Robert (Bob) Piatt, 79, of
Victoria, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Good Samaritan
Home in Ellis, Kansas, following a courageous, long-time battle with several
medical issues.&nbsp; 

Bob was born in Eureka, Kansas, to
Robert and Lois Piatt and spent his early years on the family farm, which he
remembered as being a wonderful place. He loved telling people about riding his
horse to a one-room schoolhouse in the first grade. Through his Madison years,
he credited his membership in 4-H with acquiring practical and life
lessons.&nbsp; He was also very proud of
having earned the rank of Eagle Scout during his high school years.&nbsp; 

Bob married his wife Nancy McGuire
in 1972 and they were the proud parents of Christopher and Matthew. In addition
to their own sons, they were surrogate parents to their niece Meghan McGuire
and three international exchange students, Jasmin Wusthoff, (Germany) Anita
Solheim, (Norway) and Greta Kaufeld (Germany).

Although Bob was a huge sports fan
at heart, neither son had athletic abilities to speak of.&nbsp; So he happily pivoted to sitting through
countless plays, variety shows, recitals, concerts and even the occasional
opera.

A 1962 graduate of Madison High
School, Bob continued his education earning both a Bachelor's and Master’s
degree in English and Special Education from Emporia State University. He spent
his first teaching years in Beloit and later taught at WaKeeney High School,
Gorham and Russell High School. Taking a break from teaching in 1972, Bob
worked for 10 years in Garden City for a government program known as the
Neighborhood Youth Corps before returning to education. Everywhere he worked,
he built friendships with colleagues that lasted until the end of his life. His
favorite extra-curricular responsibility was directing school productions both
in Russell and Victoria known for their zany comedy and huge casts (in which
occasionally he made a surprise cameo appearance).

A mentor and role model to
generations of students, many credited him as helping them turn their lives
around when it mattered most. His volunteer commitments included devoted
participation in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. He also served on the
local Board for the National Alliance for Mental Illness and the Victoria
Housing Authority.&nbsp; 

Through the years, Bob and Nancy
were known for their hospitality, welcoming dozens of actors, musicians,
comedians and other riffraff who passed through Victoria in need of room and
board. His love of animals, especially dogs, enriched his entire life.

Bob was a passionate fisherman
whose adventures took him and his many buddies to Kansas ponds, frozen
Minnesota ice waters, and Canadian lakes. Bob always had a green thumb and was
especially proud of his asparagus and tomato crops.&nbsp; An avid reader of hundreds of books, he was
known to be a formidable competitor in Trivial Pursuit.

Everyone who knew him well has
memories of his incredibly sharp sense of humor.&nbsp; He could get a laugh out of almost anyone in
his presence.

A quiet man of faith, Bob was
eternally grateful for life’s simple pleasures.&nbsp;
He was known to say “God knew what he was doing, when he planted me in
rural Kansas.”

Bob was preceded in death by his
parents, his sister Georgeann and husband Jack, and his sister Drusilla and
husband George, and niece Kathy Haworth.&nbsp;


He is survived by his wife Nancy,
son Christopher from Chicago, son Matthew and son-in-law Kevin Thornton of San
Francisco as well as a large, extended loving family and countless
friends.&nbsp; 

A celebration of life will be at
11:00 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm
until 7:00 on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and
from 10:00 am until service time at the church.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County,
HaysMed Hospice, or to Great Plains Theatre in Abilene.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Bob may be left
for his family at www.haysmemorial.com 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734550504783.jpeg" alt="Robert (Bob) Piatt" />
 <figcaption>Robert (Bob) Piatt</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert (Bob) Piatt, 79, of
Victoria, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Good Samaritan
Home in Ellis, Kansas, following a courageous, long-time battle with several
medical issues.&nbsp; Bob was born in Eureka, Kansas, to
Robert and Lois Piatt and spent his early years on the family farm, which he
remembered as being a wonderful place. He loved telling people about riding his
horse to a one-room schoolhouse in the first grade. Through his Madison years,
he credited his membership in 4-H with acquiring practical and life
lessons.&nbsp; He was also very proud of
having earned the rank of Eagle Scout during his high school years.&nbsp; Bob married his wife Nancy McGuire
in 1972 and they were the proud parents of Christopher and Matthew. In addition
to their own sons, they were surrogate parents to their niece Meghan McGuire
and three international exchange students, Jasmin Wusthoff, (Germany) Anita
Solheim, (Norway) and Greta Kaufeld (Germany).Although Bob was a huge sports fan
at heart, neither son had athletic abilities to speak of.&nbsp; So he happily pivoted to sitting through
countless plays, variety shows, recitals, concerts and even the occasional
opera.A 1962 graduate of Madison High
School, Bob continued his education earning both a Bachelor's and Master’s
degree in English and Special Education from Emporia State University. He spent
his first teaching years in Beloit and later taught at WaKeeney High School,
Gorham and Russell High School. Taking a break from teaching in 1972, Bob
worked for 10 years in Garden City for a government program known as the
Neighborhood Youth Corps before returning to education. Everywhere he worked,
he built friendships with colleagues that lasted until the end of his life. His
favorite extra-curricular responsibility was directing school productions both
in Russell and Victoria known for their zany comedy and huge casts (in which
occasionally he made a surprise cameo appearance).A mentor and role model to
generations of students, many credited him as helping them turn their lives
around when it mattered most. His volunteer commitments included devoted
participation in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. He also served on the
local Board for the National Alliance for Mental Illness and the Victoria
Housing Authority.&nbsp; Through the years, Bob and Nancy
were known for their hospitality, welcoming dozens of actors, musicians,
comedians and other riffraff who passed through Victoria in need of room and
board. His love of animals, especially dogs, enriched his entire life.Bob was a passionate fisherman
whose adventures took him and his many buddies to Kansas ponds, frozen
Minnesota ice waters, and Canadian lakes. Bob always had a green thumb and was
especially proud of his asparagus and tomato crops.&nbsp; An avid reader of hundreds of books, he was
known to be a formidable competitor in Trivial Pursuit.Everyone who knew him well has
memories of his incredibly sharp sense of humor.&nbsp; He could get a laugh out of almost anyone in
his presence.A quiet man of faith, Bob was
eternally grateful for life’s simple pleasures.&nbsp;
He was known to say “God knew what he was doing, when he planted me in
rural Kansas.”Bob was preceded in death by his
parents, his sister Georgeann and husband Jack, and his sister Drusilla and
husband George, and niece Kathy Haworth.&nbsp;
He is survived by his wife Nancy,
son Christopher from Chicago, son Matthew and son-in-law Kevin Thornton of San
Francisco as well as a large, extended loving family and countless
friends.&nbsp; A celebration of life will be at
11:00 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm
until 7:00 on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and
from 10:00 am until service time at the church.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County,
HaysMed Hospice, or to Great Plains Theatre in Abilene.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Bob may be left
for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

Robert (Bob) Piatt

Fort Hays State men's basketball closes out 2024 against Regis (Colo.) on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

Fort Hays State men's basketball closes out 2024 against Regis (Colo.) on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Regis (December 22, 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=5jqhf-178ccd2-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Regis 

Thursday, January 2
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Saturday, January 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Missouri Western State, 1:05pm

Sunday, January 5
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 1:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2pm

Thursday, January 2
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, January 3 noneSaturday, January 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Missouri Western State, 1:05pmSunday, January 5
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 1:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574697410116.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735815270039.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735815317547.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Police Department activity log, Dec. 22-28, 2024

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702995961939.png" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735815104634.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735815158563.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Police Department arrest log, Dec. 22-28, 2024

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday over $1.5 million for 20 organizations&nbsp; to support efforts aimed at preventing family, domestic, and dating violence, providing critical services to survivors of domestic violence, and increasing safe parenting time for noncustodial parents with their children.

Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Hays, was awarded&nbsp;$80,356.

This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) and the State Access and Visitation Program (SAVP).&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is essential that those impacted by domestic violence have the support and resources needed to heal and rebuild their lives,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“These investments not only provide aid to survivors of domestic violence but also aim to prevent future incidents from occurring.”&nbsp;

The FVPSA grant funds enable organizations to deliver a wide range of services. 

These services include outreach and education aimed at preventing family violence, emergency shelter for victims and their dependents, support groups,&nbsp;crisis intervention services, advocacy for obtaining protection from abuse orders, court accompaniment, and transportation assistance. The funding also supports initiatives to spread awareness to schools, communities, and families on how to stop violence before it begins.&nbsp;

The SAVP grant funds provide critical funding to support children and families in need of supervised exchange or visitation services. They also enable programs to offer on-site as well as therapeutic supervision, monitored exchanges, referrals to additional resources, and educational parenting classes designed to strengthen family relationships.&nbsp;

A total of $1,442,065 in FVPSA grant funds was awarded to 20 agencies.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594750931446.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday over $1.5 million for 20 organizations&nbsp; to support efforts aimed at preventing family, domestic, and dating violence, providing critical services to survivors of domestic violence, and increasing safe parenting time for noncustodial parents with their children.Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Hays, was awarded&nbsp;$80,356.This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) and the State Access and Visitation Program (SAVP).&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is essential that those impacted by domestic violence have the support and resources needed to heal and rebuild their lives,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“These investments not only provide aid to survivors of domestic violence but also aim to prevent future incidents from occurring.”&nbsp;The FVPSA grant funds enable organizations to deliver a wide range of services. These services include outreach and education aimed at preventing family violence, emergency shelter for victims and their dependents, support groups,&nbsp;crisis intervention services, advocacy for obtaining protection from abuse orders, court accompaniment, and transportation assistance. The funding also supports initiatives to spread awareness to schools, communities, and families on how to stop violence before it begins.&nbsp;The SAVP grant funds provide critical funding to support children and families in need of supervised exchange or visitation services. They also enable programs to offer on-site as well as therapeutic supervision, monitored exchanges, referrals to additional resources, and educational parenting classes designed to strengthen family relationships.&nbsp;A total of $1,442,065 in FVPSA grant funds was awarded to 20 agencies.&nbsp;

Options receives federal funds to support domestic violence survivors & families 

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 <a href="http://www.secondwindhays.com">www.secondwindhays.com</a>.

<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 <a href="http://www.secondwindhays.com">www.secondwindhays.com</a>.

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Quincy (Ill.)

Wednesday, January 1 noneThursday, January 2
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, January 3 noneSaturday, January 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Missouri Western State, 1:05pmSunday, January 5
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 1:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2pm

<a href="mailto:rwilson@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By RON WILSON</a> Huck Boyd National Institute/KSU&nbsp;

Bigfoot has been sighted. And, boy, is he big!

Today we’ll meet the owner of a rural Kansas welding shop that does metal repairs and millwright work, and also finds time for fun projects -- such as constructing a giant model of Bigfoot.

Derek Fagan is the owner and founder of Coyote Welding in Kinsley, Kansas. Born in McPherson, he served as a mechanic in the military and took welding classes at night. After the service, he moved to Kinsley and took welding jobs in the area. For 21 years, he worked as a welder at Cimarron Welding.

In 2021, his boss at Cimarron Welding chose to retire. “I already had this building in Kinsley, so I decided to open my own shop here,” Fagan said. He bought equipment from his former boss.

“That equipment had the initials CW engraved on it for Cimarron Welding,” Fagan said. “I decided to name my business Coyote Welding so I could use the same initials.”

The Coyote is the mascot of the local high school, so it was a perfect fit. Coyote Welding opened in March 2022. Today, Coyote Welding is a full-service repair, maintenance and metal fabrication business.

“I do a lot of repair work for the farmers around here,” Fagan said. The company also manufactures parts for major agribusiness companies in the region.

Fagan has twin sons and a younger daughter, Christa, who works in the medical field. One son, Andrew, studied civil engineering at K-State and works for BG Construction in Manhattan. The other son, Daniel, studied engineering design at Fort Hays State and has joined Coyote Welding.

The boys grew up around this type of metal production.

“I spent a summer as in intern sitting behind a desk at a company in Kansas City, and I knew I wanted to do more hands-on work,” Daniel said. “I took every shop class I could in high school.”

He adds: “When I was in school at Fort Hays State, our teacher wanted us to do a class project, so we built a 3D model of a tiger head (the college mascot).” That gave Daniel the idea that he could build other structures.

“At Coyote Welding, Daniel runs the plasma table,” Fagan said. He designs and manufactures parts as needed. The plasma cutter also allows them to create intricate designs in metal.

For fun, Daniel found a digital file online that he could use to program the plasma cutter to cut the pieces necessary to build a model of the mythical Bigfoot. “The file imports into the plasma software and tells the plasma cutter how to cut the pieces,” he said.

In the shop, they bend and weld the pieces together to create the final product.

“I was able to scale up the design from 9 feet to nearly 12 feet,” Fagan said. There were 97 pieces of metal, bent by hand, as needed. Five hundred bends were needed.

The result was an almost 12-foot-tall Bigfoot that stands outside the Coyote Welding shop along Highway 56 in Kinsley. It is highly visible right next to the highway.

To say this is eye-catching would be an understatement. Countless vehicles have made a U-turn to get a closer look.

“People stop all the time to take pictures,” Fagan said. The pictures have even been posted on Wichita television.

The Fagans have created other structures as well. They constructed a remarkably lifelike model of a dog. For Halloween, they built a giant metal jack-o-lantern. They designed Christmas-themed products, such as snowmen and candy canes.

“We build that stuff for fun when we have time,” Fagan said.

While these projects are for fun, they have generated visibility for Coyote Welding. That’s good to see in a rural community such as Kinsley, population 1,456 people. Now, that’s rural.

For more information, search for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090751690997">Coyote Welding on Facebook</a>.

