By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

It would have been understandable if Mason Ruder was getting a little tired by the end of the evening on the last Saturday of April.

It had been a long night. A long weekend. A long month. A long year.

But his demeanor and the smile on his face said it all. The hard work for this project was worth a million bucks.

To raise $1 million was the goal that Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School had set for its annual Auction for Christian Education, which was celebrating its 50th year in 2024.

It will be another few weeks before the final numbers are in for ACE, to which it is most commonly referred. Last year’s auction set a new record of $897,700, and the Advancement Office hopes to do so again this year.

“We are so blessed by the generosity of our alumni and community members. Even people who didn’t go to school here are some of our biggest supporters,” Ruder said. “People who don’t live here are big donors. ACE is a cross-country thing.”

This was the first go-around of planning the huge annual event for Ruder, a 2010 TMP-Marian graduate.

By the time Ruder was hired as advancement director for Hays Catholic Schools in December 2022, plans for ACE 2023 had virtually been completed.

He got a taste of what was to come at last year’s ACE and the ensuing plans for the 50th, and he admits it wouldn’t happen without the work of a lot of people—mostly volunteers.

The all-hands-on-deck mentality was essential this year because Ruder’s year-and-a-half tenure in his position is the longest for current employees in TMP-M’s Foundation office.

Ruder gave special kudos to Mary Lang and Kathy Kaseforth, former employees of the school’s alumni association for 25-plus years, and Wanda Billinger, long-time alumni director, who had been planning for the 50th ACE for several years.

Lang and Kaseforth returned to the school several times throughout the year, especially in the final days leading up to ACE 2024, to help out wherever was needed. And Billinger frequents the school all year long.

“With our new crew, we are only as successful as we are because of all the work and foundation that those that went before us,” Ruder said. “To be able to carry on from what we learned from the generation that has taken care of us for so long is a privilege.”

ACE began back in 1975 in an effort to establish a financial foundation for Catholic education in Hays and Ellis County.

St. Joseph Military had changed to Thomas More Prep just five years earlier. Then in 1981, TMP’s all-boys school combined with nearby all-girls Marian High School to form TMP-Marian High School.

The community’s Catholic grade school moved from the St. Joseph location in 1998. Holy Family Elementary was established near Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for elementary students from preschool through sixth grade.

TMP-M started a junior high for seventh- and eighth-graders in 2012, and sixth-graders were moved to the junior high from Holy Family this past fall. Hays Catholic Schools now provides a seamless transition from preschool through 12th grade.

Generous support of the auction—and Hays Catholic Schools—has grown steadily over the years. Following that seemingly meager first-year fundraiser of $22,000, ACE surpassed $100,000 in 1997. Less than 10 years later, it hit the $200,000 mark and broke the record almost every year after that.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the auction went online and made $711,576—almost as much as the year before. It has surpassed its previous year’s amount every year since.

The first 49 years raised almost $13 million.

Local philanthropist Don Bickle made a habit of purchasing a dinner years ago that eventually turned into a multi-course, black-tie dinner and usually went for thousands of dollars.

Bickle, 96, wasn’t able to make this year’s ACE, but he was there in spirit as the ACE committee last year named that particular item the “Don Bickle Black-Tie Dinner.”

“That dinner will always be known as Don Bickle’s,” Billinger said. “He always had so much fun with it, so we wanted to honor him by naming it in his honor. He has been so generous to our school.”

Billinger herself is an ACE icon, having been involved with the auction for 35-plus years. She personally solicits hundreds of gifts for ACE each year.

“Wanda lives and breathes ACE and TMP-Marian,” Ruder said.

Father Earl Befort has been involved with the school since he began teacher there shortly after being ordained a Capuchin priest in 1969.

Fr. Earl, a native of Ellis County, served as president of the TMP-M alumni association for several years and is still its current chaplain. He is believed to be the only person who has attended all 50 ACEs and is amazed at the continuous generosity of alumni and other community members.

“The amount of money given now is huge, especially considering that first year,” Fr. Earl said, referencing ACE 1975’s net gain of $22,010. “It’s just grown and grown and grown. The enthusiasm of our townspeople and our alums is such a blessing. They give so generously.”

Coincidentally, one of the popular items on the silent auction each year is a Fr. Earl bobblehead. One year, a TMP-M family donated a box of the popular priest's bobbleheads.

Fr. Earl got a chuckle out of the idea and always obliges whenever the purchaser approaches him to autograph the bobblehead.

In addition to silent and live auctions, people await the drawing of several raffles throughout the night.

One popular large-ticket item is a vehicle donated each year by Dick and Kay Werth from Auto World Used Cars.

Another popular item is Pennies for ACE, where donors match a penny for every dollar raised (excluding oral auction160).

And then there is Item 160 itself, which always targets a specific school need. This year’s funds for that item are earmarked for a financial foundation for the future of Catholic education.

The ACE committee added several items, especially for the 50th year.

The nearly 500 attendees received special wine glasses with “Golden Anniversary ACE 2024” imprinted on them.

A wall just outside the gymnasium featured copies of all 50 program covers. Many enjoyed looking for a particular ACE year and talking about the variety of themes over the decades that culminated with the black and gold 50-year cover with the saying, “Cheers to the Next 50 Years!”

Each year’s program cover also included the amount earned that year.

One special item this year was a live painting.

Lakin Denny from Colby, a student at Kansas State University, spent two hours painting at Friday evening’s preview party and all throughout the dinner and auction on Saturday to finish an oil painting of Mother Mary.

“I kind of planned and built an estimate of how long a painting and the prep work would take me,” she said. “I had never done one ‘live’ before. I really enjoyed it.”

Denny finished the painting just as her item number came up for auction.

Travis Rozean, whose son Landon knows Denny through their connection at the St. Isidore Catholic Campus Center at K-State, won the bid of $1,375 for the oil painting.

“Bidding on the painting was a great opportunity to support TMP,” Rozean said, “as well as the connection with our kids through St. Isidore’s.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to Item 160 can still contact the school at 785-625-6577. All donations of $50 or more will have their name placed on a Golden Legacy plaque to be hung in the school.

The Walter and Marie Dechant family kicked off Item 160 this year with a donation of $102,500. The Leo J. And Albina Dreiling Trust contributed a dollar-for-dollar matching fund for up to $250,000, so that item alone had reached more than $500,000 before the auction even began.

