By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

PLAINVILLE — A nonprofit organization in Plainville is trying to save a building with rich history in the small northwest Kansas community.

Save Downtown Plainville is trying to raise enough funds to make repairs to the building at 217 and 219 W. Mill St. One of the oldest buildings in Plainville, it was built 120 years ago.

The storefronts look fine, but when you go around to the alley, you see the problem. Most of the original limestone that made up rear wall of the building has collapsed.

The building had been designated for demolition by the City of Plainville when the non-profit stepped in.

Bee Reif, a volunteer who is spearheading the restoration effort, said the damaged wall is not a load-bearing wall. Commercial Builders in Hays has agreed to take on the project of stabilizing the rear wall, with plans on the work beginning within the next 30 days.

The non-profit has been able to raise about $3,600 through a GoFundMe account and from local donors. The project has received another $1,000 from sales of Paul Albert's book, "The History of Plainville." The project received $60,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

The whole project is estimated to cost about $160,000.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is helping the group apply for another $100,000 in grant funding. Plainville is Moran's hometown.

"The reason I've decided to step in and try to save these buildings, is becuase it is a huge part of our downtown,"&nbsp;Reif  said.

She said she is concerned other buildings may fail if the building at 217 and 219 are torn down, becuase the buildings in the block share walls.

"I think it would be devastating to this town if we lose this building," she said.

Reif herself is remodeling space in a building a few doors down for her digital marketing business.

Multiple generations of her husband's family have lived and farmed around Plainville.

"That's what it's all about is investing in my kids future — things to do in Plainville, places to shop in Plainville, having that small town, homegrown feel," she said.

Another nonprofit has purchased the building at the west end of the block, 223 W. Mill St. That buildings has already been renovated by local entrepreneur Chuck Comeau.

That group plans to create a co-working space in that building.

"We know people are moving to these small, rural communities," she said. "We just need reasons for people to be here. That is one of things we are focused on is bringing people downtown."

Comeau's holding company owned and renovated many buildings in downtown Plainville and Hays. Those buildings were sold in foreclosure sales when Comeau's furniture company, Dessin Fournir, and his holding company declared bankruptcy in 2019.

Reif said that was a difficult blow to the community, but two of Comeau's companies have reopened in Plainville under new ownership.

"There are a lot of positive things happening in the community, and I want these to be a positive too," she said. "As a nonprofit, we can operate businesses out of them, and we could also possibly offer housing if we can get it all taken care of."

History courtesy of Save Downtown Plainville.

The building was constructed in 1901. The Modern Woodmen of America in partnership with the Yeagy brothers and Green family constructed the buildings. Limestone for the building was cut from the Green farm in the Twin Mounds area, according to Save Downtown Plainville.

The cornerstone for the building was laid on June 15, 1901. The Woodmen held a parade and ceremony to celebrate. A metal box was placed in the cornerstone. The box included a Bible that is a ritual of the Woodmen, gavel, constitution and by-laws of the Woodmen, some of last year's wheat, two copies of the Plainville Gazette&nbsp;, and one copy each of the Rooks County Record, Rooks County Journal and Western News.

The west store was the new location for W. R. Green &amp; Sons general store. The east store hosted Yeagy Bros. Hardware. The upper level was the hall for the Woodmen.

Plainville Camp No. 1609 of Modern Woodmen of America was instituted June 19, 1892. Members were focused on caring for widows and orphans in the community. The Woodmen were active in Plainville until about 1940. The hall was also used by several other fraternal, veteran and church organizations.

Walter Green, founder of W. R. Green &amp; Sons, was a farmer until taking the store manager position at the Farmer’s Cooperative in 1891. Green acquired the cooperative in 1895.

When Green moved into his new store in 1901, the family name on the door would not change for the next 97 years. The store would transition to his son, George and wife Mable, to his granddaughters Verda, Velma and Margaret.

The business would transition from a traditional general store complete with a pot-bellied stove for customers to gather around, a cracker barrel, high-button shoes and a large stock of groceries, to a clothing and shoe store, to a bridal shop.

The bridal business started in 1954 when the granddaughters outfitted an employee for her wedding day. Ten-thousand brides later, Velma and Margaret retired in 1998, drawing an end to 103 years of the business.

Brothers Romanus and Rufus Yeagy moved their newly formed hardware business into the east store of the new building. The business would only last for three years, but the Yeagy brothers remained in the community doing construction and farming.

James Sawyer moved his furniture and undertaking business into the Yeagy store building in 1904.

The store would later be occupied by Western Light and Telephone (-1951), Skogmos clothing store (1952-1976), Gary’s Western Auto (1976-1985) and Little Lambs preschool.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628038670656.jpeg" alt="Save Downtown Plainville is trying to save this historical buildings at 217-219 Mill St." />
 <figcaption>Save Downtown Plainville is trying to save this historical buildings at 217-219 Mill St.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPLAINVILLE — A nonprofit organization in Plainville is trying to save a building with rich history in the small northwest Kansas community.Save Downtown Plainville is trying to raise enough funds to make repairs to the building at 217 and 219 W. Mill St. One of the oldest buildings in Plainville, it was built 120 years ago.The storefronts look fine, but when you go around to the alley, you see the problem. Most of the original limestone that made up rear wall of the building has collapsed.The building had been designated for demolition by the City of Plainville when the non-profit stepped in.Bee Reif, a volunteer who is spearheading the restoration effort, said the damaged wall is not a load-bearing wall. Commercial Builders in Hays has agreed to take on the project of stabilizing the rear wall, with plans on the work beginning within the next 30 days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628038948987.jpeg" alt="217-219 Mill St. in Plainville. The building was built in 1901." />
 <figcaption>217-219 Mill St. in Plainville. The building was built in 1901.</figcaption>
 </figure>The non-profit has been able to raise about $3,600 through a GoFundMe account and from local donors. The project has received another $1,000 from sales of Paul Albert's book, "The History of Plainville." The project received $60,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.The whole project is estimated to cost about $160,000.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is helping the group apply for another $100,000 in grant funding. Plainville is Moran's hometown."The reason I've decided to step in and try to save these buildings, is becuase it is a huge part of our downtown,"&nbsp;Reif said.She said she is concerned other buildings may fail if the building at 217 and 219 are torn down, becuase the buildings in the block share walls."I think it would be devastating to this town if we lose this building," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628039116541.jpeg" alt="An historical photo of Green's store at 219 Mill St. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An historical photo of Green's store at 219 Mill St. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Reif herself is remodeling space in a building a few doors down for her digital marketing business.Multiple generations of her husband's family have lived and farmed around Plainville."That's what it's all about is investing in my kids future — things to do in Plainville, places to shop in Plainville, having that small town, homegrown feel," she said.Another nonprofit has purchased the building at the west end of the block, 223 W. Mill St. That buildings has already been renovated by local entrepreneur Chuck Comeau.That group plans to create a co-working space in that building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628039260718.jpeg" alt="An historical photo of the inside of Green's store in Plainville. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An historical photo of the inside of Green's store in Plainville. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"We know people are moving to these small, rural communities," she said. "We just need reasons for people to be here. That is one of things we are focused on is bringing people downtown."Comeau's holding company owned and renovated many buildings in downtown Plainville and Hays. Those buildings were sold in foreclosure sales when Comeau's furniture company, Dessin Fournir, and his holding company declared bankruptcy in 2019.Reif said that was a difficult blow to the community, but two of Comeau's companies have reopened in Plainville under new ownership."There are a lot of positive things happening in the community, and I want these to be a positive too," she said. "As a nonprofit, we can operate businesses out of them, and we could also possibly offer housing if we can get it all taken care of."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628039333641.jpeg" alt="An historical photo of the department store at 217 Mills St. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An historical photo of the department store at 217 Mills St. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>History of the building</h2>History courtesy of Save Downtown Plainville.The building was constructed in 1901. The Modern Woodmen of America in partnership with the Yeagy brothers and Green family constructed the buildings. Limestone for the building was cut from the Green farm in the Twin Mounds area, according to Save Downtown Plainville.The cornerstone for the building was laid on June 15, 1901. The Woodmen held a parade and ceremony to celebrate. A metal box was placed in the cornerstone. The box included a Bible that is a ritual of the Woodmen, gavel, constitution and by-laws of the Woodmen, some of last year's wheat, two copies of the Plainville Gazette&nbsp;, and one copy each of the Rooks County Record, Rooks County Journal and Western News.The west store was the new location for W. R. Green &amp; Sons general store. The east store hosted Yeagy Bros. Hardware. The upper level was the hall for the Woodmen.Plainville Camp No. 1609 of Modern Woodmen of America was instituted June 19, 1892. Members were focused on caring for widows and orphans in the community. The Woodmen were active in Plainville until about 1940. The hall was also used by several other fraternal, veteran and church organizations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628039415459.jpeg" alt="An historical photo of Green's store in Plainville. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>An historical photo of Green's store in Plainville. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Green's</h2>Walter Green, founder of W. R. Green &amp; Sons, was a farmer until taking the store manager position at the Farmer’s Cooperative in 1891. Green acquired the cooperative in 1895.When Green moved into his new store in 1901, the family name on the door would not change for the next 97 years. The store would transition to his son, George and wife Mable, to his granddaughters Verda, Velma and Margaret.The business would transition from a traditional general store complete with a pot-bellied stove for customers to gather around, a cracker barrel, high-button shoes and a large stock of groceries, to a clothing and shoe store, to a bridal shop.The bridal business started in 1954 when the granddaughters outfitted an employee for her wedding day. Ten-thousand brides later, Velma and Margaret retired in 1998, drawing an end to 103 years of the business.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628039491988.jpeg" alt="Mill Street&nbsp; in Plainville at the turn of the last century. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mill Street&nbsp; in Plainville at the turn of the last century. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>East storefront</h2>Brothers Romanus and Rufus Yeagy moved their newly formed hardware business into the east store of the new building. The business would only last for three years, but the Yeagy brothers remained in the community doing construction and farming.James Sawyer moved his furniture and undertaking business into the Yeagy store building in 1904.The store would later be occupied by Western Light and Telephone (-1951), Skogmos clothing store (1952-1976), Gary’s Western Auto (1976-1985) and Little Lambs preschool.