Bigfoot has been sighted in Kansas. We commend Derek and Daniel Fagan of Coyote Welding, who are making a difference by building this business and creating a huge piece of visual art.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623560862487.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson,&nbsp;director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson,&nbsp;director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:rwilson@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By RON WILSON</a> Huck Boyd National Institute/KSU&nbsp;Bigfoot has been sighted. And, boy, is he big!Today we’ll meet the owner of a rural Kansas welding shop that does metal repairs and millwright work, and also finds time for fun projects -- such as constructing a giant model of Bigfoot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735653914998.jpeg" alt="Bigfoot statue standing outside Coyote Welding in Kinsley, Kansas. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bigfoot statue standing outside Coyote Welding in Kinsley, Kansas. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Derek Fagan is the owner and founder of Coyote Welding in Kinsley, Kansas. Born in McPherson, he served as a mechanic in the military and took welding classes at night. After the service, he moved to Kinsley and took welding jobs in the area. For 21 years, he worked as a welder at Cimarron Welding.In 2021, his boss at Cimarron Welding chose to retire. “I already had this building in Kinsley, so I decided to open my own shop here,” Fagan said. He bought equipment from his former boss.“That equipment had the initials CW engraved on it for Cimarron Welding,” Fagan said. “I decided to name my business Coyote Welding so I could use the same initials.”The Coyote is the mascot of the local high school, so it was a perfect fit. Coyote Welding opened in March 2022. Today, Coyote Welding is a full-service repair, maintenance and metal fabrication business.“I do a lot of repair work for the farmers around here,” Fagan said. The company also manufactures parts for major agribusiness companies in the region.Fagan has twin sons and a younger daughter, Christa, who works in the medical field. One son, Andrew, studied civil engineering at K-State and works for BG Construction in Manhattan. The other son, Daniel, studied engineering design at Fort Hays State and has joined Coyote Welding.The boys grew up around this type of metal production.“I spent a summer as in intern sitting behind a desk at a company in Kansas City, and I knew I wanted to do more hands-on work,” Daniel said. “I took every shop class I could in high school.”He adds: “When I was in school at Fort Hays State, our teacher wanted us to do a class project, so we built a 3D model of a tiger head (the college mascot).” That gave Daniel the idea that he could build other structures.“At Coyote Welding, Daniel runs the plasma table,” Fagan said. He designs and manufactures parts as needed. The plasma cutter also allows them to create intricate designs in metal.For fun, Daniel found a digital file online that he could use to program the plasma cutter to cut the pieces necessary to build a model of the mythical Bigfoot. “The file imports into the plasma software and tells the plasma cutter how to cut the pieces,” he said.In the shop, they bend and weld the pieces together to create the final product.“I was able to scale up the design from 9 feet to nearly 12 feet,” Fagan said. There were 97 pieces of metal, bent by hand, as needed. Five hundred bends were needed.The result was an almost 12-foot-tall Bigfoot that stands outside the Coyote Welding shop along Highway 56 in Kinsley. It is highly visible right next to the highway.To say this is eye-catching would be an understatement. Countless vehicles have made a U-turn to get a closer look.“People stop all the time to take pictures,” Fagan said. The pictures have even been posted on Wichita television.The Fagans have created other structures as well. They constructed a remarkably lifelike model of a dog. For Halloween, they built a giant metal jack-o-lantern. They designed Christmas-themed products, such as snowmen and candy canes.“We build that stuff for fun when we have time,” Fagan said.While these projects are for fun, they have generated visibility for Coyote Welding. That’s good to see in a rural community such as Kinsley, population 1,456 people. Now, that’s rural.For more information, search for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090751690997">Coyote Welding on Facebook</a>.Bigfoot has been sighted in Kansas. We commend Derek and Daniel Fagan of Coyote Welding, who are making a difference by building this business and creating a huge piece of visual art.It is definitely a sight to see.

Now That’s Rural: Derek Fagan, Coyote Welding in Kinsley

Eunice Kathryn (Balthazor)
Berland, 99, formerly of Zurich, KS, passed away on December 29, 2024, at Via
Christi Village in Hays, Kansas. She was born on November 25, 1925, in rural
Graham County, Kansas, the third of eight children to Frank and Rosa (Morin)
Balthazor. 

On December 26, 1947, Eunice
married Fred Berland, Jr., and together they were blessed with eight children:
Mark, Kay, Ann, Joan, Carol, Mary, Lois, and Rebecca. Fred passed away in 1962,
leaving Eunice to care for her young family at the age of 36.

Eunice graduated from Palco
High School in 1943 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the
Dominican School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas, in 1946. After their marriage,
Eunice and Fred moved to the farm in Zurich. Later, she moved to Plainville,
where she worked at the Rooks County Health Center, dedicated over 20 years of
service volunteering at Sacred Heart School, and was a member of the Sacred
Heart Church.

Eunice’s life was marked by
her deep faith, devotion to her family, and commitment to serving others. She
will be remembered fondly for her kindness, strength, and compassion.

Eunice is survived by her
children: Kay (Chris) Basgall of Owosso, MI, Ann (Timothy) Zwink of Piedmont,
OK, Mary (Gary) Everett of Wilson, KS, Lois Mason of Ellis, KS and Rebecca
(George) Cobb of Peoria, AZ; siblings, Joyce Wasinger of CO and Opal
Hochandadel of WA; son-in-law, Walt Slingsby of Clay Center, KS; 16
grandchildren: Paul, Matthew and Jacob Basgall, Alex and Jason Zwink, Shon,
Adam and Patrick Slingsby, Kenny, Eric, Lucas and Rachel Everett, and Courtney
Espinoza, Emma Warner and Martin Cobb; and 23 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by
her parents; husband, Fred; son, Rev. Mark Berland; infant daughter, Joan Louis
Berland and daughter, Carol Slingsby; siblings: Lawrence Balthazor, Gilbert
Balthazor, Gladys George, Irma Kirkpatrick (Cecilia), and Louise (Virginia);
son-in-law, Robert Mason; grandchild, Janelle Slingsby and great-grandchild,
Morgan Everett. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will
be held on Thursday, January 2, 2024, at 10AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Zurich. Visitation will be
on Wednesday 5-6PM with a Vigil &amp; Rosary Service at 5PM at the funeral home
in Plainville. &nbsp;

Memorial contributions may be
made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home,
320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67669. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735677756332.jpeg" alt="Eunice Kathryn (Balthazor) Berland" />
 <figcaption>Eunice Kathryn (Balthazor) Berland</figcaption>
 </figure>Eunice Kathryn (Balthazor)
Berland, 99, formerly of Zurich, KS, passed away on December 29, 2024, at Via
Christi Village in Hays, Kansas. She was born on November 25, 1925, in rural
Graham County, Kansas, the third of eight children to Frank and Rosa (Morin)
Balthazor. On December 26, 1947, Eunice
married Fred Berland, Jr., and together they were blessed with eight children:
Mark, Kay, Ann, Joan, Carol, Mary, Lois, and Rebecca. Fred passed away in 1962,
leaving Eunice to care for her young family at the age of 36.Eunice graduated from Palco
High School in 1943 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the
Dominican School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas, in 1946. After their marriage,
Eunice and Fred moved to the farm in Zurich. Later, she moved to Plainville,
where she worked at the Rooks County Health Center, dedicated over 20 years of
service volunteering at Sacred Heart School, and was a member of the Sacred
Heart Church.Eunice’s life was marked by
her deep faith, devotion to her family, and commitment to serving others. She
will be remembered fondly for her kindness, strength, and compassion.Eunice is survived by her
children: Kay (Chris) Basgall of Owosso, MI, Ann (Timothy) Zwink of Piedmont,
OK, Mary (Gary) Everett of Wilson, KS, Lois Mason of Ellis, KS and Rebecca
(George) Cobb of Peoria, AZ; siblings, Joyce Wasinger of CO and Opal
Hochandadel of WA; son-in-law, Walt Slingsby of Clay Center, KS; 16
grandchildren: Paul, Matthew and Jacob Basgall, Alex and Jason Zwink, Shon,
Adam and Patrick Slingsby, Kenny, Eric, Lucas and Rachel Everett, and Courtney
Espinoza, Emma Warner and Martin Cobb; and 23 great-grandchildren.She is preceded in death by
her parents; husband, Fred; son, Rev. Mark Berland; infant daughter, Joan Louis
Berland and daughter, Carol Slingsby; siblings: Lawrence Balthazor, Gilbert
Balthazor, Gladys George, Irma Kirkpatrick (Cecilia), and Louise (Virginia);
son-in-law, Robert Mason; grandchild, Janelle Slingsby and great-grandchild,
Morgan Everett. A Mass of Christian Burial will
be held on Thursday, January 2, 2024, at 10AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Zurich. Visitation will be
on Wednesday 5-6PM with a Vigil &amp; Rosary Service at 5PM at the funeral home
in Plainville. &nbsp;Memorial contributions may be
made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home,
320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left
for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Eunice Kathryn (Balthazor) Berland

The Eagle Media Center in Hays will be closed Tuesday afternoon starting at noon and all day Wednesday for the New Year holiday.

The office will reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday morning.

The Eagle Media Center in Hays will be closed Tuesday afternoon starting at noon and all day Wednesday for the New Year holiday.The office will reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday morning.Have a Happy New Year!

Eagle Media Center closed Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday for holiday

A Verizon representative said, as of about noon Tuesday, Verizon cellular service was out in Hays.