“TMP alumni are some of the most loyal people I’ve ever seen,” Ruder said. “We are definitely blessed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859048033.jpeg" alt="Street lights illuminate the majestic Thomas More Prep-Marian building on the night of the 50th Auction for Christian Education. Photo courtesy of Sarah Meitner" />
 <figcaption>Street lights illuminate the majestic Thomas More Prep-Marian building on the night of the 50th Auction for Christian Education. Photo courtesy of Sarah Meitner</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859077565.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostIt would have been understandable if Mason Ruder was getting a little tired by the end of the evening on the last Saturday of April.It had been a long night. A long weekend. A long month. A long year.But his demeanor and the smile on his face said it all. The hard work for this project was worth a million bucks.To raise $1 million was the goal that Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School had set for its annual Auction for Christian Education, which was celebrating its 50th year in 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859146745.jpeg" alt="Members of the TMP-M alum board and other volunteers transformed the gym at Al Billinger Fieldhouse into an elegant setting for the festive ACE event. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Members of the TMP-M alum board and other volunteers transformed the gym at Al Billinger Fieldhouse into an elegant setting for the festive ACE event. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>It will be another few weeks before the final numbers are in for ACE, to which it is most commonly referred. Last year’s auction set a new record of $897,700, and the Advancement Office hopes to do so again this year.“We are so blessed by the generosity of our alumni and community members. Even people who didn’t go to school here are some of our biggest supporters,” Ruder said. “People who don’t live here are big donors. ACE is a cross-country thing.”This was the first go-around of planning the huge annual event for Ruder, a 2010 TMP-Marian graduate.By the time Ruder was hired as advancement director for Hays Catholic Schools in December 2022, plans for ACE 2023 had virtually been completed.He got a taste of what was to come at last year’s ACE and the ensuing plans for the 50th, and he admits it wouldn’t happen without the work of a lot of people—mostly volunteers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859235895.jpeg" alt="Jeff Brull, former advancement director at TMP-M and a 1994 graduate of the school, returned to his alma mater a couple of days before ACE to check out the wall displaying all 50 covers of ACE programs. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Brull, former advancement director at TMP-M and a 1994 graduate of the school, returned to his alma mater a couple of days before ACE to check out the wall displaying all 50 covers of ACE programs. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>The all-hands-on-deck mentality was essential this year because Ruder’s year-and-a-half tenure in his position is the longest for current employees in TMP-M’s Foundation office.Ruder gave special kudos to Mary Lang and Kathy Kaseforth, former employees of the school’s alumni association for 25-plus years, and Wanda Billinger, long-time alumni director, who had been planning for the 50th ACE for several years.Lang and Kaseforth returned to the school several times throughout the year, especially in the final days leading up to ACE 2024, to help out wherever was needed. And Billinger frequents the school all year long.“With our new crew, we are only as successful as we are because of all the work and foundation that those that went before us,” Ruder said. “To be able to carry on from what we learned from the generation that has taken care of us for so long is a privilege.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859323558.jpeg" alt="A favorite item on ACE’s silent auction is a bobblehead of Father Earl Befort, who has attended the auction all 50 years. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A favorite item on ACE’s silent auction is a bobblehead of Father Earl Befort, who has attended the auction all 50 years. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Purpose of establishing ACE</h2>ACE began back in 1975 in an effort to establish a financial foundation for Catholic education in Hays and Ellis County.St. Joseph Military had changed to Thomas More Prep just five years earlier. Then in 1981, TMP’s all-boys school combined with nearby all-girls Marian High School to form TMP-Marian High School.The community’s Catholic grade school moved from the St. Joseph location in 1998. Holy Family Elementary was established near Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for elementary students from preschool through sixth grade.TMP-M started a junior high for seventh- and eighth-graders in 2012, and sixth-graders were moved to the junior high from Holy Family this past fall. Hays Catholic Schools now provides a seamless transition from preschool through 12th grade.Generous support of the auction—and Hays Catholic Schools—has grown steadily over the years. Following that seemingly meager first-year fundraiser of $22,000, ACE surpassed $100,000 in 1997. Less than 10 years later, it hit the $200,000 mark and broke the record almost every year after that.When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the auction went online and made $711,576—almost as much as the year before. It has surpassed its previous year’s amount every year since.The first 49 years raised almost $13 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859424575.jpeg" alt="TMP-M alum Magen (Diehl) Kroetsch and her friend, Leanna Keller, snap a selfie photo in front of the photo app wall at ACE. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>TMP-M alum Magen (Diehl) Kroetsch and her friend, Leanna Keller, snap a selfie photo in front of the photo app wall at ACE. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>ACE icons past and present</h2>Local philanthropist Don Bickle made a habit of purchasing a dinner years ago that eventually turned into a multi-course, black-tie dinner and usually went for thousands of dollars.Bickle, 96, wasn’t able to make this year’s ACE, but he was there in spirit as the ACE committee last year named that particular item the “Don Bickle Black-Tie Dinner.”“That dinner will always be known as Don Bickle’s,” Billinger said. “He always had so much fun with it, so we wanted to honor him by naming it in his honor. He has been so generous to our school.”Billinger herself is an ACE icon, having been involved with the auction for 35-plus years. She personally solicits hundreds of gifts for ACE each year.“Wanda lives and breathes ACE and TMP-Marian,” Ruder said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714859483439.jpeg" alt="ACE participants were able to witness a live painting of Mother Mary by Lakin Denny, a college student from Colby who attends Kansas State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>ACE participants were able to witness a live painting of Mother Mary by Lakin Denny, a college student from Colby who attends Kansas State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Father Earl Befort has been involved with the school since he began teacher there shortly after being ordained a Capuchin priest in 1969.Fr. Earl, a native of Ellis County, served as president of the TMP-M alumni association for several years and is still its current chaplain. He is believed to be the only person who has attended all 50 ACEs and is amazed at the continuous generosity of alumni and other community members.“The amount of money given now is huge, especially considering that first year,” Fr. Earl said, referencing ACE 1975’s net gain of $22,010. “It’s just grown and grown and grown. The enthusiasm of our townspeople and our alums is such a blessing. They give so generously.”Coincidentally, one of the popular items on the silent auction each year is a Fr. Earl bobblehead. One year, a TMP-M family donated a box of the popular priest's bobbleheads.Fr. Earl got a chuckle out of the idea and always obliges whenever the purchaser approaches him to autograph the bobblehead.<h2>Lots of unique items</h2>In addition to silent and live auctions, people await the drawing of several raffles throughout the night.One popular large-ticket item is a vehicle donated each year by Dick and Kay Werth from Auto World Used Cars.Another popular item is Pennies for ACE, where donors match a penny for every dollar raised (excluding oral auction160).And then there is Item 160 itself, which always targets a specific school need. This year’s funds for that item are earmarked for a financial foundation for the future of Catholic education.The ACE committee added several items, especially for the 50th year.The nearly 500 attendees received special wine glasses with “Golden Anniversary ACE 2024” imprinted on them.A wall just outside the gymnasium featured copies of all 50 program covers. Many enjoyed looking for a particular ACE year and talking about the variety of themes over the decades that culminated with the black and gold 50-year cover with the saying, “Cheers to the Next 50 Years!”Each year’s program cover also included the amount earned that year.One special item this year was a live painting.Lakin Denny from Colby, a student at Kansas State University, spent two hours painting at Friday evening’s preview party and all throughout the dinner and auction on Saturday to finish an oil painting of Mother Mary.“I kind of planned and built an estimate of how long a painting and the prep work would take me,” she said. “I had never done one ‘live’ before. I really enjoyed it.”Denny finished the painting just as her item number came up for auction.Travis Rozean, whose son Landon knows Denny through their connection at the St. Isidore Catholic Campus Center at K-State, won the bid of $1,375 for the oil painting.“Bidding on the painting was a great opportunity to support TMP,” Rozean said, “as well as the connection with our kids through St. Isidore’s.”<h2>Item 160 still open for donations</h2>Anyone wishing to contribute to Item 160 can still contact the school at 785-625-6577. All donations of $50 or more will have their name placed on a Golden Legacy plaque to be hung in the school.The Walter and Marie Dechant family kicked off Item 160 this year with a donation of $102,500. The Leo J. And Albina Dreiling Trust contributed a dollar-for-dollar matching fund for up to $250,000, so that item alone had reached more than $500,000 before the auction even began.“TMP alumni are some of the most loyal people I’ve ever seen,” Ruder said. “We are definitely blessed.”

NWester: Support for Catholic education alive, well in Ellis County

MAIZE - Hays High's Colin Clark went 3-1 and finished in third place at the 5A regional tennis tournament hosted by Maize South on Friday to qualify for the 5A state meet in Andover on Friday and Saturday (May 10/11).

Clark defeated Aaron Ramirez of Great Bend 6-0, 6-0 in the first round. He then knocked off Valley Center's Braxton Nicholson 6-1, 6-1 in the second round to secure a trip to state. Clark lost 6-0, 6-2 to Evan Goates of Maize South in the semifinals but bounced back with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Newton's Reid Golubski in the third place match.