Nonprofit seeks to save downtown Plainville building

Mallory Koerner is the winner of 101.9 The Bull's Backyard Bash contest.

She received a $2,000 gift certificate from&nbsp;Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg on Friday.

More than 10,000 people entered the Facebook contest.

Koerner, 33, and her husband are building a new home on Hickok Road on the outskirts of Hays. The home is set to be finished by the end of the year.

"We were hoping to have some backyard stuff maybe next year, but we doubted that we could afford it, so now we do," she said.

Koerner said she is a 101.9 The Bull fan and usually listens to the station on her way to work.

In addition to Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg, the contest sponsors included: • TK Construction of Stockton • JDR Painting Services of Hays • Farm Bureau Financial Services agent Jamie Cunningham in Larned • Heaven's Best Carpet Cleaning in Hays • R5 Roofing in Hays. Grand True Value Rental in Hays

Editor's note: 101.9 The Bull is owned and operated by Eagle Radio, which also owns and operates the Hays Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625863985423.jpeg" alt="Mallory&nbsp;Koerner of Hays accepts a $2,000 gift certificate from Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg from&nbsp; 101.9 The Bull&nbsp; Morning Show co-host Mike Holliday. Koerner won 101.9 The Bull's Backyard Bash contest." />
 <figcaption>Mallory&nbsp;Koerner of Hays accepts a $2,000 gift certificate from Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg from&nbsp; 101.9 The Bull&nbsp; Morning Show co-host Mike Holliday. Koerner won 101.9 The Bull's Backyard Bash contest.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostMallory Koerner is the winner of 101.9 The Bull's Backyard Bash contest.She received a $2,000 gift certificate from&nbsp;Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg on Friday.More than 10,000 people entered the Facebook contest.Koerner, 33, and her husband are building a new home on Hickok Road on the outskirts of Hays. The home is set to be finished by the end of the year."We were hoping to have some backyard stuff maybe next year, but we doubted that we could afford it, so now we do," she said.Koerner said she is a 101.9 The Bull fan and usually listens to the station on her way to work.In addition to Sawyer Ace Hardware in Phillipsburg, the contest sponsors included: • TK Construction of Stockton • JDR Painting Services of Hays • Farm Bureau Financial Services agent Jamie Cunningham in Larned • Heaven's Best Carpet Cleaning in Hays • R5 Roofing in Hays. Grand True Value Rental in HaysEditor's note: 101.9 The Bull is owned and operated by Eagle Radio, which also owns and operates the Hays Post.

101.9 The Bull's Backyard Bash winner takes home $2,000 prize

Mead Lumber has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Heartland Building
Center located in Hays, Stockton and Russell. Founded in 1892, Heartland Building Center is a
full-service lumber and building materials supplier serving professional builders, homeowners and
commercial contractors in the greater north-central Kansas markets.


“We are thrilled to join the Mead Lumber team. Mead shares our work ethic and values, our dedication to
great customer service, and our commitment to employee development. I am very excited about Heartland
Building Center's future with Mead Lumber,” said Verlin Pfannenstiel, Heartland Building Center co-owner and president . The business will continue to operate under the name Heartland Building Center.
The current management team under the direction of Derrick Bussman, general manager, will continue to
lead day-to-day operations, along with all current employees.


"Heartland Building Center is a great company with a tremendous reputation and long-standing history in
the building community; we are excited to have them join our family,” said Dave Anderson, president of
Mead Lumber. “This acquisition is a great opportunity for our company and fits our strategic plan to
expand further into Kansas.”


Mead Lumber is a 100 percent employee-owned company that has become one of the leaders in the building
materials industry, ranking in the top 30 nationally for companies serving professional builders. Mead
Lumber now has 47 locations in Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming, including five truss and wall panel manufacturing plants. Mead Lumber specializes in
providing a complete line of materials to builders and homeowners including lumber, building materials,
trusses and wall panels, millwork, kitchen cabinets &amp; countertops, siding, decking, windows, doors, and
hardware.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625151865379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedMead Lumber has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Heartland Building
Center located in Hays, Stockton and Russell. Founded in 1892, Heartland Building Center is a
full-service lumber and building materials supplier serving professional builders, homeowners and
commercial contractors in the greater north-central Kansas markets.
“We are thrilled to join the Mead Lumber team. Mead shares our work ethic and values, our dedication to
great customer service, and our commitment to employee development. I am very excited about Heartland
Building Center's future with Mead Lumber,” said Verlin Pfannenstiel, Heartland Building Center co-owner and president . The business will continue to operate under the name Heartland Building Center.
The current management team under the direction of Derrick Bussman, general manager, will continue to
lead day-to-day operations, along with all current employees.
"Heartland Building Center is a great company with a tremendous reputation and long-standing history in
the building community; we are excited to have them join our family,” said Dave Anderson, president of
Mead Lumber. “This acquisition is a great opportunity for our company and fits our strategic plan to
expand further into Kansas.”
Mead Lumber is a 100 percent employee-owned company that has become one of the leaders in the building
materials industry, ranking in the top 30 nationally for companies serving professional builders. Mead
Lumber now has 47 locations in Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming, including five truss and wall panel manufacturing plants. Mead Lumber specializes in
providing a complete line of materials to builders and homeowners including lumber, building materials,
trusses and wall panels, millwork, kitchen cabinets &amp; countertops, siding, decking, windows, doors, and
hardware.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609956621903.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATE: Heartland Building Center acquired by Mead Lumber

By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN FHSU University Relations

It might have turned out to be an auspicious decision for Fort Hays State University coaches to drive, rather than fly, their team to the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Allendale, Mich., the last week of May.

The Tigers might have had to pay extra on a return flight to bring home all their hardware.

FHSU athletes placed in the top eight of five different events, earning first-team, All-America status – and the trophies that accompany that honor. Because two of those events were relays, Fort Hays State brought home 10 trophies in all. Three more Tigers finished ninth through 12th in their events and were named second-team All-Americans. In all, FHSU took 14 competitors to the 2021 season finale, and 13 of those earned either first-team or second-team All-America recognition.

The Tigers returned home with another national champion – Ryan Stanley in the pole vault. That marks Fort Hays State’s fifth national champ since 2017.

Some point to a long-standing tradition to explain the recent success for the Tiger track and field program. Brett Meyer, a former national champion for the Tigers, calls it consistency, for which he credits Jason McCullough, head coach of both the men’s and women’s programs.

Meyer, now a graduate assistant coach for the Tigers, was a five-time All-American during his college days at FHSU. Meyer won the national title in the 1,500-meter run his senior year in 2019 and is currently attempting to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials. It was McCullough who encouraged Meyer, whose longest distance in high school track was 800 meters, to step out of his comfort zone and run the 1,500 meters.

Meyer decided to give it a try. Two years later, he won a national championship and is now chasing a dream of qualifying for the Trials.&nbsp;

“Coach McCullough stresses to us that we have to be consistent over a period of time, that we aren’t going to be an All-American as a freshman or sophomore,” he said. “You have to buy into the program and believe in the consistency part - continue to work hard and be patient. Once you figure that out, it really motivates you.”

The Tigers’ newest national champion agrees. After placing fourth at the national indoor meet in February, Ryan Stanley had trouble getting his steps down during the outdoor season. He no-heighted at four meets before clearing the national-qualifying standard at the final outdoor meet of the regular season. He then went on to break his own school record at nationals with his winning height of 17 feet, 2.75 inches.&nbsp;

“I knew I had one of the better jumps in Division II,” Stanley said, “so every time after I no-heighted, I just had to pick myself back up and go back to work, figuring out my steps. I just had to keep in mind to stay the course.”

Trever Medina believes strong team chemistry also contributes to the Tigers’ success.

“It’s like a family, and we all want each other to succeed,” said Medina, one of the Tigers’ top middle-distance runners, who grew up in the small western Kansas town of Weskan. “We all win together and believe in each other. It’s good to have everyone pulling in the same direction.”

McCullough goes back to his college career when talking about the consistency – and tradition – of Tiger success. A former All-American in cross country, McCullough ran for Jim Krob, who coached at FHSU for 17 years before retiring in 2005. McCullough took over the cross-country program when Krob retired while also serving as an assistant track coach under Dennis Weber. When Weber retired in 2017, McCullough became head coach of both programs.

Krob, who lives in Hays and still follows the Tigers closely, knew the program was in good hands when McCullough moved into the head coaching ranks, first for the cross-country program, then for track and field as well. Krob has known McCullough since he came to FHSU on a wrestling scholarship back in 1994 and walked onto the cross-country team.

“I remember him telling me he wanted to run cross country, and I thought, ‘What a find,’” Krob said. “He was really focused and determined back then, and he hasn’t changed one bit. He knows his athletes and knows what it takes to succeed.”

McCullough indeed does have the same philosophy for his teams as he did as an athlete.

“Most of the athletes at this level take a little more time to develop,” he said. “In D-II we’re not getting the high school All-Americans. For the most part, we get western Kansas athletes, and they have to put in that time and effort. I was not that good when I started. It took a lot of time and effort. That’s how you build a winning program – to have your athletes continually improve.”

Helping accomplish those goals is a coaching staff second to none, McCullough says. The Tiger staff includes six assistants, including Meyer, who excel in their specialties.

“I give the assistants a lot of autotomy with their decisions and training when it comes to competition,” McCullough said. “They have a lot of responsibility when it comes to developing different athletes. You put that all together, and it provides good opportunities for the athletes to showcase their talents.”