The business is working to restore service, but the representative did not know when service would be back on line.

Hays PostA Verizon representative said, as of about noon Tuesday, Verizon cellular service was out in Hays.The business is working to restore service, but the representative did not know when service would be back on line.

Verizon cellular outage affecting Hays

LILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will ring in the new year as the third-ranked team in the country after the Tigers jumped two spots in the latest WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll, released Tuesday by the coaches association.

The Tigers accumulated 509 points in the balloting process, 56 points behind top-ranked Grand Valley State. Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA team mentioned in this week's poll, with the Gorillas slotted 14th.

The 11-0 Tigers are one of four remaining undefeated teams in Division II and one of 20 undefeated teams across all divisions of NCAA women's basketball (seven DI, nine DIII). Other DII yet to lose this season include fifth-ranked Cal State Dominguez Hills (12-0), seventh-ranked North Georgia (10-0) and unranked Chowan (7-0).

This is the 110th time the Tigers have been ranked in the national coaches poll during the program's DII era. It is the 10th time FHSU has been ranked third, the 42nd time they have been in the top five and the 71st time the Tigers have occupied a spot in the top 10. It's the first time the Tigers have been ranked third in the country since January 4, 2022.

Fort Hays State is 168-43 when ranked in the poll, including a 20-6 mark when ranked third, a 72-16 record when ranked in the top five and a 117-24 mark when ranked in the top 10.After a pair of wins in Hawaii as the fifth-ranked team in the country, FHSU has now played 28 games when ranked fifth, more than any other spot in the poll. The Tigers will match that total this week when they play twice as the third-ranked team. FHSU will resume conference play Thursday (Jan. 2, 5:30 p.m.) when they take on Northwest Missouri State on the road before taking on Missouri Western on Saturday (Jan. 4, 1:30 p.m.).

WBCA NCAA DII Coaches Poll - December 31, 2024 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (19) - 12-1 - 565 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's (2) - 11-1 - 542 - 2 3 - Fort Hays State - 11-0 - 509 - 5 T4 - Bentley - 11-1 - 498 - 5 T5 - Cal State Dominguez Hills (1) - 12-0 - 479 - 9 6 - Montana State Billings - 13-2 - 434 - 3 7 - North Georgia (1) - 10-0 - 366 - 18 8 - Azusa Pacific - 10-1 - 363 - 11 9 - Gannon - 13-2 - 361 - 4 10 - Minnesota State Mankato - 11-2 - 351 - 13 11 - Seton Hill - 12-1 - 293 - 12 12 - Tampa - 11-2 - 290 - 15 13 - Union (Tenn.) - 10-2 - 272 - 17 14 - Pittsburg State - 10-2 - 261 - 8 15 - Carson-Newman - 10-2 - 258 - 10 16 - Concordia-St. Paul - 12-1 - 227 - 14 17 - Cal Poly Pomona - 9-1 - 225 - 23 18 - Texas-Tyler - 9-2 - 212 - 16 19 - Ashland - 11-3 - 179 - 21 20 - Lubbock Christian - 10-3 - 165 - 7 21 - Embry-Riddle - 10-1 - 110 - 25 22 - Nova Southeastern - 9-2 - 77 - RV 23 - Coker - 10-1 - 64 - RV 24 - Belmont Abbey - 10-2 - 61 - RV 25 - Southwest Minnesota State - 11-2 - 47 - RV

Dropped Out:&nbsp;No. 19 Ferris State (8-3); No. 20 Lee, TN (9-3); No. 22 Northern Michigan (8-2); No. 24 Central Washington (8-2).

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Francis Marion (9-1) 42; Indiana, PA (10-1) 38; Assumption (10-2) 32; California State L.A. (7-2) 26; Ferris State (8-3) 25; Alaska Anchorage (11-2) 18; Fairmont State (9-3)16; Miles (7-2) 15; Harding (9-2) 13; UNC Pembroke (10-3) 9; Northern Michigan (8-2) 7; Central Washington (8-2 5; West Virginia Wesleyan (9-1) 5; Lee, TN, (9-3) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735681499666.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsLILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will ring in the new year as the third-ranked team in the country after the Tigers jumped two spots in the latest WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll, released Tuesday by the coaches association.The Tigers accumulated 509 points in the balloting process, 56 points behind top-ranked Grand Valley State. Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA team mentioned in this week's poll, with the Gorillas slotted 14th.The 11-0 Tigers are one of four remaining undefeated teams in Division II and one of 20 undefeated teams across all divisions of NCAA women's basketball (seven DI, nine DIII). Other DII yet to lose this season include fifth-ranked Cal State Dominguez Hills (12-0), seventh-ranked North Georgia (10-0) and unranked Chowan (7-0).This is the 110th time the Tigers have been ranked in the national coaches poll during the program's DII era. It is the 10th time FHSU has been ranked third, the 42nd time they have been in the top five and the 71st time the Tigers have occupied a spot in the top 10. It's the first time the Tigers have been ranked third in the country since January 4, 2022.Fort Hays State is 168-43 when ranked in the poll, including a 20-6 mark when ranked third, a 72-16 record when ranked in the top five and a 117-24 mark when ranked in the top 10.After a pair of wins in Hawaii as the fifth-ranked team in the country, FHSU has now played 28 games when ranked fifth, more than any other spot in the poll. The Tigers will match that total this week when they play twice as the third-ranked team. FHSU will resume conference play Thursday (Jan. 2, 5:30 p.m.) when they take on Northwest Missouri State on the road before taking on Missouri Western on Saturday (Jan. 4, 1:30 p.m.).WBCA NCAA DII Coaches Poll - December 31, 2024 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (19) - 12-1 - 565 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's (2) - 11-1 - 542 - 2 3 - Fort Hays State - 11-0 - 509 - 5 T4 - Bentley - 11-1 - 498 - 5 T5 - Cal State Dominguez Hills (1) - 12-0 - 479 - 9 6 - Montana State Billings - 13-2 - 434 - 3 7 - North Georgia (1) - 10-0 - 366 - 18 8 - Azusa Pacific - 10-1 - 363 - 11 9 - Gannon - 13-2 - 361 - 4 10 - Minnesota State Mankato - 11-2 - 351 - 13 11 - Seton Hill - 12-1 - 293 - 12 12 - Tampa - 11-2 - 290 - 15 13 - Union (Tenn.) - 10-2 - 272 - 17 14 - Pittsburg State - 10-2 - 261 - 8 15 - Carson-Newman - 10-2 - 258 - 10 16 - Concordia-St. Paul - 12-1 - 227 - 14 17 - Cal Poly Pomona - 9-1 - 225 - 23 18 - Texas-Tyler - 9-2 - 212 - 16 19 - Ashland - 11-3 - 179 - 21 20 - Lubbock Christian - 10-3 - 165 - 7 21 - Embry-Riddle - 10-1 - 110 - 25 22 - Nova Southeastern - 9-2 - 77 - RV 23 - Coker - 10-1 - 64 - RV 24 - Belmont Abbey - 10-2 - 61 - RV 25 - Southwest Minnesota State - 11-2 - 47 - RVDropped Out:&nbsp;No. 19 Ferris State (8-3); No. 20 Lee, TN (9-3); No. 22 Northern Michigan (8-2); No. 24 Central Washington (8-2).Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Francis Marion (9-1) 42; Indiana, PA (10-1) 38; Assumption (10-2) 32; California State L.A. (7-2) 26; Ferris State (8-3) 25; Alaska Anchorage (11-2) 18; Fairmont State (9-3)16; Miles (7-2) 15; Harding (9-2) 13; UNC Pembroke (10-3) 9; Northern Michigan (8-2) 7; Central Washington (8-2 5; West Virginia Wesleyan (9-1) 5; Lee, TN, (9-3) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger women climb to No. 3 in WBCA poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After starting the 2024-25 season ranked No. 16 in the NABC Top 25 Poll, Fort Hays State Men's Basketball has played it's way back into the receiving votes section national poll. In the latest poll released on Tuesday, the Tigers, now 8-3 overall on the season, received 17 votes in the poll. They are the fifth-highest team listed in the receiving votes section.