Ken Shaffer won his first match 3-6, 7-6 (3), 10-0 over Jacob Hermann of Maize South. Shaffer then lost 6-0, 6-0 to eventual regional champ Evan Goates of Maize South in the second round. In the match to decide who advances to state, Shaffer lost 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 to Braxton Nicholson of Valley Center in the consolation bracket.&nbsp;

The doubles teams of Xavier Catura/Kale Schwien and Henry Fitzhum/Carsen Riat both lost their first round matches.&nbsp;

Hays PostMAIZE - Hays High's Colin Clark went 3-1 and finished in third place at the 5A regional tennis tournament hosted by Maize South on Friday to qualify for the 5A state meet in Andover on Friday and Saturday (May 10/11).Clark defeated Aaron Ramirez of Great Bend 6-0, 6-0 in the first round. He then knocked off Valley Center's Braxton Nicholson 6-1, 6-1 in the second round to secure a trip to state. Clark lost 6-0, 6-2 to Evan Goates of Maize South in the semifinals but bounced back with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Newton's Reid Golubski in the third place match.Ken Shaffer won his first match 3-6, 7-6 (3), 10-0 over Jacob Hermann of Maize South. Shaffer then lost 6-0, 6-0 to eventual regional champ Evan Goates of Maize South in the second round. In the match to decide who advances to state, Shaffer lost 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 to Braxton Nicholson of Valley Center in the consolation bracket.&nbsp;The doubles teams of Xavier Catura/Kale Schwien and Henry Fitzhum/Carsen Riat both lost their first round matches.&nbsp;

🎾 Hays High's Clark qualifies for 5A state

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=13131">BOX SCORE</a>

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The Fort Hays State baseball team jumped in front of the second-ranked team in the country for a second day in a row, but conference champion Central Missouri battled back to defeat the Tigers in game two of their MIAA Championship quarterfinal series on Saturday, 14-4 at Crane Stadium/Tomkins Field. With the win, the Mules (45-6) advance to the semifinals of the conference tournament next week in Pittsburg, Kan., while the Tigers wrap up the regular season at 25-26 overall.

Fort Hays State was playing in the postseason for the first time since 2013, while the Tigers' 25 wins are their most in a season in a dozen years (29 wins in 2012). Second-year head coach Justin Wichert&nbsp;has now led the team to back-to-back 20-win seasons, a feat not accomplished by FHSU in more than a decade.

Both the Tigers and Mules had chances to score in the first inning, but the Tigers were unable to take advantage of a two-on, one-out situation while the Mules wasted a two-out triple. Fort Hays State broke through in the top of the second when Sebastian Burgos&nbsp;opened a rally with a one-out single. Luis Ayala&nbsp;followed with a single to right center, allowing Burgos to advance to third. Jamison Armstrong&nbsp;then executed on a safety squeeze, laying down a perfect bunt to drive his fellow middle infielder home.

Tiger starter Trevor Baugh&nbsp;worked around a double in the second inning to post another zero before FHSU added to its lead in the third. Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;led off with a single before Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;smashed a one-out home run over the wall in left field, putting the Tigers on top 3-0 for a second game in a row.

The first two batters reached for UCM in the bottom of the inning, but Baugh was able to post another scoreless frame after a flyout, a groundout and some help from Ayala behind the plate on a caught stealing.

The Tigers stranded another runner in the top of the fourth before UCM got on the board in the home half of the inning thanks to a triple and sacrifice fly. FHSU then went down in order before the Mules took the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth courtesy of back-to-back home runs. Spencer Maley&nbsp;came out of the bullpen to strike out the side while allowing one base hit, limiting the damage to four runs.

Trailing 5-3, Fort Hays State battled back with a run in the top of the sixth. Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;reached on a leadoff error before scoring from second on another Ayala single. Armstrong then reached on another error, putting two men in scoring position with one out. MIAA Pitcher of the Year Conner Wolf escaped the jam with back-to-back strikeouts, maintaining a 5-4 Mule lead.

Central Missouri continued to pour things on, adding three runs in the bottom of the sixth, two in the seventh and four in the eighth to complete the run-rule victory.

Baugh (3-3) struck out three batters over 4.0 innings of work, allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks. Maley&nbsp;struck out three and allowed two unearned runs on two hits. Rafeal Espinoza, Tanner Vaughn, Landyn Sterling and Dylan Rinker&nbsp;also contributed out of the bullpen, with Vaughn and Sterling each striking out one batter.

Saavedra and Ayala both collected two hits in the game, with Kreutzer, Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;and Burgos all adding one base hit. Kreutzer had two RBI on his 12th home run of the season, while Ayala and Armstrong both drove in one RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714933968467.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Brady Kreutzer (13) is congratulated by head coach Justin Wichert after hitting a 2-run home run in an NCAA college baseball game against #2 Central Missouri on Saturday, May 4, 2024 (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Brady Kreutzer (13) is congratulated by head coach Justin Wichert after hitting a 2-run home run in an NCAA college baseball game against #2 Central Missouri on Saturday, May 4, 2024 (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=13131">BOX SCORE</a>WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The Fort Hays State baseball team jumped in front of the second-ranked team in the country for a second day in a row, but conference champion Central Missouri battled back to defeat the Tigers in game two of their MIAA Championship quarterfinal series on Saturday, 14-4 at Crane Stadium/Tomkins Field. With the win, the Mules (45-6) advance to the semifinals of the conference tournament next week in Pittsburg, Kan., while the Tigers wrap up the regular season at 25-26 overall.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1814552745&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/justin-wichert-postgame-vs-central-missouri-05-04-24" title="Justin Wichert Postgame vs. #2 Cental Missouri (May 4, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Justin Wichert Postgame vs. #2 Cental Missouri (May 4, 2024)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State was playing in the postseason for the first time since 2013, while the Tigers' 25 wins are their most in a season in a dozen years (29 wins in 2012). Second-year head coach Justin Wichert&nbsp;has now led the team to back-to-back 20-win seasons, a feat not accomplished by FHSU in more than a decade.Both the Tigers and Mules had chances to score in the first inning, but the Tigers were unable to take advantage of a two-on, one-out situation while the Mules wasted a two-out triple. Fort Hays State broke through in the top of the second when Sebastian Burgos&nbsp;opened a rally with a one-out single. Luis Ayala&nbsp;followed with a single to right center, allowing Burgos to advance to third. Jamison Armstrong&nbsp;then executed on a safety squeeze, laying down a perfect bunt to drive his fellow middle infielder home.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1814552733&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-bsb-highlights-vs-central-missouri-05-04-24" title="Fort Hays State BSB Highlights vs. #2 Central Missouri (May 4, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State BSB Highlights vs. #2 Central Missouri (May 4, 2024)</a></div></div>Tiger starter Trevor Baugh&nbsp;worked around a double in the second inning to post another zero before FHSU added to its lead in the third. Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;led off with a single before Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;smashed a one-out home run over the wall in left field, putting the Tigers on top 3-0 for a second game in a row.The first two batters reached for UCM in the bottom of the inning, but Baugh was able to post another scoreless frame after a flyout, a groundout and some help from Ayala behind the plate on a caught stealing.The Tigers stranded another runner in the top of the fourth before UCM got on the board in the home half of the inning thanks to a triple and sacrifice fly. FHSU then went down in order before the Mules took the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth courtesy of back-to-back home runs. Spencer Maley&nbsp;came out of the bullpen to strike out the side while allowing one base hit, limiting the damage to four runs.Trailing 5-3, Fort Hays State battled back with a run in the top of the sixth. Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;reached on a leadoff error before scoring from second on another Ayala single. Armstrong then reached on another error, putting two men in scoring position with one out. MIAA Pitcher of the Year Conner Wolf escaped the jam with back-to-back strikeouts, maintaining a 5-4 Mule lead.Central Missouri continued to pour things on, adding three runs in the bottom of the sixth, two in the seventh and four in the eighth to complete the run-rule victory.Baugh (3-3) struck out three batters over 4.0 innings of work, allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks. Maley&nbsp;struck out three and allowed two unearned runs on two hits. Rafeal Espinoza, Tanner Vaughn, Landyn Sterling and Dylan Rinker&nbsp;also contributed out of the bullpen, with Vaughn and Sterling each striking out one batter.Saavedra and Ayala both collected two hits in the game, with Kreutzer, Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;and Burgos all adding one base hit. Kreutzer had two RBI on his 12th home run of the season, while Ayala and Armstrong both drove in one RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers season ends with loss at #2 Central Missouri

CREVE COEUR, Mo. (AP) — A 79-year-old Missouri man is accused of killing a woman in her suburban Chicago home — a crime that happened nearly six decades ago.

