SPEARVILLE
– The TMP-Marian Monarchs softball team made quick work of Elkhart in their
2-1A regional opener Monday afternoon at Tom Feist Field. The Monarchs sent 16
to plate in a 12-run first then added seven runs in the second for the 19-0
victory. The game was called after the top of the third by run rule.

Brooke
Koeningsman hit a 3-run homer to get the Monarchs (25-2) on the board in the first
inning. She finished 3-for-3 with six RBIs. 

Nine
of the 12 runs in the first came with two outs. Teagan Gottschalk drove in two
with a double then scored on Raegan Allen’s single. Allen and Brynn Rebel both
scored on a wild pitch. Paige Keoeningsman drove in her older sister with a
single then later scored along with Bria Windholz on Addison Watson’s double.

Gottschalk, who two hits and drove in three runs, added a solo homer in the second. Brooke Koeningsman had a two-run triple then later
scored on a passed ball. Molly Helget scored on a wild pitch and Allen drew a
bases loaded walk to close out the scoring.

Brynn
Rebel, Bria Windholz and Piper Simson all pitched one inning of no-hit ball
with the win going to Rebel.

The
Monarchs will play in the first semifinal Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Tom Feist
Field in Spearville.

Hays Post SportsSPEARVILLE
– The TMP-Marian Monarchs softball team made quick work of Elkhart in their
2-1A regional opener Monday afternoon at Tom Feist Field. The Monarchs sent 16
to plate in a 12-run first then added seven runs in the second for the 19-0
victory. The game was called after the top of the third by run rule.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2098650801&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-coach-melissa-schoepf" title="Melissa Schoepf Postgame vs. Elkhart (May 19, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Melissa Schoepf Postgame vs. Elkhart (May 19, 2025)</a></div></div>Brooke
Koeningsman hit a 3-run homer to get the Monarchs (25-2) on the board in the first
inning. She finished 3-for-3 with six RBIs. Nine
of the 12 runs in the first came with two outs. Teagan Gottschalk drove in two
with a double then scored on Raegan Allen’s single. Allen and Brynn Rebel both
scored on a wild pitch. Paige Keoeningsman drove in her older sister with a
single then later scored along with Bria Windholz on Addison Watson’s double.Gottschalk, who two hits and drove in three runs, added a solo homer in the second. Brooke Koeningsman had a two-run triple then later
scored on a passed ball. Molly Helget scored on a wild pitch and Allen drew a
bases loaded walk to close out the scoring.Brynn
Rebel, Bria Windholz and Piper Simson all pitched one inning of no-hit ball
with the win going to Rebel.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2098651119&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-sb-vs-elkhart-highlights" title="TMP-Marian SB Highlights vs. Elkhart (May 19, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP-Marian SB Highlights vs. Elkhart (May 19, 2025)</a></div></div>The
Monarchs will play in the first semifinal Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Tom Feist
Field in Spearville.

🥎 Monarchs cruise past Elkhart in regional opener

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - MIAA co-Pitcher of the Year Ty Riley was named second team All-Central Region by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), announced Friday (May 16).

Riley turned in a stellar senior season, ranking second in Division II with a school-record 115 strikeouts. The righty posted an ERA of 3.11 and a record of 9-1 across 16 outings (15 starts). He posted an opposing batting average of .188, second-best in the MIAA.

The Bentonville, Ark. native ranked 12th in Division II in hits allowed per nine innings (6.22), while his 11.17 strikeouts per nine innings ranked 22nd in the country and his nine wins were second-most in the MIAA and 25th-most in DII.

Riley struck out 16 batters in a game against Colorado-Colorado Springs, second-most in a game by a DII pitcher this season. He racked up seven quality starts and tossed an MIAA-best four complete games, including one nine-inning shutout.

Riley is the first Tiger to earn All-Region status since 2015 (Kevin Czarnecki) and is the first starting pitcher to earn All-Region accolades since 2006 (Bobby Lewton).

Player of the Year | Caden Robertson, Central Oklahoma

Pitcher of the Year | Maddox Long, Harding

Coach of the Year | Matt Magers, Minnesota State

OF - Wesley Mitchell, Southeastern Oklahoma

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747680117816.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsRUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - MIAA co-Pitcher of the Year Ty Riley was named second team All-Central Region by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), announced Friday (May 16).Riley turned in a stellar senior season, ranking second in Division II with a school-record 115 strikeouts. The righty posted an ERA of 3.11 and a record of 9-1 across 16 outings (15 starts). He posted an opposing batting average of .188, second-best in the MIAA.The Bentonville, Ark. native ranked 12th in Division II in hits allowed per nine innings (6.22), while his 11.17 strikeouts per nine innings ranked 22nd in the country and his nine wins were second-most in the MIAA and 25th-most in DII.Riley struck out 16 batters in a game against Colorado-Colorado Springs, second-most in a game by a DII pitcher this season. He racked up seven quality starts and tossed an MIAA-best four complete games, including one nine-inning shutout.Riley is the first Tiger to earn All-Region status since 2015 (Kevin Czarnecki) and is the first starting pitcher to earn All-Region accolades since 2006 (Bobby Lewton).2025 NCBWA All-Central RegionPlayer of the Year | Caden Robertson, Central OklahomaPitcher of the Year | Maddox Long, HardingCoach of the Year | Matt Magers, Minnesota StateFirst TeamC - Chaz Poppy, Arkansas-Monticello1B - Dagen Brewer, Pittsburg State2B - Jack Hines, Augustana3B - Jacob Steele, Central MissouriSS - Jett Buck, WashburnOF - Wesley Mitchell, Southeastern OklahomaOF - Isaac Pegors, UMaryOF - Caden Robertson, Central OklahomaOF - Vance Tobol, Central MissouriDH - Louis Magers, Minnesota StateUT - Chase Keeton, Southeastern OklahomaSP - Nathan Culley, Minnesota StateSP - Kolby Dougan, Pittsburg StateSP - Maddox Long, HardingSP - Dax Sharp, Central OklahomaRP - Payton Byrd, Henderson StateRP - JD McReynolds, Central MissouriSecond TeamC - Jeremy Schork, Henderson State1B - Ike Mezzenga, Minnesota State2B - Jackson Mervosh, Washburn3B - Logan Lacey, HardingSS - Cole Dawson, Arkansas TechOF - Alex Rodgers, Pittsburg StateOF - Zach Stroh, Minnesota StateOF - Trevor Winterstein, AugustanaOF - Kirk Woolf, Arkansas-MonticelloDH - Dayvian Johnson, Central MissouriUT - Josh Dykhoff, Minnesota-CrookstonSP - Jeremy Adorno, Southern ArkansasSP - Colton Anderson, Rogers State^SP - Will Kates, Northwestern Oklahoma^SP - Ty Riley, Fort Hays StateSP - Maddox Thornton, Pittsburg StateRP - Austin Adair, Southern ArkansasRP - Braden Cannon, Wayne State

⚾ FHSU's Riley named to NCBWA all-region second team

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin ceasefire negotiations after what he described as an “excellent” call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that lasted more than two hours.

Trump also spoke with with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in hopes of making progress toward a ceasefire.

“The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of,” Trump said in a social media post. The conversations came after the White House said the U.S. leader has grown “frustrated” with both leaders over the continuing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine.</a>

After the call, Putin said Russia was ready to continue discussing an end to the fighting, but he indicated there was no major breakthrough in what he termed a “very informative and very frank” conversation with Trump. Putin said the warring countries should “find compromises that would suit all parties.”

“At the same time, I would like to note that, in general, Russia’s position is clear. The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis,” the Russian president said.

