide emergency contact information for scheduled patrols.

The sheriff's app provides resources on scams and cyber security to educate and help community members safeguard against cyber threats and fraud.

The app also delivers real-time weather updates and alerts for Ellis County, informing anyone hitting the road about severe weather conditions.

"If we have information on multiple accidents, we can push it out immediately and say, 'Please avoid Highway 40. It is extremely slick,'" Braun said.

Braun said the sheriff's office plans to integrate a live weather channel into the app, which will allow users to hear updates from field officers.

The sheriff's app is available for download but is still being refined to enhance performance and provide a user-friendly experience.

"We'll find out what people use and what they don't use. We may tweak, remove and add some things," Braun said.

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office partnered with <a href="https://www.thesheriffapp.com/">TheSheriffApp.com</a> to create the app, which was released in early December and has since undergone updates.

You can continue to follow the Ellis County Sheriff's Office on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCoSheriff.KS">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for updates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735914191342.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office is now just a tap away with its innovative new app, designed to keep the community informed and more connected than ever.The Sheriff's app aims to enhance communication with residents by providing news, alerts and real-time updates.Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said the mobile app will fill a critical gap in distributing information to the area."I'm excited to provide this to the community. It's something we have been missing and will give information that our community needs," he said.The app allows users to submit crime tips, access live inmate information, view an offender watch map, explore cyber safety resources and receive weather updates.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735933789920.png" alt="The homepage of the Ellis County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The homepage of the Ellis County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>You can download the app on <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.a1327">Google Play</a> and <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ellis-county-sheriffs-office/id6737206397">iOS</a>.The app was inspired by the sheriff's office's need to deliver urgent information to the community during critical events. Sheriff Scott Braun said relying on third-party platforms can cause communication delays."We were having to close highway 40 like seven times when a dust storm was coming through. We didn't have an adequate way of being able to push that information ourselves," he said.The app allows the sheriff's office to communicate directly with the public when necessary.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735934080591.jpeg" alt="Submit a tip section in the Ellis County Sheriff's Office app" />
 <figcaption>Submit a tip section in the Ellis County Sheriff's Office app</figcaption>
 </figure>Tips for ongoing investigations can be submitted directly from the app's homepage. However, Braun emphasizes that 911 should always be used in emergencies as the app can be vulnerable to technical issues.The app features a live tracker for inmates at the Ellis County Jail, providing information such as current inmate names, alleged charges and physical descriptions.The app also includes a registered offenders map to view the locations of violent, drug and sex offenders within their area."It will pin the location and where they live," Braun said. "If you're a next-door neighbor to somebody you didn't know [were registered], you can be fully aware of that by going to the sheriff app."Even though the holiday season has ended, the sheriff's app covers you for keeping your home secure if you're out of town.The vacation patrol request button lets residents inform the sheriff's office of their absence and submit details to add their property to a patrol checklist for routine checks.Businesses can also use the app to provide emergency contact information for scheduled patrols.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735933979464.jpeg" alt="Cyber safety resources in the Ellis County Sheriff's Office app" />
 <figcaption>Cyber safety resources in the Ellis County Sheriff's Office app</figcaption>
 </figure>The sheriff's app provides resources on scams and cyber security to educate and help community members safeguard against cyber threats and fraud.The app also delivers real-time weather updates and alerts for Ellis County, informing anyone hitting the road about severe weather conditions."If we have information on multiple accidents, we can push it out immediately and say, 'Please avoid Highway 40. It is extremely slick,'" Braun said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735934030744.jpeg" alt="Live weather updates from the&nbsp;Ellis County Sheriff's Office app" />
 <figcaption>Live weather updates from the&nbsp;Ellis County Sheriff's Office app</figcaption>
 </figure>Braun said the sheriff's office plans to integrate a live weather channel into the app, which will allow users to hear updates from field officers.The sheriff's app is available for download but is still being refined to enhance performance and provide a user-friendly experience."We'll find out what people use and what they don't use. We may tweak, remove and add some things," Braun said.The Ellis County Sheriff's Office partnered with <a href="https://www.thesheriffapp.com/">TheSheriffApp.com</a> to create the app, which was released in early December and has since undergone updates.You can continue to follow the Ellis County Sheriff's Office on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCoSheriff.KS">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for updates.

Ellis County Sheriff's Office launches new app to enhance safety, communication

Hays, KS – [12/18/2024] – SecondWind IV &amp; Wellness is thrilled to announce the launch of Hays' first Direct Primary Care (DPC) service! This innovative healthcare model offers a more affordable and personalized approach for individuals, families, and employers.

