The Hays Larks host the Liberal BeeJays in the first of a two-game series Tuesday at Larks.

The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Larks Park.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks host the Liberal BeeJays in the first of a two-game series Tuesday at Larks.The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Larks Park.You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks host Liberal

Joanna M. Normandin, 91, Hays, died
Monday, July 14, 2025 at Via Christi Village.

She was born July 8, 1934 in Stockton,
the daughter of Meddie and Genevieve (St. Peter) Burton.&nbsp; Joanna was a graduate of Damar High School
with the class of 1952, and on September 1, 1953, she was united in marriage to
Melvin L. Normandin.&nbsp; They celebrated
nearly 61 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on August 4,
2014.&nbsp; She was a member of Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and a former member of St. Joseph Catholic
Church and St. Ann’s Sodality, both in Damar.&nbsp;
Joanna was a loyal KU Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs fan, but most of
all, she was a loving mother and grandmother, always caring and praying for her
family.

Survivors include her sons, Ken
Normandin and wife Janet of Valley Center and Joe Normandin and wife Nancy of
Edmond, OK, her daughters, Vali Leis and husband Dan of Hays, and Mary Belisle
and husband Paul of Damar, two brothers, Leo Burton and wife Linda of Lenexa
and Bob Burton and wife Betty of Shawnee, two sisters, Madonna Dodd and husband
Doyle of Wichita and LeAnn Sack of Hays, her sister-in-law, Helga Burton of
Goshen, IN, 12 grandchildren, Brandon Leis, Erin Gibson, Matt Leis, Nick Leis, Jessi
West, Jenna Normandin, Angela Wisecarver, Sarah Hyde, Josh Belisle, Mark
Belisle, Rachael Dreiling, and Eric Belisle, 13 great grandchildren, 3 great-great
grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She
was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers LeRoy and Ron
Burton, a brother-in-law Troy Sack, and two sisters-in-law, Kay Burton and Mary
Burton.

Mass
of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, July 18, 2025 at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Damar with Fr. Curtis Carlson, OFM Cap. and Fr. Harvey
Dinkel, OFM Cap. officiating. &nbsp;Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
&nbsp;Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday at Hays Memorial
Chapel&nbsp;Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street in Hays, and from 9:00 am until
service time on Friday at the church in Damar. &nbsp;A vigil service and rosary
will be at 6:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. &nbsp;Memorials are
suggested for masses or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village or to the
Capuchin Province of Mid-America, Inc.&nbsp; Condolences
and memories of Joanna may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752611086048.jpeg" alt="Joanna M. Normandin" />
 <figcaption>Joanna M. Normandin</figcaption>
 </figure>Joanna M. Normandin, 91, Hays, died
Monday, July 14, 2025 at Via Christi Village.She was born July 8, 1934 in Stockton,
the daughter of Meddie and Genevieve (St. Peter) Burton.&nbsp; Joanna was a graduate of Damar High School
with the class of 1952, and on September 1, 1953, she was united in marriage to
Melvin L. Normandin.&nbsp; They celebrated
nearly 61 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on August 4,
2014.&nbsp; She was a member of Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and a former member of St. Joseph Catholic
Church and St. Ann’s Sodality, both in Damar.&nbsp;
Joanna was a loyal KU Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs fan, but most of
all, she was a loving mother and grandmother, always caring and praying for her
family.Survivors include her sons, Ken
Normandin and wife Janet of Valley Center and Joe Normandin and wife Nancy of
Edmond, OK, her daughters, Vali Leis and husband Dan of Hays, and Mary Belisle
and husband Paul of Damar, two brothers, Leo Burton and wife Linda of Lenexa
and Bob Burton and wife Betty of Shawnee, two sisters, Madonna Dodd and husband
Doyle of Wichita and LeAnn Sack of Hays, her sister-in-law, Helga Burton of
Goshen, IN, 12 grandchildren, Brandon Leis, Erin Gibson, Matt Leis, Nick Leis, Jessi
West, Jenna Normandin, Angela Wisecarver, Sarah Hyde, Josh Belisle, Mark
Belisle, Rachael Dreiling, and Eric Belisle, 13 great grandchildren, 3 great-great
grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.She
was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers LeRoy and Ron
Burton, a brother-in-law Troy Sack, and two sisters-in-law, Kay Burton and Mary
Burton.Mass
of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, July 18, 2025 at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Damar with Fr. Curtis Carlson, OFM Cap. and Fr. Harvey
Dinkel, OFM Cap. officiating. &nbsp;Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
&nbsp;Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday at Hays Memorial
Chapel&nbsp;Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street in Hays, and from 9:00 am until
service time on Friday at the church in Damar. &nbsp;A vigil service and rosary
will be at 6:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. &nbsp;Memorials are
suggested for masses or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village or to the
Capuchin Province of Mid-America, Inc.&nbsp; Condolences
and memories of Joanna may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Joanna M. Normandin

AUSTIN, Texas – Emily Diercks of Fort Hays State cross country/track and field was named to the CSC Academic All-America Women's Track &amp; Field/Cross Country Team for 2024-25, released on Tuesday (July 15). She was a third-team selection. This award honors a combination of academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected.

After a strong two years career at Colby Community College, Diercks burst on the scene in a big way for Fort Hays State in 2024-25. She was the MIAA Champion and a national qualifier in cross country, then earned All-America honors during the outdoor track and field season with a ninth-place finish in the 10,000 meters at the NCAA Championships.

Diercks won the 2024 MIAA Championship in cross country by covering the 6K course in a time of 21:30.9, giving FHSU the individual conference champion for a second-straight year after Regan Hodsden won the title in 2023. She went on to individually qualify for the NCAA Championships by placing seventh at the NCAA Central Regional with a time of 21:12.7, her fastest time of the year. At the NCAA Championships, she finished 71st in a time of 21:49.5.

During the track and field season, Diercks was a three-time All-MIAA performer. She earned the distinction both indoor and outdoor in the 5,000 meters, as well as the indoor 3,000 meters. By running a new school record 34:46.53 in the 10,000 meters during the outdoor season, she punched her ticket to the NCAA Championships where she finished ninth for USTFCCCA All-America Second Team honors.

Academically, Diercks earned the MIAA Scholar-Athlete honor for cross country, as well as indoor and outdoor track and field. She was also a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll for all three. She maintains a 3.82 cumulative GPA as a Health and Human Performance major.

Diercks gives FHSU its 77th CSC Academic All-America selection all-time for all sports. She is the sixth individual from FHSU to receive the distinction in 2024-25, joining Tadhg Walsh (men's soccer), Myles Menges and Josh Shaw (football), Katie DeGarmo (women's basketball), Cooper Scheck (men's golf).

Fort Hays State's first CSC Academic All-America selection occurred in 1975. FHSU now has 47 Academic All-America selections since joining the MIAA in 2006-07. The track and field program at FHSU has now received 20 CSC Academic All-America selections all-time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752691846937.png" alt="Image Courtesy FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsAUSTIN, Texas – Emily Diercks of Fort Hays State cross country/track and field was named to the CSC Academic All-America Women's Track &amp; Field/Cross Country Team for 2024-25, released on Tuesday (July 15). She was a third-team selection. This award honors a combination of academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected.After a strong two years career at Colby Community College, Diercks burst on the scene in a big way for Fort Hays State in 2024-25. She was the MIAA Champion and a national qualifier in cross country, then earned All-America honors during the outdoor track and field season with a ninth-place finish in the 10,000 meters at the NCAA Championships.Diercks won the 2024 MIAA Championship in cross country by covering the 6K course in a time of 21:30.9, giving FHSU the individual conference champion for a second-straight year after Regan Hodsden won the title in 2023. She went on to individually qualify for the NCAA Championships by placing seventh at the NCAA Central Regional with a time of 21:12.7, her fastest time of the year. At the NCAA Championships, she finished 71st in a time of 21:49.5.During the track and field season, Diercks was a three-time All-MIAA performer. She earned the distinction both indoor and outdoor in the 5,000 meters, as well as the indoor 3,000 meters. By running a new school record 34:46.53 in the 10,000 meters during the outdoor season, she punched her ticket to the NCAA Championships where she finished ninth for USTFCCCA All-America Second Team honors.Academically, Diercks earned the MIAA Scholar-Athlete honor for cross country, as well as indoor and outdoor track and field. She was also a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll for all three. She maintains a 3.82 cumulative GPA as a Health and Human Performance major.Diercks gives FHSU its 77th CSC Academic All-America selection all-time for all sports. She is the sixth individual from FHSU to receive the distinction in 2024-25, joining Tadhg Walsh (men's soccer), Myles Menges and Josh Shaw (football), Katie DeGarmo (women's basketball), Cooper Scheck (men's golf).Fort Hays State's first CSC Academic All-America selection occurred in 1975. FHSU now has 47 Academic All-America selections since joining the MIAA in 2006-07. The track and field program at FHSU has now received 20 CSC Academic All-America selections all-time.