Fort Hays State fell short in a couple of tough games to open the season in Minnesota against Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul, a pair of teams also among the receiving votes list of the poll. Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul are both 10-3 overall on the season. The Tigers have gone 8-1 overall since their 0-2 start to the season. Their only other loss was to Washburn, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation at 12-0 overall.

The Tigers have won their last four games, which included a 16-point win over a No. 22 ranked MSU Denver squad in Hays on December 20. MSU Denver slipped back into the receiving votes list in the latest Top 25 Poll.

Fort Hays State goes on the road this week to Northwest Missouri State (Thur. Jan. 2) and Missouri Western (Sat. Jan. 4). FHSU is looking for its first win at Northwest Missouri State since 2013, and Missouri Western is also in the receiving votes list of the national poll this week. With a new coach at the helm, NWMSU is 3-8 so far this season and this will be the first time in 15 meetings the Bearcats will not hold a national ranking in the matchup with FHSU. Missouri Western is currently 9-3 overall.

The Tigers will be back at home the following week for games against Nebraska-Kearney (Tue. Jan. 7) and Emporia State (Thur. Jan. 9).

NABC Top 25 Poll for Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Rank - School - Record - Points - Prev. 1. Nova Southeastern, Fla. (15) - 11-0 - 398 - 1 2. Washburn, Kan. - 12-0 - 383 - 2 3. Daemen, N.Y. (1) - 11-0 - 354 - 4 4. Ferris State, Mich. - 12-1 - 338 - 5 5. Minot State, N.D. - 15-0 - 328 - 12 6. Alabama Huntsville - 11-1 - 308 - 13 7. Pace, N.Y. - 12-0 - 304 - 11 8. West Liberty, W.Va. - 11-1 - 279 - 3 9. Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. - 9-1 - 261 - 14 10. DBU, Texas - 12-2 - 221 - 15 11. Fairmont State, W.Va. - 10-1 - 216 - 7 12. MSU Moorhead, Minn. - 10-2 - 207 - 6 13. West Texas A&amp;M - 9-2 - 181 - 8 14. Lake Superior State, Mich. - 9-2 - 177 - 17 15. Florida Southern - 12-2 - 174 - 20 16. Colorado School of Mines - 9-2 - 168 - 10 17. Findlay, Ohio - 10-1 - 166 - 25 18. Coker, S.C. - 11-1 - 120 - 16 19. Columbus State, Ga.9-1 - 83 - NR 20. Missouri S&amp;T - 8-1 - 78 - NR 21. Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C. - 10-2 - 61 - NR 22. Saint Martin's, Wash. - 13-2 - 53 - NR 23. Cal State San Bernardino - 10-3 - 44 - 18 24. Hillsdale, Mich. - 10-2 - 33 - 19 T25. Cal Poly Pomona - 8-2 - 24 - 21 T25. Valdosta State, Ga. - 9-2 - 24 - NR

Receiving Votes: MSU Denver (Colo.) 22, Assumption (Mass.) 19, Winona State (Minn.) 19, Southern Nazarene (Okla.) 18,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 17, Gannon (Pa.) 17, North Georgia 17, Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) 16, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) 14, West Chester (Pa.) 11, Midwestern State (Texas) 8, Northern Michigan 8, Southwest Minnesota State 6, Upper Iowa 6, Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) 5, Lubbock Christian (Texas) 3, Missouri Western 3, Eastern New Mexico 3, Kentucky Wesleyan 2, Point Loma (Calif.) 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735680963372.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Kyle Grill (1) drives in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against MSU Denver on Friday, December 20, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Kyle Grill (1) drives in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against MSU Denver on Friday, December 20, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – After starting the 2024-25 season ranked No. 16 in the NABC Top 25 Poll, Fort Hays State Men's Basketball has played it's way back into the receiving votes section national poll. In the latest poll released on Tuesday, the Tigers, now 8-3 overall on the season, received 17 votes in the poll. They are the fifth-highest team listed in the receiving votes section.Fort Hays State fell short in a couple of tough games to open the season in Minnesota against Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul, a pair of teams also among the receiving votes list of the poll. Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul are both 10-3 overall on the season. The Tigers have gone 8-1 overall since their 0-2 start to the season. Their only other loss was to Washburn, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation at 12-0 overall.The Tigers have won their last four games, which included a 16-point win over a No. 22 ranked MSU Denver squad in Hays on December 20. MSU Denver slipped back into the receiving votes list in the latest Top 25 Poll.Fort Hays State goes on the road this week to Northwest Missouri State (Thur. Jan. 2) and Missouri Western (Sat. Jan. 4). FHSU is looking for its first win at Northwest Missouri State since 2013, and Missouri Western is also in the receiving votes list of the national poll this week. With a new coach at the helm, NWMSU is 3-8 so far this season and this will be the first time in 15 meetings the Bearcats will not hold a national ranking in the matchup with FHSU. Missouri Western is currently 9-3 overall.The Tigers will be back at home the following week for games against Nebraska-Kearney (Tue. Jan. 7) and Emporia State (Thur. Jan. 9).NABC Top 25 Poll for Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Rank - School - Record - Points - Prev. 1. Nova Southeastern, Fla. (15) - 11-0 - 398 - 1 2. Washburn, Kan. - 12-0 - 383 - 2 3. Daemen, N.Y. (1) - 11-0 - 354 - 4 4. Ferris State, Mich. - 12-1 - 338 - 5 5. Minot State, N.D. - 15-0 - 328 - 12 6. Alabama Huntsville - 11-1 - 308 - 13 7. Pace, N.Y. - 12-0 - 304 - 11 8. West Liberty, W.Va. - 11-1 - 279 - 3 9. Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. - 9-1 - 261 - 14 10. DBU, Texas - 12-2 - 221 - 15 11. Fairmont State, W.Va. - 10-1 - 216 - 7 12. MSU Moorhead, Minn. - 10-2 - 207 - 6 13. West Texas A&amp;M - 9-2 - 181 - 8 14. Lake Superior State, Mich. - 9-2 - 177 - 17 15. Florida Southern - 12-2 - 174 - 20 16. Colorado School of Mines - 9-2 - 168 - 10 17. Findlay, Ohio - 10-1 - 166 - 25 18. Coker, S.C. - 11-1 - 120 - 16 19. Columbus State, Ga.9-1 - 83 - NR 20. Missouri S&amp;T - 8-1 - 78 - NR 21. Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C. - 10-2 - 61 - NR 22. Saint Martin's, Wash. - 13-2 - 53 - NR 23. Cal State San Bernardino - 10-3 - 44 - 18 24. Hillsdale, Mich. - 10-2 - 33 - 19 T25. Cal Poly Pomona - 8-2 - 24 - 21 T25. Valdosta State, Ga. - 9-2 - 24 - NRReceiving Votes: MSU Denver (Colo.) 22, Assumption (Mass.) 19, Winona State (Minn.) 19, Southern Nazarene (Okla.) 18,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 17, Gannon (Pa.) 17, North Georgia 17, Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) 16, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) 14, West Chester (Pa.) 11, Midwestern State (Texas) 8, Northern Michigan 8, Southwest Minnesota State 6, Upper Iowa 6, Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) 5, Lubbock Christian (Texas) 3, Missouri Western 3, Eastern New Mexico 3, Kentucky Wesleyan 2, Point Loma (Calif.) 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger men receiving votes in latest NABC Top 25 poll

Fort Hays State men's basketball hosts No. 22 MSU Denver on Friday, December 20, 204 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

Fort Hays State men's basketball hosts No. 22 MSU Denver on Friday, December 20, 204 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. #22 MSU Denver" 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=8xdnq-178cc98-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. #22 MSU Denver

Marion M. (Evans) Oetting, 89, of
Concordia, Kansas and formerly of Hays, Kansas, passed away Friday, December
27, 2024 at Sunset Homes of Concordia.