While qualifying for – and placing at – nationals is the ultimate goal of most athletes, McCullough said his rewards as a coach go way beyond trophies.

“It might be someone making All-American, or it might be an athlete who improves enough to make the conference meet,” he said. “My joy as a coach is to see people improve and enjoy what they are doing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623097260040.jpeg" alt="Jason McCullough, right, head track and field coach at Fort Hays State University, congratulates Tiger runner Ethan Lang after a race this season. Photo by Camryn Plemons" />
 <figcaption>Jason McCullough, right, head track and field coach at Fort Hays State University, congratulates Tiger runner Ethan Lang after a race this season. Photo by Camryn Plemons</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN FHSU University RelationsIt might have turned out to be an auspicious decision for Fort Hays State University coaches to drive, rather than fly, their team to the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Allendale, Mich., the last week of May.The Tigers might have had to pay extra on a return flight to bring home all their hardware.FHSU athletes placed in the top eight of five different events, earning first-team, All-America status – and the trophies that accompany that honor. Because two of those events were relays, Fort Hays State brought home 10 trophies in all. Three more Tigers finished ninth through 12th in their events and were named second-team All-Americans. In all, FHSU took 14 competitors to the 2021 season finale, and 13 of those earned either first-team or second-team All-America recognition.The Tigers returned home with another national champion – Ryan Stanley in the pole vault. That marks Fort Hays State’s fifth national champ since 2017.Some point to a long-standing tradition to explain the recent success for the Tiger track and field program. Brett Meyer, a former national champion for the Tigers, calls it consistency, for which he credits Jason McCullough, head coach of both the men’s and women’s programs.Meyer, now a graduate assistant coach for the Tigers, was a five-time All-American during his college days at FHSU. Meyer won the national title in the 1,500-meter run his senior year in 2019 and is currently attempting to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials. It was McCullough who encouraged Meyer, whose longest distance in high school track was 800 meters, to step out of his comfort zone and run the 1,500 meters.Meyer decided to give it a try. Two years later, he won a national championship and is now chasing a dream of qualifying for the Trials.&nbsp;“Coach McCullough stresses to us that we have to be consistent over a period of time, that we aren’t going to be an All-American as a freshman or sophomore,” he said. “You have to buy into the program and believe in the consistency part - continue to work hard and be patient. Once you figure that out, it really motivates you.”The Tigers’ newest national champion agrees. After placing fourth at the national indoor meet in February, Ryan Stanley had trouble getting his steps down during the outdoor season. He no-heighted at four meets before clearing the national-qualifying standard at the final outdoor meet of the regular season. He then went on to break his own school record at nationals with his winning height of 17 feet, 2.75 inches.&nbsp;“I knew I had one of the better jumps in Division II,” Stanley said, “so every time after I no-heighted, I just had to pick myself back up and go back to work, figuring out my steps. I just had to keep in mind to stay the course.”Trever Medina believes strong team chemistry also contributes to the Tigers’ success.“It’s like a family, and we all want each other to succeed,” said Medina, one of the Tigers’ top middle-distance runners, who grew up in the small western Kansas town of Weskan. “We all win together and believe in each other. It’s good to have everyone pulling in the same direction.”McCullough goes back to his college career when talking about the consistency – and tradition – of Tiger success. A former All-American in cross country, McCullough ran for Jim Krob, who coached at FHSU for 17 years before retiring in 2005. McCullough took over the cross-country program when Krob retired while also serving as an assistant track coach under Dennis Weber. When Weber retired in 2017, McCullough became head coach of both programs.Krob, who lives in Hays and still follows the Tigers closely, knew the program was in good hands when McCullough moved into the head coaching ranks, first for the cross-country program, then for track and field as well. Krob has known McCullough since he came to FHSU on a wrestling scholarship back in 1994 and walked onto the cross-country team.“I remember him telling me he wanted to run cross country, and I thought, ‘What a find,’” Krob said. “He was really focused and determined back then, and he hasn’t changed one bit. He knows his athletes and knows what it takes to succeed.”McCullough indeed does have the same philosophy for his teams as he did as an athlete.“Most of the athletes at this level take a little more time to develop,” he said. “In D-II we’re not getting the high school All-Americans. For the most part, we get western Kansas athletes, and they have to put in that time and effort. I was not that good when I started. It took a lot of time and effort. That’s how you build a winning program – to have your athletes continually improve.”Helping accomplish those goals is a coaching staff second to none, McCullough says. The Tiger staff includes six assistants, including Meyer, who excel in their specialties.“I give the assistants a lot of autotomy with their decisions and training when it comes to competition,” McCullough said. “They have a lot of responsibility when it comes to developing different athletes. You put that all together, and it provides good opportunities for the athletes to showcase their talents.”While qualifying for – and placing at – nationals is the ultimate goal of most athletes, McCullough said his rewards as a coach go way beyond trophies.“It might be someone making All-American, or it might be an athlete who improves enough to make the conference meet,” he said. “My joy as a coach is to see people improve and enjoy what they are doing.”

FHSU Tigers continue consistent, winning track and field tradition

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system which operates the Hays water&nbsp;plant and 25 ancillary sites (production wells, booster stations, and two water towers) was installed 28 years ago.&nbsp;

The outdated system is unreliable and requires a substantial&nbsp;upgrade in computer hardware and software, as well as connectivity, according to Jeff Crispin, director of water resources.

The water processing/distribution system in Hays is quality tested every two hours by employees.&nbsp;

Of the approximately 25 water asset sites, there are 12 with which the current SCADA system cannot communicate. Those sites are in the Big Creek and Smoky Hill River well fields.&nbsp;

The Smoky water well field is 12 miles south of Hays and the water treatment plant, located at 1000 Vine.

"If you're the operator and it's 11 p.m. and you're working by yourself and you need to shut off a well and you can't, that's a pretty big deal. 

"That creates some issues with operating things remotely," Crispin said. "Sometimes we have to call somebody out."

The SCADA system is used to monitor and gather real-time data, and control equipment at the water treatment plant and 25 its ancillary sites.&nbsp;

"Once water is used in the towers, there are set points that basically kick on pumps, sending more water into our system, filling the water towers back up," Crispin explained.

"Water towers are basically how we maintain pressure in our system, and they're also used for extra water for firefighting."

If everything is working properly in the aging computer system, water department employees can "click" on an individual asset, such as an individual water well which can be turned on and off to bring water into the city. Operators can see how any asset it operating and running.

"They can look at pressures, gallons-per-minute, water levels, many things to be able to operate those things."

But not everything can be controlled because the system is old, Crispin told city commissioners Thursday night.

Two filter controls at the water plant still use a computers from 1993 with a 3.5 inch floppy disk drive and a CD disk drive.

"It reminds me of high school," Crispin said, who noted he graduated in 1993, the same year the current SCADA system was installed.&nbsp;

Some of the older Hays water wells use remote telemetry units (RTUs) using radio frequencies, which will be replaced by programmable logic controllers (PLCs), allowing monitoring and control of the SCADA system.&nbsp;

At 18 of 25 water asset sites, a fiber optic system from Hays vendor Nex-Tech terminates at those site, but has never been used. Crispin said Nex-Tech is willing to make the connections at no cost to the city.

"This is a complicated project and a lot of things need to be done," Crispin said.&nbsp;

"Fiber will ensure that we have reliable communication and connection to our assets in all weather conditions. No longer will be have to rely on antennas, radio frequencies and interference of any&nbsp; kind.&nbsp;

"This is the way we really should be communicating with our water system to make sure that we are completely reliable at all times."

The SCADA improvements request for proposal created by Crispin and other staff members specified the same hardware and software that was installed in 2019 in the upgraded wastewater treatment plant.&nbsp;

"This would provide us the ability to actually switch parts back and forth if we needed to."

The updated system would allow operators to make adjustments at the ' lick of a computer mouse and make our system much beter

&nbsp;The city's current SCADA vendor, R.E. Pedrotti, based in Mission, is the low bidder for the updated SCADA project at&nbsp;$801,225, including an alternate three-year warranty extension. It is below the $850,000 budget and would be funded from the water capital budget. 

Although the water and wastewater systems are computer-operated,&nbsp; they are both separate from the city's IT (information technology) department.&nbsp;IT Department Director Chad Ruder has lent his expertise to this project, Crispin said.

The system is not connected to the city's internet system.

Commissioner Michael Berges asked about cyber security.

"Utilities are very attractive targets right now — and you know this -" Berges said, "and are being hacked into."

In early February, a computer hacker tried to poison the water supply of Oldsmar, Florida's water treatment system by changing a setting that would have drastically increased the amount of sodium hydroxide — known commonly as lye — in that city's water supply. It can be deadly if ingested in large amounts.

A city employee saw the change and quickly reversed it.

Crispin said that Florida system did not have proper security systems in place.

"This is another conversation I've had with Chad [Ruder] many times. We have three or four firewalls within our system to protect our city [water] system," Crispin told Berges.&nbsp;

Even though the current system is outdated, Crispin said the city is "very well protected with our firewalls. There is no connection between the city system.

"When we want to get on the internet, we have to make some adjustments, and what we're doing as part of this project is beefing up those firewalls.

"I feel very, very sure that right now we are as secure as we can be.&nbsp;Pedrotti would be able to 'dial in' through a firewall if we need to do any upgrades or security updates, and actually access that site."&nbsp;

According to Crispin, the managed option within the low bid includes a firewall for all 25 site assets.

"You're talking 25 firewalls. It's going to be very secure."