Trump has struggled to end a war that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. That makes these conversations a serious test of his reputation as a deal maker after having claimed he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-war-633a216d0506c82353fc7745b69c0fe0">quickly settle the conflict</a>&nbsp;once he was back in the White House, if not even before he took office.

Trump expressed his hopes for a “productive day” Monday — and a ceasefire — in a social media post over the weekend. His effort will also include calls to NATO leaders. But ahead of the call, Vice President JD Vance said Trump is “more than open” to walking away from trying to end the war if he feels Putin isn't serious about negotiation.

“He’s grown weary and frustrated with both sides of the conflict,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday ahead of the call. “He has made it clear to both sides that he wants to see a peaceful resolution and ceasefire as soon as possible.”

The Republican president is banking on the idea that his force of personality and personal history with Putin will be enough to break any impasse over a pause in the fighting.

“I’d say we’re more than open to walking away,” Vance told reporters before leaving Rome after meeting with Pope Leo XIV. Vance said Trump has been clear that the U.S. “is not going to spin its wheels here. We want to see outcomes.”

Trump's “sensibilities are that he’s got to get on the phone with President Putin, and that is going to clear up some of the logjam and get us to the place that we need to get to,” said Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff. “I think it’s going to be a very successful call.”

Trump's frustration builds over failure to end war

Still, there are fears that Trump has an affinity for Putin that could put Ukraine at a disadvantage with any agreements engineered by the U.S. government.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-ukraine-russia-666b7a75e41748e81d525959c2c78289">Bridget Brink</a>&nbsp;said she resigned last month as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine "because the policy since the beginning of the administration was to put pressure on the victim Ukraine, rather than on the aggressor, Russia.”

Brink said the sign that she needed to depart was an Oval Office meeting in February where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">Trump and his team openly berated Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;for not being sufficiently deferential to them.

“I believe that peace at any price is not peace at all,” Brink said. “It’s appeasement, and as we know from history, appeasement only leads to more war.”

Trump's frustration about the war had been building before his post Saturday on Truth Social about the coming calls.

Trump said his discussion with Putin would focus on stopping the “bloodbath” of the war. It also will cover trade, a sign that Trump might be seeking to use financial incentives to broker some kind of agreement after Russia's invasion led to severe sanctions by the United States and

its allies that have steadily eroded Moscow's ability to grow.

Trump's hope, according to the post, is that “a war that should have never happened will end.”

Vance said Trump would press Putin on whether he was serious about negotiating an end to the conflict, saying Trump doesn’t believe he is and that Trump may wash his hands of trying to end the war.

“It takes two to tango,” Vance said, adding that “if Russia is not willing to do that, then we’re eventually just going to have to say, this is not our war. It’s Joe Biden’s war, it’s Vladimir Putin’s war."

His treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, said Sunday on NBC's “Meet the Press” that Trump had made it clear that a failure by Putin to negotiate “in good faith” could lead to additional sanctions against Russia.

Bessent suggested the sanctions that began during the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden were inadequate because they did not stop Russia's oil revenues, due to concerns that doing so would increase U.S. prices. The United States sought to cap Russia's oil revenues while preserving the country's petroleum exports to limit the damage from the inflation that the war produced.

No ceasefire but an exchange of prisoners

Putin recently rejected an offer by Zelenskyy to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-meeting-summit-soon-russia-meet-83ff8027e1860d8480dc7f5567e76062">meet in-person in Turkey</a>&nbsp;as an alternative to a 30-day ceasefire urged by Ukraine and its Western allies, including Washington. Instead, Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Istanbul for talks, the first such direct negotiations since March 2022.

Those talks ended Friday after less than two hours, without a ceasefire in place. Still, both countries committed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, with Ukraine’s intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, saying on Ukrainian television Saturday that the exchanges could happen as early as this week.

While wrapping up his four-day trip to the Middle East, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-meeting-summit-soon-russia-meet-83ff8027e1860d8480dc7f5567e76062">said Friday</a>&nbsp;that Putin had not gone to Turkey because Trump himself wasn't there.

“He and I will meet, and I think we’ll solve it or maybe not,” Trump told reporters after boarding Air Force One. “At least we’ll know. And if we don’t solve it, it’ll be very interesting.”

Zelenskyy met with Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday, as well as European leaders, intensifying his efforts before the Monday calls.

The Ukrainian president said on the social media site X that during his talks with the American officials, they discussed the negotiations in Turkey and that “the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers.” He also said he stressed that Ukraine is engaged in ”real diplomacy” to have a ceasefire.

“We have also touched upon the need for sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defense cooperation, battlefield situation and upcoming prisoners exchange,” Zelenskyy said. “Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war.”

The German government said Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French, British and Italian leaders spoke with Trump late Sunday about the situation in Ukraine and his upcoming call with Putin. A brief statement gave no details of the conversation, but said the plan is for the exchange to be continued directly after the Trump-Putin call.