👟 FHSU's Diercks named to CSC Academic All-America team

Hays Police Department activity log: July 6-12, 2025

Hays Police Department arrest log: July 6-12, 2025

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Kansas Department of Revenue has seized assets from San Juan Mexican Restaurant Inc. with locations in  Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks and Pawnee counties.

On July 8, agents from the Department of Revenue accompanied by the Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks, Pawnee County Sheriff departments executed tax warrants.

They seized the assets of San Juan Mexican Restaurant Inc., Bernabe A Lopez, Magarita Lopez, Johnaton Lopez, Santiago Gutirrez, Bernabe K Lopez, David Serrato for nonpayment of sales tax and liquor drink tax totaling $301,031.29, according to information provided by the Department of Revenue.

The taxes owed included&nbsp;$238,449.93 in sales tax,&nbsp;$16,490.74 in liquor drink tax and&nbsp;$46,090.62 in income tax.

The warrants were filed in Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks, Pawnee counties. The assets were seized at 9 a.m. at 740 E. Wichita Ave. in Russell, 1921 S. Range in Colby, 1213 S. Main St. in Scott City, 609 Third St. Phillipsburg, 711 S. Washington in Plainville and 421 W. 14th St. in Larned.

The types of assets seized include all known bank accounts, on-site cash, business inventory, as well as personal property belonging to the owner, according to the Department of Revenue. The business was sealed closed with a public notice posted on the outside. All seized assets will be sold at public auction, and the proceeds will pay for the delinquent taxes, the department said on its website.

KDOR’s policy and practice is to work with taxpayers in delinquent status to voluntarily enter into repayment agreements, the department said on its website. It is only after these efforts and multiple failed collection attempts that the department is forced to execute a tax warrant, utilizing such actions as bank levies, till taps and ultimately asset seizure to ensure compliance with the law, the department said.

KDOR’s responsibility to recover delinquent taxes not only ensures fairness for individuals and business owners who do pay their taxes but also ensures that money is lawfully collected to fund state and local programs on which Kansans depend. These programs include education, highways, public safety and human services, the department said.

Customers, employees, or others who may have items at the business may contact the agent assigned to this case at 316-337-6130.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752591280762.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Kansas Department of Revenue has seized assets from San Juan Mexican Restaurant Inc. with locations in Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks and Pawnee counties.On July 8, agents from the Department of Revenue accompanied by the Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks, Pawnee County Sheriff departments executed tax warrants.They seized the assets of San Juan Mexican Restaurant Inc., Bernabe A Lopez, Magarita Lopez, Johnaton Lopez, Santiago Gutirrez, Bernabe K Lopez, David Serrato for nonpayment of sales tax and liquor drink tax totaling $301,031.29, according to information provided by the Department of Revenue.The taxes owed included&nbsp;$238,449.93 in sales tax,&nbsp;$16,490.74 in liquor drink tax and&nbsp;$46,090.62 in income tax.The warrants were filed in Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks, Pawnee counties. The assets were seized at 9 a.m. at 740 E. Wichita Ave. in Russell, 1921 S. Range in Colby, 1213 S. Main St. in Scott City, 609 Third St. Phillipsburg, 711 S. Washington in Plainville and 421 W. 14th St. in Larned.The types of assets seized include all known bank accounts, on-site cash, business inventory, as well as personal property belonging to the owner, according to the Department of Revenue. The business was sealed closed with a public notice posted on the outside. All seized assets will be sold at public auction, and the proceeds will pay for the delinquent taxes, the department said on its website.KDOR’s policy and practice is to work with taxpayers in delinquent status to voluntarily enter into repayment agreements, the department said on its website. It is only after these efforts and multiple failed collection attempts that the department is forced to execute a tax warrant, utilizing such actions as bank levies, till taps and ultimately asset seizure to ensure compliance with the law, the department said.KDOR’s responsibility to recover delinquent taxes not only ensures fairness for individuals and business owners who do pay their taxes but also ensures that money is lawfully collected to fund state and local programs on which Kansans depend. These programs include education, highways, public safety and human services, the department said.Customers, employees, or others who may have items at the business may contact the agent assigned to this case at 316-337-6130.

Local restaurant chain's assets seized on tax warrants

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, about the economic impact of Hays Regional Airport, along with an update about The Grove housing project.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Economic impact of Hays Regional Airport; Update on The Grove" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=qc5qr-1902166-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, about the economic impact of Hays Regional Airport, along with an update about The Grove housing project.

🎙 Post Podcast: Economic impact of Hays Regional Airport; The Grove development update

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A recently announced candidate for Hays City Commission was arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail Friday.

According to district court records, 23-year-old Samuel Emerson Allen of Hays allegedly tried to obtain $50 by threatening to share nude photos or videos of someone obtained through a dating app on June 27.

Blackmail is a level 4 person felony in Kansas. Public records said the court ordered Allen’s arrest with an appearance bond set at $40,000.

Ellis County booking records show Allen was booked for failure to appear. Ellis County Attorney Aaron J. Cunningham was contacted but declined to comment.

Allen announced his candidacy for the Hays City Commission in the 2025 municipal election on June 23 and is completing his degree in political science at Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750345202754.jpeg" alt="Hays City Commission candidate Samuel Allen. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays City Commission candidate Samuel Allen. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA recently announced candidate for Hays City Commission was arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752585035279.png" alt="Allen as shown in his Ellis County Jail booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Allen as shown in his Ellis County Jail booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>According to district court records, 23-year-old Samuel Emerson Allen of Hays allegedly tried to obtain $50 by threatening to share nude photos or videos of someone obtained through a dating app on June 27.Blackmail is a level 4 person felony in Kansas. Public records said the court ordered Allen’s arrest with an appearance bond set at $40,000.Ellis County booking records show Allen was booked for failure to appear. Ellis County Attorney Aaron J. Cunningham was contacted but declined to comment.Allen announced his candidacy for the Hays City Commission in the 2025 municipal election on June 23 and is completing his degree in political science at Fort Hays State University.

Hays Commission candidate arrested on charge of alleged blackmail

&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment
(KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Meadow Acres MHP Hays KS, LLC
public water supply system located in Ellis County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until
further notice:

Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food
preparation or use bottled water.

Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household
automatic icemaker.

If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by
letting the water run until it clears. Disinfect dishes and other food contact
surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains
one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled.
Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not
ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their
physicians.

The advisory took effect on July 14, 2025 and will remain in
effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial
contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a
loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of
chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. 