James Barbier was arrested Monday at his St. Louis County home and charged with first-degree murder in the November 1966 death of 18-year-old Karen Snider in Cook County, Illinois.

The break came when police reopened the cold case and sent blood evidence to a lab in December 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/st-louis-county-man-charged-with-1966-chicago-killing-stabbing-woman-125-times/article_dbbe0e1e-098a-11ef-b8a5-1bd0bd09a715.html#tracking-source=mp-homepage">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported. The blood matched Barbier's. Following his arrest, he was extradited to Cook County.

The state's attorney office said Barbier was released Thursday — prosecutors didn't seek to keep him in jail because of his age and “physical infirmity.” He is prohibited from leaving Missouri or Illinois and was required to give up his passport and firearms. He faces another court hearing May 21.

It wasn't clear if Barbier had an attorney. Phone calls to his home on Saturday went unanswered.

Snider's body was found by her husband, Paul, on the night of Nov. 12, 1966, after he came home late to their house in Calumet City, Illinois, prosecutors wrote in court documents. The couple's 2-month-old daughter was in a crib, unharmed.

Karen Snider was stabbed about 125 times, according to the medical examiner. Barbier, who worked with Paul Snider at a railroad yard, was arrested in 1966 but never charged. Authorities didn't say why.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714839995710.png" alt="Barbier- photo Calumet City PD" />
 <figcaption>Barbier- photo Calumet City PD</figcaption>
 </figure>CREVE COEUR, Mo. (AP) — A 79-year-old Missouri man is accused of killing a woman in her suburban Chicago home — a crime that happened nearly six decades ago.James Barbier was arrested Monday at his St. Louis County home and charged with first-degree murder in the November 1966 death of 18-year-old Karen Snider in Cook County, Illinois.The break came when police reopened the cold case and sent blood evidence to a lab in December 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/st-louis-county-man-charged-with-1966-chicago-killing-stabbing-woman-125-times/article_dbbe0e1e-098a-11ef-b8a5-1bd0bd09a715.html#tracking-source=mp-homepage">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported. The blood matched Barbier's. Following his arrest, he was extradited to Cook County.The state's attorney office said Barbier was released Thursday — prosecutors didn't seek to keep him in jail because of his age and “physical infirmity.” He is prohibited from leaving Missouri or Illinois and was required to give up his passport and firearms. He faces another court hearing May 21.It wasn't clear if Barbier had an attorney. Phone calls to his home on Saturday went unanswered.Snider's body was found by her husband, Paul, on the night of Nov. 12, 1966, after he came home late to their house in Calumet City, Illinois, prosecutors wrote in court documents. The couple's 2-month-old daughter was in a crib, unharmed.Karen Snider was stabbed about 125 times, according to the medical examiner. Barbier, who worked with Paul Snider at a railroad yard, was arrested in 1966 but never charged. Authorities didn't say why.

Missouri man charged in 1966 killing of 18-year-old

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Melinda Fross, 65, has been a child care provider for 45 years but said she does not intend to retire anytime soon.

"I love it that much. I need my purpose to get up in the morning," she said. "I have absolutely no intentions of retiring yet. If God keeps my health good, that is where I'm staying."

"Just having a house full of kids is the best," she said.

Tricia Rupp nominated Fross for the April Child Care Champion award, describing her as "awesome."

Fross, a Hays native, came from a family of nine children. She said her home growing up was always filled with children.

When her first child was born, she wanted to stay home with him, so she opened an in-home child care.

"I thought I would be home for a few years with him, and here it is 45 years later," she said. "I definitely enjoy it."

Fross said her favorite aspect of being a child care provider is the joy she sees in the children.

"When the kids come running to the door every day, and they are excited to stay here," she said. "That's what I like."

Fross said she focuses on teaching the children manners, sharing, life lessons and being kind to each other.

The children love to play with blocks and bubbles, color and create crafts. The children made May baskets this week. They play baseball and soccer in the backyard.

She said she has been thankful to have good parents to work with.

"I want the parents to be able to go to work and not wonder if their kids are being taken care of," she said. "When they walk out of this door, I want them to know their kids are going to be taken care of until they return."

Fross' own four children grew up in the home around her child care children. They had to share their toys, which was difficult at first.&nbsp;

Now her children are adults, they love to come back and visit the child care children, sometimes joining the group for lunch to the delight of the children and Fross.

Fross has had generations of children in her care. After so many years as a child care provider, Fross has cared for children of the children she has had in child care.

Several years back, seven teenagers, who were all in her care at the same time when they were little, came back to her home for prom pictures on her couch.

Although Fross stays in contact with many of her child care families, she said it's tough to say goodbye when the kids start kindergarten.

"Most of them are here 45 hours a week. They spend a lot of time here, so you get very attached," she said.

She said her biggest challenge is meeting the changing rules and regulations for child care providers.

"Years ago, you didn't have to be licensed or registered, which I 100 percent understand why you have to be—just to make everything safe. Yes, the rules have changed so much over the years, and some definitely for the better."

To young people interested in beginning a career in child care, she suggested loving the kids for who they are.&nbsp;

"Don't give up after just a short time because it does get better," she said. "I struggled at first, but it does get better. I wouldn't trade it for anything now."

She said working with young children takes a lot of patience.

"You have to put yourself in their position. You have to be a young kid yourself. You're having to share a home that is not your own. They have to share toys. They have to make new friends."

She said she tries to remind herself, "Adults have bad days. Kids can have bad days, too. You need to be there to love them. ...