Witkoff spoke Sunday on ABC's “This Week” and Brink appeared on CBS' “Face the Nation.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="File photo (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>File photo (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin ceasefire negotiations after what he described as an “excellent” call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that lasted more than two hours.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/q5CPyHZkLD">pic.twitter.com/q5CPyHZkLD</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1924523182909747657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump also spoke with with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in hopes of making progress toward a ceasefire.“The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of,” Trump said in a social media post. The conversations came after the White House said the U.S. leader has grown “frustrated” with both leaders over the continuing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine.</a>After the call, Putin said Russia was ready to continue discussing an end to the fighting, but he indicated there was no major breakthrough in what he termed a “very informative and very frank” conversation with Trump. Putin said the warring countries should “find compromises that would suit all parties.”“At the same time, I would like to note that, in general, Russia’s position is clear. The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis,” the Russian president said.Trump has struggled to end a war that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. That makes these conversations a serious test of his reputation as a deal maker after having claimed he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-war-633a216d0506c82353fc7745b69c0fe0">quickly settle the conflict</a>&nbsp;once he was back in the White House, if not even before he took office.Trump expressed his hopes for a “productive day” Monday — and a ceasefire — in a social media post over the weekend. His effort will also include calls to NATO leaders. But ahead of the call, Vice President JD Vance said Trump is “more than open” to walking away from trying to end the war if he feels Putin isn't serious about negotiation.“He’s grown weary and frustrated with both sides of the conflict,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday ahead of the call. “He has made it clear to both sides that he wants to see a peaceful resolution and ceasefire as soon as possible.”The Republican president is banking on the idea that his force of personality and personal history with Putin will be enough to break any impasse over a pause in the fighting.“I’d say we’re more than open to walking away,” Vance told reporters before leaving Rome after meeting with Pope Leo XIV. Vance said Trump has been clear that the U.S. “is not going to spin its wheels here. We want to see outcomes.”Trump's “sensibilities are that he’s got to get on the phone with President Putin, and that is going to clear up some of the logjam and get us to the place that we need to get to,” said Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff. “I think it’s going to be a very successful call.”<h2>Trump's frustration builds over failure to end war</h2>Still, there are fears that Trump has an affinity for Putin that could put Ukraine at a disadvantage with any agreements engineered by the U.S. government.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-ukraine-russia-666b7a75e41748e81d525959c2c78289">Bridget Brink</a>&nbsp;said she resigned last month as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine "because the policy since the beginning of the administration was to put pressure on the victim Ukraine, rather than on the aggressor, Russia.”Brink said the sign that she needed to depart was an Oval Office meeting in February where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">Trump and his team openly berated Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;for not being sufficiently deferential to them.“I believe that peace at any price is not peace at all,” Brink said. “It’s appeasement, and as we know from history, appeasement only leads to more war.”Trump's frustration about the war had been building before his post Saturday on Truth Social about the coming calls.Trump said his discussion with Putin would focus on stopping the “bloodbath” of the war. It also will cover trade, a sign that Trump might be seeking to use financial incentives to broker some kind of agreement after Russia's invasion led to severe sanctions by the United States andits allies that have steadily eroded Moscow's ability to grow.Trump's hope, according to the post, is that “a war that should have never happened will end.”Vance said Trump would press Putin on whether he was serious about negotiating an end to the conflict, saying Trump doesn’t believe he is and that Trump may wash his hands of trying to end the war.“It takes two to tango,” Vance said, adding that “if Russia is not willing to do that, then we’re eventually just going to have to say, this is not our war. It’s Joe Biden’s war, it’s Vladimir Putin’s war."His treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, said Sunday on NBC's “Meet the Press” that Trump had made it clear that a failure by Putin to negotiate “in good faith” could lead to additional sanctions against Russia.Bessent suggested the sanctions that began during the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden were inadequate because they did not stop Russia's oil revenues, due to concerns that doing so would increase U.S. prices. The United States sought to cap Russia's oil revenues while preserving the country's petroleum exports to limit the damage from the inflation that the war produced.<h2>No ceasefire but an exchange of prisoners</h2>Putin recently rejected an offer by Zelenskyy to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-meeting-summit-soon-russia-meet-83ff8027e1860d8480dc7f5567e76062">meet in-person in Turkey</a>&nbsp;as an alternative to a 30-day ceasefire urged by Ukraine and its Western allies, including Washington. Instead, Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Istanbul for talks, the first such direct negotiations since March 2022.Those talks ended Friday after less than two hours, without a ceasefire in place. Still, both countries committed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, with Ukraine’s intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, saying on Ukrainian television Saturday that the exchanges could happen as early as this week.While wrapping up his four-day trip to the Middle East, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-meeting-summit-soon-russia-meet-83ff8027e1860d8480dc7f5567e76062">said Friday</a>&nbsp;that Putin had not gone to Turkey because Trump himself wasn't there.“He and I will meet, and I think we’ll solve it or maybe not,” Trump told reporters after boarding Air Force One. “At least we’ll know. And if we don’t solve it, it’ll be very interesting.”Zelenskyy met with Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday, as well as European leaders, intensifying his efforts before the Monday calls.The Ukrainian president said on the social media site X that during his talks with the American officials, they discussed the negotiations in Turkey and that “the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers.” He also said he stressed that Ukraine is engaged in ”real diplomacy” to have a ceasefire.“We have also touched upon the need for sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defense cooperation, battlefield situation and upcoming prisoners exchange,” Zelenskyy said. “Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war.”The German government said Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French, British and Italian leaders spoke with Trump late Sunday about the situation in Ukraine and his upcoming call with Putin. A brief statement gave no details of the conversation, but said the plan is for the exchange to be continued directly after the Trump-Putin call.Witkoff spoke Sunday on ABC's “This Week” and Brink appeared on CBS' “Face the Nation.”

President Trump describes phone call with Russian President Putin

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The National Weather Service forecasts a marginal risk of severe weather after 4 p.m. for areas mainly
along and south of Kansas Highway 96. 

The main threats could be hail up to
the size of quarters and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

The storm that brought tornadoes and large hail to other parts of the state only dropped .16 inches of rain on Hays, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

The high today is forecast to be 82. The forecast calls for a windy day on Tuesday with a high of 75.

Chances for rain and thunderstorms return Thursday night and Friday and will remain in the forecast through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Hays has received .73 inches of rain in May. It averages 3.33 inches of rain for May. Year to date, Hays has received 6.43 inches of rain. That compares to an average of 7.92 inches by the end of May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747669727299.png" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe National Weather Service forecasts a marginal risk of severe weather after 4 p.m. for areas mainly
along and south of Kansas Highway 96. The main threats could be hail up to
the size of quarters and wind gusts up to 60 mph.The storm that brought tornadoes and large hail to other parts of the state only dropped .16 inches of rain on Hays, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.The high today is forecast to be 82. The forecast calls for a windy day on Tuesday with a high of 75.Chances for rain and thunderstorms return Thursday night and Friday and will remain in the forecast through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.Hays has received .73 inches of rain in May. It averages 3.33 inches of rain for May. Year to date, Hays has received 6.43 inches of rain. That compares to an average of 7.92 inches by the end of May.

Another chance for thunderstorms in Hays tonight, but severe risk lower

GOVE COUNTY —Spring storms brought hail, heavy rain, damaging winds and numerous tornadoes to portions of Kansas on Sunday. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings in Cheyenne, Scott, Logan, Gove, Edwards, Pawnee, Kiowa, Stafford, Pratt and Reno&nbsp; Counties on Sunday.

A tornado in Grinnell Sunday caused damage to both the electric and gas systems in the small Gove County community, according to Midwest Energy. There were roughly 330 customers without power, and the utility closed off the gas system to inspect for additional damage and make repairs.&nbsp;

The utility "identified 15 poles down (twelve 34.5 kV poles west of town, and three 115kV transmission structures), as well as damage in Grinnell city limits."&nbsp; Additional damage is likely. "Crews will be working on these into Monday. .Gas&nbsp;crews were conducting leak surveys in town and in rural areas around Grinnell, and could attempt gas restoration Monday morning where safe to do so. There are no reports of serious injury. Interstate 70 exit 85 remains closed at Grinnell due to tornado damage and downed powerlines in town, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Late Sunday afternoon, tornadoes rolled through portions of Scott County near the rural community of Modoc damaging power lines, rail road cars, oil tank batteries and an abandoned house, according to the Scott County Sheriff.&nbsp; &nbsp;Another tornado was reported at the Scott County Lake Park. Emergency responders found no damage from the storm in that area. There were no reports of injuries.

Cheyenne County had tornado damage west and south west of St. Francis, according to Emergency Management Director Ryan Murray. Two farmsteads had significant damage to outbuildings. No occupied homes were destroyed, and there were no injuries or fatalities. Murray also said Cheyenne County had reports of center pivot damage in the same area SW of St. Francis.

&nbsp;Due to the severe weather eastbound&nbsp; Interstate 70 was temporarily closed from Colby to Grinnell and Westbound Interstate 70 closed from Hays to Grinnell due to downed power lines.&nbsp;

Reno County emergency crews are assessing widespread damage after a tornado tore through rural areas and the city of Plevna on Sunday leaving downed trees, damaged homes, and snapped utility poles in its wake.