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

&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment
(KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Meadow Acres MHP Hays KS, LLC
public water supply system located in Ellis County.Customers should observe the following precautions until
further notice:Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food
preparation or use bottled water.Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household
automatic icemaker.If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by
letting the water run until it clears. Disinfect dishes and other food contact
surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains
one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled.
Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not
ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their
physicians.The advisory took effect on July 14, 2025 and will remain in
effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial
contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a
loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of
chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas
Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory,
only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified
laboratory.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for the Meadow Acres Mobile Home Park in Hays

The Hays USD 489 school board approved a maximum guaranteed price of $1.925 million for renovations to what will be the new Hays Middle School at its meeting on Monday night.

The $300,000 savings will stay in the bond fund.&nbsp;

The former Hays High building is being renovated for use as a middle school.&nbsp;

Work began on Monday to relocate classroom materials to the new high school. The new Hays High is set to open in August. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Aug. 29.

Sets of three classrooms in the new middle school will be reconfigured to two classrooms with a collaborative area. This will result in more space per classroom, increasing classrooms from 700 square feet to 900 square feet.

"We will have more space and better space than we have at all of the current middle school," HMS Principal Tom Albers said.

The new classrooms will receive new paint, new floor coverings, ceilings, lighting and visual boards.

The work that Nabholz Construction will supervise will also include replacing the exterior door system.

An additional $3.86 million in renovations are being completed under the supervision of district staff, which includes painting and carpeting. The total cost of the project will be about $6.1 million.

Middle school students and staff are set to start classes in the renovated building in January. The current middle school will be renovated for use as an elementary school.

More than 2,700 companies were invited to bid on the work. Forty-nine bids were received. Thirty-seven percent of the participating companies are local.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752541764882.jpeg" alt="Floor plan for new Hays Middle School. The areas in yellow will be new classrooms. The red dots indicate the locations of the new exterior door system. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Floor plan for new Hays Middle School. The areas in yellow will be new classrooms. The red dots indicate the locations of the new exterior door system. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved a maximum guaranteed price of $1.925 million for renovations to what will be the new Hays Middle School at its meeting on Monday night.The $300,000 savings will stay in the bond fund.&nbsp;The former Hays High building is being renovated for use as a middle school.&nbsp;Work began on Monday to relocate classroom materials to the new high school. The new Hays High is set to open in August. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Aug. 29.Sets of three classrooms in the new middle school will be reconfigured to two classrooms with a collaborative area. This will result in more space per classroom, increasing classrooms from 700 square feet to 900 square feet."We will have more space and better space than we have at all of the current middle school," HMS Principal Tom Albers said.The new classrooms will receive new paint, new floor coverings, ceilings, lighting and visual boards.The work that Nabholz Construction will supervise will also include replacing the exterior door system.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752543682969.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An additional $3.86 million in renovations are being completed under the supervision of district staff, which includes painting and carpeting. The total cost of the project will be about $6.1 million.Middle school students and staff are set to start classes in the renovated building in January. The current middle school will be renovated for use as an elementary school.More than 2,700 companies were invited to bid on the work. Forty-nine bids were received. Thirty-seven percent of the participating companies are local.

Hays Middle School renovation cost $300,000 under budget

Last year the Hays Public Library coordinated with USD 489 on a pilot program to sign students up for an HPL School Library Card during enrollment. This year the program is expanding to the Hays Catholic schools and Victoria USD 432.

With an HPL School Library Card, students will be able to access library resources throughout the year. Students will not be charged any fines for late or lost items.&nbsp;However, an account will be blocked and unable to check out after it has accrued five overdue items, a total of $20 in overdue items, or one lost item. Accounts will be cleared once items are returned or the following August when accounts are renewed.

The enrollment form includes information about the library card with the option to allow the child to have a library card or not. The only time to sign up for a school library card is during enrollment. Students who received a card last year will continue to have that card unless the guardian selects “no” on the enrollment form.

Students can have both a personal minor library card and a school card. Having a school card ensures the ability of a student to check items out when their class visits the library.

Teachers and school administration will have access to account information and library card numbers for the school library cards. Card numbers will be provided to students by their home room teacher or librarian early in the school year.

You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752250132983.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Public LibraryLast year the Hays Public Library coordinated with USD 489 on a pilot program to sign students up for an HPL School Library Card during enrollment. This year the program is expanding to the Hays Catholic schools and Victoria USD 432.With an HPL School Library Card, students will be able to access library resources throughout the year. Students will not be charged any fines for late or lost items.&nbsp;However, an account will be blocked and unable to check out after it has accrued five overdue items, a total of $20 in overdue items, or one lost item. Accounts will be cleared once items are returned or the following August when accounts are renewed.The enrollment form includes information about the library card with the option to allow the child to have a library card or not. The only time to sign up for a school library card is during enrollment. Students who received a card last year will continue to have that card unless the guardian selects “no” on the enrollment form.Students can have both a personal minor library card and a school card. Having a school card ensures the ability of a student to check items out when their class visits the library.Teachers and school administration will have access to account information and library card numbers for the school library cards. Card numbers will be provided to students by their home room teacher or librarian early in the school year.You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

Hays Public Library expands School Library Card program

City of Hays The city of Hays will begin asphalt sealcoating work on select streets starting this month, weather permitting.

Sealcoating protects and extends the life of pavement while improving safety and appearance.

During the project, affected areas will be temporarily closed or reduced to one lane. All vehicles must be moved by the dates noted on contractor notices to avoid towing.

Residents are encouraged to follow all posted signage and use caution while the sealcoat cures. The full project map and details are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/155/Project-Management">HaysUSA.com</a>.

Please note that weather conditions could delay the schedule.

This important preventative maintenance is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain road quality.

The city appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation.

Questions may be directed to the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752536446362.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of Hays The city of Hays will begin asphalt sealcoating work on select streets starting this month, weather permitting.Sealcoating protects and extends the life of pavement while improving safety and appearance.During the project, affected areas will be temporarily closed or reduced to one lane. All vehicles must be moved by the dates noted on contractor notices to avoid towing.Residents are encouraged to follow all posted signage and use caution while the sealcoat cures. The full project map and details are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/155/Project-Management">HaysUSA.com</a>.Please note that weather conditions could delay the schedule.This important preventative maintenance is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain road quality.The city appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation.Questions may be directed to the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Sealcoating project set to begin as early as today

Hays Police Department activity log: June 29-July 5, 2025

Hays Police Department arrest log: June 29-July 5, 2025

Congratulations to Darren Dunn from WaKeeney &amp; Debbie Windholz from Ogallah on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Malay’s Market in WaKeeney this past Saturday.

Special thanks to our sponsors: High Plains Roofing and A &amp; A Coors Yuengling.

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

The $10,000 golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752514627628.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Darren Dunn from WaKeeney &amp; Debbie Windholz from Ogallah on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Malay’s Market in WaKeeney this past Saturday.Special thanks to our sponsors: High Plains Roofing and A &amp; A Coors Yuengling.Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.The $10,000 golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26.

Yuengling Flight Golf Cart finalist from Malay's Market named

Alan Samuel Miller, age 69, of La Crosse, Kansas, passed away on
Monday, June 23, 2025, at HaysMed. He was born on May 20, 1956, in Hays to
Samuel and Arlyn (Wagner) Miller. Alan graduated from La Crosse High School in
1974.

On August 8, 1981, he married Dana E. Corbet in Rhinebeck, New
York. Together they welcomed their daughter, Cecily, on August 10, 1991.

Alan spent most of his career in the construction industry, where
he was a true jack-of-all-trades. He specialized in all aspects of the field —
from heating and air, plumbing, and electrical work to general contracting.
There wasn’t much he couldn’t build, fix, or figure out. He also dedicated over
30 years of weekend nights to serving as an EMT in La Crosse. His commitment to
the community ran deep. He was a member of the Rush County Fire Department
Board, the Rush County Fair Board, a past La Crosse city councilman and mayor,
a softball coach for his daughter’s team, and a frequent volunteer for school
fundraisers.