"You have to be patient with kids. They are learning and trying to figure out life just like we still are."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714766754181.png" alt="Melinda Fross. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Melinda Fross. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMelinda Fross, 65, has been a child care provider for 45 years but said she does not intend to retire anytime soon."I love it that much. I need my purpose to get up in the morning," she said. "I have absolutely no intentions of retiring yet. If God keeps my health good, that is where I'm staying.""Just having a house full of kids is the best," she said.Tricia Rupp nominated Fross for the April Child Care Champion award, describing her as "awesome."Fross, a Hays native, came from a family of nine children. She said her home growing up was always filled with children.When her first child was born, she wanted to stay home with him, so she opened an in-home child care."I thought I would be home for a few years with him, and here it is 45 years later," she said. "I definitely enjoy it."Fross said her favorite aspect of being a child care provider is the joy she sees in the children."When the kids come running to the door every day, and they are excited to stay here," she said. "That's what I like."Fross said she focuses on teaching the children manners, sharing, life lessons and being kind to each other.The children love to play with blocks and bubbles, color and create crafts. The children made May baskets this week. They play baseball and soccer in the backyard.She said she has been thankful to have good parents to work with."I want the parents to be able to go to work and not wonder if their kids are being taken care of," she said. "When they walk out of this door, I want them to know their kids are going to be taken care of until they return."Fross' own four children grew up in the home around her child care children. They had to share their toys, which was difficult at first.&nbsp;Now her children are adults, they love to come back and visit the child care children, sometimes joining the group for lunch to the delight of the children and Fross.Fross has had generations of children in her care. After so many years as a child care provider, Fross has cared for children of the children she has had in child care.Several years back, seven teenagers, who were all in her care at the same time when they were little, came back to her home for prom pictures on her couch.Although Fross stays in contact with many of her child care families, she said it's tough to say goodbye when the kids start kindergarten."Most of them are here 45 hours a week. They spend a lot of time here, so you get very attached," she said.She said her biggest challenge is meeting the changing rules and regulations for child care providers."Years ago, you didn't have to be licensed or registered, which I 100 percent understand why you have to be—just to make everything safe. Yes, the rules have changed so much over the years, and some definitely for the better."To young people interested in beginning a career in child care, she suggested loving the kids for who they are.&nbsp;"Don't give up after just a short time because it does get better," she said. "I struggled at first, but it does get better. I wouldn't trade it for anything now."She said working with young children takes a lot of patience."You have to put yourself in their position. You have to be a young kid yourself. You're having to share a home that is not your own. They have to share toys. They have to make new friends."She said she tries to remind herself, "Adults have bad days. Kids can have bad days, too. You need to be there to love them. ..."You have to be patient with kids. They are learning and trying to figure out life just like we still are."

Child Care Champion: 45-year child care veteran says kindness key for kids

The students of Tiger Media Network and the Department of Informatics are no strangers to winning awards. But the most recent honor earned by Fort Hays State University students is believed to be the first in school history.

On Saturday, the TMN sports production team was named the winner of the Live Sporting Event/Game category in the Student Production Awards of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences of the Heartland Chapter. The school’s entry came from the live production of the 2023 football game between FHSU and Emporia State.

“Being awarded a Heartland Regional Emmy for our sports production team's work is a testament to our students' talent and their dedication to their craft,” said Russell Heitmann, news and sports director for TMN. “We are one of the only schools in the country that employs a staff comprised entirely of students on our productions, so for their work and talent to be recognized is a great honor for TMN, the Department of Informatics and Fort Hays State University.”

The winning entry for TMN now automatically qualifies for the national contest.

Students who helped on the winning production included Tim Schoepflin, director; Kaden Depperschmidt, technical director; Haleigh Raber, replay; Ethan Klausmeyer, videoboard operation; Brandon Mejia, camera operator; Maimouna Traore, camera operator; Kyle Rowden-Stum, camera operator; Jonathan Lowe, camera operator; Caleb Todd, play-by-play commentary; and Cayden Sanders, color commentary.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our students for the professional work they provide,” said Nick Schwien, director of TMN. “FHSU students long have produced award-winning productions and content that is recognized nationally. The skills they are learning in the classroom and with our productions gives them a real-world working experience while they are still students. The teaching-hospital approach has been beneficial for them post-graduation as well.”

The Heartland Chapter region includes the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. The chapter was formed in 1986.

“The Student Production Awards presented through the Heartland Chapter of NATAS (the National Academy of Television Arts &amp; Sciences) honors excellence among the next generation of journalists and media professionals,” said Traci Bilek, executive director of the Heartland NATAS Chapter. “We are proud to recognize these talented students and their advisors for their work to elevate our craft.”

Two FHSU students were honored with national recognition in the BEA Festival of Media Arts 2024 contest.

Ryan Schuckman was recognized with an Awards of Excellence honor in the Radio Feature category for his piece titled “Cold War.”

Ellinor Couchman earned second place in the Television Long Feature category for her piece on “Half a Century of Hays in the Media.”

This year’s BEA contest received more than 1,900 entries from more than 300 schools.

Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)

Three students earned recognition in Region 7 in the Society of Professional Journalists 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards. FHSU students competed in the largest enrollment division.

John Carter Jr. was the winner of the General Column Writing category in the Print/Online section for his compilation of Pride Month reviews.

John Billinger took top honors in the Feature Videography category for his mini documentary titled “The Underground of Ellinwood.”

Alicia Feyerherm was the winner in the Science/Environment/Climate Reporting category for her multimedia piece “Students complete research at Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation.” She was named a finalist for the same piece in the Best Use of Multimedia category.

Winners of each category move into their respective national competitions of SPJ. Region 7 is made up of schools from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa.

Students also took home seven first place finishes in this year’s Kansas Association of Broadcasters Awards. FHSU competed against other universities in the state.

FHSU also brought home a second-place finish and a pair of honorable mention honors from this year’s awards ceremony in late April in Kansas City, Mo.

Raegan Neufeld, Best General News Story, audio category “Applied Learning”

Ryan Schuckman, Best Feature, audio category, “Cold War”

Ellinor Couchman, Best Feature, visual category, “Half a Century of Hays in the Media”

Garrett Wellbrock, Sports Play-by-Play, audio category

Garrett Wellbrock, Sports Play-by-Play, visual category

Tiger Media Network, Station Website, audio category

Tiger Media Network, Station Website, visual category

Alicia Feyerherm, Best General News Story, visual category, “Students complete research at Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation”

Kerrigan Hutton, 60-second or Less Commercial/PSA Announcement, visual category, “Be Everything at Tiger Media Network”

Raegan Neufeld, Public Affairs/Talk Show Program, visual category, “Academic Affairs Update with Jill Arensdorf”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714600692409.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe students of Tiger Media Network and the Department of Informatics are no strangers to winning awards. But the most recent honor earned by Fort Hays State University students is believed to be the first in school history.On Saturday, the TMN sports production team was named the winner of the Live Sporting Event/Game category in the Student Production Awards of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences of the Heartland Chapter. The school’s entry came from the live production of the 2023 football game between FHSU and Emporia State.“Being awarded a Heartland Regional Emmy for our sports production team's work is a testament to our students' talent and their dedication to their craft,” said Russell Heitmann, news and sports director for TMN. “We are one of the only schools in the country that employs a staff comprised entirely of students on our productions, so for their work and talent to be recognized is a great honor for TMN, the Department of Informatics and Fort Hays State University.”The winning entry for TMN now automatically qualifies for the national contest.Students who helped on the winning production included Tim Schoepflin, director; Kaden Depperschmidt, technical director; Haleigh Raber, replay; Ethan Klausmeyer, videoboard operation; Brandon Mejia, camera operator; Maimouna Traore, camera operator; Kyle Rowden-Stum, camera operator; Jonathan Lowe, camera operator; Caleb Todd, play-by-play commentary; and Cayden Sanders, color commentary.“We couldn’t be prouder of our students for the professional work they provide,” said Nick Schwien, director of TMN. “FHSU students long have produced award-winning productions and content that is recognized nationally. The skills they are learning in the classroom and with our productions gives them a real-world working experience while they are still students. The teaching-hospital approach has been beneficial for them post-graduation as well.”The Heartland Chapter region includes the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. The chapter was formed in 1986.“The Student Production Awards presented through the Heartland Chapter of NATAS (the National Academy of Television Arts &amp; Sciences) honors excellence among the next generation of journalists and media professionals,” said Traci Bilek, executive director of the Heartland NATAS Chapter. “We are proud to recognize these talented students and their advisors for their work to elevate our craft.”Broadcast Education Association (BEA)Two FHSU students were honored with national recognition in the BEA Festival of Media Arts 2024 contest.Ryan Schuckman was recognized with an Awards of Excellence honor in the Radio Feature category for his piece titled “Cold War.”Ellinor Couchman earned second place in the Television Long Feature category for her piece on “Half a Century of Hays in the Media.”This year’s BEA contest received more than 1,900 entries from more than 300 schools.Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)Three students earned recognition in Region 7 in the Society of Professional Journalists 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards. FHSU students competed in the largest enrollment division.John Carter Jr. was the winner of the General Column Writing category in the Print/Online section for his compilation of Pride Month reviews.John Billinger took top honors in the Feature Videography category for his mini documentary titled “The Underground of Ellinwood.”Alicia Feyerherm was the winner in the Science/Environment/Climate Reporting category for her multimedia piece “Students complete research at Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation.” She was named a finalist for the same piece in the Best Use of Multimedia category.Winners of each category move into their respective national competitions of SPJ. Region 7 is made up of schools from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa.Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB)Students also took home seven first place finishes in this year’s Kansas Association of Broadcasters Awards. FHSU competed against other universities in the state.FHSU also brought home a second-place finish and a pair of honorable mention honors from this year’s awards ceremony in late April in Kansas City, Mo.First place:Raegan Neufeld, Best General News Story, audio category “Applied Learning”Ryan Schuckman, Best Feature, audio category, “Cold War”Ellinor Couchman, Best Feature, visual category, “Half a Century of Hays in the Media”Garrett Wellbrock, Sports Play-by-Play, audio categoryGarrett Wellbrock, Sports Play-by-Play, visual categoryTiger Media Network, Station Website, audio categoryTiger Media Network, Station Website, visual categorySecond place:Alicia Feyerherm, Best General News Story, visual category, “Students complete research at Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation”Honorable mention:Kerrigan Hutton, 60-second or Less Commercial/PSA Announcement, visual category, “Be Everything at Tiger Media Network”Raegan Neufeld, Public Affairs/Talk Show Program, visual category, “Academic Affairs Update with Jill Arensdorf”