The tornado touched down around 11:50 p.m. north of Turon, cutting a destructive path through the countryside before striking Plevna. It then continued approximately five miles northeast of the city before dissipating.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747687235623.jpeg" alt="Storm damage in Grinnell -photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Grinnell -photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>GOVE COUNTY —Spring storms brought hail, heavy rain, damaging winds and numerous tornadoes to portions of Kansas on Sunday. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings in Cheyenne, Scott, Logan, Gove, Edwards, Pawnee, Kiowa, Stafford, Pratt and Reno&nbsp; Counties on Sunday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747687209257.png" alt="Storm damage in Grinnell -Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Grinnell -Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>A tornado in Grinnell Sunday caused damage to both the electric and gas systems in the small Gove County community, according to Midwest Energy. There were roughly 330 customers without power, and the utility closed off the gas system to inspect for additional damage and make repairs.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747675067860.png" alt="Tornado damage in Grinnell-image courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Tornado damage in Grinnell-image courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The utility "identified 15 poles down (twelve 34.5 kV poles west of town, and three 115kV transmission structures), as well as damage in Grinnell city limits."&nbsp; Additional damage is likely. "Crews will be working on these into Monday. .Gas&nbsp;crews were conducting leak surveys in town and in rural areas around Grinnell, and could attempt gas restoration Monday morning where safe to do so. There are no reports of serious injury. Interstate 70 exit 85 remains closed at Grinnell due to tornado damage and downed powerlines in town, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747613397106.png" alt="I-70 at Grainfield just before 7p.m. Sunday-KDOT camera" />
 <figcaption>I-70 at Grainfield just before 7p.m. Sunday-KDOT camera</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747622565029.png" alt="-Radar image Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>-Radar image Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>Late Sunday afternoon, tornadoes rolled through portions of Scott County near the rural community of Modoc damaging power lines, rail road cars, oil tank batteries and an abandoned house, according to the Scott County Sheriff.&nbsp; &nbsp;Another tornado was reported at the Scott County Lake Park. Emergency responders found no damage from the storm in that area. There were no reports of injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747615187888.png" alt="-I-70 in Trego County during a hail storm just after 7:30p.m. Sunday" />
 <figcaption>-I-70 in Trego County during a hail storm just after 7:30p.m. Sunday</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At 932pm CDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was located 10 miles southeast of Mullinville, moving northeast at 35 mph. Locations in this storms path is Greensburg. Those in or near the Greensburg area should seek shelter immediately! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1924293853843960260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0HaHZJaM3nut5V21JmXN6DpjtmJSxSta9c1r72g4eXitVkhJ7mfa65zaATpt6jJCjl%26id%3D100069503049327&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="189" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Cheyenne County had tornado damage west and south west of St. Francis, according to Emergency Management Director Ryan Murray. Two farmsteads had significant damage to outbuildings. No occupied homes were destroyed, and there were no injuries or fatalities. Murray also said Cheyenne County had reports of center pivot damage in the same area SW of St. Francis.&nbsp;Due to the severe weather eastbound&nbsp; Interstate 70 was temporarily closed from Colby to Grinnell and Westbound Interstate 70 closed from Hays to Grinnell due to downed power lines.&nbsp;Reno County emergency crews are assessing widespread damage after a tornado tore through rural areas and the city of Plevna on Sunday leaving downed trees, damaged homes, and snapped utility poles in its wake.The tornado touched down around 11:50 p.m. north of Turon, cutting a destructive path through the countryside before striking Plevna. It then continued approximately five miles northeast of the city before dissipating.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Numerous tornadoes from spring storm in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans narrowly advanced President Donald Trump's big tax cuts package out of a key committee during a rare Sunday night vote, but just barely, as conservative holdouts are demanding quicker cuts to Medicaid and green energy programs before giving their full support.

Speaker Mike Johnson met with Republican lawmakers shortly before the meeting and acknowledged to reporters that there are still details to "iron out." He said some changes were being made, but declined to provide details.

It's all setting up a difficult week ahead for the GOP leadership racing toward a Memorial Day deadline, a week away, to pass the package from the House. The Budget Committee, which just days ago failed to advance the package when four conservative Republicans objected, was able to do so Sunday on a vote of 17-16, with the four hold-outs voting "present" to allow it to move ahead, as talks continue. Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes voted with the majority.

"The bill does not yet meet the moment," said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a leader of the House Freedom Caucus, in a social media post immediately after the late-night session. "We can and must do better before we pass the final product."

The path ahead for Johnson is unclear as he tries to hold his narrow House majority together to pass the president's top domestic priority of extending the tax breaks while pumping in money for border security and deportations — all while cutting spending.

Republicans criticizing the measure argued that the bill's new spending and the tax cuts are front-loaded in the bill, while the measures to offset the cost are back-loaded. In particular, they are looking to speed up the new work requirements that Republicans want to enact for able-bodied participants in Medicaid.

Johnson indicated he wants to impose the the work requirements "as soon as possible" but acknowledged it may take states longer to change their systems. Those requirements would not kick in until 2029 under the current bill.

"There will be more details to iron out and several more to take care of," Johnson, R-La., said outside the hearing room.

"But I'm looking forward to very thoughtful discussions, very productive discussions over the next few days, and I'm absolutely convinced we're going to get this in final form and pass it."

More talks are ahead, but Johnson is looking to put the bill on the House floor before the end of the week.

Democrats have decried the cuts Republicans are proposing to Medicaid and food stamps to offset the costs of the tax breaks.

"This spending bill is terrible, and I think the American people know that," Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. "There is nothing wrong with us bringing the government in balance. But there is a problem when that balance comes on the back of working men and women. And that's what is happening here."

The first time that Republicans tried advancing the bill out of the House Budget Committee last week, the deficit hawks joined with Democratic lawmakers in voting against reporting the measure to the full House.

Those same four Republicans — Roy and Reps. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma and Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia — cast their "present" votes Sunday.

Norman pointed to a recent downgrade of the nation's credit rating in making his arguments for steeper reductions.

"We've got a lot more work to do," Norman said. "We're excited about what we did. We want to move the bill forward."

At its core, the sprawling legislative package permanently extends the existing income tax cuts that were approved during Trump's first term in 2017 and adds temporary new ones that the president campaigned on in 2024, including no taxes on tips, overtime pay and auto loan interest payments. The measure also proposes big spending increases for border security and defense.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog group, estimates that the House bill is shaping up to add roughly $3.3 trillion to the debt over the next decade.

Johnson is not just having to address the concerns of the deficit hawks in his party. He's also facing pressure from centrists who will be warily eyeing the proposed changes to Medicaid, food assistance programs and the rolling back of clean energy tax credits. Republican lawmakers from New York and elsewhere are also demanding a much larger state and local tax deduction.

As it stands, the bill proposes tripling what's currently a $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction, increasing it to $30,000 for joint filers with incomes up to $400,000 a year.

Rep. Nick LaLota, one of the New York lawmakers leading the effort to lift the cap, said they have proposed a deduction of $62,000 for single filers and $124,000 for joint filers.

Rep. Jodey Arrington, the chairman of the House Budget Committee, said the bill remained under negotiation.

"Deliberations continue at this very moment," Arrington said. "They will continue on into the week, and I suspect right up until the time we put this big, beautiful bill on the floor of the House."