Marion was born March 28, 1935 on
the family farm near Luray, Kansas.&nbsp; She
was the daughter of Jesse A. and Wilma M. (Kornmeyer) Evans.&nbsp; She grew up and attended schools in the Luray
area.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to
Loren H. Oetting on April 29, 1952 in Mansfield, Missouri.&nbsp; This union was blessed with four children;
Jean, Jane, Loren, Jr. and Lyle.

Marion was a wonderful cook,
candy maker and devoted wife and homemaker.&nbsp;
She was always busy and helping others.&nbsp;
She made birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas special with celebrations,
cards and calls.

Left to celebrate her life are
her children, Jean Gibson and husband Terry of Lawton, Oklahoma, Jane Smith and
husband Lee of Concordia, Kansas, and Lyle Oetting and wife Julie of Wichita,
Kansas; sister, Evelyn Aumiller and husband Gary of Lenora, Kansas; brother,
Kenneth Evans and wife Peggy of Kiowa, Kansas; seven grandchildren, 15 great
grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Marion was preceded in death by
her parents; husband, Loren; son, Loren Oetting, Jr.; brother, Benny Evans and
wife Loretta.

Graveside Services will be held
at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Luray City Cemetery in Luray,
Kansas.&nbsp; No visitation being held.&nbsp; Memorials have been established with First
United Methodist Church of Hays or the Luray City Cemetery.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735656174952.jpeg" alt="Marion M. (Evans) Oetting" />
 <figcaption>Marion M. (Evans) Oetting</figcaption>
 </figure>Marion M. (Evans) Oetting, 89, of
Concordia, Kansas and formerly of Hays, Kansas, passed away Friday, December
27, 2024 at Sunset Homes of Concordia.Marion was born March 28, 1935 on
the family farm near Luray, Kansas.&nbsp; She
was the daughter of Jesse A. and Wilma M. (Kornmeyer) Evans.&nbsp; She grew up and attended schools in the Luray
area.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to
Loren H. Oetting on April 29, 1952 in Mansfield, Missouri.&nbsp; This union was blessed with four children;
Jean, Jane, Loren, Jr. and Lyle.Marion was a wonderful cook,
candy maker and devoted wife and homemaker.&nbsp;
She was always busy and helping others.&nbsp;
She made birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas special with celebrations,
cards and calls.Left to celebrate her life are
her children, Jean Gibson and husband Terry of Lawton, Oklahoma, Jane Smith and
husband Lee of Concordia, Kansas, and Lyle Oetting and wife Julie of Wichita,
Kansas; sister, Evelyn Aumiller and husband Gary of Lenora, Kansas; brother,
Kenneth Evans and wife Peggy of Kiowa, Kansas; seven grandchildren, 15 great
grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.Marion was preceded in death by
her parents; husband, Loren; son, Loren Oetting, Jr.; brother, Benny Evans and
wife Loretta.Graveside Services will be held
at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Luray City Cemetery in Luray,
Kansas.&nbsp; No visitation being held.&nbsp; Memorials have been established with First
United Methodist Church of Hays or the Luray City Cemetery.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Marion M. (Evans) Oetting

Tuesday, December 31
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
West Virginia, 11:30am

Tuesday, December 31
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
West Virginia, 11:30amWednesday, January 1 noneThursday, January 2
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, January 3 noneSaturday, January 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Missouri Western State, 1:05pmSunday, January 5
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 1:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2pm

As the new year approaches, it is a time of reflection.

As we close out the year and look ahead to 2025, here is a look back at the top 10 local Hays Post stories from 2024.

10. Hays man seriously injured in incident outside bar

A Hays resident was hospitalized with a serious head injury after an altercation outside of the Sip 'N' Spin, 209 W. 10th, Hays, early Jan.21.

Damien L. Wood, 19, of Bosque, New Mexico, was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery, said Deputy Hays Police Chief Brian Dawson.

A 35-year-old Hays man was taken to HaysMed with a head injury and then flown to KU Medical Center in Kansas City.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1b6d928b-12a4-482b-a583-e5613a0dcc2e">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays man seriously injured outside bar</a>

9. LGBTQ+ inclusion Glitter+Ash event on FHSU campus sparks backlash

An event that combined ashes and glitter to celebrate Ash Wednesday sparked a backlash in the Hays community.

Fort Hays State University students or members of the public were able to be blessed with the traditional ashes or ashes mixed with glitter at the Memorial Union.

Organizers billed the event as a means to foster inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community.

More than 200 people commented on a Facebook posting on the event. Some comments were supportive, and&nbsp;other community members expressed outrage.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff4ed31a-2c69-4d33-9b90-9a0d46d1c675">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;LGBTQ+ inclusion Glitter+Ash event on FHSU campus sparks backlash</a>

8. Man from Hays dies after pickup, semi crash

A man from Hays died in an accident just before 9 p.m. Dec. 17 in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Toyota Tundra driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Brandon L.&nbsp; Frick, 40, Hays, was southbound on U.S. 183 at Munjor Road.

The pickup crossed the center line and struck a northbound semi driven by Jesse W. Crum, 34, Colorado. After impact, both vehicles traveled into the west ditch and came to rest on their wheels.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2c7bee46-550f-486a-8134-1348b8fa9f4c">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Man from Hays dies after pickup semi crash</a>

7. 48 Hours to feature Hays death: 'Kristen Trickle: Autopsy of the Mind'

A woman who lived in Hays was found dying from a gunshot wound. Evidence at the scene did not add up. Prosecutors came up with a new way—they say—to find out what really happened.

On April 27 on KWCH, Erin Moriarty Reported in “48 Hours: Kristen Trickle: Autopsy of the Mind."&nbsp;

In the early morning hours of Halloween 2019 in Hays, Colby Trickle called 911 and said he woke up to his ears ringing and saw his wife, Kristen Trickle, bleeding next to him in the bed.

Since authorities were divided on the evidence they saw at the crime scene, they tried something new and ordered a very different type of autopsy, an autopsy of Kristen Trickle’s mind.

That investigation eventually led from what Colby Trickle said was suicide to&nbsp;Colby's conviction in his wife's death.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4c33423c-1f63-4d7b-98ec-a4ded347e85e">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;48 Hours to feature Hays Death’ Kristen Trickle: Autopsy of the Mind’</a>

6. Grow Hays announces new shopping center project north of I-70

Grow Hays has contracted to purchase 9.1 acres of land north of Home Depot in Hays. They hope to construct a new shopping center on the land.

The land is north of Interstate 70 on East 41st Street.

Doug Williams, director of Grow Hays, said&nbsp;multiple big-box retailers have expressed interest in Hays.

Williams estimated the new shopping center would generate $20 million in annual sales, which would generate $600,000 combined annually in additional sales tax for the city of Hays, Ellis County and the Hays USD 489 bond issue.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68c83702-3486-4109-b74f-2a7ee851a4fe">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Grow Hays announces new shopping center</a>

Ellis County law enforcement authorities investigated the death of a 5-month-old boy who died on April 2 in Hays.

28-year-old Abraham Duran Leon of Hays was arrested on June 17 in connection with the death of his son, Fernando Leon.