Tiger Media Network wins production award;  multiple students honored in contests

HAYS - Hays High bounced back from Thursday night's loss in the opener of the Western Plains Diamond Classic with a pair of wins Friday at Leo-Harper Field.

Hays 4, Manhattan 3 Corbin Werth scored the walk-off win for the hometown Indians after Brett Schumacher put the ball in play with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth.

Carter Graham started the inning with a lead-off double. Werth entered the game as a pinch runner. Dylan Haselhorst was hit by a pitch. Cooper Sanders was then intentionally walked to load the bases.

Hays scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the second when Haselhorst drove in Jack Weimer on a single.&nbsp;

Manhattan was held scoreless until the fourth when they tied the game on a bases loaded hit by pitch. Starting pitcher Nolan Dreher got out of the bases loaded jam thanks to a double play turned by Sanders, Weimer and Lex Lummus.

Manhattan added two runs in the top of the fifth inning for a 3-1 advantage. Hays tied the game with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth.&nbsp;

The game would need two extra innings before Hays took the victory. Dreher pitched a career high eight innings. He allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits. He struck out two and walked four. Johnny Cano earned the win in relief by pitching the ninth. He needed just seven pitches to retire the side.

Hays 7, Brush (Colo.) 0 Hays scored runs in five of six innings on their way to a 7-0 win over the Brush Beetdiggers from Colorado.

Brenden Stults threw all seven innings&nbsp;

Johnny Cano got the offense going for the Indians in the bottom of the first. Ian McGuire scored on an error and Cooper Sanders crossed the plate on a wild pitch in the bottom of the second for a 3-0 advantage. Later in the inning Cao drove in Brett Schumacher on a single.

Dylan Haselhorst had two of the Indians five hits. He doubled with two outs in the third. Courtesy Runner Ian McGuire scored on an error for a 5-0 score.

The Indians struck for another run in the bottom of the fifth. Brett Rhoades led off the inning with a single. He later scored on a bases loaded balk to give Hays the lead at 6-0.

Jalen Smith stole home in the bottom of the sixth for the final run of the game.&nbsp;

Stults allowed just three hits, walked none and struck out eight. It was a career high in strike outs and innings pitched.

The Beetdiggers had five errors in the game.

Hays improves to 14-8 with the wins. They will finish the Diamond Classic on Saturday against Life Prep.

TMP and Hays High are each 2-1 so far. Manhattan and Life Prep each have a 1-1 record. Brush, CO is 0-2. Saturday 9:30 - Manhattan v TMP 11:30 - Manhattan v Brush, CO 1:45 - Life Prep v Brush, CO 3:45 - Hays Hays v Life Prep&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday Hays High 4 - Manhattan 3 (9 innings) Manhattan 4 - Life Prep 3 Life Prep 5 - TMP 0 TMP 7 - Brush, CO 0 Hays High 7 - Brush, CO 0

Hays PostHAYS - Hays High bounced back from Thursday night's loss in the opener of the Western Plains Diamond Classic with a pair of wins Friday at Leo-Harper Field.Hays 4, Manhattan 3 Corbin Werth scored the walk-off win for the hometown Indians after Brett Schumacher put the ball in play with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth.Carter Graham started the inning with a lead-off double. Werth entered the game as a pinch runner. Dylan Haselhorst was hit by a pitch. Cooper Sanders was then intentionally walked to load the bases.Hays scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the second when Haselhorst drove in Jack Weimer on a single.&nbsp;Manhattan was held scoreless until the fourth when they tied the game on a bases loaded hit by pitch. Starting pitcher Nolan Dreher got out of the bases loaded jam thanks to a double play turned by Sanders, Weimer and Lex Lummus.Manhattan added two runs in the top of the fifth inning for a 3-1 advantage. Hays tied the game with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth.&nbsp;The game would need two extra innings before Hays took the victory. Dreher pitched a career high eight innings. He allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits. He struck out two and walked four. Johnny Cano earned the win in relief by pitching the ninth. He needed just seven pitches to retire the side.Hays 7, Brush (Colo.) 0 Hays scored runs in five of six innings on their way to a 7-0 win over the Brush Beetdiggers from Colorado.Brenden Stults threw all seven innings&nbsp;Johnny Cano got the offense going for the Indians in the bottom of the first. Ian McGuire scored on an error and Cooper Sanders crossed the plate on a wild pitch in the bottom of the second for a 3-0 advantage. Later in the inning Cao drove in Brett Schumacher on a single.Dylan Haselhorst had two of the Indians five hits. He doubled with two outs in the third. Courtesy Runner Ian McGuire scored on an error for a 5-0 score.The Indians struck for another run in the bottom of the fifth. Brett Rhoades led off the inning with a single. He later scored on a bases loaded balk to give Hays the lead at 6-0.Jalen Smith stole home in the bottom of the sixth for the final run of the game.&nbsp;Stults allowed just three hits, walked none and struck out eight. It was a career high in strike outs and innings pitched.The Beetdiggers had five errors in the game.Hays improves to 14-8 with the wins. They will finish the Diamond Classic on Saturday against Life Prep.TMP and Hays High are each 2-1 so far. Manhattan and Life Prep each have a 1-1 record. Brush, CO is 0-2. Saturday 9:30 - Manhattan v TMP 11:30 - Manhattan v Brush, CO 1:45 - Life Prep v Brush, CO 3:45 - Hays Hays v Life Prep&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday Hays High 4 - Manhattan 3 (9 innings) Manhattan 4 - Life Prep 3 Life Prep 5 - TMP 0 TMP 7 - Brush, CO 0 Hays High 7 - Brush, CO 0Thursday TMP 8, Hays High 2

⚾ Hays High bounces back with two wins at Diamond Classic

WASHINGTON (AP) — “Star Wars” actor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-star-wars-luke-hamill-app-08ec03bf1a2c9c0378857090079f00f9">Mark Hamill dropped by the White House</a>&nbsp;on Friday for a visit with President Joe Biden and walked away with a pair of the president's aviator sunglasses and a greater respect for the office.