If the bill passes the House this week, it would then move to the Senate, where Republican lawmakers are also eyeing changes that could make final passage in the House more difficult.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747651957660.png" alt="Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes and members of the House Budget Committee during a rare Sunday evening vote -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes and members of the House Budget Committee during a rare Sunday evening vote -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans narrowly advanced President Donald Trump's big tax cuts package out of a key committee during a rare Sunday night vote, but just barely, as conservative holdouts are demanding quicker cuts to Medicaid and green energy programs before giving their full support.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">House Budget Committee APPROVES GOP Tax &amp; Spending Bill, 17-16-4. <a href="https://t.co/iOsRn7kPvd">pic.twitter.com/iOsRn7kPvd</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1924299234586591697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Speaker Mike Johnson met with Republican lawmakers shortly before the meeting and acknowledged to reporters that there are still details to "iron out." He said some changes were being made, but declined to provide details.It's all setting up a difficult week ahead for the GOP leadership racing toward a Memorial Day deadline, a week away, to pass the package from the House. The Budget Committee, which just days ago failed to advance the package when four conservative Republicans objected, was able to do so Sunday on a vote of 17-16, with the four hold-outs voting "present" to allow it to move ahead, as talks continue. Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes voted with the majority."The bill does not yet meet the moment," said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a leader of the House Freedom Caucus, in a social media post immediately after the late-night session. "We can and must do better before we pass the final product."The path ahead for Johnson is unclear as he tries to hold his narrow House majority together to pass the president's top domestic priority of extending the tax breaks while pumping in money for border security and deportations — all while cutting spending.Republicans criticizing the measure argued that the bill's new spending and the tax cuts are front-loaded in the bill, while the measures to offset the cost are back-loaded. In particular, they are looking to speed up the new work requirements that Republicans want to enact for able-bodied participants in Medicaid.Johnson indicated he wants to impose the the work requirements "as soon as possible" but acknowledged it may take states longer to change their systems. Those requirements would not kick in until 2029 under the current bill."There will be more details to iron out and several more to take care of," Johnson, R-La., said outside the hearing room."But I'm looking forward to very thoughtful discussions, very productive discussions over the next few days, and I'm absolutely convinced we're going to get this in final form and pass it."More talks are ahead, but Johnson is looking to put the bill on the House floor before the end of the week.Democrats have decried the cuts Republicans are proposing to Medicaid and food stamps to offset the costs of the tax breaks."This spending bill is terrible, and I think the American people know that," Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. "There is nothing wrong with us bringing the government in balance. But there is a problem when that balance comes on the back of working men and women. And that's what is happening here."The first time that Republicans tried advancing the bill out of the House Budget Committee last week, the deficit hawks joined with Democratic lawmakers in voting against reporting the measure to the full House.Those same four Republicans — Roy and Reps. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma and Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia — cast their "present" votes Sunday.Norman pointed to a recent downgrade of the nation's credit rating in making his arguments for steeper reductions."We've got a lot more work to do," Norman said. "We're excited about what we did. We want to move the bill forward."At its core, the sprawling legislative package permanently extends the existing income tax cuts that were approved during Trump's first term in 2017 and adds temporary new ones that the president campaigned on in 2024, including no taxes on tips, overtime pay and auto loan interest payments. The measure also proposes big spending increases for border security and defense.The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog group, estimates that the House bill is shaping up to add roughly $3.3 trillion to the debt over the next decade.Johnson is not just having to address the concerns of the deficit hawks in his party. He's also facing pressure from centrists who will be warily eyeing the proposed changes to Medicaid, food assistance programs and the rolling back of clean energy tax credits. Republican lawmakers from New York and elsewhere are also demanding a much larger state and local tax deduction.As it stands, the bill proposes tripling what's currently a $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction, increasing it to $30,000 for joint filers with incomes up to $400,000 a year.Rep. Nick LaLota, one of the New York lawmakers leading the effort to lift the cap, said they have proposed a deduction of $62,000 for single filers and $124,000 for joint filers.Rep. Jodey Arrington, the chairman of the House Budget Committee, said the bill remained under negotiation."Deliberations continue at this very moment," Arrington said. "They will continue on into the week, and I suspect right up until the time we put this big, beautiful bill on the floor of the House."If the bill passes the House this week, it would then move to the Senate, where Republican lawmakers are also eyeing changes that could make final passage in the House more difficult.

Kan. Congressman's vote helps advance Trump's big tax cut bill 

Ellis County parents overwhelmingly said they trust their child care providers, but they wished they were paying less for care, according to a recent survey.

The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County received results from the online survey at its meeting on Tuesday.

The survey was taken by 121 people, including parents, child care providers and business people, with parents and child care providers making up the two largest groups of survey respondents.

Of the 60 parents or future parents who responded to the survey, a quarter said they were looking for child care.&nbsp;

Two-thirds of parents said their children are currently enrolled in a licensed child care. One-third said they were not.

Dana Stanton, Childcare Program Specialist with the&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, said the survey results do not mean those 20 parents have their children in unlicensed child care. She said it could mean a parent is staying home with the children or the children are being cared for by another family member.

More than half of the parents said their children are in an in-home child care. About 19% of children were enrolled in child care centers and 16% were cared for by family members.

Sixty-eight percent of parents responding said they were satisfied with their child care arrangements. When asked what aspects contributed to their satisfaction, 95% said they trusted their children's caregiver.

Stanton said parental preference mirrored child placement. Most parents said they preferred having their children cared for by in-home child care providers.

Seventy-five percent of respondents said they were pleased with the quality of their children's care and education.

Seventy-five percent of parents surveyed said they were dissatisfied with the cost of care. The survey indicated the county's child care costs varied widely, with parents paying $80 to more than $200 per week per child for care.

The respondents said they would prefer to pay $141 to $160 per week per child for care. Stanton said that the price range is low for the cost of care in Ellis County.

Most parents said they needed full-time care Mondays through Fridays, with a few also needing care for school-age children during school breaks and snow days.

Most respondents said they had found child care through word of mouth, not the state child care system, <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">Child Care Aware of Kansas</a>.

Stanton said the child care task force should consider placing more emphasis on using the Child Care Aware online database.

Of the child care providers surveyed, 27% said they did not update their capacity openings with Child Care Aware.

The state resource tracks child care openings across the state and can be searched by community. It only lists licensed providers.&nbsp;

Only four businesses responded to the survey. All four said they have experienced workforce gaps due to a lack of child care for their employees.

Half of all respondents said they had missed work due to child care needs. Twelve people said they had delayed entering or reentering the workforce because of child care needs. Stanton said 12 people is low compared to other communities she has worked with in Kansas, where workers had to plan their careers around child care.

None of the employers said they wanted to offer in-house child care.

The task force has identified a continued need for more infant care in Ellis County. None of the businesses surveyed said they allowed employees to bring infants to work.

One employer said they allowed workers to bring their children to work after school if needed. One employer said they allowed employees to work from home if a worker was experiencing child care issues.

Of the child care providers surveyed, 92% said they accept infants. However, the state limits the number of infants that in-home child care providers can care for.

Only 34% of providers said they were certified to take funds from the Department of Children and Family Services for income-qualified families.

All of the providers surveyed said they offer full-time care Mondays through Fridays. However, many providers offered additional services such as care for school-age children during school breaks or care before or after school.

Sixty-three percent of survey respondents said they thought Ellis County does not have an adequate supply of child care.

"We had more yeses than I thought," Stanton said. "I'm thinking that is a lot of our current providers. We have talked about it in this group. While there may be a need for openings in infant care, we have a lot of in-home providers who have openings."

The number of needed child care spots in Ellis County, as reported by the state, has dramatically decreased since the child care task force was created four years ago. An additional 77 slots are set to open in August with the completion of the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center.