An autopsy report revealed the child had methamphetamine in his system and died from complications related to methamphetamine intoxication.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b3e788cd-7e44-4409-a2e4-07584c0e793a">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Hays infant’s death still under investigation</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b82bb20e-49b1-41cf-bf36-fb0b29acf58a">SEE RELATED STORY: Arrest made in Hays infant death investigation</a>

4. Love's store location in Hays to be put up for sale

Love's Country Store, 2500 Vine, Hays, closed this week after being in operation in that location since the late 1970s.

"Love's made the business decision to close its country store in Hays, Kansas, effective May 7, 2024. This store was opened in the late 1970s, and customer demand for the country store model has decreased in recent years," said&nbsp;Tracey Budz, Love's director of corporate communications, in an email.

Love’s is planning to put the property on the market for sale, Budz said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5fe47100-3d66-44bb-97b3-25aceb8379e3">SEE RELATED STORY: UPDATE: Love's store location in Hays to be put up for sale</a>

A 16-year-old was killed in a rollover accident southwest of Hays in the early morning hours of Oct. 5.

In a press release, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said the accident was reported at about 12:30 a.m. near 230th Avenue and Spring Hill Road.

Braun said the teen was one of four teenagers in the car that left the roadway and rolled.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2eab323d-7e99-4dea-878c-9c3087e74868">SEE RELATED STORY: Teen killed in Ellis County accident</a>

2. Hays man arrested for battery after choking victim

A man was arrested in Hays on Sept. 21 for aggravated battery after reportedly choking another man until he lost consciousness.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said that 19-year-old Aiden Amrein was arrested and booked into the Ellis County Jail following an altercation with another man.

Scheibler said Amrein got on the back of the alleged victim while they were on the ground and placed him in a chokehold until the victim lost consciousness.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/78986be0-0dfe-405f-b2a7-d971a3fe7459">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Hays man arrested for battery after choking victim</a>

1. HaysMed losses $5M; current, former staff express concerns about care, administration

The No. 1 Hays Post story of 2024 is not a single story but a series of stories and letters to the editor dating back to August. 

Doctors and staff at HaysMed began expressing concern about HaysMed administration and the loss of medical staff in August. Dr. Jerod Grove, HaysMed surgeon, announced he was leaving the hospital in November.

He was followed by Dr. Robert Rodriguez, an oncologist.

Both doctors filed lawsuits in federal court against the hospital, alleging the noncompete clauses in their contracts are too broad and will harm patients' access to medical care in western Kansas.&nbsp;

HaysMed administrators said noncompete clauses in medical staff members' contracts are standard practice. The hospital has countersued the doctors.

According to Grove's lawsuit, HaysMed has lost 12 physicians, two certified registered nurse anesthetists, and three midlevel providers. None of these have remained in the region and provide services to the residents of the state's western half.

As of Dec. 12, the doctors announced they were trying to resolve their contract disputes with the hospital amicably.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a32ac3e2-3d3b-4a77-94b3-9e455da465e1">HaysMed losses $5M, current, former staff express concerns about care, administration</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a05ca048-415e-412f-bcea-55ff325a76b9">SEE RELATED STORY: Second doctor sues HaysMed over noncompete clause in contract</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b34af9aa-1485-42c1-a272-afe7c74a36fb">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctor files lawsuit against HaysMed, seeks to continue practicing in western Kansas</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff47d31e-0893-42cc-9d64-36235a52511f">SEE RELATED STORY: LETTER: Oncologist announces resignation from HaysMed</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6dbff5d6-d29e-4959-b974-b6e39d502851">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctors share concerns on administration, future of HaysMed</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a32ac3e2-3d3b-4a77-94b3-9e455da465e1"></a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2be22ca4-173c-464f-b507-918c1bbcc5a8">SEE RELATED STORY: HaysMed administrators respond to challenges facing hospital</a>