(click below to watch Hamill's fun during the press briefing)

“I love the merch," he said, taking off the glasses during a quick appearance at the White House daily press briefing following his visit with Biden. Hamill, 72, famous for playing Luke Skywalker, kidded with reporters that he'd take a few questions — as long as they weren't about “Star Wars.”

“I was honored to be asked to come to the White House to meet the president,” he said. He's been to the White House before, during the Carter and Obama administrations, but he'd never checked out the Oval Office, and that was quite something, he said. Biden showed off photographs and other Oval Office items, Hamill said.

Hamill said Biden told him to call him “Joe,” to which Hamill offered an alternative suggestion: “Can I call you Joe-bi-Wan Kenobi?”

“He liked that,” said Hamill, who also voiced the Joker in “Batman: The Animated Series.”

Both Hamill and the White House were vague about his reason for visiting. But Hamill, a Democrat and Biden supporter with a huge social media following, has been posting about the president's reelection campaign this week.

“May The First Not Quench Your Thirst For Biden’s Re-election!” he wrote on May 1.

On Friday he posted, “May The Third Be Absurd That The Guy Who Tried To Steal A Fair Election Is Allowed To Run Again," a reference to Donald Trump and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

May 4th is unofficially “Star Wars” Day, in part because of the famous Jedi phrase “May the force be with you." The pun goes, “May the fourth be with you.”

Hamill also lent his voice to “Air Alert” — a downloadable app linked to Ukraine’s air defense system. His voice urges people to take cover whenever Russia unleashes another aerial bombardment on Ukraine.

WASHINGTON (AP) — “Star Wars” actor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-star-wars-luke-hamill-app-08ec03bf1a2c9c0378857090079f00f9">Mark Hamill dropped by the White House</a>&nbsp;on Friday for a visit with President Joe Biden and walked away with a pair of the president's aviator sunglasses and a greater respect for the office.(click below to watch Hamill's fun during the press briefing)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F280489755135170%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=150" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“I love the merch," he said, taking off the glasses during a quick appearance at the White House daily press briefing following his visit with Biden. Hamill, 72, famous for playing Luke Skywalker, kidded with reporters that he'd take a few questions — as long as they weren't about “Star Wars.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">May The Fourth Be The Day A Make-Believe Defender Of The Galaxy Met A Real-Life Defender Of Democracy<a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/yXPlW7W7Y7">pic.twitter.com/yXPlW7W7Y7</a>&mdash; Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkHamill/status/1786720218443641299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I was honored to be asked to come to the White House to meet the president,” he said. He's been to the White House before, during the Carter and Obama administrations, but he'd never checked out the Oval Office, and that was quite something, he said. Biden showed off photographs and other Oval Office items, Hamill said.Hamill said Biden told him to call him “Joe,” to which Hamill offered an alternative suggestion: “Can I call you Joe-bi-Wan Kenobi?”“He liked that,” said Hamill, who also voiced the Joker in “Batman: The Animated Series.”Both Hamill and the White House were vague about his reason for visiting. But Hamill, a Democrat and Biden supporter with a huge social media following, has been posting about the president's reelection campaign this week.“May The First Not Quench Your Thirst For Biden’s Re-election!” he wrote on May 1.On Friday he posted, “May The Third Be Absurd That The Guy Who Tried To Steal A Fair Election Is Allowed To Run Again," a reference to Donald Trump and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.May 4th is unofficially “Star Wars” Day, in part because of the famous Jedi phrase “May the force be with you." The pun goes, “May the fourth be with you.”Hamill also lent his voice to “Air Alert” — a downloadable app linked to Ukraine’s air defense system. His voice urges people to take cover whenever Russia unleashes another aerial bombardment on Ukraine.

🎥'Star Wars' actor drops by White House for a visit with 'Joe-bi-Wan Kenobi'

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Posting a “Wizard of Oz” meme and accusing Gov. Laura Kelly of “political spite,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins led the charge to make those who severely injure or kill police dogs pay for their medical care or funerals.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2583/">House Bill 2583</a>, known as “Bane’s Law,” was inspired by a Sedgwick County service dog named Bane that was killed&nbsp;last year by a fleeing suspect the dog had chased into a sewer drain.

Kelly vetoed the bill but on Monday was overridden 105-20 in the House and 29-10 in the Senate The law increases penalties for inflicting harm on law enforcement animals, including horses. The felony crime is now punishable by a minimum of 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $10,000.

During the incarceration period, the perpetrator also will have to go through a psychological evaluation and completion of an anger management program as a condition of probation, although this provision is already included in Kansas statute.

The bill was introduced by Hawkins, R-Wichita, and Rep. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, earlier in the session. Kansas statute previously required a minimum of 30 days in jail and a fine of more than $500 and less than $5,000 for the crime of severely harming or killing police dogs.

In her veto explanation, Kelly said the death of law enforcement animals is always a tragedy, but the heightened sentencing, psychological evaluation and anger management requirements were not mandated for other, more severe offenses.

“House Bill 2583 imposes mandatory minimum sentences that disregard important factors that should be left to the discretion of a judge through the regular sentencing process,” Kelly said. “Second, the mandatory sentences are out of line with other, more severe crimes without justification for why that is required. Third, while the requirement for a psychological evaluation and anger management program are important, we do not apply this same standard to many other heinous crimes.”

In response, Hawkins&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/DanHawkinsKS/status/1781494536834830482/photo/1">posted on X&nbsp;</a>a meme of Kelly photoshopped into a picture of the Wicked Witch of the West from “The Wizard of Oz,” with the caption, “I’ll get you law enforcement, and your little dogs too!” Underneath, he wrote: “Don’t forget Gov. Kelly vetoed a bill increasing penalties for killing or injuring police dogs out of pure political spite.”

Others shared Kelly’s concerns about the implications of the bill’s heightened punishments.

Because people who harm or kill these animals under the law are now responsible for restitution to the law enforcement agency — paying for the injured animal’s medical treatment, as well as funeral expenses if the animal dies, and the cost of replacing and training a new animal — expenses can be thousands of dollars, adding an additional burden to the jail time and fine.

Rep. Ford Carr, D-Wichita, mentioned the historical use of police dogs to harm people fighting for equality during the Civil Rights movement in previous bill debate.

“We should trust the police, but oftentimes we can’t, and that’s an issue,” Carr said during Monday’s House veto override debate.

Rep. Timothy Johnson, R-Basehor, who worked for decades in law enforcement and had experience with police dog training, pushed back on Carr’s claims. Johnson said the dogs were highly trained for all circumstances.

“They are not used as bite dogs. That is not their focus,” Johnson said. “… They become your family. I had one of the most wonderful German Shepherds in my entire life experience. We literally had a family funeral when he passed away. That animal would obey every and any command. I could walk in a schoolhouse among children and you would never know. Please, do not equate things that happened in the 1960s, in the ‘50s, with the way training is done now. It’s not allowed.”

Owens brought up the circumstance of Bane’s death in his defense of the bill, emphasizing K-9 officers’ role in protecting officers.