Later in life, Alan enjoyed ranching at his family’s farm — taking
in bucket calves from area farmers and managing egg deliveries from his flock
of 100+ hens. He was a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and
Pheasants Forever Foundation.

A helper by nature, Alan was known as a good neighbor to everyone,
whether you lived next door or not. He was often found clearing snow from the
EMS building in the early morning hours or chatting with a passerby at his shop
or farm. Outgoing and a little ornery, he passed that spirit on to his only
grandson, Declan, whom he loved watching play soccer.

Alan’s passion for the outdoors included hunting, fishing, and
collecting firearms. He spent many evenings reloading ammunition. After
stepping back from construction, he started two new ventures with his
son-in-law, Richard — H &amp; M Firearms, LLC (a distributor) and Firearms
&amp; Accessory Supply, LLC (a retailer), both located in Hays, Kansas. Alan
will be remembered for his tireless work ethic — always hands-on, always
helping, and never one to leave a job undone.

He is survived by his wife, Dana, of La Crosse; daughter, Cecily
Hodges and her husband, Richard; and grandson, Declan, all of Hays.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, August
1, 2025, at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine,
Hays, KS 67601. A come-and-go luncheon will follow the service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Youth Marksmen
Foundation or the Special Olympics. More information will be provided at the
service and luncheon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750982962786.jpeg" alt="Alan Samuel Miller" />
 <figcaption>Alan Samuel Miller</figcaption>
 </figure>Alan Samuel Miller, age 69, of La Crosse, Kansas, passed away on
Monday, June 23, 2025, at HaysMed. He was born on May 20, 1956, in Hays to
Samuel and Arlyn (Wagner) Miller. Alan graduated from La Crosse High School in
1974.On August 8, 1981, he married Dana E. Corbet in Rhinebeck, New
York. Together they welcomed their daughter, Cecily, on August 10, 1991.Alan spent most of his career in the construction industry, where
he was a true jack-of-all-trades. He specialized in all aspects of the field —
from heating and air, plumbing, and electrical work to general contracting.
There wasn’t much he couldn’t build, fix, or figure out. He also dedicated over
30 years of weekend nights to serving as an EMT in La Crosse. His commitment to
the community ran deep. He was a member of the Rush County Fire Department
Board, the Rush County Fair Board, a past La Crosse city councilman and mayor,
a softball coach for his daughter’s team, and a frequent volunteer for school
fundraisers.Later in life, Alan enjoyed ranching at his family’s farm — taking
in bucket calves from area farmers and managing egg deliveries from his flock
of 100+ hens. He was a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and
Pheasants Forever Foundation.A helper by nature, Alan was known as a good neighbor to everyone,
whether you lived next door or not. He was often found clearing snow from the
EMS building in the early morning hours or chatting with a passerby at his shop
or farm. Outgoing and a little ornery, he passed that spirit on to his only
grandson, Declan, whom he loved watching play soccer.Alan’s passion for the outdoors included hunting, fishing, and
collecting firearms. He spent many evenings reloading ammunition. After
stepping back from construction, he started two new ventures with his
son-in-law, Richard — H &amp; M Firearms, LLC (a distributor) and Firearms
&amp; Accessory Supply, LLC (a retailer), both located in Hays, Kansas. Alan
will be remembered for his tireless work ethic — always hands-on, always
helping, and never one to leave a job undone.He is survived by his wife, Dana, of La Crosse; daughter, Cecily
Hodges and her husband, Richard; and grandson, Declan, all of Hays.He was preceded in death by his parents.A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, August
1, 2025, at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine,
Hays, KS 67601. A come-and-go luncheon will follow the service.Memorial contributions are suggested to the Youth Marksmen
Foundation or the Special Olympics. More information will be provided at the
service and luncheon.

Alan Samuel Miller

Hays Post WAKEENEY - The annual Trego County Fair wrapped up over the weekend with the annual parade on Saturday.

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 </figure>Hays Post WAKEENEY - The annual Trego County Fair wrapped up over the weekend with the annual parade on Saturday.<figure>
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Trego Co. Fair celebrates Hay Bales & Sleigh Bells

Get ready to rock all week long at the Ellis County Fair, with five nights of live bands taking the stage each evening.

"That fair isn't all country," Ellis County Fair Vice President Jill Pfannenstiel said. "Come out, have fun and listen to some good music."

The fair will feature the local lineup of:

•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimAnthonyBand/">Anthony and the Anamals</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 15 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://paramount80s.com/follow-us">Paramount</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 16 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://sunsetsinners.com/">Sunset Sinners</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 17 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/docacousticdj">DOC</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 18 at the Midway. • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Crazy-Horse-20-100063671161696/">Crazy Horse 2.0</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 19 at the Midway.

Picnic tables and chairs will be available, with food vendors and a new beer garden nearby. Pfannenstiel said the rock bands will play until midnight and are easy to catch following grandstand events such as: •&nbsp;KPRA Rodeo: 8 p.m. July 15-16 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;Ranch Rodeo: 8 p.m. July 17 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52d736e5-de04-4b4b-a988-277667123f6a">Midget Wrestling</a>: 8 p.m. July 18 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b14a780-50e1-4795-b899-9800bd00a9d7">Moto Rodeo</a>: 8 p.m. July 19 at the Rodeo Arena.

As bands perform on the Midway, anyone with an empty stomach can also compete in a hot dog eating contest at 8:30 p.m. July 15 and a pie eating contest at 8:30 p.m. July 17.

Tickets for the fair can be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/36944/ellis-county-fair?fbclid=IwY2xjawKujTRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6VFdJNnVTa0NYYk82ZUp4AR44_gw2XjWFjbazSFQJZE4y3MXwLLePpTZO8DU_vIYc0eKGGESB4xXlYUunwA_aem_v9FbcbBjuUHs1yaGOY1NgA">here</a>&nbsp;or at the gate. A pass covering seven events costs $40, and a single-night admission costs $20. Children aged 5 and younger enter for free.

You can follow the Ellis County Fair on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750966663007.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostGet ready to rock all week long at the Ellis County Fair, with five nights of live bands taking the stage each evening."That fair isn't all country," Ellis County Fair Vice President Jill Pfannenstiel said. "Come out, have fun and listen to some good music."The fair will feature the local lineup of:•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimAnthonyBand/">Anthony and the Anamals</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 15 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://paramount80s.com/follow-us">Paramount</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 16 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://sunsetsinners.com/">Sunset Sinners</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 17 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/docacousticdj">DOC</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 18 at the Midway. • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Crazy-Horse-20-100063671161696/">Crazy Horse 2.0</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 19 at the Midway.Picnic tables and chairs will be available, with food vendors and a new beer garden nearby. Pfannenstiel said the rock bands will play until midnight and are easy to catch following grandstand events such as: •&nbsp;KPRA Rodeo: 8 p.m. July 15-16 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;Ranch Rodeo: 8 p.m. July 17 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52d736e5-de04-4b4b-a988-277667123f6a">Midget Wrestling</a>: 8 p.m. July 18 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b14a780-50e1-4795-b899-9800bd00a9d7">Moto Rodeo</a>: 8 p.m. July 19 at the Rodeo Arena.As bands perform on the Midway, anyone with an empty stomach can also compete in a hot dog eating contest at 8:30 p.m. July 15 and a pie eating contest at 8:30 p.m. July 17.Tickets for the fair can be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/36944/ellis-county-fair?fbclid=IwY2xjawKujTRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6VFdJNnVTa0NYYk82ZUp4AR44_gw2XjWFjbazSFQJZE4y3MXwLLePpTZO8DU_vIYc0eKGGESB4xXlYUunwA_aem_v9FbcbBjuUHs1yaGOY1NgA">here</a>&nbsp;or at the gate. A pass covering seven events costs $40, and a single-night admission costs $20. Children aged 5 and younger enter for free.You can follow the Ellis County Fair on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>.