City commissioners will consider approving the low bid at their May 27 meeting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621563040148.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system which operates the Hays water&nbsp;plant and 25 ancillary sites (production wells, booster stations, and two water towers) was installed 28 years ago.&nbsp;The outdated system is unreliable and requires a substantial&nbsp;upgrade in computer hardware and software, as well as connectivity, according to Jeff Crispin, director of water resources.The water processing/distribution system in Hays is quality tested every two hours by employees.&nbsp;Of the approximately 25 water asset sites, there are 12 with which the current SCADA system cannot communicate. Those sites are in the Big Creek and Smoky Hill River well fields.&nbsp;The Smoky water well field is 12 miles south of Hays and the water treatment plant, located at 1000 Vine."If you're the operator and it's 11 p.m. and you're working by yourself and you need to shut off a well and you can't, that's a pretty big deal. "That creates some issues with operating things remotely," Crispin said. "Sometimes we have to call somebody out."<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zbuqDzUj13E"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The SCADA system is used to monitor and gather real-time data, and control equipment at the water treatment plant and 25 its ancillary sites.&nbsp;"Once water is used in the towers, there are set points that basically kick on pumps, sending more water into our system, filling the water towers back up," Crispin explained. "Water towers are basically how we maintain pressure in our system, and they're also used for extra water for firefighting."If everything is working properly in the aging computer system, water department employees can "click" on an individual asset, such as an individual water well which can be turned on and off to bring water into the city. Operators can see how any asset it operating and running."They can look at pressures, gallons-per-minute, water levels, many things to be able to operate those things."But not everything can be controlled because the system is old, Crispin told city commissioners Thursday night.Two filter controls at the water plant still use a computers from 1993 with a 3.5 inch floppy disk drive and a CD disk drive."It reminds me of high school," Crispin said, who noted he graduated in 1993, the same year the current SCADA system was installed.&nbsp;Some of the older Hays water wells use remote telemetry units (RTUs) using radio frequencies, which will be replaced by programmable logic controllers (PLCs), allowing monitoring and control of the SCADA system.&nbsp;At 18 of 25 water asset sites, a fiber optic system from Hays vendor Nex-Tech terminates at those site, but has never been used. Crispin said Nex-Tech is willing to make the connections at no cost to the city.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621567877327.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"This is a complicated project and a lot of things need to be done," Crispin said.&nbsp;"Fiber will ensure that we have reliable communication and connection to our assets in all weather conditions. No longer will be have to rely on antennas, radio frequencies and interference of any&nbsp; kind.&nbsp;"This is the way we really should be communicating with our water system to make sure that we are completely reliable at all times."The SCADA improvements request for proposal created by Crispin and other staff members specified the same hardware and software that was installed in 2019 in the upgraded wastewater treatment plant.&nbsp;"This would provide us the ability to actually switch parts back and forth if we needed to."The updated system would allow operators to make adjustments at the ' lick of a computer mouse and make our system much beter&nbsp;The city's current SCADA vendor, R.E. Pedrotti, based in Mission, is the low bidder for the updated SCADA project at&nbsp;$801,225, including an alternate three-year warranty extension. It is below the $850,000 budget and would be funded from the water capital budget. Although the water and wastewater systems are computer-operated,&nbsp; they are both separate from the city's IT (information technology) department.&nbsp;IT Department Director Chad Ruder has lent his expertise to this project, Crispin said.The system is not connected to the city's internet system.Commissioner Michael Berges asked about cyber security."Utilities are very attractive targets right now — and you know this -" Berges said, "and are being hacked into."In early February, a computer hacker tried to poison the water supply of Oldsmar, Florida's water treatment system by changing a setting that would have drastically increased the amount of sodium hydroxide — known commonly as lye — in that city's water supply. It can be deadly if ingested in large amounts.A city employee saw the change and quickly reversed it.Crispin said that Florida system did not have proper security systems in place."This is another conversation I've had with Chad [Ruder] many times. We have three or four firewalls within our system to protect our city [water] system," Crispin told Berges.&nbsp;Even though the current system is outdated, Crispin said the city is "very well protected with our firewalls. There is no connection between the city system."When we want to get on the internet, we have to make some adjustments, and what we're doing as part of this project is beefing up those firewalls. "I feel very, very sure that right now we are as secure as we can be.&nbsp;Pedrotti would be able to 'dial in' through a firewall if we need to do any upgrades or security updates, and actually access that site."&nbsp;According to Crispin, the managed option within the low bid includes a firewall for all 25 site assets."You're talking 25 firewalls. It's going to be very secure."City commissioners will consider approving the low bid at their May 27 meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 🎥 Aged SCADA operating system for Hays' water plant needs update for security, operations  

INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State track and field teams qualified 14 individuals to compete in 11 events at the 2021 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, announced Tuesday (May 18) by the NCAA. The list of Tigers heading to Allendale, Mich. later this month (May 27-29) includes six women competing in eight events and eight men competing in three events. After winning the national title in the 60m dash indoors, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;will return to the national meet for a second time in a pair of events. The sprinter holds the fastest time in the country in the 100m dash with her school-record time of 11.46 while entering the meet fourth on the declared list in the 200m dash with a time of 23.71, another school record. The Junction City, Kan. native will run in the 100m prelims on Thursday at 5:15 p.m. CT before competing in the 200m prelims Friday afternoon at 4:20 p.m. CT. Finals of both races are set for Saturday evening. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5994">Alexandra Hart</a>&nbsp;will look to defend her indoor national championship in the high jump when she competes in her second national meet next week. She enters the meet tied for second on the declared list after setting the program's outdoor record with a clearance of 5-9.75 when she won her second MIAA title earlier this month. Hart is undefeated in the high jump this season, finishing first in all 10 competitions she has entered. The Rolla, Kan. native cleared a personal-best 6-0 en route to her indoor national championship victory. Competition in the high jump is slated to begin at 4:15 p.m. CT Saturday. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;was selected to compete in both the heptathlon and in the 400m hurdles. The sophomore broke the school record in both events this season, compiling a season-best 4,984 points in the heptathlon early this season to sit in 12th on the national declared list. She also sits in 12th on the declared list in the 400m hurdles after posting a school-record 1:00.70 over the weekend at the Loper Twilight #2, improving her mark on the final day of the regular season just enough to get into the national meet. Rossi will open competition in the heptathlon Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. CT before running in the prelims of the 400m hurdles Thursday evening at 5:55 p.m. CT. The final three events of the heptathlon are slated to start around 8:30 a.m. CT Friday, with the 400m hurdles finals set for 6:05 p.m. CT Saturday. The Tigers will have a pair of true freshmen competing in the javelin throw in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5987">Rhyann Brown</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5986">Addie Berens</a>. The pair sit in eighth and ninth, respectively, on the national performance chart. Brown opened the season with a personal-best throw of 154-3 in Emporia, while Berens tossed a personal-best 151-10 midway through the season at Pittsburg State before earning All-MIAA honors with a third-place finish at the conference championships. The pair are slated to compete on the final day of the national meet, with action beginning at 10:45 a.m. CT on Saturday. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5964">Laurel Haley</a>&nbsp;will represent the Tigers in the hammer throw competition thanks to her school-record heave of 186-3 at the Alex Francis Classic last month. The Topeka, Kan. native earned All-MIAA honors after a third-place finish in the hammer throw at the league meet. The junior will begin competition at 4:10 p.m. CT on Thursday. The men's team will be represented by one individual and two relays.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5931">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;qualified for his fourth NCAA Championship event after setting the program's outdoor record in the pole vault. The sophomore cleared the 17-2.25 bar at the Loper Twilight on Saturday (May 15), eclipsing the previous school record by 2.25 inches while helping Stanley climb to fifth on the national performance chart with the automatic-qualifying mark. The three-time All-American will look to add another trophy to the shelf when competition begins at 10:30 a.m. CT on Saturday. After taking first at the MIAA Championships earlier this month, the 4x100m relay team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5927">Xavier Robinson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5916">Philip Landrum</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5912">Malcom Gardner</a>&nbsp;has the chance to pick up more hardware as they enter the national meet ranked sixth on the official declaration list. The squad improved its national standing at the Loper Twilight over the weekend, running a combined time of 40.46. The preliminary round of the 4x100m relay is set for 1:30 p.m. CT on Thursday with the finals two days later at noon CT on Saturday. Fresh off a school-record time of 3:11.32 over the weekend, the 4x400m relay team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5934">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5917">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;head into the national meet ranked 10th on the declared list. The squad finished second at the MIAA Championships to earn All-MIAA honors before eclipsing a 51-year-old school record on the penultimate day of the regular season. The Tigers will run in the prelims on Friday at 3:05 p.m. CT before competing in the finals on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT. FHSU Athletes at the 2021 NCAA DII Outdoor Championships - Schedule Thursday, May 27, 2021 8:30 a.m. - Heptathlon 100m Hurdles -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 9:15 a.m. - Heptathlon High Jump -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 10:45 a.m. - Heptathlon Shot Put -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> Noon - Heptathlon 200m Dash -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 1:30 p.m. - Men's 4x100m Relay Prelims -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5927">Xavier Robinson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5916">Philip Landrum</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5912">Malcom Gardner</a> 4:10 p.m. - Women's Hammer Throw -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5964">Laurel Haley</a> 5:15 p.m. - Women's 100m Dash Prelims -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a> Friday, May 28, 2021 8:30 a.m. - Heptathlon Long Jump -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 10:15 a.m. - Heptathlon Javelin Throw -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 11:30 a.m. - Heptathlon 800m Run -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 3:05 p.m. - Men's 4x400m Relay Prelims -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5934">Nolan Churchman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5917">Ethan Lang</a> 4:20 p.m. - Women's 200m Dash Prelims -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a> Saturday, May 29, 2021 10:30 a.m. - Men's Pole Vault -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5931">Ryan Stanley</a> 10:45 a.m. - Women's Javelin Throw,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5987">Rhyann Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5986">Addie Berens</a> Noon - Men's 4x100m Relay Finals -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5927">Xavier Robinson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5916">Philip Landrum</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5912">Malcom Gardner</a> 3 p.m. - Men's 4x400m Relay Finals -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5934">Nolan Churchman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5917">Ethan Lang</a> 4:15 p.m. - Women's High Jump -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5994">Alexandra Hart</a> 5:25 p.m. - Women's 100m Dash Finals -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a> 6:05 p.m. - Women's 400m Hurdles Finals -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 6:25 p.m. - Women's 200m Dash Finals -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621373711990.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State track and field teams qualified 14 individuals to compete in 11 events at the 2021 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, announced Tuesday (May 18) by the NCAA. The list of Tigers heading to Allendale, Mich. later this month (May 27-29) includes six women competing in eight events and eight men competing in three events. After winning the national title in the 60m dash indoors, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;will return to the national meet for a second time in a pair of events. The sprinter holds the fastest time in the country in the 100m dash with her school-record time of 11.46 while entering the meet fourth on the declared list in the 200m dash with a time of 23.71, another school record. The Junction City, Kan. native will run in the 100m prelims on Thursday at 5:15 p.m. CT before competing in the 200m prelims Friday afternoon at 4:20 p.m. CT. Finals of both races are set for Saturday evening. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5994">Alexandra Hart</a>&nbsp;will look to defend her indoor national championship in the high jump when she competes in her second national meet next week. She enters the meet tied for second on the declared list after setting the program's outdoor record with a clearance of 5-9.75 when she won her second MIAA title earlier this month. Hart is undefeated in the high jump this season, finishing first in all 10 competitions she has entered. The Rolla, Kan. native cleared a personal-best 6-0 en route to her indoor national championship victory. Competition in the high jump is slated to begin at 4:15 p.m. CT Saturday. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;was selected to compete in both the heptathlon and in the 400m hurdles. The sophomore broke the school record in both events this season, compiling a season-best 4,984 points in the heptathlon early this season to sit in 12th on the national declared list. She also sits in 12th on the declared list in the 400m hurdles after posting a school-record 1:00.70 over the weekend at the Loper Twilight #2, improving her mark on the final day of the regular season just enough to get into the national meet. Rossi will open competition in the heptathlon Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. CT before running in the prelims of the 400m hurdles Thursday evening at 5:55 p.m. CT. The final three events of the heptathlon are slated to start around 8:30 a.m. CT Friday, with the 400m hurdles finals set for 6:05 p.m. CT Saturday. The Tigers will have a pair of true freshmen competing in the javelin throw in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5987">Rhyann Brown</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5986">Addie Berens</a>. The pair sit in eighth and ninth, respectively, on the national performance chart. Brown opened the season with a personal-best throw of 154-3 in Emporia, while Berens tossed a personal-best 151-10 midway through the season at Pittsburg State before earning All-MIAA honors with a third-place finish at the conference championships. The pair are slated to compete on the final day of the national meet, with action beginning at 10:45 a.m. CT on Saturday. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5964">Laurel Haley</a>&nbsp;will represent the Tigers in the hammer throw competition thanks to her school-record heave of 186-3 at the Alex Francis Classic last month. The Topeka, Kan. native earned All-MIAA honors after a third-place finish in the hammer throw at the league meet. The junior will begin competition at 4:10 p.m. CT on Thursday. The men's team will be represented by one individual and two relays.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5931">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;qualified for his fourth NCAA Championship event after setting the program's outdoor record in the pole vault. The sophomore cleared the 17-2.25 bar at the Loper Twilight on Saturday (May 15), eclipsing the previous school record by 2.25 inches while helping Stanley climb to fifth on the national performance chart with the automatic-qualifying mark. The three-time All-American will look to add another trophy to the shelf when competition begins at 10:30 a.m. CT on Saturday. After taking first at the MIAA Championships earlier this month, the 4x100m relay team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5927">Xavier Robinson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5916">Philip Landrum</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5912">Malcom Gardner</a>&nbsp;has the chance to pick up more hardware as they enter the national meet ranked sixth on the official declaration list. The squad improved its national standing at the Loper Twilight over the weekend, running a combined time of 40.46. The preliminary round of the 4x100m relay is set for 1:30 p.m. CT on Thursday with the finals two days later at noon CT on Saturday. Fresh off a school-record time of 3:11.32 over the weekend, the 4x400m relay team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5934">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5917">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;head into the national meet ranked 10th on the declared list. The squad finished second at the MIAA Championships to earn All-MIAA honors before eclipsing a 51-year-old school record on the penultimate day of the regular season. The Tigers will run in the prelims on Friday at 3:05 p.m. CT before competing in the finals on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT. FHSU Athletes at the 2021 NCAA DII Outdoor Championships - Schedule Thursday, May 27, 2021 8:30 a.m. - Heptathlon 100m Hurdles -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 9:15 a.m. - Heptathlon High Jump -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 10:45 a.m. - Heptathlon Shot Put -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> Noon - Heptathlon 200m Dash -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 1:30 p.m. - Men's 4x100m Relay Prelims -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5927">Xavier Robinson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5916">Philip Landrum</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5912">Malcom Gardner</a> 4:10 p.m. - Women's Hammer Throw -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5964">Laurel Haley</a> 5:15 p.m. - Women's 100m Dash Prelims -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a> Friday, May 28, 2021 8:30 a.m. - Heptathlon Long Jump -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 10:15 a.m. - Heptathlon Javelin Throw -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 11:30 a.m. - Heptathlon 800m Run -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 3:05 p.m. - Men's 4x400m Relay Prelims -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5934">Nolan Churchman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5917">Ethan Lang</a> 4:20 p.m. - Women's 200m Dash Prelims -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a> Saturday, May 29, 2021 10:30 a.m. - Men's Pole Vault -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5931">Ryan Stanley</a> 10:45 a.m. - Women's Javelin Throw,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5987">Rhyann Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5986">Addie Berens</a> Noon - Men's 4x100m Relay Finals -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5927">Xavier Robinson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5916">Philip Landrum</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5912">Malcom Gardner</a> 3 p.m. - Men's 4x400m Relay Finals -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5932">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5934">Nolan Churchman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5917">Ethan Lang</a> 4:15 p.m. - Women's High Jump -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5994">Alexandra Hart</a> 5:25 p.m. - Women's 100m Dash Finals -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a> 6:05 p.m. - Women's 400m Hurdles Finals -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> 6:25 p.m. - Women's 200m Dash Finals -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5966">Lyric Holman</a>FHSU Athletics

🏃‍♀️ FHSU qualifies 14 for outdoor national championships

Roberta Jean Newcomer, age 85, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. She was born January 21, 1936, to Brighton and Ruth (Adkinson) Arnold in Hays, Kansas. Roberta was united in marriage to Dale Newcomer on August 8, 1954, in WaKeeney, and they were married for 66 years.&nbsp;

Roberta “Bert” had numerous interests, hobbies, and passions. However, if you knew Bert well, boy oh boy did she love sports.&nbsp; Whether it was never missing a track meet to watch her boy's high jump or screaming at the refs on TV during a KU basketball game, the girl was competitive.&nbsp; She and Dale were known to fly across the country at the last minute to attend a grandchild’s playoff game!&nbsp; Bert was an avid golfer who was quietly “over-competitive.” &nbsp;If you played against her in the local woman’s golf league, let’s just say you were talked about a bit ugly over dinner, especially if you beat her that day.&nbsp; She very much hated cheating, and only allowed it in her life if it was Dale while playing dominos.&nbsp; Bert was an avid runner up to the age of 80!! &nbsp; Most everyone in WaKeeney has almost run her over when the crazy girl would be out at 6:00 am in January with a wind chill of 10 degrees. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bert attended Fort Hays State University and played oboe in the marching band. She loved music!&nbsp; She was an avid pianist and was also an excellent vocalist.&nbsp; In her younger years, she played the trumpet and violin along with the piano and oboe.&nbsp; Bert was very active in the local community. She was past president of the CT-PEO Sisterhood.&nbsp; She and Dale were avid bridge players and loved the friendships they developed within this area of life. &nbsp;&nbsp;

She was married very shortly after college to her husband Dale and&nbsp;initially worked&nbsp;at First Federal. She and Dale eventually became local business owners and they owned and operated the Gambles hardware store for many years. Most all true local&nbsp;Wakeeney-ites&nbsp;were patrons of the store and we all loved seeing them at the store along with their faithful basset hound dogs.&nbsp; Bert and Dale owned the Newcomer Furniture store along with their son Rex for the past 30 years.&nbsp; The entire Newcomer family always considered it an honor and a blessing that all the local people patronized their businesses and they always thought of everybody as their friend, not just a customer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Newcomers were in business for over 60 years and the business continues under new ownership in wonderfully capable hands.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lastly, but of utmost importance, Bert loved Jesus!&nbsp; She had a deep, personal relationship with her Savior, and you will find her currently residing at the feet of Jesus Christ.&nbsp;

Those surviving Roberta include her beloved husband of the family home; sons Rex (Jeanine) Newcomer of WaKeeney and Jay (Anne) Newcomer of Crystal River, Florida; grandchildren Ashley Newcomer (Dan Bader) of Shawnee, Kansas, Brooke (Roger) Klein of Lyons, Kansas, Rachael Newcomer of McPherson, Kansas, Shay (Mallory) Newcomer of Atlanta, Georgia, Macon (Brittany) Newcomer of Houston Texas, and&nbsp;Casidy&nbsp;Newcomer, of Houston, Texas; great-grandchildren Owen Klein, Elsie Klein, and Henley Newcomer; and sister Joann "Jody" (Daryl) Bender.&nbsp;

Roberta is preceded in death by both parents and sister Gwen Hansen.&nbsp;

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, May 3, 2021, at the WaKeeney Church of God, with Pastor Jerod Brown officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to WaKeeney Church of God or Big Creek Golf Course. Donations to the organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th&nbsp;St. WaKeeney, Kansas 67672.&nbsp;