DPC gives patients with direct access to their Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nikki Cherryholmes, APRN. This eliminates the need for insurance pre-approvals and unexpected bills. With a flat monthly membership fee, you gain access to:

· Comprehensive Care: From preventative wellness exams and lab tests to sick visits and most in-office procedures, SecondWind IV &amp; Wellness covers it all.

· Personalized Attention: Enjoy longer appointments and a deeper understanding of your health needs with one-on-one care from Nikki.

· Enhanced Convenience: Schedule same-day or next-day appointments and experience reduced wait times.

· After-Hours Access: Need medical advice outside of regular hours? Your provider is just a call or text away.

SecondWind IV &amp; Wellness also understands: medical needs can extend beyond DPC services. That's why Nikki has built strong relationships with local specialists, ensuring you receive the best cash-pay prices for any additional care you may require.

“I’m excited to bring this type of personalized healthcare to Hays, where patients are put first and not the red tape of insurance,” said Cherryholmes, owner of SecondWind IV &amp; Wellness. For more information, call (785)572-5410 or visit www.secondwindhays.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735836010292.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays, KS – [12/18/2024] – SecondWind IV &amp; Wellness is thrilled to announce the launch of Hays' first Direct Primary Care (DPC) service! This innovative healthcare model offers a more affordable and personalized approach for individuals, families, and employers.DPC gives patients with direct access to their Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nikki Cherryholmes, APRN. This eliminates the need for insurance pre-approvals and unexpected bills. With a flat monthly membership fee, you gain access to:· Comprehensive Care: From preventative wellness exams and lab tests to sick visits and most in-office procedures, SecondWind IV &amp; Wellness covers it all.· Personalized Attention: Enjoy longer appointments and a deeper understanding of your health needs with one-on-one care from Nikki.· Enhanced Convenience: Schedule same-day or next-day appointments and experience reduced wait times.· After-Hours Access: Need medical advice outside of regular hours? Your provider is just a call or text away.SecondWind IV &amp; Wellness also understands: medical needs can extend beyond DPC services. That's why Nikki has built strong relationships with local specialists, ensuring you receive the best cash-pay prices for any additional care you may require.“I’m excited to bring this type of personalized healthcare to Hays, where patients are put first and not the red tape of insurance,” said Cherryholmes, owner of SecondWind IV &amp; Wellness. For more information, call (785)572-5410 or visit www.secondwindhays.com.

FHSU, FHSU-North Central Tech closed Monday

EB I-70 is closed at Hays due to Winter Weather. WB I-70 is closed at MM 313.

Part of I-70 in central Kansas also closed

Because of low visibility, impassable conditions and extreme winter weather, the Kansas Department of Transportation has closed all state highways in 16 counties across north central Kansas; including Washington, Clay, Geary, Dickinson, Morris, Marion, Chase, McPherson, Saline, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa, Mitchell, Republic, Cloud and Jewell counties.

In addition, I-70 is closed westbound from the east edge of Geary County (near Junction City) to the western Ellsworth County line (west of Ellsworth), and eastbound I-70 is closed from Hays east to the eastern Geary County line.

Motorists should anticipate additional closures across the state as the winter storm continues to move across the state and conditions continue to deteriorate due to blizzard conditions.

Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.kandrive.gov</a>, for updates on highway conditions across Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736106957324.png" alt="Trooper Ian sent this from Western Russell County. Eastbound I-70 was temporarily shut down due to a jackknife semi. Roads continue to be hazardous and travel is not recommended, but if you have to travel, don’t let your gas go below a 1/4 of a tank in case you get stuck in one of these or in the ditch. Courtesy of Kansas Highway Patrol via Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Trooper Ian sent this from Western Russell County. Eastbound I-70 was temporarily shut down due to a jackknife semi. Roads continue to be hazardous and travel is not recommended, but if you have to travel, don’t let your gas go below a 1/4 of a tank in case you get stuck in one of these or in the ditch. Courtesy of Kansas Highway Patrol via Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>Update:EB I-70 is closed at Hays due to Winter Weather. WB I-70 is closed at MM 313.-------Part of I-70 in central Kansas also closedBecause of low visibility, impassable conditions and extreme winter weather, the Kansas Department of Transportation has closed all state highways in 16 counties across north central Kansas; including Washington, Clay, Geary, Dickinson, Morris, Marion, Chase, McPherson, Saline, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa, Mitchell, Republic, Cloud and Jewell counties.In addition, I-70 is closed westbound from the east edge of Geary County (near Junction City) to the western Ellsworth County line (west of Ellsworth), and eastbound I-70 is closed from Hays east to the eastern Geary County line.Motorists should anticipate additional closures across the state as the winter storm continues to move across the state and conditions continue to deteriorate due to blizzard conditions.Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.kandrive.gov</a>, for updates on highway conditions across Kansas.