Five free nights of rock to light up Ellis County Fair

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/03/clean-air-activists-uneasy-with-holcomb-coal-plants-2-year-exemption-from-new-pollution-rule/?emci=11ffdbf1-8558-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&amp;emdi=59ed3944-b558-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — American Lung Association advocacy director Sara Prem doesn’t want to internalize consequences of the Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. securing a two-year exemption from tighter limits on pollution at its electricity plant in southwest Kansas.

Sunflower’s generating station at Holcomb was among 68 coal plants in two-dozen states given permission by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sidestep elevated mercury and arsenic controls set to take effect in July 2027. The reprieve was tied to President Donald Trump’s executive order in April that said lack of technology and national security considerations could make compliance too onerous for U.S. plants generating power by burning coal.

“We’re creating the risk of more pollution in that community,” Prem said. “With these coal plants, you’re getting a lot of pollutants. It’s not just mercury. Inhaling those particulates can lead to a wide range of health effects.”

She said amplified restraints on emissions from coal plants could save lives because reliance on the fossil fuel damaged people’s lungs, made children susceptible to illness and contributed to climate problems.

The Trump administration shouldn’t have abandoned reforms President Joe Biden delivered to the country’s 200 coal-fired facilities, Prem said.

In 2024, Biden’s EPA directed utilities to adhere to elevated emission standards for toxic metals and to implement a 70% reduction for mercury releases at plants fueled by brown coal. The Democratic president required generating stations making use of coal to address 90% of carbon pollution.

To qualify for Trump’s presidential exemption, Sunflower Electric was told to send an email request to the EPA and await the president’s response.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-04/regulatory-relief-for-certain-stationary-annex-1.pdf" target="_blank">Sunflower Electric was the lone coal plant in Kansas</a>&nbsp;to get an exemption, but others were awarded in Oklahoma and Missouri.

Sunflower Electric, which is owned by cooperatives serving 58 counties in central and western Kansas, didn’t respond to requests for comment about the exemption. On social media, Sunflower Electric celebrated Trump’s work to derail Biden’s amended emission rules.

“Sunflower is encouraged by the EPA’s recent actions to address regulations impacting electric cooperatives,” Sunflower Electric said. “As electricity demand soars, it’s essential to have policies that ensure reliable, affordable power while protecting the environment.”

The Holcomb plant years ago deployed scrubbers and other technology to limit release of pollution in a process that burned coal, heated water and pushed turbines to generate electricity.

In March, Sunflower Electric announced start of construction on its third solar power project. The facility near Dodge City would — if completed — be the largest solar complex in Kansas. The cooperative previously collaborated on solar projects near Russell and closer to the Holcomb coal plant in Johnson City.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported coal’s share of the nation’s power generation had fallen under 20% after supplying approximately half of the country’s electricity in 2000. Natural gas and renewable sources, including solar and wind, absorbed coal’s market share.

Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, said the reprieve for coal plants addressed “unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable” rules advanced late in Biden’s term. The association said Biden’s rules would have been costly to utility companies.

“They will jeopardize the reliability of the electric grid for as long as they remain in effect,” Matheson said.

The federal Clean Air Act included provisions enabling a U.S. president to temporarily exempt industrial sites from new regulations.

Trump said the exemptions were necessary because emission-control technology required to meet Biden’s mandate wasn’t widely available in a commercially viable form. In addition, the president said adherence to his predecessor’s rules raised “the unacceptable risk of the shutdown of many coal-fired power plants, eliminating thousands of jobs, placing our electrical grid at risk and threatening broader, harmful economic and energy security effects.”

“The (Biden) rule places severe burdens on coal-fired power plants and, through its indirect effects, on the viability of our nation’s coal sector,” Trump’s order said.

A coalition of 12 environmental and community organizations filed a lawsuit in June against the Trump administration for the alleged illegal use of presidential authority for benefit of the exemptions.

The Natural Resources Defense Council, which is a plaintiff in the lawsuit, said the majority of coal plants given exemptions had cleaning equipment installed that could meet — or has met — the safer pollution limits. The council said one-fourth of coal units receiving an exemption were scheduled to retire within 5 years.

Prem, the Kansas and Nebraska advocate for the American Lung Association, said Trump’s bid to breathe life into the coal industry meant exempted coal-burning units could avoid installing continuous monitoring equipment to alert communities of excessive emissions.

The real-time data was to have been provided to regulators to track compliance with emissions restrictions, she said.

“We’ve created a situation where they’re allowed less transparency,” Prem said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752083971812.jpeg" alt="Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp., which provides power to communities in 58 Kansas counties, received a two-year exemption for its coal-fired plant in Holcomb from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Photo by Monty Rakusen/Getty Images" />
 <figcaption>Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp., which provides power to communities in 58 Kansas counties, received a two-year exemption for its coal-fired plant in Holcomb from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Photo by Monty Rakusen/Getty Images</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/03/clean-air-activists-uneasy-with-holcomb-coal-plants-2-year-exemption-from-new-pollution-rule/?emci=11ffdbf1-8558-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&amp;emdi=59ed3944-b558-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — American Lung Association advocacy director Sara Prem doesn’t want to internalize consequences of the Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. securing a two-year exemption from tighter limits on pollution at its electricity plant in southwest Kansas.Sunflower’s generating station at Holcomb was among 68 coal plants in two-dozen states given permission by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sidestep elevated mercury and arsenic controls set to take effect in July 2027. The reprieve was tied to President Donald Trump’s executive order in April that said lack of technology and national security considerations could make compliance too onerous for U.S. plants generating power by burning coal.“We’re creating the risk of more pollution in that community,” Prem said. “With these coal plants, you’re getting a lot of pollutants. It’s not just mercury. Inhaling those particulates can lead to a wide range of health effects.”She said amplified restraints on emissions from coal plants could save lives because reliance on the fossil fuel damaged people’s lungs, made children susceptible to illness and contributed to climate problems.The Trump administration shouldn’t have abandoned reforms President Joe Biden delivered to the country’s 200 coal-fired facilities, Prem said.In 2024, Biden’s EPA directed utilities to adhere to elevated emission standards for toxic metals and to implement a 70% reduction for mercury releases at plants fueled by brown coal. The Democratic president required generating stations making use of coal to address 90% of carbon pollution.To qualify for Trump’s presidential exemption, Sunflower Electric was told to send an email request to the EPA and await the president’s response.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-04/regulatory-relief-for-certain-stationary-annex-1.pdf" target="_blank">Sunflower Electric was the lone coal plant in Kansas</a>&nbsp;to get an exemption, but others were awarded in Oklahoma and Missouri.Sunflower Electric, which is owned by cooperatives serving 58 counties in central and western Kansas, didn’t respond to requests for comment about the exemption. On social media, Sunflower Electric celebrated Trump’s work to derail Biden’s amended emission rules.“Sunflower is encouraged by the EPA’s recent actions to address regulations impacting electric cooperatives,” Sunflower Electric said. “As electricity demand soars, it’s essential to have policies that ensure reliable, affordable power while protecting the environment.”The Holcomb plant years ago deployed scrubbers and other technology to limit release of pollution in a process that burned coal, heated water and pushed turbines to generate electricity.In March, Sunflower Electric announced start of construction on its third solar power project. The facility near Dodge City would — if completed — be the largest solar complex in Kansas. The cooperative previously collaborated on solar projects near Russell and closer to the Holcomb coal plant in Johnson City.The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported coal’s share of the nation’s power generation had fallen under 20% after supplying approximately half of the country’s electricity in 2000. Natural gas and renewable sources, including solar and wind, absorbed coal’s market share.Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, said the reprieve for coal plants addressed “unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable” rules advanced late in Biden’s term. The association said Biden’s rules would have been costly to utility companies.“They will jeopardize the reliability of the electric grid for as long as they remain in effect,” Matheson said.The federal Clean Air Act included provisions enabling a U.S. president to temporarily exempt industrial sites from new regulations.Trump said the exemptions were necessary because emission-control technology required to meet Biden’s mandate wasn’t widely available in a commercially viable form. In addition, the president said adherence to his predecessor’s rules raised “the unacceptable risk of the shutdown of many coal-fired power plants, eliminating thousands of jobs, placing our electrical grid at risk and threatening broader, harmful economic and energy security effects.”“The (Biden) rule places severe burdens on coal-fired power plants and, through its indirect effects, on the viability of our nation’s coal sector,” Trump’s order said.A coalition of 12 environmental and community organizations filed a lawsuit in June against the Trump administration for the alleged illegal use of presidential authority for benefit of the exemptions.The Natural Resources Defense Council, which is a plaintiff in the lawsuit, said the majority of coal plants given exemptions had cleaning equipment installed that could meet — or has met — the safer pollution limits. The council said one-fourth of coal units receiving an exemption were scheduled to retire within 5 years.Prem, the Kansas and Nebraska advocate for the American Lung Association, said Trump’s bid to breathe life into the coal industry meant exempted coal-burning units could avoid installing continuous monitoring equipment to alert communities of excessive emissions.The real-time data was to have been provided to regulators to track compliance with emissions restrictions, she said.“We’ve created a situation where they’re allowed less transparency,” Prem said.