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com/">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619720435496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Roberta Jean Newcomer, age 85, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. She was born January 21, 1936, to Brighton and Ruth (Adkinson) Arnold in Hays, Kansas. Roberta was united in marriage to Dale Newcomer on August 8, 1954, in WaKeeney, and they were married for 66 years.&nbsp;Roberta “Bert” had numerous interests, hobbies, and passions. However, if you knew Bert well, boy oh boy did she love sports.&nbsp; Whether it was never missing a track meet to watch her boy's high jump or screaming at the refs on TV during a KU basketball game, the girl was competitive.&nbsp; She and Dale were known to fly across the country at the last minute to attend a grandchild’s playoff game!&nbsp; Bert was an avid golfer who was quietly “over-competitive.” &nbsp;If you played against her in the local woman’s golf league, let’s just say you were talked about a bit ugly over dinner, especially if you beat her that day.&nbsp; She very much hated cheating, and only allowed it in her life if it was Dale while playing dominos.&nbsp; Bert was an avid runner up to the age of 80!! &nbsp; Most everyone in WaKeeney has almost run her over when the crazy girl would be out at 6:00 am in January with a wind chill of 10 degrees. &nbsp;&nbsp;Bert attended Fort Hays State University and played oboe in the marching band. She loved music!&nbsp; She was an avid pianist and was also an excellent vocalist.&nbsp; In her younger years, she played the trumpet and violin along with the piano and oboe.&nbsp; Bert was very active in the local community. She was past president of the CT-PEO Sisterhood.&nbsp; She and Dale were avid bridge players and loved the friendships they developed within this area of life. &nbsp;&nbsp;She was married very shortly after college to her husband Dale and&nbsp;initially worked&nbsp;at First Federal. She and Dale eventually became local business owners and they owned and operated the Gambles hardware store for many years. Most all true local&nbsp;Wakeeney-ites&nbsp;were patrons of the store and we all loved seeing them at the store along with their faithful basset hound dogs.&nbsp; Bert and Dale owned the Newcomer Furniture store along with their son Rex for the past 30 years.&nbsp; The entire Newcomer family always considered it an honor and a blessing that all the local people patronized their businesses and they always thought of everybody as their friend, not just a customer.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Newcomers were in business for over 60 years and the business continues under new ownership in wonderfully capable hands.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lastly, but of utmost importance, Bert loved Jesus!&nbsp; She had a deep, personal relationship with her Savior, and you will find her currently residing at the feet of Jesus Christ.&nbsp;Those surviving Roberta include her beloved husband of the family home; sons Rex (Jeanine) Newcomer of WaKeeney and Jay (Anne) Newcomer of Crystal River, Florida; grandchildren Ashley Newcomer (Dan Bader) of Shawnee, Kansas, Brooke (Roger) Klein of Lyons, Kansas, Rachael Newcomer of McPherson, Kansas, Shay (Mallory) Newcomer of Atlanta, Georgia, Macon (Brittany) Newcomer of Houston Texas, and&nbsp;Casidy&nbsp;Newcomer, of Houston, Texas; great-grandchildren Owen Klein, Elsie Klein, and Henley Newcomer; and sister Joann "Jody" (Daryl) Bender.&nbsp;Roberta is preceded in death by both parents and sister Gwen Hansen.&nbsp;A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, May 3, 2021, at the WaKeeney Church of God, with Pastor Jerod Brown officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to WaKeeney Church of God or Big Creek Golf Course. Donations to the organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th&nbsp;St. WaKeeney, Kansas 67672.&nbsp;Condolences may be left for the family by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com/">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>

Roberta Jean Newcomer

Students, faculty, staff and visitors to Fort Hays State University will no longer have to get near a building to receive quality WiFi service.

Aided by funds from the CARES Act originated by the U.S. Department of Treasury during the pandemic, FHSU expanded its broadband service to include a large outdoor area surrounding campus academic and administrative buildings.

The expansion gives students avenues to remain close to broadband access while taking online and hybrid classes while also maintaining social distancing practices. There now is a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor WiFi connection without dropping any calls or videos.&nbsp; Students or faculty can also access the internet while sitting in their vehicle in designated parking lots. The new service will benefit faculty wishing to hold classes outdoors, especially during the pandemic.

“This project was very timely, because our vendor – Aruba Networks – had just announced the release of its outdoor WiFi 6 equipment,” said Derek Johnson, manager of network operations for FHSU’s Technology Services. “So the hardware we deployed supports the new WiFi 6 standard and readies us for the upcoming generation of devices that use the new standards.”

WiFi 6 is a set of new technologies that are faster and more efficient and can handle more devices simultaneously than ever before.

The new access area covers approximately 60 acres in the shape of a baseball diamond. It encompasses the quad, green spaces around academic and administrative buildings and parking lots, as well as street area parking – all on the east side of Big Creek.

The new WiFi transmitters are housed in 23 sturdy, gray columns that range from 5 to 20 feet in height and placed in areas near trees, buildings and open areas around campus. The shorter transmitter columns, called bollards, are located in 15 different spots – several near benches on the quad.&nbsp;

Johnson researched the ways other universities were dealing with pandemic challenges, and he learned that some set up tents and installed temporary WiFi with mobile hotspots to accommodate outdoor classes.

“That works well, but we wanted to make this a permanent service and install it properly,” he said. “From now on, even when we get past the pandemic, we will have quality outdoor WiFi.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613068086131.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsStudents, faculty, staff and visitors to Fort Hays State University will no longer have to get near a building to receive quality WiFi service.Aided by funds from the CARES Act originated by the U.S. Department of Treasury during the pandemic, FHSU expanded its broadband service to include a large outdoor area surrounding campus academic and administrative buildings.The expansion gives students avenues to remain close to broadband access while taking online and hybrid classes while also maintaining social distancing practices. There now is a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor WiFi connection without dropping any calls or videos.&nbsp; Students or faculty can also access the internet while sitting in their vehicle in designated parking lots. The new service will benefit faculty wishing to hold classes outdoors, especially during the pandemic.“This project was very timely, because our vendor – Aruba Networks – had just announced the release of its outdoor WiFi 6 equipment,” said Derek Johnson, manager of network operations for FHSU’s Technology Services. “So the hardware we deployed supports the new WiFi 6 standard and readies us for the upcoming generation of devices that use the new standards.”WiFi 6 is a set of new technologies that are faster and more efficient and can handle more devices simultaneously than ever before.The new access area covers approximately 60 acres in the shape of a baseball diamond. It encompasses the quad, green spaces around academic and administrative buildings and parking lots, as well as street area parking – all on the east side of Big Creek.The new WiFi transmitters are housed in 23 sturdy, gray columns that range from 5 to 20 feet in height and placed in areas near trees, buildings and open areas around campus. The shorter transmitter columns, called bollards, are located in 15 different spots – several near benches on the quad.&nbsp;Johnson researched the ways other universities were dealing with pandemic challenges, and he learned that some set up tents and installed temporary WiFi with mobile hotspots to accommodate outdoor classes.“That works well, but we wanted to make this a permanent service and install it properly,” he said. “From now on, even when we get past the pandemic, we will have quality outdoor WiFi.”

FHSU expands broadband service around campus

Mary Catherine (Brown) Doherty was born March 1, 1934, to John and 
Johnnie Lee (Hegwood) Brown in Tennyson,&nbsp;TX and died peacefully at home 
surrounded by her loving family in Sherman, TX.&nbsp;

She grew up in the Robert E Lee and Bronte, TX areas. The family also
 lived in New Mexico and then to NW Kansas in 1953. Mary graduated from 
Bronte HS in 1951, and then attended Fort Hays College.

She married Harry "Wayne" Doherty in Clayton on Nov 11, 1956, and they
 had 4 daughters.&nbsp; They lived in the Delvale and Clayton communities.&nbsp;

Mary grew up in times when work ethics were of great value.&nbsp; She was 
always a hard worker. As a child growing up in West Texas,&nbsp;she shared 
stories of picking cotton until her hands were bloodied. &nbsp;As a young 
woman, Mary always planted large gardens and canned her produce that 
lasted all year.&nbsp; Her girls complained,&nbsp;but always helped get the 
canning done.

For many years, Wayne and Mary had a custom harvest crew. They took 
the girls and traveled from Texas to North Dakota every year.&nbsp; In the 
fall, they stayed close to home and harvested milo, corn and oats.

Wayne and Mary always had livestock,&nbsp;whether it was milking cows or a
 farrow to finish operation raising hogs. They had a farm near Jennings 
and had irrigated alfalfa and milo.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a family affair moving 
irrigation pipe by hand with a bunch of whiney girls!!

Mary and Wayne were devoted active members of the Clayton UM Church.&nbsp;
 &nbsp;They spent years of dedicated service supporting their girls in the 
Prairie Dog 4-H club.

For many years they operated Doherty Repair,&nbsp;where Wayne worked on 
every type of vehicle and Mary was the bookkeeper. They later bought and
 operated Clayton Lumber &amp; Hardware for many years.

Wayne passed away on May 6, 1980, and later Mary moved to&nbsp;Sherman, TX in 1985.&nbsp;

Mary worked as a housekeeper and sold Watkins for many years. She 
made new Christian friendships that lead to years of fellowship and 
happiness.&nbsp; Mary attended Christian Classes and received her Pastoral 
Degree, which she was proud of.&nbsp; Mary loved the Lord and devoted her 
lifetime to serving our Savior. She was a self-taught piano player, and 
loved to play her favorite hymns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She was predeceased by her husband,&nbsp;Wayne, her parents, 
siblings,&nbsp;William Brown,&nbsp;Wanda Holden, Lloyd Brown, and Lena Laughin, 
numerous brother and sisters in laws,&nbsp;nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her girls: Charlotte Doherty, Scott City, KS, 
Annette (and Vic) Goeken, Carthage, MO, Yuvonne (and Lee) Kraft, Ransom,
 KS, Carla Dansby, Sherman, TX; Grandkids: Mindy (and Ryan) Schumacher, 
Scranton, ND, Ryan (and Valarie) Kraft, Lyons, KS, Kelly ( and Sara) 
Goeken, Carthage,&nbsp; MO, Codi Kraft ( and fiance, Brian Jantz), Wichita,&nbsp; 
KS, Kambria Dansby, Sherman, TX, Miles(Doherty) Dawson, Wichita,&nbsp; KS, 
Brandon Dansby, Sherman,&nbsp; TX, and Emily (and Boaz ) Beard, Newton, KS; 
Great grandsons: Quentin and Chason Schumacher,&nbsp;Anthony Goeken,&nbsp;and 
Bodhi Kraft.