However, Stanton said of the survey, "It tells us that we're making progress, but there are still some issues."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737585359699.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEllis County parents overwhelmingly said they trust their child care providers, but they wished they were paying less for care, according to a recent survey.The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County received results from the online survey at its meeting on Tuesday.The survey was taken by 121 people, including parents, child care providers and business people, with parents and child care providers making up the two largest groups of survey respondents.Of the 60 parents or future parents who responded to the survey, a quarter said they were looking for child care.&nbsp;Two-thirds of parents said their children are currently enrolled in a licensed child care. One-third said they were not.Dana Stanton, Childcare Program Specialist with the&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, said the survey results do not mean those 20 parents have their children in unlicensed child care. She said it could mean a parent is staying home with the children or the children are being cared for by another family member.More than half of the parents said their children are in an in-home child care. About 19% of children were enrolled in child care centers and 16% were cared for by family members.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747323512097.png" alt="Parent satisfaction survey question results" />
 <figcaption>Parent satisfaction survey question results</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>What parents want</h2>Sixty-eight percent of parents responding said they were satisfied with their child care arrangements. When asked what aspects contributed to their satisfaction, 95% said they trusted their children's caregiver.Stanton said parental preference mirrored child placement. Most parents said they preferred having their children cared for by in-home child care providers.Seventy-five percent of respondents said they were pleased with the quality of their children's care and education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747323701556.png" alt="Parent dissatisfaction" />
 <figcaption>Parent dissatisfaction</figcaption>
 </figure>Seventy-five percent of parents surveyed said they were dissatisfied with the cost of care. The survey indicated the county's child care costs varied widely, with parents paying $80 to more than $200 per week per child for care.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747255193501.png" alt="Cost paid per child per week for child care." />
 <figcaption>Cost paid per child per week for child care.</figcaption>
 </figure>The respondents said they would prefer to pay $141 to $160 per week per child for care. Stanton said that the price range is low for the cost of care in Ellis County.Most parents said they needed full-time care Mondays through Fridays, with a few also needing care for school-age children during school breaks and snow days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747255500306.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Most respondents said they had found child care through word of mouth, not the state child care system, <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">Child Care Aware of Kansas</a>.Stanton said the child care task force should consider placing more emphasis on using the Child Care Aware online database.Of the child care providers surveyed, 27% said they did not update their capacity openings with Child Care Aware.The state resource tracks child care openings across the state and can be searched by community. It only lists licensed providers.&nbsp;<h2>Employers</h2>Only four businesses responded to the survey. All four said they have experienced workforce gaps due to a lack of child care for their employees.Half of all respondents said they had missed work due to child care needs. Twelve people said they had delayed entering or reentering the workforce because of child care needs. Stanton said 12 people is low compared to other communities she has worked with in Kansas, where workers had to plan their careers around child care.None of the employers said they wanted to offer in-house child care.The task force has identified a continued need for more infant care in Ellis County. None of the businesses surveyed said they allowed employees to bring infants to work.One employer said they allowed workers to bring their children to work after school if needed. One employer said they allowed employees to work from home if a worker was experiencing child care issues.<h2>Providers</h2>Of the child care providers surveyed, 92% said they accept infants. However, the state limits the number of infants that in-home child care providers can care for.Only 34% of providers said they were certified to take funds from the Department of Children and Family Services for income-qualified families.All of the providers surveyed said they offer full-time care Mondays through Fridays. However, many providers offered additional services such as care for school-age children during school breaks or care before or after school.Sixty-three percent of survey respondents said they thought Ellis County does not have an adequate supply of child care."We had more yeses than I thought," Stanton said. "I'm thinking that is a lot of our current providers. We have talked about it in this group. While there may be a need for openings in infant care, we have a lot of in-home providers who have openings."The number of needed child care spots in Ellis County, as reported by the state, has dramatically decreased since the child care task force was created four years ago. An additional 77 slots are set to open in August with the completion of the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center.However, Stanton said of the survey, "It tells us that we're making progress, but there are still some issues."

Ellis County child care survey shows progress, but issues remain

The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County and the Chamber in Hays announced a new charitable fund that has been established with the Heartland Community Foundation.

The Chamber board agreed to invest $10,230 in the fund, Sarah Wasinger, Chamber president and CEO, told the task force on Tuesday.

Some of the funds came from unused Chamber checks. The Chamber also opted to donate funds from a child care grant that had been set aside to pay the Chamber for providing administrative support for the task force.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation also provided an additional $2,000 match to the fund.

The fund is not fully endowed, Sarah Meitner, director of the Heartland Community Foundation, said. The task force can grant nonprofits anything over the $10,000 investment.&nbsp;

For community-wide child care needs for in-home or for-profit facilities, the Chamber could serve as a pass-through agency for the grant funds, Meitner said.

Meitner said she hopes the fund will encourage further giving to support child care in the community. This can come in the form of direct donations or estate gifts.

The child care task force will be charged with awarding money from the fund and developing an application process.

"I know it may seem like, 'How are we going to do all of this?'" Meitner said. "But having the bucket is the first step. That's how you can start communicating with donors."

"Getting it started is half the battle," she added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747239827267.jpeg" alt="Members of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County with Chamber board member Amanda Rohleder celebrate the creation of a child care fund through the Heartland Community Foundation." />
 <figcaption>Members of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County with Chamber board member Amanda Rohleder celebrate the creation of a child care fund through the Heartland Community Foundation.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Child Care Task Force of Ellis County and the Chamber in Hays announced a new charitable fund that has been established with the Heartland Community Foundation.The Chamber board agreed to invest $10,230 in the fund, Sarah Wasinger, Chamber president and CEO, told the task force on Tuesday.Some of the funds came from unused Chamber checks. The Chamber also opted to donate funds from a child care grant that had been set aside to pay the Chamber for providing administrative support for the task force.The Dane G. Hansen Foundation also provided an additional $2,000 match to the fund.The fund is not fully endowed, Sarah Meitner, director of the Heartland Community Foundation, said. The task force can grant nonprofits anything over the $10,000 investment.&nbsp;For community-wide child care needs for in-home or for-profit facilities, the Chamber could serve as a pass-through agency for the grant funds, Meitner said.Meitner said she hopes the fund will encourage further giving to support child care in the community. This can come in the form of direct donations or estate gifts.The child care task force will be charged with awarding money from the fund and developing an application process."I know it may seem like, 'How are we going to do all of this?'" Meitner said. "But having the bucket is the first step. That's how you can start communicating with donors.""Getting it started is half the battle," she added.

Chamber in Hays creates new fund to assist child care providers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office said Sunday.

On social media, President Trump and lawmakers sent their good wishes to Biden.

Biden was seen by doctors last week after urinary symptoms and a prostate nodule were found. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, with the cancer cells having spread to the bone.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," his office said. "The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using what’s known as a Gleason score. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.

When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it often spreads to the bones. Metastasized cancer is much harder to treat than localized cancer because it can be hard for drugs to reach all the tumors and completely root out the disease.

However, when prostate cancers need hormones to grow, as in Biden’s case, they can be susceptible to treatment that deprives the tumors of hormones.

Outcomes have improved in recent decades and patients can expect to live with metastatic prostate cancer for four or five years, said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center.

“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” Smith said. “Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy.”

Many political leaders sent Biden their wishes for his recovery.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, a longtime political opponent, posted on social media that he was saddened by the news and “we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Biden's vice president, Kamala Harris, said on social media that she was keeping him in her family's “hearts and prayers during this time.”

“Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” Harris wrote.

The health of Biden, 82, was a dominant concern among voters during his time as president. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-doctor-physical-debate-7e2ee1216e35891600737ce20cdc7d2d">calamitous debate performance</a>&nbsp;in June while seeking reelection, Biden abandoned his bid for a second term. Harris became the nominee and lost to Trump, a Republican who returned to the White House after a four-year hiatus.

But in recent days, Biden rejected concerns about his age despite reporting in the new book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson that aides had shielded the public from the extent of his decline while serving as president.

In February 2023, Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. And in November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign, but potentially pre-cancerous lesion.

In 2022, Biden made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-moonshot-new-orleans-event-df375e5e4dd1511276710b192bad9c0a">“cancer moonshot”</a>&nbsp;one of his administration's priorities with the goal of halving the cancer death rate over the next 25 years. The initiative was a continuation of his work as vice president to address a disease that had killed his older son, Beau, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-beau-death-anniversary-cancer-e7458639de75afb28b159b5d733f8c56">died from brain cancer</a>&nbsp;in 2015.