Clean-air activists uneasy with Sunflower Electric coal plant’s exemption from new pollution rule

The Ellis County Commission will hear an update on the second draft of the 2026 budget during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.

This version includes revisions from department heads and elected officials. The main budget updates are employee pay adjustments and insurance premium increases.

Several budget items still need further discussion, including a proposed new retirement match tier, outside agency funding and possibly adding one to two mills.

The discussion of mill levies continues from the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4077a840-fcf5-4db5-b779-d7f8ed822aba">July 8 meeting</a>.

The commission will be asked to approve sending a notice to the county clerk of its intention to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for the 2026 budget year.

This notice does not obligate the commission to exceed the revenue-neutral rate but preserves the legal option to do so as final budget decisions are made.

Current estimates show the general fund mill levy would increase slightly to about 37 mills and the fire district to around four mills to meet projected 2026 revenue requirements. A public hearing on the budget is set for Sept. 9.

Capital improvement projects and bond options

The commission will review several major upcoming capital improvement projects with a total cost of about $9.75 million.

These include remodeling areas in the law enforcement center in Hays, building a new EMS/fire station in Ellis, replacing fan coil units in the administrative building and upgrading the courthouse HVAC system.

Darin Myers, county administrator, will ask the commission to consider using bonds to finance these projects, as the county has a solid AA credit rating.

The Ellis County Fire Department will display two new fire engines after the meeting for the commissioners to see.&nbsp;These engines were approved for purchase in December 2023.

The commission will be requested to approve an updated rental contract for the Schenk and Unrein Buildings at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation requested a change to the indemnity clause limiting their responsibility to injuries or damages only caused by their group or contractors.

The commission will be asked to approve a bid of about $36,200 from JDR Painting to repaint the jail cells and kitchen ceiling at the Ellis County Jail.

The commission will be asked to approve revised job descriptions as part of the previously approved restructuring of the Public Works Department.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152025-685">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will hear an update on the second draft of the 2026 budget during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.This version includes revisions from department heads and elected officials. The main budget updates are employee pay adjustments and insurance premium increases.Several budget items still need further discussion, including a proposed new retirement match tier, outside agency funding and possibly adding one to two mills.The discussion of mill levies continues from the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4077a840-fcf5-4db5-b779-d7f8ed822aba">July 8 meeting</a>.<h2>Notice to exceed revenue-neutral rate</h2>The commission will be asked to approve sending a notice to the county clerk of its intention to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for the 2026 budget year.This notice does not obligate the commission to exceed the revenue-neutral rate but preserves the legal option to do so as final budget decisions are made.Current estimates show the general fund mill levy would increase slightly to about 37 mills and the fire district to around four mills to meet projected 2026 revenue requirements. A public hearing on the budget is set for Sept. 9.<h2>Capital improvement projects and bond options</h2>The commission will review several major upcoming capital improvement projects with a total cost of about $9.75 million.These include remodeling areas in the law enforcement center in Hays, building a new EMS/fire station in Ellis, replacing fan coil units in the administrative building and upgrading the courthouse HVAC system.Darin Myers, county administrator, will ask the commission to consider using bonds to finance these projects, as the county has a solid AA credit rating.<h2>Other business</h2>The Ellis County Fire Department will display two new fire engines after the meeting for the commissioners to see.&nbsp;These engines were approved for purchase in December 2023.The commission will be requested to approve an updated rental contract for the Schenk and Unrein Buildings at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation requested a change to the indemnity clause limiting their responsibility to injuries or damages only caused by their group or contractors.The commission will be asked to approve a bid of about $36,200 from JDR Painting to repaint the jail cells and kitchen ceiling at the Ellis County Jail.The commission will be asked to approve revised job descriptions as part of the previously approved restructuring of the Public Works Department.You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152025-685">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to discuss 2026 budget; Possible mill increase 

A strategic communication campaign developed by three Fort Hays State University (FHSU) students has earned second place in the Kansas Professional Communicators 2025 Communications Contest for “Video for Web, Nonprofit (Group).”

The award-winning project was created in the spring 2024 Strategic Campaign Design and Analysis class, taught by Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science at FHSU. The video project was guided and facilitated by Andy Tincknell, Coordinator of Learning Commons at FHSU’s Forsyth Library.

The winning students, all communication majors with an emphasis in public relations and advertising, are:

• Ashtyn Butler&nbsp;of Albert • Allison Hillebrand&nbsp;of Hays, who is dual majoring in Communications (public relations and advertising concentration) and English (writing concentration) • Carley Norton&nbsp;of Minneola

Their campaign was designed to support&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign&nbsp;in celebrating its significant milestone of reaching 100,000 K-12 students with relationship violence prevention education.

Carley Norton shared her profound experience with the project, stating, “The opportunity to work with a real organization and put my skills to use on a more meaningful scale was already an invaluable and unforgettable experience as a student. Working with Jana's Campaign, however, changed my outlook on the public relations industry and has inspired me to pursue nonprofit PR in the future. Jana's Campaign truly opened my eyes to the scale of and stigma around relationship and sexual violence.”

Norton further elaborated on their creative approach: “My group and I wanted to take a more emotional approach to our campaign after we were completely absorbed by Jana and her story. Knowing it would have a similar effect on the audience, we used as much real personal material as we could, from pictures to quotes to voice recordings that best showcased Jana's personality and the journey her family took to form the organization. 

"Then, an element of surprise is unveiled when pictures from the domestic violence awareness assemblies pop up, showing how one family sparked passion throughout the nation and successfully reached 100,000 students. Finally, a recording of Jana herself perfectly encapsulates the impact of Jana's Campaign: ‘It's gonna be bigger than anything that's ever happened before!’ And they are on track to achieve just that.”

Reflecting on her overall FHSU experience, Norton added, “My time at FHSU is marked by lifelong relationships with classmates turned friends and professors turned mentors, thanks to the small class sizes and community-building traditions that allowed for vast personal attention and growth. 

"I gained universal experience and knowledge from people from all over the world, and I feel not only prepared but ahead of the game as I navigate my career post-grad.”

Dr. Yang emphasized the value of service learning and experiential learning in her curriculum, stating, “At Fort Hays State University, our Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science is dedicated to fostering innovative and socially conscious communicators. Through programs like our public relations and advertising concentration, we equip students with the practical skills and ethical understanding to make a tangible difference in the world. 

"This state-wide recognition is a testament to the talent of our students and the effectiveness of our commitment to experiential learning, preparing graduates who are not just career-ready but also community-minded leaders.”