Private services to be held in the Clayton Cemetery, Clayton, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611244808993.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Catherine (Brown) Doherty was born March 1, 1934, to John and 
Johnnie Lee (Hegwood) Brown in Tennyson,&nbsp;TX and died peacefully at home 
surrounded by her loving family in Sherman, TX.&nbsp;She grew up in the Robert E Lee and Bronte, TX areas. The family also
 lived in New Mexico and then to NW Kansas in 1953. Mary graduated from 
Bronte HS in 1951, and then attended Fort Hays College.She married Harry "Wayne" Doherty in Clayton on Nov 11, 1956, and they
 had 4 daughters.&nbsp; They lived in the Delvale and Clayton communities.&nbsp;Mary grew up in times when work ethics were of great value.&nbsp; She was 
always a hard worker. As a child growing up in West Texas,&nbsp;she shared 
stories of picking cotton until her hands were bloodied. &nbsp;As a young 
woman, Mary always planted large gardens and canned her produce that 
lasted all year.&nbsp; Her girls complained,&nbsp;but always helped get the 
canning done.For many years, Wayne and Mary had a custom harvest crew. They took 
the girls and traveled from Texas to North Dakota every year.&nbsp; In the 
fall, they stayed close to home and harvested milo, corn and oats.Wayne and Mary always had livestock,&nbsp;whether it was milking cows or a
 farrow to finish operation raising hogs. They had a farm near Jennings 
and had irrigated alfalfa and milo.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a family affair moving 
irrigation pipe by hand with a bunch of whiney girls!!Mary and Wayne were devoted active members of the Clayton UM Church.&nbsp;
 &nbsp;They spent years of dedicated service supporting their girls in the 
Prairie Dog 4-H club.For many years they operated Doherty Repair,&nbsp;where Wayne worked on 
every type of vehicle and Mary was the bookkeeper. They later bought and
 operated Clayton Lumber &amp; Hardware for many years.Wayne passed away on May 6, 1980, and later Mary moved to&nbsp;Sherman, TX in 1985.&nbsp;Mary worked as a housekeeper and sold Watkins for many years. She 
made new Christian friendships that lead to years of fellowship and 
happiness.&nbsp; Mary attended Christian Classes and received her Pastoral 
Degree, which she was proud of.&nbsp; Mary loved the Lord and devoted her 
lifetime to serving our Savior. She was a self-taught piano player, and 
loved to play her favorite hymns.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was predeceased by her husband,&nbsp;Wayne, her parents, 
siblings,&nbsp;William Brown,&nbsp;Wanda Holden, Lloyd Brown, and Lena Laughin, 
numerous brother and sisters in laws,&nbsp;nieces and nephews.She is survived by her girls: Charlotte Doherty, Scott City, KS, 
Annette (and Vic) Goeken, Carthage, MO, Yuvonne (and Lee) Kraft, Ransom,
 KS, Carla Dansby, Sherman, TX; Grandkids: Mindy (and Ryan) Schumacher, 
Scranton, ND, Ryan (and Valarie) Kraft, Lyons, KS, Kelly ( and Sara) 
Goeken, Carthage,&nbsp; MO, Codi Kraft ( and fiance, Brian Jantz), Wichita,&nbsp; 
KS, Kambria Dansby, Sherman, TX, Miles(Doherty) Dawson, Wichita,&nbsp; KS, 
Brandon Dansby, Sherman,&nbsp; TX, and Emily (and Boaz ) Beard, Newton, KS; 
Great grandsons: Quentin and Chason Schumacher,&nbsp;Anthony Goeken,&nbsp;and 
Bodhi Kraft.Private services to be held in the Clayton Cemetery, Clayton, KS.

Mary Catherine Doherty

William “Bill” Brungardt, age 79, of Branson, Missouri, passed away 
on December 22, 2020.&nbsp; Bill was born in Hays, Kansas, on October 30, 
1941, to H. F. “Ham” and Regina Brungardt. Preceded in death by his 
parents, brother H. James, and sister Joyce Ann.

Bill and Marcie were married for 56 years and had three children, 
Brenda, Michael, and Kurt.&nbsp; He was a devoted husband, father, papa, and 
great-grandfather.&nbsp; He was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic 
Church.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army after attending Kansas University 
in Lawrence, Kansas.&nbsp; He graduated from Fort Hays State College with a 
degree in Business Administration.&nbsp; He owned and operated a Western Auto
 Hardware Store in Victoria, Kansas, until 1979 when he moved to Rogers,
 Arkansas, to spend time in the Ozarks enjoying the great outdoors with 
his family.&nbsp; He retired from Moser’s in 2007 after 28 years of service.&nbsp;
 After 38 years in Rogers, Bill, and his wife moved to Branson, 
Missouri.&nbsp; He enjoyed the local music shows, new friends from the area, 
and being close to his great-grandson.

Some of his favorite pastimes were restoring antique cars, boating, 
skiing, attending NASCAR races and football games with his family.&nbsp; He 
had a strong faith, sweet demeanor, a good sense of humor, and a loving 
smile.

He is survived by the love of his life, Marcie, and his children 
Brenda and Brian Hedrick, Mike and Jennifer Brungardt, and Kurt and 
Heidi Brungardt.&nbsp; He is also survived by his grandchildren Megan and 
fiancé Jacob Huckabey, Abby and Josh Smith, Matt and Alicia Brungardt, 
Luke and Jordan Brungardt, Sarah Brungardt, Rachel Brungardt, and 
great-grandson Jackson William Smith.

His memorial will be closed to the public. In lieu of flowers, please
 make a donation the Parkinson’s Foundation. Arrangements and cremation 
are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609089712401.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William “Bill” Brungardt, age 79, of Branson, Missouri, passed away 
on December 22, 2020.&nbsp; Bill was born in Hays, Kansas, on October 30, 
1941, to H. F. “Ham” and Regina Brungardt. Preceded in death by his 
parents, brother H. James, and sister Joyce Ann.Bill and Marcie were married for 56 years and had three children, 
Brenda, Michael, and Kurt.&nbsp; He was a devoted husband, father, papa, and 
great-grandfather.&nbsp; He was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic 
Church.He proudly served in the U.S. Army after attending Kansas University 
in Lawrence, Kansas.&nbsp; He graduated from Fort Hays State College with a 
degree in Business Administration.&nbsp; He owned and operated a Western Auto
 Hardware Store in Victoria, Kansas, until 1979 when he moved to Rogers,
 Arkansas, to spend time in the Ozarks enjoying the great outdoors with 
his family.&nbsp; He retired from Moser’s in 2007 after 28 years of service.&nbsp;
 After 38 years in Rogers, Bill, and his wife moved to Branson, 
Missouri.&nbsp; He enjoyed the local music shows, new friends from the area, 
and being close to his great-grandson.Some of his favorite pastimes were restoring antique cars, boating, 
skiing, attending NASCAR races and football games with his family.&nbsp; He 
had a strong faith, sweet demeanor, a good sense of humor, and a loving 
smile.He is survived by the love of his life, Marcie, and his children 
Brenda and Brian Hedrick, Mike and Jennifer Brungardt, and Kurt and 
Heidi Brungardt.&nbsp; He is also survived by his grandchildren Megan and 
fiancé Jacob Huckabey, Abby and Josh Smith, Matt and Alicia Brungardt, 
Luke and Jordan Brungardt, Sarah Brungardt, Rachel Brungardt, and 
great-grandson Jackson William Smith.His memorial will be closed to the public. In lieu of flowers, please
 make a donation the Parkinson’s Foundation. Arrangements and cremation 
are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.

William 'Bill' Brungardt

The Hays school board is set to take up issues involving district technology at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.

The district is set to vote on the purchase of a new business software system.

The cost of the new system will be $72,371, which will be paid over three years. There will be an additional $26,340 annual fee for the service.

The board will also consider a contract with K12ict for a district technology assessment. The assessment will cost $5,600 with the goal of managing resources more efficiently, increasing the effectiveness of staff use of technology, producing high student achievement and improving communication.

If approved, the assessment would include a review of hardware and software, as well as focus groups with administration and teachers.

The board will also discuss a board agenda policy.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board is set to take up issues involving district technology at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.The district is set to vote on the purchase of a new business software system.The cost of the new system will be $72,371, which will be paid over three years. There will be an additional $26,340 annual fee for the service.The board will also consider a contract with K12ict for a district technology assessment. The assessment will cost $5,600 with the goal of managing resources more efficiently, increasing the effectiveness of staff use of technology, producing high student achievement and improving communication.If approved, the assessment would include a review of hardware and software, as well as focus groups with administration and teachers.The board will also discuss a board agenda policy.

Hays school board to discuss technology at Monday meeting

Jury trials are set to resume in Ellis County, starting in November, but with extra precautions to protect, all parties, including jurors, from COVID-19.

The 23rd Judicial District, of which Ellis County is a part, has submitted a plan to reopen the jury system to the state, and the state approved that plan.

Jury trials have been suspended in the judicial district since March due to the coronavirus. This has caused a backlog of cases for the district. Chief Judge Glenn Braun said he did not know how long it would take to catch up those cases.

One case has been set for November. Twenty-six other jury trials need to be scheduled for the 23rd Judicial District, which also includes Gove, Trego and Rooks counties.