His father, when announcing the goal to halve the cancer death rate, said this could be an “American moment to prove to ourselves and, quite frankly, the world that we can do really big things.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office said Sunday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. <a href="https://t.co/oSS1vGIiwU">pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU</a>&mdash; Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1924427587582828753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On social media, President Trump and lawmakers sent their good wishes to Biden.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Melania and I are saddened to hear about <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a>’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.&quot; –President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/6HjermTGK7">pic.twitter.com/6HjermTGK7</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1924226781118443643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Laina and I are sending heartfelt prayers for President Biden and his family as he fights cancer. Please join us in praying for strength, comfort, and hope during this difficult time.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1924208825856377078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and… <a href="https://t.co/gG5nB0GMPp">pic.twitter.com/gG5nB0GMPp</a>&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1924219372819673156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden was seen by doctors last week after urinary symptoms and a prostate nodule were found. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, with the cancer cells having spread to the bone.“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," his office said. "The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using what’s known as a Gleason score. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it often spreads to the bones. Metastasized cancer is much harder to treat than localized cancer because it can be hard for drugs to reach all the tumors and completely root out the disease.However, when prostate cancers need hormones to grow, as in Biden’s case, they can be susceptible to treatment that deprives the tumors of hormones.Outcomes have improved in recent decades and patients can expect to live with metastatic prostate cancer for four or five years, said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center.“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” Smith said. “Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy.”Many political leaders sent Biden their wishes for his recovery.President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, a longtime political opponent, posted on social media that he was saddened by the news and “we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”Biden's vice president, Kamala Harris, said on social media that she was keeping him in her family's “hearts and prayers during this time.”“Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” Harris wrote.The health of Biden, 82, was a dominant concern among voters during his time as president. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-doctor-physical-debate-7e2ee1216e35891600737ce20cdc7d2d">calamitous debate performance</a>&nbsp;in June while seeking reelection, Biden abandoned his bid for a second term. Harris became the nominee and lost to Trump, a Republican who returned to the White House after a four-year hiatus.But in recent days, Biden rejected concerns about his age despite reporting in the new book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson that aides had shielded the public from the extent of his decline while serving as president.In February 2023, Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. And in November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign, but potentially pre-cancerous lesion.In 2022, Biden made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-moonshot-new-orleans-event-df375e5e4dd1511276710b192bad9c0a">“cancer moonshot”</a>&nbsp;one of his administration's priorities with the goal of halving the cancer death rate over the next 25 years. The initiative was a continuation of his work as vice president to address a disease that had killed his older son, Beau, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-beau-death-anniversary-cancer-e7458639de75afb28b159b5d733f8c56">died from brain cancer</a>&nbsp;in 2015.His father, when announcing the goal to halve the cancer death rate, said this could be an “American moment to prove to ourselves and, quite frankly, the world that we can do really big things.”___

Trump, Kan. lawmaker send best wishes to Biden after cancer diagnosis

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will hear a request from the city of Victoria for help repairing sections of Old Highway 40 during the county's meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Ellis County Public Works Director Brendan Mackay and Victoria Mayor John Schulte will discuss potential financial support to fix the deteriorating road approaches connecting Old Highway 40 to East Main and West Main streets.

The total cost to repair both streets is about $79,750. In a request letter, Schulte said while Victoria would prefer to repair both approaches, East Main Street would take priority if only one can be funded due to its higher traffic volume.

The county will be asked to cover one-third of the expenses.

Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun will discuss with commissioners a grant application that would fully cover upgrades to in-car and body cameras, docking stations, antennas and routers.

Braun will also request approval to purchase 16 armor vests for detention officers for about $15,530. Funding is available in the 2025 capital outlay budget.

Commissioners will review monthly departmental reports, including data on emergency service calls and response times at incident scenes.

Darin Myers, county administrator, will discuss several reports, including those from Ellis County Communications, Environmental Services, EMS and the Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;

Tom Lippert and Julie Edgeman will request the commissioners waive municipal waste fees for the 2025 Wild West Festival. The waiver would apply to trash hauled to the Ellis County Transfer Station during the event.

Commissioner Michael Berges will continue a discussion from March on creating a plan to maintain and improve roads in Ellis County subdevelopments. Commissioners will also hear public input on the issue.

Monique Koerner and Tamara Robertson from the Cottonwood Extension District will give an update on their current programs and activities in the district.

Jami Benyshek, senior audit manager with Adams Brown, LLC, will present the 2024 Ellis County audit report to the commission.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202025-674">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 a request from the city of Victoria for help repairing sections of Old Highway 40 during the county's meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.Ellis County Public Works Director Brendan Mackay and Victoria Mayor John Schulte will discuss potential financial support to fix the deteriorating road approaches connecting Old Highway 40 to East Main and West Main streets.The total cost to repair both streets is about $79,750. In a request letter, Schulte said while Victoria would prefer to repair both approaches, East Main Street would take priority if only one can be funded due to its higher traffic volume.The county will be asked to cover one-third of the expenses.<h2>Ellis County Sheriff's cameras, vests</h2>Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun will discuss with commissioners a grant application that would fully cover upgrades to in-car and body cameras, docking stations, antennas and routers.Braun will also request approval to purchase 16 armor vests for detention officers for about $15,530. Funding is available in the 2025 capital outlay budget.<h2>Monthly departmental reports</h2>Commissioners will review monthly departmental reports, including data on emergency service calls and response times at incident scenes.Darin Myers, county administrator, will discuss several reports, including those from Ellis County Communications, Environmental Services, EMS and the Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;<h2>Other business</h2>Tom Lippert and Julie Edgeman will request the commissioners waive municipal waste fees for the 2025 Wild West Festival. The waiver would apply to trash hauled to the Ellis County Transfer Station during the event.Commissioner Michael Berges will continue a discussion from March on creating a plan to maintain and improve roads in Ellis County subdevelopments. Commissioners will also hear public input on the issue.Monique Koerner and Tamara Robertson from the Cottonwood Extension District will give an update on their current programs and activities in the district.Jami Benyshek, senior audit manager with Adams Brown, LLC, will present the 2024 Ellis County audit report to the commission. You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202025-674">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to discuss highway 40 repairs in Victoria

Prostate cancers are given a score called a Gleason score that measures, on a scale of 1 to 10, how the cancerous cells look compared with normal cells. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.

Pete Buttigieg, who was Biden's transportation secretary, called the former president “a man of deep faith and extraordinary resilience.”

The health of Biden, 82, was a dominant concern among voters during his time as president. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-doctor-physical-debate-7e2ee1216e35891600737ce20cdc7d2d">calamitous debate performance</a>&nbsp;in June while seeking reelection, Biden abandoned his bid for a second term. Then-Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee and lost to Trump, a Republican who returned to the White House after a four-year hiatus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727691434816.png" alt="File photo former President Joe Biden -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo former President Joe Biden -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office said Sunday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer. <a href="https://t.co/qszrloAsvR">pic.twitter.com/qszrloAsvR</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1924199062443569402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden was seen by doctors last week after urinary symptoms and a prostate nodule were found. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, with the cancer cells having spread to the bone.“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," his office said. "The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”Prostate cancers are given a score called a Gleason score that measures, on a scale of 1 to 10, how the cancerous cells look compared with normal cells. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it often spreads to the bones. Metastasized cancer is much harder to treat than localized cancer because it can be hard for drugs to reach all the tumors and completely root out the disease.However, when prostate cancers need hormones to grow, as in Biden’s case, they can be susceptible to treatment that deprives the tumors of hormones.Many political leaders sent Biden their wishes for his recovery.President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, a longtime political opponent, posted on social media that he was saddened by the news and “we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”Pete Buttigieg, who was Biden's transportation secretary, called the former president “a man of deep faith and extraordinary resilience.”The health of Biden, 82, was a dominant concern among voters during his time as president. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-doctor-physical-debate-7e2ee1216e35891600737ce20cdc7d2d">calamitous debate performance</a>&nbsp;in June while seeking reelection, Biden abandoned his bid for a second term. Then-Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee and lost to Trump, a Republican who returned to the White House after a four-year hiatus.But in recent days, Biden rejected concerns about his age despite reporting in the new book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson that aides had shielded the public from the extent of his decline while serving as president.In February 2023, Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. And in November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign, but potentially pre-cancerous lesion.In 2022, Biden made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-moonshot-new-orleans-event-df375e5e4dd1511276710b192bad9c0a">“cancer moonshot”</a>&nbsp;one of his administration's priorities with the goal of halving the cancer death rate over the next 25 years. The initiative was a continuation of his work as vice president to address a disease that had killed his older son, Beau, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-beau-death-anniversary-cancer-e7458639de75afb28b159b5d733f8c56">died from brain cancer</a>&nbsp;in 2015.His father, when announcing the goal to halve the cancer death rate, said this could be an “American moment to prove to ourselves and, quite frankly, the world that we can do really big things.”