About Jana’s Campaign Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence&nbsp;prevention&nbsp;organization with the single mission of reducing relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana&nbsp;Mackey and other victims and survivors of relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers&nbsp;educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.

About Kansas Professional Communicators Kansas Professional Communicators is an&nbsp;organization dedicated to promoting high standards in communications, fostering professional&nbsp;development, and protecting the First Amendment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752160410189.png" alt="Fort Hays State University communication studies students, Ashtyn Butler, Carley Norton,&nbsp;and Allison Hillebrand (from left) present their strategic campaign for Jana's Campaign to&nbsp;the organization and FHSU faculty members on April 26, 2024, at the university. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University communication studies students, Ashtyn Butler, Carley Norton,&nbsp;and Allison Hillebrand (from left) present their strategic campaign for Jana's Campaign to&nbsp;the organization and FHSU faculty members on April 26, 2024, at the university. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State UniversityA strategic communication campaign developed by three Fort Hays State University (FHSU) students has earned second place in the Kansas Professional Communicators 2025 Communications Contest for “Video for Web, Nonprofit (Group).”The award-winning project was created in the spring 2024 Strategic Campaign Design and Analysis class, taught by Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science at FHSU. The video project was guided and facilitated by Andy Tincknell, Coordinator of Learning Commons at FHSU’s Forsyth Library.The winning students, all communication majors with an emphasis in public relations and advertising, are:• Ashtyn Butler&nbsp;of Albert • Allison Hillebrand&nbsp;of Hays, who is dual majoring in Communications (public relations and advertising concentration) and English (writing concentration) • Carley Norton&nbsp;of MinneolaTheir campaign was designed to support&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign&nbsp;in celebrating its significant milestone of reaching 100,000 K-12 students with relationship violence prevention education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752245071777.png" alt="Carley Norton (right) accepts an award on behalf of her group from Gwen Larson, Kansas&nbsp;Professional Communicators Contest Coordinator, at the KPC 2025 award ceremony. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Carley Norton (right) accepts an award on behalf of her group from Gwen Larson, Kansas&nbsp;Professional Communicators Contest Coordinator, at the KPC 2025 award ceremony. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Carley Norton shared her profound experience with the project, stating, “The opportunity to work with a real organization and put my skills to use on a more meaningful scale was already an invaluable and unforgettable experience as a student. Working with Jana's Campaign, however, changed my outlook on the public relations industry and has inspired me to pursue nonprofit PR in the future. Jana's Campaign truly opened my eyes to the scale of and stigma around relationship and sexual violence.”Norton further elaborated on their creative approach: “My group and I wanted to take a more emotional approach to our campaign after we were completely absorbed by Jana and her story. Knowing it would have a similar effect on the audience, we used as much real personal material as we could, from pictures to quotes to voice recordings that best showcased Jana's personality and the journey her family took to form the organization. "Then, an element of surprise is unveiled when pictures from the domestic violence awareness assemblies pop up, showing how one family sparked passion throughout the nation and successfully reached 100,000 students. Finally, a recording of Jana herself perfectly encapsulates the impact of Jana's Campaign: ‘It's gonna be bigger than anything that's ever happened before!’ And they are on track to achieve just that.”Reflecting on her overall FHSU experience, Norton added, “My time at FHSU is marked by lifelong relationships with classmates turned friends and professors turned mentors, thanks to the small class sizes and community-building traditions that allowed for vast personal attention and growth. "I gained universal experience and knowledge from people from all over the world, and I feel not only prepared but ahead of the game as I navigate my career post-grad.”Dr. Yang emphasized the value of service learning and experiential learning in her curriculum, stating, “At Fort Hays State University, our Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science is dedicated to fostering innovative and socially conscious communicators. Through programs like our public relations and advertising concentration, we equip students with the practical skills and ethical understanding to make a tangible difference in the world. "This state-wide recognition is a testament to the talent of our students and the effectiveness of our commitment to experiential learning, preparing graduates who are not just career-ready but also community-minded leaders.”About Jana’s Campaign Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence&nbsp;prevention&nbsp;organization with the single mission of reducing relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana&nbsp;Mackey and other victims and survivors of relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers&nbsp;educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.About Kansas Professional Communicators Kansas Professional Communicators is an&nbsp;organization dedicated to promoting high standards in communications, fostering professional&nbsp;development, and protecting the First Amendment.

FHSU students earn state recognition for strategic communication campaign

HAYS – Dylan LaRue hit a two-run homer and four Hays Larks pitchers combine to hold the Collegiate Roughriders to one run and the Larks finish off a four-game sweep with a 6-1 victory in a non-league game Sunday evening at Larks Park.

LaRue’s two-run shot to right proved to be all the Larks (23-4-1) needed as they ran their winning streak to eight games and 10-straight at home. The Roughriders (9-20) have lost six straight. LaRue’s sixth homer of the season came with two outs, two batters after Trent Baker doubled.

The Larks scored four in the bottom of the fourth. Lorenzo Rios singled and scored on a wild pitch. Brady Kreutzer walked and scored on a passed ball, Baker later added a two-run single.

The Roughriders lone run came on a solo homer to lead off the sixth.

Four Larks pitchers combined to allow the one run on seven hits with nine strikeouts an no walks. It’s the first time the Larks didn’t walk a better since July 26, 2022 versus the Gameday Angels.

Seth Lee started and went five innings with two hits and two strikeouts, Adrian Najar allowed one hit and fanned four over two innings and picked up the win. Ryan Hanks allowed the one run on three hits with two strikeouts and Dylan pitched the final two frames with one hit and one strikeout.

The Larks continue their homestand Tuesday with the first of two against the Liberal Bee Jays beginning at 7:00 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsHAYS – Dylan LaRue hit a two-run homer and four Hays Larks pitchers combine to hold the Collegiate Roughriders to one run and the Larks finish off a four-game sweep with a 6-1 victory in a non-league game Sunday evening at Larks Park.LaRue’s two-run shot to right proved to be all the Larks (23-4-1) needed as they ran their winning streak to eight games and 10-straight at home. The Roughriders (9-20) have lost six straight. LaRue’s sixth homer of the season came with two outs, two batters after Trent Baker doubled.The Larks scored four in the bottom of the fourth. Lorenzo Rios singled and scored on a wild pitch. Brady Kreutzer walked and scored on a passed ball, Baker later added a two-run single.The Roughriders lone run came on a solo homer to lead off the sixth.Four Larks pitchers combined to allow the one run on seven hits with nine strikeouts an no walks. It’s the first time the Larks didn’t walk a better since July 26, 2022 versus the Gameday Angels.Seth Lee started and went five innings with two hits and two strikeouts, Adrian Najar allowed one hit and fanned four over two innings and picked up the win. Ryan Hanks allowed the one run on three hits with two strikeouts and Dylan pitched the final two frames with one hit and one strikeout.UP NEXTThe Larks continue their homestand Tuesday with the first of two against the Liberal Bee Jays beginning at 7:00 p.m.

⚾ LaRue homer, solid pitching leads Larks to win over Roughriders

Joel Maska passed away July 10, 2025. He was born December 30,
1938 to James and Martina Maska.&nbsp;

He is survived by his children, Joelene, Janice, Jim, Jon, Jay,
and Johanna. His brothers Jake, Jeff, and John, and sisters, Juliene, and
Jenell. He has several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and
nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother James, and a
sister Joanette.

A mass will be offered up for him at a later date.