The Kansas Supreme Court issued administrative orders, which temporarily prohibited jury trials due to the pandemic.

Defendants have a right to a speedy trial under Kansas law. A defendant, who is in jail, has to be brought to trail within 150 days of arraignment.&nbsp;

The Legislature granted the Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice the authority to suspend the right to speedy trial in light of the pandemic. That right continues to be suspended, Braun said.

According to information conveyed to the judicial districts from the Chief Justice, Braun said that suspension while likely stay in place as judicial districts try to ramp back up their jury trials.

As the court ramps up trials again, it has placed a hierarchy on how the cases will be heard.&nbsp;

The priority list is as follows: anyone charged with a felony who is currently in jail, anyone charged with a misdemeanor who is in jail, anyone who is out on bond with felony charges, anyone who is out on bond on misdemeanor charges and civil jury trials.

"What one of the things we have done as a team is we have prioritized juries to this extent," Braun said. "Many people when they come in as a prospective juror, it may be the only contact they have with the court system.&nbsp;

"I think it is vitally important that we treat them with the utmost respect and consideration, that we make it as comfortable as we possibly can. We know they are nervous. It is a strange environment. Sure you've seen little clips on TV and in movies, but the real thing, as well all know, is different."

Braun said he wants to continue to make jurors feel comfortable under the constraints of the COVID crisis.

The court system as been working with Ellis County Public Health Officer Jason Kennedy to develop a safety plan for jurors, Braun said.

"That is priority No. 1 — to make sure our prospective jurors feel that their health is protected, so we appreciate all (Kennedy) has done," Braun said.

The plan that was submitted to the state requires judicial districts to call about 40 percent more jurors than are typical for any given case. The jurors who are being called for jury duty will receive a special COVID-19 questionnaire.

Questionnaires have already gone out for the first jury trial. Jury selection for that case, a murder case, is set to begin Nov. 13.

Some of the questions will include if you have been exposed to COVID-19, have you had a positive test and are you at high risk for complications from COVID-19, said Amanda Truan,&nbsp;23rd Judicial District Court administrator.

Braun will have to evaluate the questionnaires to determine who can be called for the next step in the process, which is voir dire. A shortened definitions of voir dire from law.com is the questioning of a jury used to determine if any juror is biased and/or cannot deal with the issues fairly.

Jurors will be broken into groups of 30 for the voir dire process. They will be asked to report on a specific time and date to the county commission chambers in the basement of the County Administrative Center,&nbsp; 718 Main. The move was done to facilitate social distancing.&nbsp;

If the court gets enough jurors selected from the first or second panel, etc., the rest of the jurors will be excused.&nbsp;

Potential jurors will be temperature checked and asked specific COVID-related questions, to wear masks or face shields and will be seated in assigned seats.

Staff on hand will be taking the same precautions.

Extra alternate jurors will be chosen for each jury.

Once the jury is selected, the trial will be moved back to the courthouse. The court has received CARES Act funding for barriers that will separate the jurors, Truan said. The court received just less than $15,000 for the safety improvements.

The money was also used to purchase iPads. Evidence will no longer be handed out, it will be viewed on devices.&nbsp;

Jurors will be given welcome bags that will include water, paper, pen, additional face masks and gloves. Jurors will be given totes in which to store their belongings so they don't mingle with other jurors' belongings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600466190316.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Courthouse" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Courthouse</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJury trials are set to resume in Ellis County, starting in November, but with extra precautions to protect, all parties, including jurors, from COVID-19.The 23rd Judicial District, of which Ellis County is a part, has submitted a plan to reopen the jury system to the state, and the state approved that plan.<h2>Speedy trial rights suspended</h2>Jury trials have been suspended in the judicial district since March due to the coronavirus. This has caused a backlog of cases for the district. Chief Judge Glenn Braun said he did not know how long it would take to catch up those cases.One case has been set for November. Twenty-six other jury trials need to be scheduled for the 23rd Judicial District, which also includes Gove, Trego and Rooks counties.The Kansas Supreme Court issued administrative orders, which temporarily prohibited jury trials due to the pandemic.Defendants have a right to a speedy trial under Kansas law. A defendant, who is in jail, has to be brought to trail within 150 days of arraignment.&nbsp;The Legislature granted the Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice the authority to suspend the right to speedy trial in light of the pandemic. That right continues to be suspended, Braun said.According to information conveyed to the judicial districts from the Chief Justice, Braun said that suspension while likely stay in place as judicial districts try to ramp back up their jury trials.As the court ramps up trials again, it has placed a hierarchy on how the cases will be heard.&nbsp;The priority list is as follows: anyone charged with a felony who is currently in jail, anyone charged with a misdemeanor who is in jail, anyone who is out on bond with felony charges, anyone who is out on bond on misdemeanor charges and civil jury trials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600466169970.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Courthouse" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Courthouse</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Safety for jurors</h2>"What one of the things we have done as a team is we have prioritized juries to this extent," Braun said. "Many people when they come in as a prospective juror, it may be the only contact they have with the court system.&nbsp;"I think it is vitally important that we treat them with the utmost respect and consideration, that we make it as comfortable as we possibly can. We know they are nervous. It is a strange environment. Sure you've seen little clips on TV and in movies, but the real thing, as well all know, is different."Braun said he wants to continue to make jurors feel comfortable under the constraints of the COVID crisis.The court system as been working with Ellis County Public Health Officer Jason Kennedy to develop a safety plan for jurors, Braun said."That is priority No. 1 — to make sure our prospective jurors feel that their health is protected, so we appreciate all (Kennedy) has done," Braun said.The plan that was submitted to the state requires judicial districts to call about 40 percent more jurors than are typical for any given case. The jurors who are being called for jury duty will receive a special COVID-19 questionnaire.Questionnaires have already gone out for the first jury trial. Jury selection for that case, a murder case, is set to begin Nov. 13.Some of the questions will include if you have been exposed to COVID-19, have you had a positive test and are you at high risk for complications from COVID-19, said Amanda Truan,&nbsp;23rd Judicial District Court administrator.Braun will have to evaluate the questionnaires to determine who can be called for the next step in the process, which is voir dire. A shortened definitions of voir dire from law.com is the questioning of a jury used to determine if any juror is biased and/or cannot deal with the issues fairly.Jurors will be broken into groups of 30 for the voir dire process. They will be asked to report on a specific time and date to the county commission chambers in the basement of the County Administrative Center,&nbsp; 718 Main. The move was done to facilitate social distancing.&nbsp;If the court gets enough jurors selected from the first or second panel, etc., the rest of the jurors will be excused.&nbsp;Potential jurors will be temperature checked and asked specific COVID-related questions, to wear masks or face shields and will be seated in assigned seats.Staff on hand will be taking the same precautions.Extra alternate jurors will be chosen for each jury.Once the jury is selected, the trial will be moved back to the courthouse. The court has received CARES Act funding for barriers that will separate the jurors, Truan said. The court received just less than $15,000 for the safety improvements.The money was also used to purchase iPads. Evidence will no longer be handed out, it will be viewed on devices.&nbsp;Jurors will be given welcome bags that will include water, paper, pen, additional face masks and gloves. Jurors will be given totes in which to store their belongings so they don't mingle with other jurors' belongings.Bathrooms are going to locked down for jurors only. Those will be cleaned after every break, Truan said. All areas of the courtroom will be frequently sanitizing, including the use of an electro static sprayer.There will be more breaks and longer breaks for jurors, as well. Sidebars will be held outside the courtroom, so the jury does not have to be moved out of the courtroom.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600466209057.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Courthouse" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Courthouse</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Exemptions from jury duty dues to COVID</h2>Braun said he wants to make sure he does not violate anyone's HIPAA rights concerning a medical condition.&nbsp;However, he said if a person is concerned about serving jury duty because they have a pre-existing condition, that may be grounds for being excused from jury duty.He said that person will likely be contacted by the court to discuss those concerns.<h2>Barking dogs, screaming kids, court moves to Zoom</h2>Although the jury trials have been suspended, the courts have not stopped working."Sometimes I think we are working harder now than before COVID hit," Braun said.The 23rd Judicial District has continued to conduct hearings. The vast majority of those have been through Zoom, Braun said. In one recent day, Braun conducted eight hearings in a day.Traffic, juvenile, and children in need of care, small claims and limited civil cases all continue to work their way through the judicial system, Braun said.Criminal pleas and sentencing are also still being handled by the court despite the challenges of the pandemic, he said.In Ellis County in August, the court conducted 546 hearings, 99 precent of which were conducted via Zoom, Truan said.Braun said challenges continue to emerge as the court continues to be reliant on technology to conduct hearings. Initially, the court had to acquire new hardware, as well as improve its wifi to accommodate the online hearings."We have had pro se litigants — I've had them driving down the road trying to make an appearance on Zoom. They lose their wifi. There are some folks needing to use some common sense and realize this is an important procedure and requires some just good common sense," Braun said.Judge Richard Flax in WaKeeney had a litigant appear via Zoom while still in bed, Braun said.Screaming kids and barking dogs in the background have also been issues.&nbsp;"We are working our way through it, and people, they are trying hard," Braun said. "It is always a work in progress."It's not all negative, Truan said. Since the court has started using Zoom, court hearings are starting on time more often and appearance rates have gone up, she said.<h2>Public access</h2>Because of the need for social distancing, the court will only allow a limited number of people into the courtroom during trials, Braun said.Victims have a right to attend trials under Kansas law. Victims and their families will be allowed to attend trials in person within limits, he said.For the rest of the public, the jury trial proceedings will be broadcast on YouTube.Braun said he thought some of the advances in the use of technology in the court system will continue even after the pandemic crisis is over.&nbsp;"There are some tremendous cost savings to the litigants and to their attorneys," he said. "I anticipate many of these changes will become the rule rather than the exception as time progresses and after we get beyond this pandemic."