Former President Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer

The Hays Public Library celebrated the renovation of the Kansas Room with a Chamber in Hays ribbon cutting on Friday.

The Kansas Room is in the basement of the library. It holds circulating books on Kansas and from Kansas authors and reference materials on local history and genealogy.

The $170,000 project included moving the stacks to the west side of the basement to allow for more seating, programming and study space, Jeremy Gill, Kansas Room coordinator, said.

Brandon Hines, library director, said the Kansas Room is the final piece in a five-year renovation of the entire library. Much of the library had not been updated since the 1960s. The Kansas Room had last been updated in 2004.

Renovations on the first and second floors began in 2020.

Hines said the library staff wanted to create space in the basement where people could study or do research.

"We wanted to create a quiet reference-type space on the lower level because if you have been in the library on the main floor or especially the children's library on the second floor, it's not really the shushing library that you might have grown up with," Hines said. "There's a lot of activity."

Paul-Wertenberger Construction was the general contractor on the project.

Lead donors on the project included the estate of Ann Liston and the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation.&nbsp;

Major contributors who gave between $1,000 and $10,000 included Diana Pantle, Ken and Rose Marie Staab, Layton and Jerry Kaiser, Kyle and Stephanie Carlin, Friends of the Hays Library, Carol Vajnar, Sharon Dreher, Heartland Community Foundation, Teget Foundation, Cloud Storage, Kent and Ruth Deines, Jon and Cindy Lightle, the Hines family and&nbsp;Paul-Wertenberger Construction.

Gill said the Kansas Room is officially named the Dorothy B. Richards Kansas Room, which was named for the library director who created the collection as a shelf in the original Carnegie Library in Hays.

The collection grew to a room in the Carnegie Library's basement and was eventually moved to the present library.

"There haven't been a lot of Kansas Room librarians or coordinators over the years, and I really do appreciate the work and effort of all of those different people," Gill said.

The collection also contains rare books, books on the Great Plains, a local photo collection and local yearbooks.

"It's fun to see people go down memory lane with those kinds of things," he said.&nbsp;

The library has a complete collection of Fort Hays State University yearbooks but is missing a few yearbooks from area high schools, or their copies have been well-worn from use, Gill said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747416158970.jpeg" alt="Kansas Room Coordinator Jeremy Gill cuts the ribbon on the Kansas Room renovation at a Chamber in Hays ceremony on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Room Coordinator Jeremy Gill cuts the ribbon on the Kansas Room renovation at a Chamber in Hays ceremony on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Public Library celebrated the renovation of the Kansas Room with a Chamber in Hays ribbon cutting on Friday.The Kansas Room is in the basement of the library. It holds circulating books on Kansas and from Kansas authors and reference materials on local history and genealogy.The $170,000 project included moving the stacks to the west side of the basement to allow for more seating, programming and study space, Jeremy Gill, Kansas Room coordinator, said.Brandon Hines, library director, said the Kansas Room is the final piece in a five-year renovation of the entire library. Much of the library had not been updated since the 1960s. The Kansas Room had last been updated in 2004.Renovations on the first and second floors began in 2020.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747416242941.jpeg" alt="New seating was added as part of the Kansas Room renovation. The book stacks were moved to the west side of the basement to create more room for programming. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>New seating was added as part of the Kansas Room renovation. The book stacks were moved to the west side of the basement to create more room for programming. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hines said the library staff wanted to create space in the basement where people could study or do research."We wanted to create a quiet reference-type space on the lower level because if you have been in the library on the main floor or especially the children's library on the second floor, it's not really the shushing library that you might have grown up with," Hines said. "There's a lot of activity."Paul-Wertenberger Construction was the general contractor on the project.Lead donors on the project included the estate of Ann Liston and the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation.&nbsp;Major contributors who gave between $1,000 and $10,000 included Diana Pantle, Ken and Rose Marie Staab, Layton and Jerry Kaiser, Kyle and Stephanie Carlin, Friends of the Hays Library, Carol Vajnar, Sharon Dreher, Heartland Community Foundation, Teget Foundation, Cloud Storage, Kent and Ruth Deines, Jon and Cindy Lightle, the Hines family and&nbsp;Paul-Wertenberger Construction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747416298002.jpeg" alt="People gather in the Hays Public Library for a ribbon cutting for the Kansas Room's $170,000 renovation. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>People gather in the Hays Public Library for a ribbon cutting for the Kansas Room's $170,000 renovation. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Gill said the Kansas Room is officially named the Dorothy B. Richards Kansas Room, which was named for the library director who created the collection as a shelf in the original Carnegie Library in Hays.The collection grew to a room in the Carnegie Library's basement and was eventually moved to the present library."There haven't been a lot of Kansas Room librarians or coordinators over the years, and I really do appreciate the work and effort of all of those different people," Gill said.The collection also contains rare books, books on the Great Plains, a local photo collection and local yearbooks."It's fun to see people go down memory lane with those kinds of things," he said.&nbsp;The library has a complete collection of Fort Hays State University yearbooks but is missing a few yearbooks from area high schools, or their copies have been well-worn from use, Gill said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747416338357.jpeg" alt="Brandon Hines, Hays Public Library director, thanks donors for gifts to the Kansas Room renovation on Friday during a ribbon cutting ceremony as Kansas Room Coordinator Jeremy Gill, right, and Chamber President Sarah Wasinger, left, look on. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Hines, Hays Public Library director, thanks donors for gifts to the Kansas Room renovation on Friday during a ribbon cutting ceremony as Kansas Room Coordinator Jeremy Gill, right, and Chamber President Sarah Wasinger, left, look on. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Residents can contact Gill at the library if they want to donate materials to the collection.The Kansas Room has a bank of computers for research and an overhead scanner for digitizing images."I get emails and phone calls from all over the country and sometimes all over the world," Gill said. "It's a really special place."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747416387614.jpeg" alt="The Kansas Room also houses computers that can be used for research and a flat-bed scanner to digitize images. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Room also houses computers that can be used for research and a flat-bed scanner to digitize images. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>After COVID, the Kansas Room initiated a coffee hour during which residents can talk to Gill and each other about local history.That group meets at 10 a.m. Thursday mornings in the Kansas Room.Hines said, "This place is just a collection of things without people like Jeremy. Jeremy is the one who connects people. He is the one who tells these stories about everything we have. Without people connecting with people, this would not be what it is.""The Kansas Room is like a lot of other components of the library. It has its own little life. We have the children's area and the young adults' area. It has this life because of the people."You can learn more about the Hays Public Library and the Kansas Room at <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>. Follow the library on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayspubliclibrary">Facebook</a> for information on upcoming events.