Published as a courtesy for the Maska family by Keithley Funeral
Homes and Crematory - Hays, Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752419499045.jpeg" alt="Joel Maska" />
 <figcaption>Joel Maska</figcaption>
 </figure>Joel Maska passed away July 10, 2025. He was born December 30,
1938 to James and Martina Maska.&nbsp;He is survived by his children, Joelene, Janice, Jim, Jon, Jay,
and Johanna. His brothers Jake, Jeff, and John, and sisters, Juliene, and
Jenell. He has several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and
nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother James, and a
sister Joanette.A mass will be offered up for him at a later date.Published as a courtesy for the Maska family by Keithley Funeral
Homes and Crematory - Hays, Kansas

Joel Maska

By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays Post

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752173319169.jpeg" alt="A group of 16 windows run along each side of the Cooper Barn, a 114-foot long building in Colby deemed as the largest barn in Kansas. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>A group of 16 windows run along each side of the Cooper Barn, a 114-foot long building in Colby deemed as the largest barn in Kansas. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752174451190.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays PostThere are big barns, and then there is the Cooper Barn.The huge white structure boldly towers above the horizon just off Interstate 70’s Exit 54 at Colby. And it’s a must-see for travelers about midway between the city of Hays, the economic hub of northwest Kansas, and the Colorado state border.The 150-ton barn, deemed one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture, boasts of being the biggest one in the state with its massive measurements of 66 feet wide, 114 feet long and 48 feet high.Built in 1936 at Breton, 16 miles northeast of Colby, the barn was donated to the Thomas County Historical Society by the Cooper family and moved to its current location in 1992.The Prairie Museum of Art and History notes that more than 100 years of history, artifacts, exhibits and photos are on display inside the two-story barn in Colby, which features an expansive haymow upstairs.The Cooper Barn and several other vintage buildings on the grounds of the Prairie Museum can take visitors back in what most would probably call a slower time in history.The barn itself offers a lesson in history, with posters lining the outer walls that explain various cattle brands and the evolution of farming practices over the decades. Also on the bottom floor, one can view a covered wagon and a 1930s-era red Chevrolet pickup truck, dating back to the time the barn was built.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752173371897.jpeg" alt="The massive hayloft of the Cooper Barn has been the site of numerous special occasions over the years, including weddings and reunions of all sorts. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>The massive hayloft of the Cooper Barn has been the site of numerous special occasions over the years, including weddings and reunions of all sorts. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>Visitors climbing the stairs to the second floor often are in awe as they gaze toward the trusses that span the width of the structure.The hayloft has played host to numerous weddings, reunions and other activities through the years. There was a wedding there just last month.It was also popular back in the day, too. Connie Smith Davis remembers that when she was a student at Colby Community College, in January 1967, the Economics club held a party in the hayloft. Chili was made, but it did not warm up the students.“The weather was extremely cold and snowy, so despite the hot chili and some portable heaters in that large hay mow, we were all very cold and we all went home early,” Davis said.<h2>Building and moving the barn</h2>Foster Farms built the barn nearly 90 years ago to hold its herd of prize-winning cattle.In the 1960s, the barn was sold to a partnership known as O.C.K. Farms. The partnership dissolved in 1969 and Willard Cooper retained ownership of the company. The barn was used for the community college’s horse production program in the 1970s.Jim Malcolm, who grew up in Almena but has been a Colby resident since 1970, remembered attending a livestock judging contest at Cooper Barn while in high school in the mid-1950s. When he was a high school teacher in Colby, Malcolm had his physics class watch the barn move to Colby.“The first time I saw this barn, I was awed,” said Malcom, the current president of the board for the museum. “I thought, ‘Gee whiz, that’s some barn.’ It was the biggest barn I had ever seen.”Bruce Frahm, a Colby native who graduated from high school there in 1970, remembered being in a livestock judging contest at the barn when he was an underclassman. He took note of the building material, which was made of the finest quality of wood.The barn was built using lumber from Foster Lumber Company, and house siding was used on the outside instead of barn siding to give it a more attractive appearance.The lumber company’s owner had the barn built to house a nationally known herd of registered Hereford cattle; at one time, the herd consisted of 731 animals, according to The Fence Post News, an agricultural digital newspaper.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752173458364.jpeg" alt="After it was donated to the local historical society, the Cooper Barn was moved from 16 miles outside Colby to its current location at the Prairie Museum of Art and History. The 1992 trek to Colby took three days to complete. Photo courtesy of Prairie Museum of Art and History" />
 <figcaption>After it was donated to the local historical society, the Cooper Barn was moved from 16 miles outside Colby to its current location at the Prairie Museum of Art and History. The 1992 trek to Colby took three days to complete. Photo courtesy of Prairie Museum of Art and History</figcaption>
 </figure>Frahm also was part of the caravan that moved the barn to the museum grounds. Hydraulic lifts raised the barn, and eight-wheel dollies were put in place in preparation for the move.“There must have been four or five police cars along with the moving truck,” Frahm said. “At certain points there were fairly good-sized crowds. They had to cut out small panels in the side of the barn to run big I-beams through it to support it.”In 1991, the barn was donated to the local historical society by Gary and Elfriede Cooper and Mary Jo Cooper Pawlus. In May of 1992, the barn was moved to the museum in a three-day trek from Breton to Colby.<h2>The biggest barn?</h2>Frahm said the Cooper Barn had a rival for being billed as the largest barn in Kansas. He said a barn in Rooks County also claimed the title. The Thomas Big Barn, built in 1912 between Woodston and Alton, was 100 feet long, 64 feet wide and 54 feet tall.“Turns out we both were right,” Frahm said. “We have the biggest cubic footage barn and the other barn had the biggest square footage barn.”Frahm added that since the other barn was struck by lightning and burned, Cooper Barn has ever since can lay claim to the title all by itself.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752173410678.jpeg" alt="The massive hayloft of the Cooper Barn has been the site of numerous special occasions over the years, including weddings and reunions of all sorts. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>The massive hayloft of the Cooper Barn has been the site of numerous special occasions over the years, including weddings and reunions of all sorts. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Other museum attractions</h2>The Eller House features vintage furniture depicting a 1930s homestead.The old white Nicol School is complete with a wood-burning stove and desks common to one-room schoolhouses. Step outside the school, and one can imagine the laughter of children as they literally flew down the slippery slide and squeals from girls wanting off the moving-too-fast merry-go-round.One can sit in a pew in the Lone State Church, built in 1915 north of Gem by a group of Danish settlers, and almost hear the preacher giving a Sunday morning message.The grounds also include the Vacin red barn, built in 1916, and the Western Prairie Educational Site, located on 10 acres south of the museum and providing a natural habitat for wildlife.“In my opinion, all of these buildings need to be maintained for people here now who have never seen them,” Malcolm said.The 21,500 square-foot museum features numerous exhibits and artifacts. An earth berm planted with native buffalo grass encircles the building. The museum at 1905 S. Franklin Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.Jim Severs and his wife, Jan, visited the Cooper Barn and the other buildings one day last month. The couple from Conway, Arkansas, stopped in Colby a year ago and wanted to visit the museum, only to find it had closed for the day. They made sure to check out this time around on their way to Denver.“It’s beautiful; I love the architecture,” Jim said of Cooper Barn. “The fact that it’s preserved is amazing. Since it’s billed as (one of the eight) architectural wonders of Kansas, I kind of had to see it.”Jan Severs was impressed by the size of the hayloft.“Upstairs, it was beautiful,” she said. “It was wonderful to see how people lived.”Jan added that Arkansas has nothing like Cooper Barn.“We have a lot of barns,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t know of any this large.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752173597504.jpeg" alt="After it was donated to the local historical society, the Cooper Barn was moved from 16 miles outside Colby to its current location at the Prairie Museum of Art and History. The 1992 trek to Colby took three days to complete. Photo courtesy of Prairie Museum of Art and History" />
 <figcaption>After it was donated to the local historical society, the Cooper Barn was moved from 16 miles outside Colby to its current location at the Prairie Museum of Art and History. The 1992 trek to Colby took three days to complete. Photo courtesy of Prairie Museum of Art and History</figcaption>
 </figure>