“That defendant brutally kicked that dog and caused significant internal damage to the point it was so weak that that individual was able to strangle that dog to death,” Owens said. “I want you to think if we had sent a law enforcement officer down there, how that might have played out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700174387964.png" alt="A memorial service held Nov. 29 for K9 officer Bane -photo Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A memorial service held Nov. 29 for K9 officer Bane -photo Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Posting a “Wizard of Oz” meme and accusing Gov. Laura Kelly of “political spite,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins led the charge to make those who severely injure or kill police dogs pay for their medical care or funerals.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sometimes the truth hurts. Don’t forget Gov Kelly vetoed a bill increasing penalties for killing or injuring police dogs out of pure political spite. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/sgui3tBXm4">pic.twitter.com/sgui3tBXm4</a>&mdash; Dan Hawkins (@DanHawkinsKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanHawkinsKS/status/1781494536834830482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2583/">House Bill 2583</a>, known as “Bane’s Law,” was inspired by a Sedgwick County service dog named Bane that was killed&nbsp;last year by a fleeing suspect the dog had chased into a sewer drain.Kelly vetoed the bill but on Monday was overridden 105-20 in the House and 29-10 in the Senate The law increases penalties for inflicting harm on law enforcement animals, including horses. The felony crime is now punishable by a minimum of 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $10,000.During the incarceration period, the perpetrator also will have to go through a psychological evaluation and completion of an anger management program as a condition of probation, although this provision is already included in Kansas statute.The bill was introduced by Hawkins, R-Wichita, and Rep. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, earlier in the session. Kansas statute previously required a minimum of 30 days in jail and a fine of more than $500 and less than $5,000 for the crime of severely harming or killing police dogs.In her veto explanation, Kelly said the death of law enforcement animals is always a tragedy, but the heightened sentencing, psychological evaluation and anger management requirements were not mandated for other, more severe offenses.“House Bill 2583 imposes mandatory minimum sentences that disregard important factors that should be left to the discretion of a judge through the regular sentencing process,” Kelly said. “Second, the mandatory sentences are out of line with other, more severe crimes without justification for why that is required. Third, while the requirement for a psychological evaluation and anger management program are important, we do not apply this same standard to many other heinous crimes.”In response, Hawkins&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/DanHawkinsKS/status/1781494536834830482/photo/1">posted on X&nbsp;</a>a meme of Kelly photoshopped into a picture of the Wicked Witch of the West from “The Wizard of Oz,” with the caption, “I’ll get you law enforcement, and your little dogs too!” Underneath, he wrote: “Don’t forget Gov. Kelly vetoed a bill increasing penalties for killing or injuring police dogs out of pure political spite.”Others shared Kelly’s concerns about the implications of the bill’s heightened punishments.Because people who harm or kill these animals under the law are now responsible for restitution to the law enforcement agency — paying for the injured animal’s medical treatment, as well as funeral expenses if the animal dies, and the cost of replacing and training a new animal — expenses can be thousands of dollars, adding an additional burden to the jail time and fine.Rep. Ford Carr, D-Wichita, mentioned the historical use of police dogs to harm people fighting for equality during the Civil Rights movement in previous bill debate.“We should trust the police, but oftentimes we can’t, and that’s an issue,” Carr said during Monday’s House veto override debate.Rep. Timothy Johnson, R-Basehor, who worked for decades in law enforcement and had experience with police dog training, pushed back on Carr’s claims. Johnson said the dogs were highly trained for all circumstances.“They are not used as bite dogs. That is not their focus,” Johnson said. “… They become your family. I had one of the most wonderful German Shepherds in my entire life experience. We literally had a family funeral when he passed away. That animal would obey every and any command. I could walk in a schoolhouse among children and you would never know. Please, do not equate things that happened in the 1960s, in the ‘50s, with the way training is done now. It’s not allowed.”Owens brought up the circumstance of Bane’s death in his defense of the bill, emphasizing K-9 officers’ role in protecting officers.“That defendant brutally kicked that dog and caused significant internal damage to the point it was so weak that that individual was able to strangle that dog to death,” Owens said. “I want you to think if we had sent a law enforcement officer down there, how that might have played out.”

Inspired by death of beloved dog, Kan. police animal protection bill set to become law

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market is up for sale after seven years of offering Hays a unique business experience.

Married owners Shaun and Heather Musil were determined to create a welcoming environment for community occasions.

"We tried to create something where you could have a date, bring your whole family or just have a good experience and feel like you've stepped out of Hays for just a moment," Heather said.

Events hosted at the wine bar include anniversary parties, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, graduation parties and prom dinners.

The building, 1100 Main St., was purchased in 2017 and already had the name "Paisley Pear" from prior business. Shaun and Heather liked the name and decided to retain it, making only modifications to its logo.

Despite doubts Shaun received about the success of his wine bar, the business adapted and thrived with the support and encouragement it received.

"We've evolved with the times," he said. "The community support and travelers is really what has made the Paisley Pear what it is today."

The business introduced live music. Additionally, the bistro also makes up half of the business.

Shaun and Heather have three kids, two of whom are in college pursuing aspirations that extend beyond Hays. The pair support their children's ambitions but also want to maintain close connections with others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714683875337.jpeg" alt="The Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market is up for sale after seven years of offering Hays a unique business experience.Married owners Shaun and Heather Musil were determined to create a welcoming environment for community occasions."We tried to create something where you could have a date, bring your whole family or just have a good experience and feel like you've stepped out of Hays for just a moment," Heather said.Events hosted at the wine bar include anniversary parties, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, graduation parties and prom dinners.The building, 1100 Main St., was purchased in 2017 and already had the name "Paisley Pear" from prior business. Shaun and Heather liked the name and decided to retain it, making only modifications to its logo.Despite doubts Shaun received about the success of his wine bar, the business adapted and thrived with the support and encouragement it received."We've evolved with the times," he said. "The community support and travelers is really what has made the Paisley Pear what it is today."The business introduced live music. Additionally, the bistro also makes up half of the business.Shaun and Heather have three kids, two of whom are in college pursuing aspirations that extend beyond Hays. The pair support their children's ambitions but also want to maintain close connections with others."We would like to be able to focus more on our family as time goes forward," Heather said. "We also have our parents that we're helping, and we want to be able to spend time with them."Selling the bar was driven by a desire to prioritize time with friends and family. The bar will continue to operate until it is sold, allowing customers to continue enjoying its services.The Paisley Pear offers a diverse menu, including brunch, soups, salads, and sandwiches.&nbsp;Shaun and Heather are optimistic about the future and said whoever takes on the mantle of the Paisley Pear next can innovate the business as they see fit."We hope they continue, and hopefully, we can continue our relationships with our customers and those that have been loyal supporters of us," she said.The Musils said they will support anyone interested in purchasing the business to facilitate a smoother transition and ensure success.Tours of the wine bar for potential buyers have been conducted in recent weeks, evoking strong sentiments from Shaun."It definitely brings out every emotion possible," Shaun said. "I have no regrets at all."Shaun and Heather extend their gratitude to building owners Marvin and Jenifer Rack, along with neighboring businesses like Hays Nutrition, and Gella's Diner and LB Brewing.Shaun said the best part of his workday is engaging with customers every Saturday morning."I have so much fun with them. I look forward to seeing them as much as they look forward to coming here," he said.The Paisley Pear is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays.Shaun and Heather shared their decision to sell the Paisley Pear in a Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=956885956436846&amp;set=a.522657899859656">post</a>."We're not going anywhere anytime soon," Shaun said. "We're going to continue doing what we do, and whatever happens is in God's hands."You can visit the Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market website <a href="https://paisleypear.net/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0Yyy7sLH091DPxWw_n5nDmkRMfU8xNnGzsVPgp8ZMFwIvebLjlAuwa61o_aem_AfmQLKtB-j65K_4yC10SCjc6BPDT5J4mhempbdXCuwrlYHWPOFToxi5TX68ZRrK7lkXlSHHzPjrGrFhZlOI0bEAT">here</a>.