As the new year approaches, it is a time of reflection.As we close out the year and look ahead to 2025, here is a look back at the top 10 local Hays Post stories from 2024.<h2>10. Hays man seriously injured in incident outside bar</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734971456233.png" alt="Wood-photo Ellis Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Wood-photo Ellis Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>A Hays resident was hospitalized with a serious head injury after an altercation outside of the Sip 'N' Spin, 209 W. 10th, Hays, early Jan.21.Damien L. Wood, 19, of Bosque, New Mexico, was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery, said Deputy Hays Police Chief Brian Dawson.A 35-year-old Hays man was taken to HaysMed with a head injury and then flown to KU Medical Center in Kansas City.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1b6d928b-12a4-482b-a583-e5613a0dcc2e">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays man seriously injured outside bar</a><h2>9. LGBTQ+ inclusion Glitter+Ash event on FHSU campus sparks backlash</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734971817147.jpeg" alt="Jaelyn Sutter, FHSU student and member of Us4U, receives ashes on Ash Wednesday from Pastor Ben Houchen of the St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Hays during a Glitter+Ash event at the FHSU Memorial Union. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jaelyn Sutter, FHSU student and member of Us4U, receives ashes on Ash Wednesday from Pastor Ben Houchen of the St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Hays during a Glitter+Ash event at the FHSU Memorial Union. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>An event that combined ashes and glitter to celebrate Ash Wednesday sparked a backlash in the Hays community.Fort Hays State University students or members of the public were able to be blessed with the traditional ashes or ashes mixed with glitter at the Memorial Union.Organizers billed the event as a means to foster inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community.More than 200 people commented on a Facebook posting on the event. Some comments were supportive, and&nbsp;other community members expressed outrage.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff4ed31a-2c69-4d33-9b90-9a0d46d1c675">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;LGBTQ+ inclusion Glitter+Ash event on FHSU campus sparks backlash</a><h2>8. Man from Hays dies after pickup, semi crash</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665405753233.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A man from Hays died in an accident just before 9 p.m. Dec. 17 in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Toyota Tundra driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Brandon L.&nbsp; Frick, 40, Hays, was southbound on U.S. 183 at Munjor Road.The pickup crossed the center line and struck a northbound semi driven by Jesse W. Crum, 34, Colorado. After impact, both vehicles traveled into the west ditch and came to rest on their wheels.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2c7bee46-550f-486a-8134-1348b8fa9f4c">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Man from Hays dies after pickup semi crash</a><h2>7. 48 Hours to feature Hays death: 'Kristen Trickle: Autopsy of the Mind'</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734972232571.png" alt="Kristen Trickle courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kristen Trickle courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A woman who lived in Hays was found dying from a gunshot wound. Evidence at the scene did not add up. Prosecutors came up with a new way—they say—to find out what really happened.On April 27 on KWCH, Erin Moriarty Reported in “48 Hours: Kristen Trickle: Autopsy of the Mind."&nbsp;In the early morning hours of Halloween 2019 in Hays, Colby Trickle called 911 and said he woke up to his ears ringing and saw his wife, Kristen Trickle, bleeding next to him in the bed.Since authorities were divided on the evidence they saw at the crime scene, they tried something new and ordered a very different type of autopsy, an autopsy of Kristen Trickle’s mind.That investigation eventually led from what Colby Trickle said was suicide to&nbsp;Colby's conviction in his wife's death.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4c33423c-1f63-4d7b-98ec-a4ded347e85e">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;48 Hours to feature Hays Death’ Kristen Trickle: Autopsy of the Mind’</a><h2>6. Grow Hays announces new shopping center project north of I-70</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734972432784.jpeg" alt="Proposed location of a new shopping center in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Proposed location of a new shopping center in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Grow Hays has contracted to purchase 9.1 acres of land north of Home Depot in Hays. They hope to construct a new shopping center on the land.The land is north of Interstate 70 on East 41st Street.Doug Williams, director of Grow Hays, said&nbsp;multiple big-box retailers have expressed interest in Hays.Williams estimated the new shopping center would generate $20 million in annual sales, which would generate $600,000 combined annually in additional sales tax for the city of Hays, Ellis County and the Hays USD 489 bond issue.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68c83702-3486-4109-b74f-2a7ee851a4fe">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Grow Hays announces new shopping center</a><h2>5. Hays infant's death</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734973706234.jpeg" alt="Fernando Leon" />
 <figcaption>Fernando Leon</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County law enforcement authorities investigated the death of a 5-month-old boy who died on April 2 in Hays.28-year-old Abraham Duran Leon of Hays was arrested on June 17 in connection with the death of his son, Fernando Leon.An autopsy report revealed the child had methamphetamine in his system and died from complications related to methamphetamine intoxication.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b3e788cd-7e44-4409-a2e4-07584c0e793a">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Hays infant’s death still under investigation</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b82bb20e-49b1-41cf-bf36-fb0b29acf58a">SEE RELATED STORY: Arrest made in Hays infant death investigation</a> <h2>4. Love's store location in Hays to be put up for sale</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734973901986.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Love's Country Store, 2500 Vine, Hays, closed this week after being in operation in that location since the late 1970s."Love's made the business decision to close its country store in Hays, Kansas, effective May 7, 2024. This store was opened in the late 1970s, and customer demand for the country store model has decreased in recent years," said&nbsp;Tracey Budz, Love's director of corporate communications, in an email.Love’s is planning to put the property on the market for sale, Budz said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5fe47100-3d66-44bb-97b3-25aceb8379e3">SEE RELATED STORY: UPDATE: Love's store location in Hays to be put up for sale</a><h2>3. Teen killed in Ellis County accident</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614390375120.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A 16-year-old was killed in a rollover accident southwest of Hays in the early morning hours of Oct. 5.In a press release, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun said the accident was reported at about 12:30 a.m. near 230th Avenue and Spring Hill Road.Braun said the teen was one of four teenagers in the car that left the roadway and rolled.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2eab323d-7e99-4dea-878c-9c3087e74868">SEE RELATED STORY: Teen killed in Ellis County accident</a><h2>2. Hays man arrested for battery after choking victim</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734974135428.png" alt="Amrein photo Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Amrein photo Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>A man was arrested in Hays on Sept. 21 for aggravated battery after reportedly choking another man until he lost consciousness.Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said that 19-year-old Aiden Amrein was arrested and booked into the Ellis County Jail following an altercation with another man.Scheibler said Amrein got on the back of the alleged victim while they were on the ground and placed him in a chokehold until the victim lost consciousness.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/78986be0-0dfe-405f-b2a7-d971a3fe7459">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Hays man arrested for battery after choking victim</a><h2>1. HaysMed losses $5M; current, former staff express concerns about care, administration</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592337955905.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The No. 1 Hays Post story of 2024 is not a single story but a series of stories and letters to the editor dating back to August. Doctors and staff at HaysMed began expressing concern about HaysMed administration and the loss of medical staff in August. Dr. Jerod Grove, HaysMed surgeon, announced he was leaving the hospital in November.He was followed by Dr. Robert Rodriguez, an oncologist.Both doctors filed lawsuits in federal court against the hospital, alleging the noncompete clauses in their contracts are too broad and will harm patients' access to medical care in western Kansas.&nbsp;HaysMed administrators said noncompete clauses in medical staff members' contracts are standard practice. The hospital has countersued the doctors.According to Grove's lawsuit, HaysMed has lost 12 physicians, two certified registered nurse anesthetists, and three midlevel providers. None of these have remained in the region and provide services to the residents of the state's western half.As of Dec. 12, the doctors announced they were trying to resolve their contract disputes with the hospital amicably.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a32ac3e2-3d3b-4a77-94b3-9e455da465e1">HaysMed losses $5M, current, former staff express concerns about care, administration</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a05ca048-415e-412f-bcea-55ff325a76b9">SEE RELATED STORY: Second doctor sues HaysMed over noncompete clause in contract</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b34af9aa-1485-42c1-a272-afe7c74a36fb">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctor files lawsuit against HaysMed, seeks to continue practicing in western Kansas</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff47d31e-0893-42cc-9d64-36235a52511f">SEE RELATED STORY: LETTER: Oncologist announces resignation from HaysMed</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6dbff5d6-d29e-4959-b974-b6e39d502851">SEE RELATED STORY: Doctors share concerns on administration, future of HaysMed</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a32ac3e2-3d3b-4a77-94b3-9e455da465e1"></a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2be22ca4-173c-464f-b507-918c1bbcc5a8">SEE RELATED STORY: HaysMed administrators respond to challenges facing hospital</a>

Goodbye 2024: A look back at the biggest local stories of the year

Registration is now available for a four-part workshop series aimed at helping Midwest farm families develop succession plans for passing on or leaving the business.

The series, Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women, will be available at 63 sites in three states, as well as offered online. 

It is being produced through a partnership between extension professionals at Kansas State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Purdue University.

Registration is available online for those wishing to attend in-person and costs $60 through Jan. 12, which includes meals and educational materials. The fee increases to $75 after Jan. 12. Organizers say there is an online option available for $75, but “highly encourage” participants to attend in-person due to the value of group discussions with other participants.

The workshops will be held on successive Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 21 and 28, and continuing on Feb. 4 and 11.

“The focus of the workshops is to help people figure out how to set up their succession plan and find the resources they need to implement it on their farm,” said LaVell Winsor, a K-State farm analyst.

This year’s workshops continue a tradition of educational classes for women in agriculture from K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics, which hosted a series on farm finances in 2020, risk management on the farm in 2022, and land leasing in 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Registration is now available for a four-part workshop series aimed at helping Midwest farm families develop succession plans for passing on or leaving the business.The series, Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women, will be available at 63 sites in three states, as well as offered online. It is being produced through a partnership between extension professionals at Kansas State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Purdue University.Registration is available online for those wishing to attend in-person and costs $60 through Jan. 12, which includes meals and educational materials. The fee increases to $75 after Jan. 12. Organizers say there is an online option available for $75, but “highly encourage” participants to attend in-person due to the value of group discussions with other participants.The workshops will be held on successive Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 21 and 28, and continuing on Feb. 4 and 11.“The focus of the workshops is to help people figure out how to set up their succession plan and find the resources they need to implement it on their farm,” said LaVell Winsor, a K-State farm analyst.This year’s workshops continue a tradition of educational classes for women in agriculture from K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics, which hosted a series on farm finances in 2020, risk management on the farm in 2022, and land leasing in 2023.“Succession planning has become a hot button topic, though it should have been that way forever,” said Ashlee Westerhold, director of K-State’s Office of Farm and Ranch Transition. “In agriculture, we’re always in a state of transition. So there are a lot of questions, whether you’re age 45 and thinking that (the family’s) farm will some day be yours, or you’re age 75 and wondering how you’re going to pass that to the next generation.”According to data from the U.S. Census, 70% of U.S. farmland will transfer to the next generation within 20 years. “The impact of farms transitioning – either successfully to the next generation or unsuccessfully in the form of a land and estate sale – has implications for rural communities and rural prosperity,” Westerhold said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735571409325.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The topics that will be covered in the four-part workshop series include: ·&nbsp; Motivation for succession planning ·&nbsp; Family communication around estate and transition planning ·&nbsp; Financial aspects of estate and transition plans ·&nbsp; Legal aspects of putting your plan into place.“We’ll also talk about how to pick a provider for all of those pieces,” Winsor said. “The goal is to give people the tools they need to succeed. They can take them home, work on the plan with their families and start to put their succession plan together.”The workshop is part of K-State’s Women in Ag series, though all sessions are available to all people.The Great Bend and Hays offices are on the list of host sites for this in person workshop. You can call either 620-793-1910 or 785-628-9430 with and questions about these programs or for help registering.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.